Osteopaths. Any good?

Been to see my lovely Osteopath today after a new bed has left me with really tight hips and lower back pain. Still sore, but feeling a little better already.

I had a painful ankle for a few months and was sent to a physiotherapist for ultra sound on it........just two sessions cured it apparently the ultra sounds reduce inflammation in the tissues.....I bought a walking stick at the time but have never needed it since.
I also used a physiotherapist when I put my back out and couldn't straighten up because of pain......I walked out upright just a few left over aches..... that cost £20 but was years ago........I think that if you have to keep going back somewhere then you need to find some other way forward.

Thanks everyone.
I've made an enquiry.

If you get a good one they are brilliant as are chiropractors and acupuncturists.

I had back pain some years ago and went to an osteopath. The treatment was so gentle I didn't think it would work but much to my surprise it did, after a couple of sessions.

I’ve got agonising chronic pain in my lower leg and ankle due to a trapped nerve in my back.
(It’s the same leg which is waiting for a replacement hip)
Six weeks ago a spinal surgeon injected steroids into my back to free the nerve.
Unfortunate it did nothing; and on Monday he told me that there was nothing further that he could do

Until I read this thread I did not realise that an osteopath could help.
I’m off to Google to see if there is one near me.
Thank you to everyone on this thread and Snowberry

My OH had an episode of sciatica which was so painful he signed up to a series of treatments with a chiropractor. There was no improvement but when he went to see an osteopath he was cured in three sessions.

I agree Luckygirl13. It took me many visits to an osteopath and a good deal of money to realise that his treatment wasn't helping my aching back. A physiotherapist diagnosed straight away that the osteopath had misdiagnosed the problem and that there was nothing wrong with any disc. A well qualified physio trumps any fringe practitioner.

If you have a disc problem I would be wary of anyone who practices these fringe treatments. Too much damage can be done. Delicate business the spine - and the danger of damaging vital nerves.

I am also very cynical about those who rebook patients for some "maintenance" therapy ongoing - hmmm. Nice work if you can get it!

I wait to be flamed....!

I’ve used both in my time, and quite honestly IMHO they are worth their weight in gold for that sort of pain…

I've wondered a lot about this. I doubt very much that they could help my spinal pain which has been diagnosed , - properly, by my doctor, - as arthritis. ... but I still wonder sometimes.

NHS physios no longer carry out the hands on manipulation they are trained to do as they are not allowed to by their health trusts. This is due to fears of being sued if it goes wrong.
Most osteopaths and chiropractors are private and therefore should carry insurance.
I have had amazing treatment from a local osteopath for many years and literally skip out of the room afterwards..
Wonderful skill and knowledge.

If you are in pain, cannot get help from your GP, and cannot get onward referral to a physiotherapist/ muscoskeletal clinic, seeing a recommended osteopath ( privately) is very sensible. Ask friends for a recommendation. They are trained, and registered, and may be able to help reduce your pain quite quickly.
I have not had particularly good experiences with nhs muskoskeletal services ( very long waits, very limited treatment- no follow up) so for decades have either regularly visited a chiropractor or osteopath, to keep mobile.
Best to try again to discuss with your GP.

Having just re read the post I wouldn’t be forking out for injections without having a diagnosis. You don’t mention a time frame either but I would advise speaking to your Gp giving them the full
History and asking what the next steps are..

An X-ray wouldn’t be the correct investigation anyway(usually) I think this is sometimes what can cause issues. Patients expectations of a test or treatment not in line with the correct management. Back pain rarely needs an examination unless it has red flags associated with it which presumable you your GP
Has inquired about?

There is no evidence for chiro or osteo, despite it being well used. Physiotherapy conversely has a lot of evidence base and would be the usual referral route on the NHS after self help measures has been tried ( daily strengthening work, anti inflammatory medication, increasing activity, decreased sedentary behaviour, weight loss if required)

It might be worth having an open discussion with your Gp regarding what can be done?

My Mum had a very long back, and as she grew older and the muscles weakened it curved over until nearly at right angles. She used to visit an osteopath (I took her) when it got too painful and he always helped, a lot.
No idea of what he did or the cost but this was back in the '90s. She was a brave and determined woman.
So go for it and as ^*corner*says ask friends first for recommendations

I can’t recommend my osteopath enough. Last April I had awful groin pain , I couldn’t see a GP and over the phone she referred me to a NHS physio , who in turn consulted me over the phone , and told me I had pulled a tendon and hex gave me some YouTube exercises. Eventually after 3 months with no improvement, I booked a face to face appointment with an osteopath . The only clinician seemly able to lay hands on me .He has kept me going whilst awaiting a hip replacement and is extremely knowledgeable.

If seeing doctor really isn’t feasible then I’d start with a physiotherapist who can diagnose properly. You might be able to self-refer via your NHS practice or you could go private.

Some osteopaths seem very woo-woo. A friend who has damaged her ankle has been told to use a little clove oil mixed with olive oil and swill it round her mouth for 30 minutes a day! I’m sure most aren’t like that but tread warily.

I hope you’re feeling better soon.

My osteopath is lovely, I’ve been seeing her for a number of years (off and on, not continuously). She has treated me for upper back and lower back issues. She’s really gentle and charges 40.00 per visit. She has a university degree and has to commit to a certain number of hours continuous training every year in order to keep her registration with the osteopaths council. The only problem is she’s so popular that there’s usually a bit of a wait before you can get an appointment.

I have had back problems recently and our GP told me on a phone call to self refer myself to the local physio department at our hospital .See if you can go down the medical route first and it wouldn't cost you anything.

I am seeing an Osteopath for hip and foot pain. I felt better after the first session and the exercises she gave me are really helping.

Interestingly she told me she would email my GP as she thought my foot problem needed an Xray and surgery. The very next day my GP called me, I had an appointment in his surgery that very day, an Xray in the local hospital within the week and within a month I have seen a surgeon and am now on a 2 to 3 month waiting list for surgery. All down to my lovely Osteopath.

Hope you get some help and pain relief soon snowberry

I know some people swear by Chiropractors...but I spent a couple of hundred pounds with one a few years ago with no success. I then went to a Physiotherapist who cured me with one session and two simple exercises.

Osteopaths are always my first port of call for muscular problems have ben using one for years. However I do think it is best to get a proper diagnosis from a GP/hospital first. It is not right that your GP wont send you for an x-ray especially if He/she has not seen you. My advice would be to push your GP for an appointment explaining your level of pain and discomfort. Best of luck with this.

a, not an

snowberryZ - the Chiropractor completes an Private X-ray Request Form - you take that to the X-ray Dept. But there is a charge for it. Your Chiropractor has to be ‘recognised’ by your local NHS Hospital. Some Chiropractors have a small X-ray unit in their clinics.
I don’t blame you for being tetchy.
welbeck - Chiropractors are well regulated and have extensive University qualifications.

I have had treatments from osteopaths for many years as and when I've had back pain and sciatica. On one occasion, it was discovered that my pelvis was out of alignment, after a fall but which I hadn't really hurt myself. I now go for 'maintenance' sessions three times a year and I really believe it's money well spent.
I've also found with them that they only treat you as long as is necessary, which is a very commendable!