There are actually far more similarities these days than differences between the three professions. All three are Primary Care Health Practitioners and each occupation has the same objective – to decrease pain, improve lack of function and help resolve an injury. Each of them aims to diagnose and treat problems related to muscles, joints, nerves and bones and they all use various hands-on techniques to assist the body to move in the way it was designed.

 The three professions are regulated by UK law and have protected titles. They also have to adhere to their own set of guidelines which differ slightly in their philosophies, techniques and procedures. Additionally, Osteopaths and Physiotherapists are UK Allied Health professionals (AHPS). This is a group of 14 professions, which also includes Occupational therapists, Podiatrists and Paramedics, who apply their expertise to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate and support people of all ages to live active healthy and independent lives.

Chiropractors and Osteopaths both learn manipulative techniques as part of their training and education, which typically comprises of a four year full-time qualification. Physiotherapy training usually takes three years full-time and their degree does not include manipulative therapy (HVLA), however, they can undertake further training to develop these skills.

 Historically, Chiropractors have tended to use manipulative techniques as the primary way of treating musculoskeletal-related conditions. Osteopaths have typically used a combination of manipulative therapy and a wider range of techniques such as stretching, massage, pressure and mobilisation. Physiotherapists have tended to use a combination of soft-tissue techniques and prescriptive exercise.

Nowadays there is a considerable amount of cross-over between what practitioners might do within each profession. Whichever one you choose, the success of any therapy is personal preference – mainly what has worked for you in the past and how well you respond to an individual practitioner.  I have built up a good working relationship with my patients and together we have endeavoured to find the treatment regime that is right for them.

When you are seen for the first time, you will be asked questions about your symptoms and general medical history which will include any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related. Osteopaths are interested in the history of any illnesses or accidents or trauma as well as any current health issues. This allows us to consider how accidents or mild strains caused by falls or illnesses may have impacted on longstanding back pain or a sports injury. Easing the strain on a rib after a fall from a bike may also be assisted by treatment of the pelvis. If you sprain your ankle, your body may compensate for it by stiffening up in the spine and shoulders so even if your ankle recovers with time, the uneven weight bearing that it caused may be the reason you now have nagging back pain.

I will also be able to advise you if your condition is suitable for Osteopathic treatment or if you need to be referred to a different specialist. I may also refer you if I feel you require necessary medical tests which might include X-rays, scans, and blood tests.

As your Osteopath, I will then conduct an examination and clinical tests. These include diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, in order to determine how best to manage your condition.

I will observe your posture and ask you to perform some simple movements to help assess how your body is functioning and why you are experiencing your symptoms. The examination may include passive movements where I move your joints through their range of movement and also active movements where I will ask you to move yourself.

Osteopathy takes a whole of body approach to treatment. I may therefore look at the area that is troubling you as well as other parts of your body. For example if you have a sore knee, I may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

I will discuss the prognosis with you and, if treatment is appropriate, what treatment would be recommended.  As your Osteopath, I may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you ergonomic advice for your work station or exercises to do at home.

It is recommended that you arrive 10 minutes early for your first Osteopathy consultation to complete your personal data for registration purposes if you are not already an existing patient of the clinic.  You will also be asked to sign the consent to treatment form which is a requirement of the Dubai Health Authority.

It is important you feel completely comfortable before and during treatment.  It is best to wear appropriate clothing such as leggings, shorts, loose T shirts & trousers etc. Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, as your Osteopath, I may ask you to undress to your under garments. There is a secure changing area available and towels can be provided for cover as needed.

Bring along any X-rays, scans or test results or previous reports that you may have.

Yes you can have a friend or relative present throughout your consultation and treatment. Please bear in mind that some of the case history questions can be personal so you may prefer to invite them in once this has been taken.

While some Osteopaths exclusively use hands on or manual therapy techniques with their patients, many Osteopaths including myself, also use other complimentary treatment modalities. Therefore I may also use low level laser therapy which is now known as Photobiomodulation therapy, a massage machine called a Vibrocussor and a joint mobilising instrument known as Arthostim to assist your treatment program.

Most osteopathy treatments involve some form of manual therapy and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require treatment of painful and tender areas, I will inform you and aim to make you as comfortable as possible.

You may experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. This is a completely normal and is a healthy response to treatment and can last anywhere between 24-72 hours.

The first consultation and all follow up treatment sessions last around 30 minutes.

The number of treatments you require depends on the condition being treated and varies from person to person.  Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits but you may need several treatments.  For acute cases the average number of treatments is 4-6 whilst long term or chronic problems can take longer. You can be assured that I will try to get you better in the shortest amount of time possible.

Following your Osteopathy consultation or treatment, I may feel that additional investigations such as X-ray, scans or blood tests are required to fully diagnose the condition and in this case I will refer you to another health professional to arrange them.

It is important you tell me as your Osteopath if your medical condition changes over time. This includes any new injuries or change of medications.

Most health care providers in Dubai do cover Osteopathy but it is always best to check that yours does. Some insurance companies may require a referral for treatment from a Family Medicine Specialist or other consultant such as an Orthopaedic specialist or a Neurologist.