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Osteopathy is not the same as Chiropractic or Physiotherapy. You may have embarked on a course of these forms of treatment in the past which may not have suited or worked for you. Osteopathy is likely to be quite different.
1. What is Osteopathy? Osteopathy is a 'hands on' manual therapy and does not simply look at symptoms which present themselves as these are often to be found to be hiding the underlying cause. By paying attention to the significance of any alteration in structure or function (the joints, muscles, ligaments, bones and connective tissue), an osteopath is able to interpret whole patterns of aches, pains and general health problems. Alteration in the structure of the body leads to reduced or impaired function in its organs and tissues. Compensation gradually builds up until the body is unable to accommodate more change, at which time it may break down at the weakest part even after something quite trivial. Headaches, for example, the final symptom of lower back or foot-related problems which patients may be unaware of. Osteopathic patients benefit from the underlying cause of the problem being dealt with, not a temporary masking symptoms when a drug is taken as advocated in other areas of medicine. Osteopathic treatment can improve many parts of the body by restoring normal movement in areas that have become dysfunctional, which allows the restoration of normal function and enables the tissues to repair themselves more naturally. Whilst considering immediate pain relief as important, the aim of osteopathy is to get patients well and keep them well. Therefore depending on the needs of the patient, treatment may be used in conjunction with other accepted methods such as medication, surgery, and X-ray treatments.
2. What is the difference between an Osteopath (Osteopathy) and a
Chiropractor (Chiropractic)?
Origin
Philosophy, treatment objective and diagnosis The primary objective of both osteopathy and chiropractic is to remove bodily aches and pains, and both are able to make a diagnosis by history, clinical tests and examination. Chiropractors tend to use x-rays for diagnosis. However, Osteopaths focus on history, clinical tests and palpation for diagnosis, and do not order x-rays unless they are clinically indicated. This minimises a person’s exposure to radiation.
Treatment Techniques Where as, Osteopaths do not manipulate (‘click ’) a joint the way Chiropractors do, they make use of a wider range of techniques for the whole body. Apart from manipulation, Osteopaths use other techniques such as stretches, massage and gentle release techniques (cranial osteopathy) without any ‘clicking’ of the joints. These techniques are seldom used by Chiropractors.
Treatment Duration / Frequency Some Chiropractors like to encourage their patients to sign on for a course of 10 to 20 treatments, even for minor complaints. Osteopaths do not usually impose such requirements. Depending on a person’s condition, most complaints require just a couple of treatments but normally between three to four treatments. With more serious cases the patient is advised to undergo regular treatment over a prolonged period. This, of course, is the opinion of an Osteopath, clinical experiences of patients and opinions of other health professionals. However, a Chiropractor may have a slightly different view.
3. What is the difference between Osteopathy and Physiotherapy? Osteopathy is not the same as Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is normally attached to the medical system where a medical doctor directs the physiotherapist towards a localised area of dysfunction which is then managed by exercise, massage and limited manipulation. The physiotherapist will then use what they know to treat the specific symptomatic area. The techniques employed usually use direct actions where joints are put through a range of motion. This is a large and vital area of work, but the osteopathic viewpoint will consider the localised dysfunction as well as other key biomechanical areas of the body, which are essential to improving function and resolution of your symptoms. Osteopathy is a holistic form of diagnosis and treatment. Osteopathy recognises that the body is one functional unit with each part being dependent upon the other parts. For this reason, osteopaths recognise that symptoms in one area could be caused by dysfunction in another area. Therefore use of all methods and measures which contribute to optimal integration of the whole body as well as the resolution of localised aches and pains will reduce the possibility of a chronic state and allow the body to manage an acute state more efficiently.
4. What is the difference between Cranial Osteopathy
and Cranio-Sacral Therapy? All Osteopaths complete up to 5 years medical degree training and in South Africa are registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa .This qualifies them to practice osteopathy and in South Africa under the title of Doctor. The basic training of cranial osteopathic technique is given during the medical degree, but some Osteopaths specialise at post graduate level. Guy has attained a Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children, UK which included experience at Barnet General Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit and children’s wards. In the 1970’s Cranio-Sacral therapy embraced these osteopathic techniques. However, most Cranio-Sacral Therapists are not Osteopaths, and not all therapists have a background in anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis and biomechanics. Therefore they are unable to offer a valid working diagnosis which is essential prior to application of treatment. Babies & Children – Cranial Osteopathy
Dr Stacey Prickett “Having had chronic back problems (including spinal surgery as a teenager), over the years I have undergone numerous types of treatment to alleviate the pain. In addition to providing immediate pain relief, Guy helped me understand and work towards correcting postural habits which exacerbate my back pain. With uncomplicated yet effective exercises and stretches, I am able to keep the number of treatments to a minimum with the ultimate goal of alleviation of structural imbalances linked to my residual problems.”
