Osteopathy is a treatment and diagnosis system for many different types of medical conditions. It works with your body's function and structure based on the principle that your wellbeing lies on the condition of your connective tissues, muscles, and ligaments and these parts working smoothly together. An osteopath is someone who specialises in this system. Skilled osteopaths may be hard to find, but there are certain things you can do to make sure that you are working with the best one in Surrey:
- Understand the qualifications necessary
in osteopathy.
An osteopath is certified at his or her job. Osteopaths are already licensed by the General Osteopathic council, certified, or registered and practising as a healthcare practitioner (i.e. a nurse, massage therapist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or athletic therapist).
- Verify the background of the
osteopath in Surrey.
Find out how long the osteopath has been offering services in Surrey. Consider someone who works in a reputable osteopathy and injury rehabilitation clinic.
- Ask about the osteopath’s methods.
Reputable and experienced osteopaths do not merely rely on manual techniques and traditional physical examinations. If they feel that immediate treatment is inappropriate, they will refer you for clinical testing, such as an MRI or X-ray if they think it is necessary. They believe that osteopathy can treat many different conditions, but they follow the NHS guidelines and offer the treatment for specific ailments like persistent lower back pain and to aid in the recovery after knee or hip operations.
You do not need a referral from your general practitioner to see an osteopath in Surrey for the first time, although some patients make an appointment following their GP's advice. On your first appointment, osteopaths will guide you through a complete assessment of your condition and provide both medical and general advice.