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ask a question.
When trying to find a solution to a health problem, it always seems to evoke more questions than answers. Hopefully we have answered the most frequent questions we are asked, but if not please fill in the ask a question form and we will do our best.
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What is Osteopathy?Osteopathy is a form of natural medicine that promotes the body’s innate ability to heal itself and therefore requires no drugs or any of the associated side effects.
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How does it work?Through a variety of physical techniques, osteopaths are able to ensure two main aims: 1 – That the fluids of the body are able to flow freely to their targets from their origins and 2 – That the brain and nervous system are communicating freely with the body in order to ensure maximum function of tissues. By enhancing both processes the immune system of the body can operate with maximum efficiency and in the process allows for pain reduction, better mobility and improved health.
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How can it help me?If you or someone you know suffers from pain, immobility, poor health or the fear of demise as we progress through the years, osteopathy can help for all of these things. The goal is to keep doing things you like to do, pain free.
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What is the difference between osteopathy and chiropractic?Not much. The first chiropractor was a student of the first osteopath (we don’t like to brag…) There are different principles between the two practices but in practical terms the techniques and results are very similar.
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How long does it take to get better?This depends on what your problem is, how healthy you are, how good your practitioner is and how much work you are prepared to do to help the process. Pain is a fairly simple thing to reduce or remove completely, usually within 2 to 4 sessions. However, if your pain was caused related to your habits and posture, then changing these factors can take much longer. Your practitioner will ask you about what your aims are from the treatment and a realistic plan will be provided for you.
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How many sessions will I need?Once your osteopath has made an assessment of you and your condition, they will offer some conservative treatment. The response to that initial treatment combined with the review of your assessment will reveal a pretty accurate timescale and treatment plan for your recovery, and from this you will learn how many sessions will be required. Many people choose to stay in treatment after they have healed their condition because they love the feeling of wellbeing treatment provides them as well as maintaining their mobility and reducing their fear of restricted mobility and degeneration.
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How much will it cost?This depends on how much work you are willing to put in when it comes to the corrective advice your osteopath will provide for you. Patients who put in the work get better sooner and need less sessions. All of this will be discussed with you by your osteopath for oyu to consider before you proceed with treatment.
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How long is a treatment session?The first meeting with your osteopath lasts an hour and involves them actively listening to you talk about your symptoms, analysing your posture and how your body moves, performing relevant tests to make sure the treatment is safe to proceed and offering some conservative treatment. Your second session is called a ‘Report of Findings.’ This is wen your osteopath will review your response to your first session and provide you with an explanation of what your problem is, what is causing it and how it can be properly treated. They will then discuss a realistic plan for you and commence the next treatment. This usually takes 45 minutes. Subsequent sessions last 30 minutes, although may well take less time depending on the requirements of the treatment.
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Do I need to get undressed?No. All of the session can be performed fully clothed. You will be asked to remove a jacket and shoes. Obviously, if you are attending for a skin condition then clothing will need to be removed for examination purposes only.
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Is it dangerous?Not at all. There is a very slight possibility of some soreness after an initial treatment which is similar to the feeling you have after doing exercise when you’re not used to it. It’s an adaptive process and lasts a few hours before you go back to feeling comfortable. Your osteopath within this practice is highly trained at testing to ensure treatment is safe to perform on you. If your safety tests show anything adverse, this will be brought up in your Report of Findings and your osteopath will discuss with you an appropriate way forward for you
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Can I bring someone with me?Yes. In fact, it is encouraged for your second session. If you can bring your significant other with you it really helps them to understand what you need to do. This way they can encourage you to stick with your plan and help keep you motivated. Anyone under the age of 16 will need a chaperone. If you need to bring your children with you to make things easier for you regarding childcare then that’s great. We’d love to show your kids that you’re taking good care of yourself and help educate them about the body and its amazing ability to heal itself. If you’d like to bring someone with you simply to make you feel more comfortable then they will be most welcome too.
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Do I need to be referred from a GP?No.
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What is Naturopathy?Naturopathy is a form of natural medicine that looks at how your organs function. If your innards work efficiently, your body can create the ideal chemical environment for all of your cells to function well. This in turn builds vitality and promotes your body’s ability to heal itself. It’s drug free and has no side effects.
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How does it work?Your naturopath will work with you in a variety of ways, including: fasting, dietary analysis and intervention, cold therapy and stress management techniques.
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How can it help me?If you are suffering from poor health and either don’t want to take or can’t take conventional drug therapies, naturopathy is a fantastic way of getting your body to fix itself. It may require some strong experiences such as the fasting. IT may also require you to change your eating and drinking habits for several months. Whilst these may sound extreme practices, if your symptoms are severe enough to reduce your quality of life, these techniques will reset your immune system and recharge your vitality.
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How many sessions will I need?This is variable depending on your condition, your level of vitality and what practices are required. Realistically, treatment would be provided over a year, perhaps more depending on the factors.
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How much will it cost?Your naturopath will discuss this with you after your initial consultation and your report of findings. Everybody responds to treatment differently, but rest assured, your naturopath will be seeking to get you well again as soon as is possible.
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Is it dangerous?Not at all. Many patients do report feeling unwell after beginning treatment and this is as a result of the body starting to clean house. As your immune system builds its vitality, it will begin the process of removing the diseased and infected tissues from your body which in turn need to be removed. The removal of these diseased tissues has to happen physically either, though your digestive system (diarrhoea) through the skin (spots, boils, abscess, sweats/fever) or through the respiratory system (coughs and colds). Rest assured that whilst these symptoms are unpleasant, they are all important functions and good indicators that your body is building better health. Once the affected tissues are removed you will begin to feel much better than you did before you ever started to feel unwell.
contact paul.
9 Park View
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 9QW
Watson House Clinic,
23 Oldgate,
Morpeth
NE61 1QF
01665 606708
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