Frequently asked questions
“Is a Chiropractor better than an Osteopath?”, “Is and Osteopath better than a Chiropractor?” and “ What’s the difference between a Physio, a Chiropractor and an Osteopath?”
The answer is not simple as there are many good examples of all of these professions, but by and large, a Physio tends to work with you by giving you exercises and some minor body work treatment (such as massage and minor joint mobilisation). A Chiropractor may or may not do some of what a physio does, plus use much stronger joint mobilisation techniques as and when necessary.
An Osteopath generally will have many of the techniques listed above as common knowledge and use them often, plus they may have (like we do here at Baks Osteopathy) many more ways of affecting body movement and will use techniques which are appropriate for use on people of all ages, such as Cranial Technique, Fascial Unwinding, Balanced Ligamentous Tension, Visceral Technique and more. The outcome of this is generally a more balanced and relaxed feeling after treatment.
Everyone is different however and it is up to you how you decide to obtain pain relief and relaxation, give us a try and if you don’t like our methods, then you can always try something else.
Frequently asked questions
How many treatments might I need? This is governed by the body’s response to treatment. For basic musculo-skeletal problems, on average 4-6 treatments to stabilise acute or chronic injury, followed by several more treatments to delve deeper into balancing your body followed by maintenance treatment to suit the individual.
If you think that the average human being has 78 organs, 206 bones, 696 muscles, 100,000 chemical reactions every second, 85 billion neurones, 200 trillion cells and 47 miles of nerves in the skin, treatment is more than just pushing bones or muscles. It will take time to change how each of these interacts with one another to ease your symptoms. Orthodontists may take up to two years to just change a bite pattern so don’t expect a lifetimes amount of wear, tear and abuse (on a physical, stress or dietary level) to be fixed in one go.
Important: a true and honest point to make – there’s no such thing as a ‘Quick Fix’
The reason we use many treatment approaches/techniques in our clinic, is that there is usually more than just a simple answer to many of our symptoms and ailments, and the more tools we have at our disposal the more likely we will be able to help you. Please also accept that we are doing everything we can to help you, and if we don’t have an answer or think that someone else might be more suitable to help you with your condition we will tell you, and refer you on as necessary.
Please also be aware that even though you may have had your symptoms for only a short time you may have been building up to this point for many years and your body, however much it is suffering, may be used to being ‘wrong’. If this is the case, then logically, it is highly unlikely that you will get a ‘Quick Fix’. Even if your symptoms do improve quickly don’t forget that if your body is not used to being ‘correct’ it can very easily ‘slip back’ again. So please do trust and listen to us when we ask you to do things and also when we ask you to return, even if you are feeling ‘alright’. This is for your own good and we will not treat you more than is necessary.
Frequently asked questions
What can it do for me? Reduce pain and improve function, thus enabling you to lead a more normal life.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt? In the majority of cases no it doesn’t, remember that you will likely be in pain when you first come to see us and so moving you around whilst you are in pain already can sometimes be a bit painful. This is kept to a minimum by constant feedback between us and we do all we can to keep you comfortable.
Also, remember that at all times, you are in control of your consultation, meaning that if at any time you feel uncomfortable, then we encourage you to tell us so that we can do our utmost to ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible. You are also allowed to bring a chaperone if you feel you need it and please be aware that you may need to undress so that you spine is visible and the movement/lack of movement of spinal/pelvic joints can be seen.