Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy following Trauma
Jane asked her osteopath, Tim Dennis, to write about how it helps. Tim has helped quite a lot of survivors from Newbury.
What is ordinary osteopathy?
Ordinary osteopathy is a gentle way of dealing with any physical problems - from headaches and neck pain to limb and low back pain.
Should I use it if I have a serious injury?
The osteopath will advise you on what can be done. Sometimes it is given independently of more serious medical injuries. At other times it is given after surgery or other medical treatment.
What makes osteopathy different from medical treatments?
We don't just treat the symptoms, we try to get to the root of the problem. Our ability to view, assess and treat the whole body is what makes it work so well.
Can osteopathy help emotional distress as well as physical injuries?
Many people never think twice about going to an Osteopath after a whiplash injury, or a fall or other minor injury when injuries are perceived as purely physical. Osteopathy is a wide-ranging, versatile form of treatment providing a skilled, caring and adaptable support. Few people realise it can help emotional distress as well as physical problems With incidents that turn people's emotions upside down, people are often so caught up in getting their lives back together again, they accept their distress as 'normal' and either don't believe it can be changed or haven't the energy to seek help. They soon forget about what's on offer or that they can still benefit from them later on.
What is Cranial osteopathy?
This is a much more subtle way of treating the 'whole' person. It mostly involves hand touches and movements so light they are barely perceptible. Cranial osteopathy works primarily with the activity of the brain and nervous system. It can be used to calm the nervous system that gets agitated in the early stages after a trauma. In the later stages of recovery much of the distress is again caused by involuntary and inappropriate disruption in activity in the nervous system. Regular cranial osteopathy treatments can help reduce this alongside other therapies such as trauma-focused counselling .
Do I need to be referred by a doctor?
No - you can make your own mind up about making an appointment . Some people may wish to tell their GP and some GPs do suggest osteopathy as an option .
What does it cost? Will insurers pay for osteopathy?
Fees will vary according to location and the experience of the osteopath but on average range from £35 - £45 for a half hour session. The initial session may be longer. Some Networkers have been able to get MIB to pay for their treatment up front, others have recovered costs later. There are also insurance plans for covering costs, though usually not for existing problems.
Your osteopath, counsellor or solicitor should be able to make a case for payments with MIB and MIB or HCML may contact the osteopath for assessments.
Tim Dennis is an experienced osteopath and cranial osteopath who has worked extensively with victims of major incidents, both independently and in conjunction with counsellors, psychotherapists and solicitors, and HCML and MIB who coordinate the recovery of claimants. He runs the Fairboune Clinic which has operated since 1990 from 17 Wendan Road , Newbury or phone on 01635 44200 or visit our website at www.fairbourneclinic.co.uk
If you are not in Newbury he may be able to suggest an osteopath near you. Always ask if they practice cranial osteopathy - some who were trained some time ago did not do this.