Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about what Osteopathy is, how well it is recognised by other health professionals such as doctors,
and what do Osteopaths actually treat.
Hopefully the following FAQs and information will help you, but if you have any further questions, please feel free to
contact us any time. We'll be more than happy to help.
1. How recognised is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is the first ever complementary therapy to have undergone statutory regulation by Act of Parliament.
This gives your osteopath similar status to a doctor or dentist and guarantees you the equivalent high level of protection.
2. What about my doctor?
Since regulation by Parliament osteopathic treatment has been fully recognised by the medical profession.
Many people are being referred to the Edinburgh Osteopathic Surgery by their GP. As with dentistry, it is
not necessary to see your doctor before consulting an osteopath, although if you are still unsure, have
a word with your doctor first.
3. What do Osteopaths Treat?
The following are just a few of the many conditions that can be successfully treated by your osteopath.
Treatments
Back Pain
The most common complaint treated by osteopaths at the Edinburgh Osteopath Surgery, affecting 4 out of 5
people at some time in their lives. In many cases, back pain is caused by overstraining the structural
components in the back. Most cases, although very painful, are not serious if seen to properly.
Sciatica
This refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve that supplies the leg. It has, however, come to be used to
describe any pain in the leg, whatever the cause - whether it is related to circulation, pain referred from
a back injury, trauma or nerve irritation. The most common causes of sciatica can usually be successfully treated here.
Headache
Also neck and shoulder tension caused by stress or by activities such as sitting at a VDU all day,
normally respond well to osteopathic treatment here.
Arthritis
Osteo-arthritis is a normal process usually associated with ageing. Osteopathic treatment cannot reverse the
wear and tear of a joint surface but in many cases, can offer relief from pain. We can also offer advice on
other factors, such as lifestyle, which may help with long term relief.
Sports Injuries
Osteopathic treatment can benefit sports men and women at all levels. If you are eager to get back to your sport
after injury, or have a problem which is preventing you from performing at your best, osteopathic treatment can
help you reach your peak level of fitness.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause back pain and discomfort because of the great changes in posture. Many women have
found gentle treatment here can bring great relief. Although we, as osteopaths, are not against using
medication, our treatment can help to avoid the use of drugs altogether.
Babies & Children
An extremely gentle form of osteopathy, cranial osteopathy, can be used to treat babies and children.
As children grow older they may experience problems such as back pain caused by various mechanical stresses on the body.
Children can respond well and make good progress once osteopathic treatment has been started.