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Practitioner: Scott Tracey, M.A. B.Sc Ost (Hons) Registered Osteopath

Scott Tracey is a fully qualified and G.O.s.C. registered Osteopath.  He undertook a full time 4 year course at the European School of Osteopathy where he was trained in classical, modern and contemporary osteopathic theory and techniques.  He continues to augment and develop his training with C.P.D. courses and seminars and is also trained in cranial and visceral osteopathic technique.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a manual, primary healthcare system.  All manual therapies share common technique due to the application of touch e.g. joint manipulation, soft tissue/massage, articulation, etc.  A defining feature of osteopathy however, is its broad scope of techniques guided by principles and underlying philosopy which allows a diagnostic and therapeutic application of technique.

In addition to the above, unique to osteopaths are some specialised techniques which are very subtle and involve refined, minimal movement e.g. cranial field approach, functional technique, visceral technique or balanced tension techniques.  This combination allows a holistic and integrated treatment approach which can be applied to nearly any tissue in the body i.e. joint, muscle, ligament, nerve, connective tissue, etc and is not limited by a lack of treatment options.

Ultimately, your treatment is catered to you, depending on whatever approach is most appropriate and which your practitioner believes will benefit you most.  So, you can expect:

• Natural pain relief using hands on treatment.
• Time spent on full physical assessment.
• A whole body approach to improve overall posture.
• Advice and exercise offered for prevention of future problems.

Why and when should I consider consulting an osteopath?

Osteopathy is suited to most musculo-skeletal conditions.  People are often unsure as to what kind of treatment they should have depending on what's 'wrong' or causing pain.  Self diagnosis often leads to 'muscle', 'bone' or 'nerve' pain, however, in reality pain is a combination of these structures as well as many other factors.  It is vastly complex and is constantly being researched and studied.

Although commonly associated with 'bone' or 'joint' pain, osteopathy incorporates all tissues of the body in its diagnostic process.  Rigorous training allows your osteopath to make a professional and informed opinion of what is actually causing your aches or pains.  Sometimes the location of the pain is not the actual cause, but an area under stress or strain, or, it my be a referred pain.  If in doubt please contact us to see if treatment could be appropriate.  If not, advice an be given or a referral option to another discipline or practitioner if it would be of more benefit to your condition.

Examples of common treatable conditions:

• Arthritic pain
• Backache
• Circulatory problems (minor)
• Digestion problems
• Frozen shoulder
• Inability to relax
• Muscle tension/spasm
• Neuralgia ('trapped nerve')
• Rheumatic pain
• Sciatica
• Sports injuries (minor)

If you have a problem which is not on the above list please feel free to phone and enquire if we can help.

Someone who is in pain or discomfort should have choice and access to different treatment options as different conditions benefit from different approaches and different people respond to different treatment.  Osteopathy is a primary healthcare system with emphasis on safety and efficiency.  Treatment will only be applied if it is safe, appropriate and beneficial to the patient.

What should I expect during a treatment session?

If you have seen an osteopath before, then you will probably expect a similar treatment approach.  We offer most styles of treatment but please discuss this with your osteopath as approaches and techniques may vary between practitioners.

If you have never been to an osteopath, then you have no idea what to expect or you may have been told a variety of stories from friends or family.

• No treatment is given without patient consent.
• You may be asked to remove some outer clothing in order for your pratitioner to more accurately diagnose the area of dysfunction.  Gowns can be provided and no clothing will be removed without consent.  You may bring a chaperone to observe the treatment if you wish.
• Treatment should not be painful.  Osteopathic treatment is not a 'no pain - no gain' situation.  Painful areas will be assessed during treatment and discussed.  Please communicate with your osteopath about any discomfort as this provides information which helps guide diagnosis.
• Treatment is only given if it is deemed safe, beneficial and appropriate to the patient.  Prognosis is gauged by how the patient responds to treatment.  Usually a course of treatment is between 2-4 sessions.  Overtreatment is never advised and length of treatment is the patient's choice - not the osteopaths.

Patients often expect some kind of surprise 'click' or pop so they remain tense as they wait for it to happen!  The more relaxed you are the more beneficial and efficient the treatment is.  If your co-operation is needed for a technique, your osteopath will explain to you what to do.  No manipulation will be performed without warning, explanation and consent.

What is the 'craic' with the 'crack'?

The manipulation most commonly associated with osteopathic treatment is a 'clicking' or 'popping' of 'bones'.  The technique is classified as H.V.L.A. (High Velocity Low Amplitude) and is just one of the many techniques available to an osteopath.  There are many theories as to why and how this type of manipuilation works.  It should never be used as an end in itself but in order to help the body return to full mobility.  A rough guide to why it may be applied -

• A joint may become restricted due to misuse, repetitive strain or trauma.
• Local tissue becomes irritated and the local muscle becomes strained or goes into spasm.
• Local restriction starts to affect other joints as the body attempts to compensate.
• Your whole posture may be affected as the body adapts and compensates around the area of dysfunction.

At this point there are usually three possible outcomes

• The body adapts and self resolves with no consequences.
• The body sufficiently adapts to let you get on with things but you may notice recurrent 'niggles' or your aches may become more frequent and easier to provoke.
• The body cannot adapt and sends out pain signals.

Pain is a warning system which your body uses to protect itself from potential  or actual damage.  The human body is remarkably robust and can adapt to most of what life throws at you, so when you feel pain it sould be listened to.

Joints function optimally when their surfaces are congruent, providing mobility with stability.  H.V.L.A. is simple used to restore mobility and function to the joint.  It is only one part of the technique options and may or may not be used as part of the treatment.  It should not be painful and is not a necessary part of osteopathic treatment.

If you particularly do not want H.V.L.A. to be part of your treatment please discuss this with your osteopath.  Full treatment may be given using other technique options without compromising the quality of the treatment outcome.

Prices:

First appointment - £40
Follow-up appointments - £35