Chelmsford Osteopathy Clinic FAQ's

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We often get asked this question. While both disciplines focus on the musculoskeletal system, there are some key differences between the two. 

Osteopathy is a holistic form of manual therapy that focuses on the body's structure, function and overall health. We look at the whole person, rather than just the presenting symptoms of their condition and consider the impact of the environmental, social, and psychological factors on an individual's health and well-being.

Osteopaths believe that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that by restoring balance and function, they can help to promote healing and alleviate pain, by using hands on techniques to identify and treat restrictions or imbalances in the body's tissues, such as muscles, bones, ligaments, and fascia.

Uses of Osteopathy

· Back pain

· Neck pain

· Joint pain

· Headaches and migraines

· Arthritis

· Asthma

· Digestive issues

· Sports injuries

· And many more ...

Chiropractic care is another form of manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, with an emphasis on the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors use various techniques to manipulate the spine and other joints in the body to restore alignment and function. 

They believe that misalignments in the spine can cause a range of health problems and that by restoring proper alignment, they can help to alleviate pain and improve overall health.

When it comes to choosing between osteopathy and chiropractic care, it really depends on the individual's needs and preferences.
 

Ultimately, the most important factor, is finding a healthcare professional who listens to your concerns, understands your unique needs and provides individualized treatment plans that work for you. 

Osteopathy and physiotherapy are both healthcare professions that aim to help individuals recover from injuries or illnesses that affect their musculoskeletal system, but they differ in their approach and techniques.

Osteopathy is a holistic, manual therapy that focuses on the relationship between the body's structure and function. Osteopaths believe that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and they use their hands to identify and treat restrictions or imbalances in the body's tissues, such as muscles, bones, ligaments, and fascia. 

Osteopaths also consider the impact of environmental, social, and psychological factors on an individual's health and well-being.

Physiotherapy, on the other hand, is a healthcare profession that utilizes exercise, education, and other techniques to promote physical recovery and rehabilitation. Physiotherapists focus on improving mobility, strength, and function, and they use a range of tools and techniques to achieve these goals, such as exercise, electrotherapy, and massage.

When it comes to choosing between osteopathy and physiotherapy, it depends on the individual's needs and preferences. If a person has a specific musculoskeletal problem or injury, such as back pain, joint pain, or muscle strains, they may benefit from seeing an osteopath. 

If a person has a broader physical health concern, such as recovering from a stroke, managing a chronic illness, or regaining strength and mobility after surgery, they may benefit from seeing a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists can work with individuals across a range of healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to private practices and community centres.

Ultimately, both osteopathy and physiotherapy can be effective in promoting physical recovery and rehabilitation and the choice of which to use will depend on the individual's specific needs and preferences. 

It's also worth noting that some individuals may choose to see both an osteopath and a physiotherapist to get a more comprehensive approach to their care. 

Although there are many Osteopaths who work within the NHS, their role is based more from a Musculoskeletal clinician perspective, rather than as an osteopath, but it’s best to check with your local GP to find out more.

Although it is common for GP’s to refer patients to osteopaths when they believe treatment will be beneficial, you do not need to consult your GP before visiting. However you may wish to do so and are more than welcome to bring someone with you for your consultation. 

We are accepted by many private health insurance companies, but please check with your insurance company in advance of booking in order to confirm the level and availability of cover and ask if you need a GP or specialist referral. 

Your first initial consultation should take around 55 minutes. Any subsequent appointments will last between 25-30 minutes. It’s natural to worry about your symptoms, so from the very start of your first appointment, you will be given the time and space to discuss and address any questions and areas of concerns you may have. 

On arrival, you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire and consent form. A full medical case history will then be taken, followed by physical evaluation that includes assessing posture and the way you move, feeling for changes in your tissues and assessment of the presenting condition to enable identifying areas in need of support. This may include clinical, orthopaedic and/or neurological examinations, such as taking blood pressure and testing your reflexes, which may require you to dress in suitable clothing to allow access to the area of concern. 

On completion of the examination, you will be given a detailed explanation of the cause of your problem. Treatment will normally begin at the first appointment, but there may be occasions where it is recommended to seek further tests before treating and in this situation, there will be no charge. Before any treatment begins, it’s important we jointly decide on an appropriate treatment plan and to note that you may experience mild discomfort after treatment, however this tends to self-resolve within 24-48 hours. 

No two treatments are the same. A treatment session may be just to provide reassurance and offer suggestions for a more positive and healthier lifestyle. Ultimately, each patient is unique and will be given an individualised plan that is based on their needs and goals and it’s important to mention that osteopathic treatment will be dependent on age, suitability, fitness and diagnosis. 

All information is treated as confidential in accordance with standards of practice set out by the General Osteopathic Council and the Data Protection Act 1998.  

Some techniques may feel a little uncomfortable as the body’s tissues will be experiencing a change and although side effects are extremely rare, some patients can feel a little sore or experience some mild discomfort and tiredness after treatment, however this tends to self-resolve within 24-48 hours. 

We are keen to get you back to full health as quickly as possible, therefore the number of treatments will depend on the diagnosis and explained at your initial appointment, although we expect most problems will settle down within 3-5 sessions. 

However, we do find that some patients like to pop in from time to time for maintenance sessions to help prevent their symptoms from re-occurring and to check their recovery progress 

It would be ideal if you could bring something suitable to dress into and any prescriptions you may have. You are also more than welcome to bring in a friend, relative or chaperon if you would feel more comfortable.

There are numerous car parks and bus routes locally and we are just a short walk from Chelmsford main line train station.

 As part of your session, we may also offer posture, lifestyle and exercise advice to help prevent the symptoms from re-occurring.  

Yes, there are very modern toilet facilities on site that are wheelchair friendly.

We are also proud to work in collaboration with Blue Light Card Services and offer discounted treatments to help support our Emergency and Rescue Volunteer Services, NHS, Armed Forces and Social Care Sector Workers. Please click the link here or contact us to find out more.  

Please see below for a full list of members:

Ambulance Services

Blood Bikes

Border Force

British Army

Cave Rescue

Community First Responders

Fire Service

Highways England Traffic Officer

HM Armed Forces Veterans

HM Coastguard

HM Prison Service

Immigration Enforcement

Lowland Search and Rescue

MoD Fire Service

MoD Police

Mountain Rescue

NHS

Police

Red Cross

Reserve Armed Forces

RNLI

Royal Air Force

Royal Marines

Royal Navy

Search and Rescue

Social Care Workers

St Andrews Ambulance

St John Ambulance

UK Visas and Immigration

You will be also eligible if you are retired from one of the below:

Armed Forces Veterans 

Retired Police Officers - 

Retired Firefighters - 

Retired NHS

All we require is proof in the form of your membership card, or service pension.