Osteopathy services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment which lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. It is distinctive by the fact that it recognises that much of the pain and disability which we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body’s structure as well as damage caused to it by disease.
[Description by the General Osteopathic Council, 28th October 1998]
What kinds of problems can osteopathy help with?
Whilst back and neck pain are the most common problems seen, osteopathy can help with a wide variety of problems including changes to posture in pregnancy, repetitive strain injury, postural problems caused by driving,work strain,or sport. Children with growing problems such as overuse injuries and growing pains.The pain of arthritis and sports injuries among many others. Infact if you are getting pain in your muscular or joint systems then there is a good chance that Osteopathy will help.
Cameron will be happy to advise you as to whether he can help with your own particular problem. Feel free to give him a call on 01362-696079 or email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What can I expect when I visit an osteopath?
When you visit Cameron for the first time, a full case history will be taken including details of your present problem, your past medical history and health in general. He will ask you questions relating to your working life, sports you play or the way that you may fitness train.You may be asked to remove some of your outer clothing as appropriate, so that a thorough examination may be carried out to determine the nature of the problem.
The examination would typically involve you carrying out a simple series of movements to identify problem areas. Palpation will identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Other tests such as neurological testing, blood pressure, X-Ray or MRI investigations may be carried out or arranged if necessary.
The aim of an assessment is to come to a diagnosis and design a treatment plan and appropriate activities that will help your condition.
Treatment will normally begin on the first visit.
What does treatment involve?
Osteopaths work with their hands using a wide variety of treatment techniques to suit the individual patient and the problem being treated. These may include soft tissue techniques, rhythmic passive joint mobilisation or high velocity thrust techniques designed to improve mobility and the range of movement of a joint.
Gentle release techniques are widely used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients. This allows the body to return to efficient normal function. Mr Reid is particularly interested in prevention and he will advise you on ways to stop the same thing happening again.
How much does treatment cost?
When visiting Cameron Reid:
The initial consultation, examination and treatment costs £37.00
Payment is by Cash Cheque or Debit Card only.
How many treatments will I need?
Osteopathy is patient centred, which means treatment is geared to you as an individual. Mr Reid should be able to give you an indication after your first visit. As a guide, for some acute pain, two or three treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance treatment and Mr Reid will discuss this with you.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No, the vast majority of patients self-refer. A formal referral from your GP is not necessary although we do get a lot of GP referrals.
How can I be sure I am in safe hands?
Osteopathy is one of the safest forms of healthcare available.
A Registered Osteopath has demonstrated to the General Osteopathic Council via a detailed application process that they are a safe and competent practitioner, that they have adequate malpractice insurance and have agreed to abide by a Code of Practice.
What do the letters DO mean?
These are osteopathic qualifications. The DO stands for degree in Osteopathy.
Can I have osteopathic treatment on the NHS?
A few osteopaths may provide treatment on the NHS via a General Practice or local hospital. At the moment this is not possible in Norfolk we are trying to change that.
Can I have osteopathy on my private medical insurance?
Many healthcare insurers pay for osteopathic treatment. However, insurers vary enormously in terms of what they cover and how you should seek treatment and re-claim the cost of treatment. Cameron Reid is registered with BUPA, AXA PPP, AVIVA, and HSA
What are the origins of osteopathy?
Andrew Taylor Still, born in 1828 in Virginia, USA, trained as a doctor according to the system of medical education available at the time. As time went on he followed a different path from many of his peers, eschewing alcohol and the habit of contemporary physicians of administering crude drugs at their disposal in heroic quantities. This drove him to seek new methods of treating sickness. The outcome of his research was the application of physical treatment as a specialised form of treatment for which he coined the name ‘Osteopathy’.
In 1892 A T Still organised a school in Kirksville, Missouri, for the teaching of osteopathy and it was from these small beginnings that osteopathy was brought to the UK around the turn of the century. The first school of osteopathy in the UK was set up in London in 1917 and over time other schools and colleges followed.
Today there are around 4,000 osteopaths in the UK performing over six-million patient consultations a year.