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What is osteopathy?
What is osteopathy and can an osteopath help with sciatica? Osteopathy is a non-surgical therapy treating the muscles, joints, bones and other elements of the musculoskeletal system. The treatment should be carried out by a trained professional who is known as an Osteopath.
In an examination and consultation, the Osteopath will conduct an interview into your medical history and issues and also get you to carry out a series of exercises to gauge things like range of motion and identify stiff joints etc. They will make observations, both by visually looking and also through touch and feel, assessing areas which require further attention and analysis.
From these observations they will be able to offer a number of suggestions and carry out various manual therapies including massage, stretches and other bodily manipulations such as Trigger Point Therapy etc to return your body to its normal healthy and pain free function.
What’s the difference between a physiotherapist and an osteopath?
Both physiotherapy and osteopathy are a manual therapy that use non-surgical and non-drug remedies and treatments to address physical issues. Both require extensive training and both are available through the NHS, physiotherapy more so than osteopathy. While physiotherapists have a more general background and experience osteopaths tend be more specialist, especially when it comes to spinal and back issues.
Can an osteopath help with sciatica?
Yes definitely so. Sciatica can be a complex issue with a number of causes, although predominately it will stem from pressure on the sciatic nerve caused by an issue in your lower spine such as stenosis, a bulging disc or degenerative disc disease etc. An osteopath will use a number of techniques and treatments such as massage and trigger point therapy to relax muscles, lessen tension and free up space or create less restriction for your sciatic nerve. From my own research I know of many sciatica sufferers who prefer to use an osteopath over a physiotherapist. See the article Osteo or Physio for Sciatica.
Where can I find a good osteopath near me?
I always think it’s best to go with personal recommendation for things like this so ask around your friends and family to see it they would recommend someone. Prices should range between £40 and £65 depending on location and length of consultation.
Osteopaths should be registered with the General Osteopathic Council and you can find a list of local osteopaths to you here on the council’s website.
Here are some products related to this article to help with your sciatica.
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“When told by my GP that nothing could be done for my sciatica I doubted anything would ever help. I now lead a pain free life”!