Indera Ajimal “I have worked alongside Guy for 2 years, at the Fulham Osteopathic Practice in London, and have a high regard for Guy both professionally and personally. As a Midwife and Osteopath, I have found Guy to be a safe, thoughtful and caring Osteopath who has a great sense of humour. He is confident and able in his treatment of all types of people including pregnant women, babies and adults. He practices a wide range of techniques from cranial to musculo-skeletal (structural), better enabling him to treat a wide range of problems. I am happy to refer any person to Guy.”
Bruce Fordyce “I know Guy to be a highly qualified and skilled osteopath. He has a post graduate diploma in paediatric osteopathy and has done extensive work with children with sports injuries. I met him when he had been a personal trainer for my sister and I know him to be enthusiastic and keen in both his chosen subject of paediatric osteopathy and in sport in particular. I believe he will be an asset to any employer and to South Africa.”
Adam Leyland “When I came to Guy I didn’t just have a bad back. I was a basket case of inter-related injuries involving neck and shoulder and arms. As well as a totally immobile neck, I had a very weak shoulder and muscle wastage following two shoulder operations, and I was riddled with RSI-like symptoms in my upper and lower arms, which made it very difficult to rehab my shoulder and made it painful for me to write (I’m a magazine editor). So I was not an easy patient to diagnose. What I liked about Guy’s approach were three things: 1.His methodical approach. He didn’t just work on the bit that hurts. He assessed my symptoms. Carefully, from top to bottom, and unearthed some surprisingly additional causes in other parts of my body (stiffness in my hamstrings, buttocks, lower back). 2. His holistic approach. He didn’t just crick my neck or massage muscles once a week. He put me on a rehabilitaion programme that involved daily stretching, showing me gentle strengthening exercises, encouraged me to drink more water and take more exercise. Even little suggestions like advising the use of a scarf and hot water bottles for my neck. 3. His charming approach. Guy’s a lovely guy, gentle, patient, with a good sense of humour. I’ve had plenty of treatment from other Osteopaths, not to mention Chiropractors and physiotherapists, and Guy’s the only one who’s got me through the painful rut I was in. My neck is now free, I’ve stopped re-injuring my shoulder and the RSI symptoms in my arms are vastly improved. Sometimes they start to come back if I’ve slacked off or if I’m working very long hours, but I know what to do to free things up, and it’s working a treat.” “I was suffering from tennis elbow and was in much pain, which was affecting my ability to function in my office work, sewing and needlework. My doctor gave me injections which did not alleviate the pain and my first attempt to find a physical therapist was a disaster. I was in despair until I was very fortunate to be recommended to Mr Guy Ashburner. With the primary treatment that Guy undertook, in a short space of time the pain disappeared and I was once again able to enjoy my work and leisure. At this point and with a view to enhancement, Guy advised me with regard to exercise and diet in order to improve my overall fitness and posture. I am totally amazed at the improvement in my appearance. I have lost weight and dropped from dress size 20 to 12 in 8 months and my vitality and concentration has increased. I now feel able to withstand the pressure and stress related to my work. When seeking to alleviate the pain that I was in, I never expected to find someone who would be sufficiently concerned to advise me on my overall condition with such empathy. If you require the help of a gifted and competent Osteopath, I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Mr Guy Ashburner.” “For the past 6 months my son Joseph, who is 5 year old, has received cranial osteopathic treatment from Guy Ashburner. Joseph’s birth was difficult, and his head was badly misshapen (from a ventouse delivery) for quite some time. As he has gotten older he has been a very poor sleeper, and prone to bursts of aggression (beyond what is normal) for no apparent reason. I found Guy very approachable and able to put Joseph at ease during treatment sessions. Guy explained his diagnosis and treatment in great detail and after only the first treatment there was a marked improvement in Joseph’s behaviour and sleeping pattern. We have continued to visit Mr Ashburner on a regular basis. I have no hesitation in recommending Mr Guy Ashburner.” "I'm a runner and I'd felt my left leg seize up and pain in my lower back at the end of a run. The next day I could hardly walk or stand up after sitting down. At first I wasn't sure what had caused the tightness or pain in my leg or lower back. After speaking to Guy and treatment I remembered that I'd previously sprained my ankle quite badly and started running on it again too soon afterwards. Guy started treating the ankle and gave me advice, stretches and exercises to do. The treatment relieved the pain and loosened up my ankle, leg and back. Guy's holisitic approach encouraged me to get back to exercising and running again and I now feel looser throughout my ankle, leg, back, hips and shoulders and in general better health and I'm back to running regularly including a 7 mile run at the weekends."
