After suffering and being told by the doctors I Just had a muscle strain a friend recommended the Osteopathic Centre. I emailed them in the morning and had an appointment booked for that same evening.
The consultation was very thorough and I found out I had actually a more specific issue which was treatable there and then. I had one more follow up treatment and have been amazed by how much better my back feels. Thank you so much!
Jacqui D
First class service and done with care and attention to detail. Improvement in my condition has helped considerably.
Brian M
A professional yet personal approach which makes me feel at ease. They have won my trust with diagnosis and treatment so much that I always recommend them to my friends.
Helen T
I have been using the Osteopathic Centre for quite a while now and their service has always been first class. With any injury you always fear the worst but they seem to alleviate any fears with a clear and understandable diagnosis of what is wrong. They treatment they give along with exercises you do to aid recovery is always spot on. Very friendly and have recommended them to many friends and family.
Des T
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your buttocks and down each leg into your feet and toes. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It usually affects one side but can affect both. Pain from sciatica is generally felt more into the leg than the lower back region.
Sciatica can be described in many ways depending on the cause. The pain can be stabbing, shooting, sharp, sudden jolts of pain, others describe burning, tingling, or excruciating pain sometimes with weakness too. The pain can be constant, or it can come and go.
Sciatica most commonly occurs when there is a disc herniation. Other causes of sciatica can be a bony spur, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine which compresses part of the nerve) spondylolisthesis, piriformis syndrome, pelvic tumours and pregnancy.
These can include Age, smoking, obesity and occupation – heavy lifting or twisting, sitting for prolonged periods.
Sciatic symptoms are usually the most severe in the early stages when the compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve are at their greatest. The length of time to improve is very dependent on the cause. Many patients will see improvement in 4-8 weeks, others may need medication such as anti-inflammatory and pain killers from the GP, or be referred for further tests such as x-rays or MRI scans to assess the lumbar spine further.
Practice good posture when standing walking and sitting.
Practice safe lifting techniques
Exercise to help maintain aerobic fitness and strength and flexibility in the spinal and core abdominal muscles.
Sit in well supported chairs with good lumbar/ back support. Using a lumbar roll or cushion can help. Take breaks and avoid long periods of sitting.
As osteopaths we take a full detailed case history including your medical history to diagnose the cause of the sciatica. This will involve an examination of the lower back, hips and legs including power testing, sensation, and reflexes.
The purpose of treatment is to relieve pressure from the sciatic nerve which may include soft tissue techniques and mobilisation of the lower back to improve range and function. As osteopaths we aim to identify the cause of the sciatica and formulate a treatment plan for each individual patient. We would provide advice on exercises if appropriate and postures to help when sleeping or sitting.
In some cases, patients may need to see their GP for anti-inflammatory or pain killers to help with the pain. Some may need further investigations such as x-rays or MRI scans which we would refer if required
This is a dilemma a lot of people have when they first have an injury, and we are often asked in clinic what is better to use for an injury. This could be an acute low back that has just come on suddenly after you bent, a pain in your ankle after running making you limp or lifting awkwardly and feeling a pain in your elbow. What do you do? Ice or heat?
Here is some information that may help with your choice. If in doubt always speak to a practitioner or ring us for some advice we are always here to help.
Ice is great for acute injuries, calming down superficial tissues that are inflamed hot or swollen. Cold treatment will reduce inflammation by decreasing blood flow into the area (vasoconstriction).
The inflammatory process is a healing, normal, natural, process which can also be incredibly painful. If you have had an injury in the last 48 hours ice can minimise swelling, reduce bleeding within tissues and alleviate muscle spasm and pain. Ice or cold can also numb the tissues and slow down pain messages to the brain.
Ice can also be used to treat more chronic conditions too, such as tendonitis or bursitis.
Heat can be effective for relieving muscle tension; help relax tissues and help loosen stiff joints. Applying heat to an area will dilate blood vessels (vasodilation) and increase blood flow into the area. Heat can be useful for chronic conditions such as arthritis or muscle pains and spasms. Heat can also be psychologically reassuring which can help reduce pain.
Heat can be effective for relieving muscle tension; help relax tissues and help loosen stiff joints. Applying heat to an area will dilate blood vessels (vasodilation) and increase blood flow into the area. Heat can be useful for chronic conditions such as arthritis or muscle pains and spasms. Heat can also be psychologically reassuring which can help reduce pain.
Working from home has never been so popular, but this year since COVID -19 it was estimated that 60 % of the UK’s adult population were working from home and that 26% continue to work from home once restrictions lessen. Employers are finding increased productivity, reduced costs and due to the current COVID – 19 updates are keeping employees at home for now.
Working from home is beneficial for many people however there are many down sides.
So how can you optimise working from home?
If you would like some advice about how to optimise your ergonomic set up when working from home, just get in touch and see if we can help.
Due to the current COVID -19 crisis our practice has been adapted to meet new standards to keep you and us safe and healthy during these times. These include guidance by the Department of Health and social care (DHSC) Public Health England and NHS England, The Institute of Osteopathy and the General Osteopathic Council.
We have a produced a step by step guide to explain the current ‘patient journey’ as it may be different to what you have experienced before.
Our clinic may look a little different as all books, joint models and surfaces will be minimised to allow cleaning. Pillows will be wipeable with no pillowcases or fabric plinth covers.
After each appointment, the room will be thoroughly cleaned before the next patient will enter the room.
We would ask if you subsequently have any symptoms of Covid -19 that you would inform us immediately by phone or email.
The following has been developed to explain exactly what to expect and answer some of the questions you might have. If you have any other concerns, please contact the practice by phone or email prior to attending your first appointment.
At the start of your first session, your osteopath will ask you to tell them about your problem. They will ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle as well as your symptoms. This is very important as it will help them to make an accurate diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment. Your information will be recorded and kept securely.
The osteopath will need to examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort. Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, (For example, a difference in leg length may result in compensations in the upper back which might result in neck pain) so they may need to examine your whole body. They will need to feel for tightness in the muscles and stiffness in the joints and may need to touch/palpate these areas to identify problems. They will explain what they are doing as they go along. If you are uncomfortable with any part of this, you have the right to ask them to stop at any stage without prejudicing your future treatment.
In order to examine you effectively, it may be necessary for your osteopath to ask you to remove some clothing as appropriate for the condition. Sometimes this might mean undressing down to your underwear. If you are uncomfortable with this, please make your osteopath aware of how you feel and discuss whether it might be appropriate for them to treat you whilst you wear shorts and a t-shirt.
The osteopath will suggest a course of treatment, which may require just one or several visits. They may be able to give you an estimate of how often they need to see you and any associated costs by the end of the first session. They will ask for your permission to provide treatment and you may be asked to sign a consent form.
Most osteopaths will begin your treatment at your first appointment, but sometimes they may require further tests first i.e. blood tests or scans. Occasionally they may diagnose an illness that they are unable to treat and may suggest that you consult your GP or another appropriate health professional. You may experience mild discomfort with some of the treatment techniques used, but osteopathic treatment is usually a very gentle process. Your osteopath will let you know if any discomfort is likely and it can be helpful to let them know what you are feeling. If pain persists after treatment, contact your osteopath for advice.
You are welcome to bring someone with you for all or part of your consultation. Children should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have any other questions, ask your osteopath.
