Deciding w
ho to go to for help with your back or neck pain can be a little confusing. There’s a great deal of information on the internet, and advice from work colleagues or mates can add to the uncertainty. Often the decision comes down to personal recommendation, but unfortunately sometimes the choice may be based on poor information. So if you’re on the lookout for an Osteopath in the Horsley, Cobham, Bookham or Leatherhead area, please read on.
“There are similarities between the two professions” explains Julian. “Chiropractic and Osteopathy both approach healthcare holistically. That means they understand the body works as a ‘whole’ and they respect that many factors, for example, occupation, lifestyle, exercise and diet will affect the health and condition of an individual”.
Regulation and Education
Both Chiropractic and Osteopathy are regulated professions. Practitioners are required by law to be registered with either the GCC (General Chiropractic Council) or GOC (General Osteopathic Council). In order to be registered, Osteopaths and Chiropractors will have undertaken a 4 or 5 year accredited degree and are required to partake in annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
How does a Chiropractor or Osteopath diagnose my condition?
Whilst both Chiropractors and Osteopaths will mainly use touch (palpation), observation and motion to determine problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints, Chiropractors have traditionally used xrays and neurological tests to diagnose conditions that affect the muscle and skeletal systems of the body and their close relationship to the nerve system. With an emphasis on detecting the effects that stress from past injuries, illness, over-work, bad posture or poor nutrition have had on the body, a detailed history is taken.
How does an Osteopath or Chiropractor treat my condition?
Chiropractors aim to align your spine and pelvis and other joints in order to release interference from your nervous system as this promotes improved function and healing. They use gentle and specific “adjustments” to achieve this. There are many types of adjustments ranging from very light and fast touch to a type of manipulation that may produce a popping sound from the joint. These adjustments are known for being specific to discrete areas of restriction.
Osteopaths mainly massage, use some manipulation and move soft tissues to re-balance the structure in a way that they believe enhances blood flow to promote the body’s healing processes. The techniques are broader and aim to get larger areas of stiffness and restriction moving again.
Both professions will most likely give information on exercise and posture to help recovery, promote well-being and reduce problems recurring.
Most people seeking help from Osteopaths or Chiropractors want relief from back pain. However, it is not unusual to have positive outcomes for other conditions such as headaches, asthma, digestive disorders, stress, period pains – because of the influence that the nervous system and blood supply has on all the parts of the body.
Who should I see?
Should you be looking for an Osteopath in the Horsley, Cobham, Bookham or Leatherhead area but think chiropractic may be your answer then consider choosing to see Horsley Chiropractor Julian Keel.
With nearly 20 years of experience looking after families, sports stars and pop-stars, he has an excellent reputation for successfully helping with many conditions using the latest technology and the very latest gentle and effective chiropractic and cranial techniques available.
From Julian & the Team at Horsley Chiropractic Healthcare
When You Need A Personalised Approach to Your Health
Horsley, Cobham, Leatherhead and surrounding areas in Surrey