Alan Szmelskyj is an osteopath with over 30 years osteopathy experience in the management of a wide range of musculo-skeletal conditions such as back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, joint pain including hip, knee, shoulder and elbow problems.
There are over 100 osteopathic techniques. Osteopathy is a hands-on treatment that involves highly skilled manipulation of the spine and joints, and massage of soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) in order to relieve pain and tension.
Osteopathy focuses on the musculoskeletal system (the joints, muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and the bones) and the way in which these interrelate with the body as a whole.
Osteopaths use detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology to diagnose and treat back pain, neck pain, joint and muscle pain, sciatica, headaches, tension and other conditions.
Problems with the body framework may occur because of injury, stress or disease. By using the bio-social holistic health model (in other words treating body and mind) holistic osteopaths improve a patient’s overall health as well as treating the strained or pained part of the person.
As a result of osteopathic treatment, the musculoskeletal system is able to function as efficiently as possible. This allows the body to have a much better chance of restoring itself to normal health.
As with all manual therapies such as physiotherapy, chiropractic or even massage, minor soreness after osteopathic treatment is not unusual, but should resolve in 24-48 hours.
Moderate reactions such as post-treatment ache that lasts for several days, numbness or tingling are uncommon. 99% of patients do not experience these.
Osteopathy is significantly safer than alternatives such as medication or surgery. A recent meta-analysis study found that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen even for a short duration increased the risk of a heart attack. Other estimates are that the risk of death over 1 year from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis is estimated to be 1:4,000 compared to 1:400,000 from a course of manipulation therapy.
Osteopathy is much safer than surgical alternatives. The risk of death from surgery to the neck is estimated to be 1 in 145 operations.
Unlike chiropractors, osteopaths rarely use strong force. If they need to manipulate your joints, they will explain to you the reasons why they think it will be beneficial, ask for your consent and will use the gentlest form of manipulation.
Other osteopathy techniques such as deep tissue massage and stretching may sometimes feel a little uncomfortable, but shouldn’t be painful. If at any point during your osteopathy treatment you feel uncomfortable, please let your osteopath know.
Why not book a 15 minutes free consultation with our osteopath, Alan, and discuss if osteopathy is right for you?
Before your initial osteopathy appointment, you will be asked to complete a detailed medical questionnaire. You will be asked about:
During your initial osteopathy consultation, we will ask you more questions about any aspects of your medical history that require more detail.
Osteopathic examination is really thorough as osteopaths assess how different muscles and joints function. The examination may include a detailed evaluation of your standing and sitting postures and the flexibility level of your spine and other joints.
A neurological examination may be needed and may include testing:
It is likely that you will be asked to remove some of your outer clothing.
Other examinations or testing may be required, e.g. x-rays, scans or blood tests. The osteopath will explain how to arrange for these.
Based on your diagnosis, the osteopath will decide if osteopathic treatment is appropriate and if so, what osteopathic techniques are going to be most effective.
There are over 100 osteopathic techniques. Some are similar to massage and stretching; others require patient participation; some osteopathy techniques are very light in touch, where others are relatively deeper.
An osteopath may prescribe exercises to help you improve your posture or may give you advice on diet and lifestyle to help maintain good muscle and bone tissue as you age.
Sometimes, a referral to another healthcare practitioner may be deemed to be in your best interest.
CAM Therapies
74 Cambridge Road
Impington
Cambridge
CB24 9NU
