Patients who merely wish to keep their symptoms at bay may find that having an appointment every 3 to 4 weeks is sufficient. Some people schedule appointments with their osteopath every 5 to 6 weeks.
Yes, it’s possible. The osteopath will use a variety of mild and calming technique approaches to open up parts of the spine to reduce pressure on a nerve, relax stiff joints and muscles producing referred pain, and open up sections of the spine to relieve pressure on a nerve.
It’s usual to have certain symptoms persist following physical therapy, including Osteopathic treatment, or to feel sore or exhausted. Symptoms might sometimes get worse before they get better, usually during the first 24-48 hours.
Research has suggested that osteopathy is equally as successful in treating chronic back pain as regular medical care or physiotherapy, but that it may be able to reduce the need of pain medication.
Source: A comparison of osteopathic spinal manipulation with standard care for patients with low back pain (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10547405/)
A prospective study of patients with chronic back pain randomised to group exercise, physiotherapy or osteopathy https://www.physiotherapyjournal.com/article/S0031…)
Physiotherapy focuses on the repair and rehabilitation of body parts that have been damaged by injury or sickness. Osteopathy treatment consists primarily of manipulating the body to re-align it. Physiotherapy is more active and exercise-based in nature, with the goal of increasing strength and range of motion.
Neck and back pain are two common problems addressed with osteopathy.
Other conditions include: Sciatica.
Colic.
Migraines.
Fibromyalgia.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Chronic Fatigue.
Plantar fasciitis
For good reason, osteopathy is frequently suggested for lower back pain issues. Its usefulness in providing relief has been proven in numerous research. In one study in Chicago, osteopathic treatments such spinal manipulation were compared to traditional medical procedures.
While chiropractors and osteopaths are not regulated in Singapore and called complementary and alternative medicine, all our physicians and therapists are licensed and certified under relevant government bodies, eg MOH.
While a Chiropractor is primarily concerned with the spine, joints, and muscles, an Osteopath is also concerned with the rest of the body.
There may be slight pain experienced during certain treatment techniques but it is important to tell your therapist if it is too painful or he/she can adapt the technique.
This is dependent on many factors, including the severity of your conditions and your body’s response to the treatment.