Osteopathy is a system of therapy that deals with the structure of the body - the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and general connective tissues, and their functional relationship with one another.
Osteopathy’s main strengths, however, lie in the unique way that the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the needs of the patient to restore normal function.
Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability.
The two professions provide varied manual therapy approaches for the purpose of restoring function to and enhancing recovery of musculoskeletal (joint and soft tissue) conditions. Additionally, both are degree-level trained practitioners and have established knowledge in anatomy and physiology, physical examination and treatment techniques. However, there are also many differences between the two professions.
Osteopathy
Osteopaths adopt more of a holistic (whole-body) approach to care through looking to encourage the joints, muscles and connective tissues to work harmoniously together to achieve wellbeing within the body. Various manual treatment methods involving manipulation, joint articulation and soft tissue techniques are applied in order to encourage the body’s own healing mechanisms, increase mobility in joints, reduce muscle irritation, enhance blood supply to an area and influence peripheral nerve function. Alongside proving treatment for the majority of muscle and joint areas within the body, osteopaths regularly treat spinal conditions such as, lower back and neck issues. Additionally, they also frequently see patients with complex nerve root issues related to the spine, such as sciatica and trapped nerves.
Common conditions treated by osteopaths include:
- Lower back pain (including joint issues and disc injuries)
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Trapped nerves
- Sacroiliac pain
- Hip pain
- Degenerative joints
- Headaches
- Frozen shoulder
Sports Therapy
Sports Therapists primarily specialise in sports injuries, but can also treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. A great number of the injuries that sports people develop are also evident in non-sports people, therefore; they see a variety of patients of all lifestyles. As well as “hands-on” treatment, sports therapists are specialised in providing an extensive rehabilitative exercise plan that suits the needs of the patient; whether it be everyday life or sport specific. This exercise plans aims towards goals, such as strengthening and conditioning specific muscle groups, increasing flexibility of joints, reducing muscular tightness and stabilising peripheral joints. Some specialist treatment modalities that are also provided by a sports therapist include Ultrasound Therapy and Interferential Electrotherapy, which can enhance the recovery of soft tissue injuries. Specialistic muscular techniques are also commonly used alongside mobilisation and stretching techniques.
Common injuries treated by a sports therapist include:
- Muscle strains
- Tendonitis/tendinopathy
- Shoulder impingement
- Shin splints
- Tennis/Golfers Elbow
- Runners knee
- Ankle/knee/elbow ligament sprains
- Achilles tendon injuries
If you are unsure of which of our practitioners to see, please contact our reception on 01788 560646 or email us at reception@rugbyosteopaths.co.uk and a member of our team will be happy to advise you.
Please bring along any referral letters, scans, reports that you many have from your GP or consultant.
A list of any medication you are taking.
A full osteopathic diagnosis relies on viewing the body as a whole. It is therefore ideal for patients to undress to their underwear in some cases. Alternatively, a t-shirt and loose-fitting shorts can be worn if preferred. For patients having Sports Therapy, comfortable sports clothing is best to wear.
When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full case history will be taken, followed by an examination which will look at your posture and the way in which you move.
The osteopath will make a detailed examination of your joints, testing the movement and looking for areas of tenderness, stiffness and increased mobility.
Osteopaths use many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessments and diagnosis. If necessary he/she may also recommend further tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests or urine tests to help reach an accurate diagnosis.
After the initial consultation, the osteopath will discuss with you their diagnosis and whether they think that osteopathic treatment can help. If you and the osteopath are happy, then an initial treatment will be given at the first consultation. Osteopaths use their hands both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of massage and gentle manipulative techniques.
If the osteopath feels that osteopathic treatment is not appropriate, they will discuss with you the best course of action and write any appropriate referral letter.
Our aim is to reduce your pain within four treatments.
At your initial appointment the osteopath will discuss with you how many treatments they think you will need
We will be constantly re-evaluating your symptoms to make sure you get better as quickly as possible.
Please give us 24 hours notice of cancellations so that we can give your appointment to someone else. We reserve the right to charge a cancellation fee; 1st missed appointment with less than 24 hours notice will be 50% of the treatment cost. A 2nd missed appointment with less than 24 hours notice will be a full charge of the treatment.
If you are unsure whether or not to attend for treatment, we will be happy to advise you over the telephone.
We do not enforce a cancellation fee for any patients needing to cancel their appointment for reasons related to Covid-19.
Most major health insurance companies cover osteopathic treatment. Please check your policy for terms and conditions, inform your provider and call us to inform our receptionist on booking. Please note that we do not associate with BUPA or AXA PPP.
YES. Compared to Sports Massage Therapists, Sports Therapists are trained to a provide an Advanced level of Physical Therapy Techniques. An Initial Consultation with our Sports Therapists will provide you with a tailored treatment plan that can include Sports Massage.
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Feel free to ask any physical therapy related questions over the phone, or get send your question via this form below. Your message will be dispatched directly to our staff who will answer as soon as they can.