1. What is the difference between Physiotherapy and Osteopathy?
Physiotherapy is the treatment of disease, injury, dysfunction or deformity by physical methods such as massage, manual therapy and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery. Most of the times the treatment is executed by hand.
Osteopathy belongs to those manual forms of treatment, but whilst physiotherapy focuses on the treatment of "obvious" structures such as bones, joints, muscles and nerves, Osteopathy (founded by A. T. Still) digs a little deeper, incorporating organs, blood and lymphatic vessels as well as the circulation of liquor cerebrospinalis (brain water) and other body fluids in its treatment, aiming on bringing back mobility to those structures, which is needed in order to achieve proper function. The idea is that, if tissue is properly "nourished" it is able to maintain and heal itself. Osteopathic techniques are designed to free the tissue from any obstructions or adhesions and, with that, enable the sealf-healing process of the cells.
"To find health should be the object of a doctor. Anyone can find disease." - (A. T. Still)
More than Physiotherapy, Osteopathy can also be seen as a prophylaxis form of treatment.
For further information please open the following link that leads you to the British Institute of Osteopathy.
"A student of life must take in each part of the body and study its uses and relations to other parts and systems" - (A. T. Still)
2. What happens during the first visit?
First of all, I will do a thorough anamnesis and examination. That means that I will ask you questions about your condition and general health and take notes. Any examinations such as X-rays, MRI's, ultrasounds, blood tests etc., that you will bring with you, will be reviewed.
You will be guided through a physical examination to determine what the problem is. This may involve a posture assessment, palpation, functional tests of muscles, joints and ligaments as well as provocative tests to reproduce the symptoms. You may have to partially disrobe; shorts are good clothes to wear.
I will go through all of the results of the exam with you and establish a hypothesis with which the appearance of your symptoms will be explained.
The first treatment, of course, will be shorter due to the process of diagnostics. Hands on-treatment is the usual way to first reduce the symptoms and improve mobility and function of the affected structures.
During the treatment phase, you will learn about what you can do yourself in order to improve your condition, including exercises and change of day-to-day habits as well as nutritional support for your specific condition.
Combining all of these steps will help you manage your condition in the long term as well as prevent future episodes of your problem.
3. How long are the consultations?
All of the consultations last one hour.
4. Do I need a referral?
A referral is not needed.
Nonetheless, it is advisable to first consult with a doctor and make sure that an osteopathic treatment is indicated in your case.
5. Should I bring my X-Rays?
Yes. It is helpful to bring all of your medical records (X-rays, MRI's, blood tests, etc.) that had been done in order to establish a diagnosis of your current problem.
6. What will the treatment involve?
My treatment involves passive as well as active methods.
Passive methods will be applied most of the time during the treatment. That means that I will perform techniques on you while you lie on your back, on your side or on your stomach. You will have to give feedback about the reactions of your body.
Active methods are used as instructions for self-management strategies. I will guide you through exercises (strengthening, relaxation or stretching, whatever is needed in your specific case) and will teach you step-by-step how to repeat those exercises at home or at work.
You will also be provided with a guideline of how often to perform those exercises and for how long.
Finally, you will receive useful tips for your day-to-day life, including nutritional and supplementary advice, that might be helpful to manage your condition.
7. Do I get self-management strategies?
Yes, you will be provided with exercises and information on how to implement the specific behaviour in your day-to-day life, which will improve your condition.
For further information please read the previous question No. 7 "What will treatment involve?".
8. Where do you do your treatments?
All of my treatments are performed in a room specifically equipped for osteopathic treatments, in my personal home.
9. Where are you located?
You find me in
Prodromou Street 51, Entrance to the building is in Rodou Street
Flat 301
2063 Strovolos, Nicosia
Cyprus
10. Is parking available?
Yes.On the opposite side of the road is a long parking strip. You need to purchase a ticket.
Besides that, you can park in Rodou Street, which is free
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For further information please don't hesitate to contact me under "Contact". Simply fill out the form and click the "Send" button. I will get back to you as soon as possible.