What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy was founded in the 1890's by a North American Doctor and Surgeon by the name of A.T. Still. Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit. Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with mobilisation of specific joints and soft tissues.
Who can Osteopaths Treat?
Osteopaths treat people of all ages from newborn babies to older people.
What can Osteopathy treat?
Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, repetitive strain injury, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries. Osteopathic medicine is also very effective in treating the problems that develop during pregnancy and early childhood. Osteopathic treatment can be used in conjunction with your normal medication and can be adapted to treat any age or condition. Patients do not need a referral from their G.P..
What happens when I consult an osteopath?
The Osteopath will discuss with you the problem you have and will ask questions about your general health and lifestyle and may take your blood pressure and test your coordination and reflexes. The Osteopath will use their hands to test the way your bones, muscles and body moves to find the area that needs to be treated. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove some of your outer clothes so a clearer view of the body can be obtained. They will tell you what they have found and outline how they could treat you, what the out come should be, and how you feel as the treatment progresses. They will carry out the treatment that has been agreed on. You may be advised on any things you could do to prevent the condition returning.
Does Private Health Insurance cover Osteopathy Treatment?
Private health Insurers such as VHI, Quinn and Aviva cover Osteopathy Treatments. The amount of cover depends on the individuals Insurance Policy.
Is Osteopathy regulated in Ireland?
Osteopathy is self regulated by the Osteopathic Council of Ireland (OCI). The OCI has a strict membership policy that includes agreeing to abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that is aligned with other European Regulatory bodies for Osteopathy. As part of the membership criteria all members commit to Continuous Professional Development in order to maintain the highest standards.
Complaints
The OCI has a Code of Practice and strict membership Policy to maintain the highest standards of Professional Osteopathic care. All members have agreed to abide by these Codes of Practice and are bound by a Code of Ethics.
Part of the Role of the OCI is to deal with concerns that the Public or an individual may have regarding Osteopathy or Osteopathy treatment that they are not satisfied with.
If you are a patient and worried or unhappy about the treatment you have received, or the way your osteopath has behaved, talking to the osteopath first and raising your issues is often the most helpful. An alternative is to discuss your matter with another osteopath.
If you feel more strongly about your concerns, that your complaint has not been properly dealt with or want to make a formal complaint, you should contact us via email. We are here to help.
Contact:
Ms. Paula Marren
Chair of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee
ethicschairoci@gmail.com
Feedback
We welcome comments and feedback about this website and the information on it. If you have any comments or if you have not been able to find the information you want in this section or on the website as a whole, please contact us via email: secretary@osteopathy.ie