Jackie Flynn (& son Ethan) “I was told of osteopathy for young babies and new mothers by a friend, who had a very positive experience, whilst my son was in the Special Care Babies Unit having had assistance in breathing following a caesarean birth. Within the first few days my son was on antibiotics and this continued in his first two years of his life on a almost monthly basis, for ear, nose, throat and skin infections. He was treated for eczema by the time he was 3 months. He was put on puffer permanently at 3 months and diagnosed with asthma by the time he was 1year old. I had tried with conventional medicine and was not happy with the level of medication. When I found out he was highly allergic to a range of items at age 2 years 6 months, I made it a priority to try and take back some control, and understood that the immune system needed a holistic approach. I came to osteopathy with great hope and have found it. My son, has less frequent and severe colds, which rarely cause infections of the chest. When he is ill, he can fight it himself, and is ill for shorter periods of time, with lower temperatures, and less frequent temperature spikes. Since beginning treatment, when he does need antibiotics, one course is sufficient. Gone are the days when he will be on 3 or 4 courses of antibiotics in 8 weeks, the only solution my GP or the hospital could offer me. I feel I have achieved my aim for my son, and it is clear that his immune system is now stronger having had the opportunity to work for itself. Whilst I need to use an anti-histamine in the summer, I do not for the rest of the year. He has more relaxed breathing and better sleep pattern at night. Also, I do not need to use his puffers as frequently, and his eczema whilst present is under control without medication. This can only be a good thing for him thanks to paediatric osteopathy and Guy Ashburner. My son looks forward to his treatment and says it make him feel better. I can't say better than that.”
Alex Brian “I have experienced back pain and soreness intermittently for a number of years. I have in the past tried several options to find a remedy such as Chiropractors and painkillers but all to no avail. However, since receiving osteopathic treatment from Guy my back problems have improved enormously. In addition to the direct treatment I received I was advised to change my seating and computer arrangement at work as it became apparent this was one of the underlying causes of my trouble. Since doing this, my working environment has improved immensely and I now no longer end the day with a sore and aching back and feel I have more energy to participate in physical activity in the evening. The daily stretching exercises given to me have been great and have certainly made a difference. In addition, I have adapted my gym routine following the advice from Guy and as a result my back feels stronger and I no longer experience the pain and soreness following my workout. Thank you”
Nigel Clarke Guy Ashburner has been treating me during 2006 for a long standing problem of tinnitus. His approach has been thorough, conscientious, and caring. He asked careful questions, listened to what he heard, and made treatment decisions accordingly. For the first time in 9 years, I have experienced a reduction in symptoms; and he has further worked with me to develop a range of exercises, which I can undertake myself to reinforce the progress. He has explained matters as he went along, which I have found highly beneficial. I would unhesitatingly recommend Mr Ashburner as an osteopath. He is a healthcare professional with the skills and approach which encompass a properly holistic view of the patient. "Before I came for treatment with Mr Guy Ashburner, I was in serious pain. I could not stand for five minutes or walk for three minutes without my back going into spasm. Guy helped by releasing the muscles that were restricting my movement which was causing other muscles to overwork and go into spasm. With Guy's help I'm now able to do everyday things like going for a walk, doing the shopping or even going out dancing. I am now also able to exercise to get my weight down. I would recommend Guy to everyone who's been through an accident or anyone trying to lose weight. Without him, I don't think I could have succeeded as far as I have."
"I have suffered from chronic back pain for many years and as I am getting older, my “back episodes” have become more frequent and more debilitating. I am an ex-nursing sister and more than likely the years of heavy lifting have also affected my spine as well as bad posture and perhaps a bit of neglect too.
This year has been particularly bad and I had become frustrated with the unpredictability and instability which would catch me unawares. I have tried every treatment ranging from the allopathic to the esoteric, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and many others, and although they would treat the symptoms at the time, it did not seem to be a long-term solution.
I was then referred to Guy Ashburner by a friend,- I didn’t even know what an osteopath was, but was desperate to try anything at this stage. My first visit to Guy, I was in a very bad state, my mobility was very minimal, I was in a lot of pain and barely able to move my right leg, experiencing shooting sciatica pain even with the slightest weight bearing on the right side. I also had a cold at the time and sneezing was my worst night-mare .A recent MRI scan showed that there was a multi-level involvement resulting in prolapse and narrowing of disc spaces, and I was therefore not a candidate for surgery. On one hand I was very relieved about this, but on the other I was hoping for a ‘once and for all’ quick fix.
Guy did a very thorough examination, and very quickly made a diagnosis, which was very reassuring as I felt he was rather more concerned in treating the cause rather than just the symptoms. I was particularly impressed by his professional attitude, but at the same time he is friendly and very approachable.
The treatments consisted mainly of gentle manipulations, specific massage and stretching techniques as well as very good advice with regards to posture, habit, drinking lots of water and exercise. Each treatment showed a definite improvement and after the fourth treatment I feel as if I have never had a back problem, whereas up until now even in between the ‘episodes’ I constantly suffered from sciatica.
I am very pleased that I was referred to Guy in the first place, and for the first time in many years I am pain free. Thank you, Guy."
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