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Original poster

To think this is what osteopaths do?

44 replies

FairTurtle · 23/05/2024 15:14

Spin-off of my earlier thread about back pain...

Does anyone have much experience of osteopaths, and what they're supposed to do, or typically do? I've seen mine 3 times now for lower back pain lasting about 6 weeks. I assume this probably is just what osteopathy is...but he basically quite gently presses into my muscles, and sometimes very gently moves my limbs and applies some pressure. He doesn't seem to have much insight/much to say about what might be causing my issue. But maybe that's normal? Obviously I'm also seeing a physio and doing exercises.

Is this what others' experiences of osteopathy have been? Wondering if it's worth trying to find someone else.

OP posts:
VerlynWebbe · 23/05/2024 16:38

Chiropractic is associated with stroke. And a colleague told me of a friend of his who had been paralysed by a chiropractor. I wouldn't let a chiropractor near me.
I have had osteopathy, and it is at least properly regulated, but I'd be very wary of anyone cracking bones in my neck. It didn't work btw because no real attempt was made at diagnosis.
(The really stupid one is cranial osteopathy. Apparently it's all about the characteristics of the flow of brain fluid in your head. Ok...)

Nouvellenovel · 23/05/2024 16:30

SherrieElmer · 23/05/2024 16:05

Osteopathy is a pseudoscience and most of the practitioners are con artists. Look it up.

I wouldn’t be able to walk without pain if I hadn’t visited osteopaths over the years.
I had already seen a consultant rheumatologist who made me worse and had lots of physiotherapy that did nothing.

Livingmybestlifenow · 23/05/2024 16:25

I’m a sports therapist working with an osteopath and a physiotherapist, honestly there’s not much difference in what we do. We do all have different strengths and areas of interest. Majority of treatment is heavily exercise based with some soft tissue work and joint mobilisation (not the giant cracks!) to enable movement where it’s clinically indicated. If you are seeing an osteopath who only uses hands on treatment, doesn’t explain what they are doing and why, and have to see a physio in addition, you are wasting your money and I would look for a better practitioner in your shoes.

Allfur · 23/05/2024 16:18

SherrieElmer · 23/05/2024 16:05

Osteopathy is a pseudoscience and most of the practitioners are con artists. Look it up.

I had an amazing osteopath once, fixed the problem in one session, never to return

Edinvillian · 23/05/2024 16:17

I've been a few times and have always been fixed after one session (years between each bout). There is nothing gentle about it, I've been pushed and pulled and jumped on. Heard the cracks and pops. It's not painful but gives me the heebeejeebies. (No idea how to spell that 😂)
Once I could barely walk into the building and walked out with ease. Expensive but always worth it.

Allfur · 23/05/2024 16:17

Having used an osteopath, a chiropractor and a physiotherapist, I find it hard to tell the difference. For me it's less about the job title, more about the individual talent

Rantypanties · 23/05/2024 16:14

Osteopaths will still tell you they can manipulate your spine so yeah…not much better than chiropractors

Zhampagne · 23/05/2024 16:11

SherrieElmer · 23/05/2024 16:05

Osteopathy is a pseudoscience and most of the practitioners are con artists. Look it up.

In the UK, osteopathy is a regulated health profession and the title of osteopath is protected by law. It is unregulated in other countries.

CormorantStrikesBack · 23/05/2024 16:06

SherrieElmer · 23/05/2024 16:05

Osteopathy is a pseudoscience and most of the practitioners are con artists. Look it up.

I think that’s chiropractors. Osteopathy is a three year degree. I agree chiropractors are total quacks.

SherrieElmer · 23/05/2024 16:05

Osteopathy is a pseudoscience and most of the practitioners are con artists. Look it up.

ageratum1 · 23/05/2024 15:57
  • A fast twist
ageratum1 · 23/05/2024 15:57

I took my 13 year old to the osteopath fir back pain, and she dud a bit of massaging, and them a fast test which made a loud pop which made it feel better instantly

AnneLovesGilbert · 23/05/2024 15:56

Mine lay on top of me and jumped. I recall nothing gentle about it but I was in a terrible state at the time and could barely walk.

She gave me a bunch of exercises and told me she wanted me fixed asap and off her books as she was very busy. I saw her 5 or 6 times and life improved immeasurably. Remarkable woman she is, about 5 foot 2 and 7 stone wet through.

nimski · 23/05/2024 15:47

Try a chiropractor, mine is a miracle worker! You can feel (and sometimes hear!) things realigning.

HellonHeels · 23/05/2024 15:41

They can do a more robust manipulation and crunching of problem areas, as well as the more gentle version that can feel like "not doing much". The gentle version focuses on making a connection with the tissues and suppprting them to rebalance and unwind.

Best practice should treat holistically,.ie focus on the "problems" in the context of the entire body.

Source: boyfriend is an osteopath - but this is my description, not his.

CormorantStrikesBack · 23/05/2024 15:39

Mine does this but is vocal about what’s causing my issues. Ime it’s the exercises you need to do every day at home which will make the difference and it takes time.

curiouscat1987 · 23/05/2024 15:33

Mine does however fully explain the issue to me and suggest exercises. Have you asked yours for their thoughts?

curiouscat1987 · 23/05/2024 15:32

Yep thats what they do - seems like it cant possibly be doing anything but omg the relief it gave me from my sciatica and spd!! Incredible, mines a miracle worker.