Skip to content 
Are you experiencing aches and pains and seeking an alternative treatment to medication or surgery? In that case, osteopathy may be the path forward. However, if you are unfamiliar with this practice, fret not! Let our guide equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the realm of osteopathy with confidence and insight.
We will explore the fundamental principles that underpin osteopathy and shed light on the diverse range of conditions it can address. From musculoskeletal issues that cause aches and pains to disorders that may seem unrelated to the structural system, you will come to appreciate the extensive scope of osteopathy after reading our guide.
PART 2 – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OSTEOPATHY
2.1. What Is Osteopathy?
With roots dating back to the late 19th century, osteopathy has evolved and matured throughout the years to become a sought-after alternative to traditional medicine. It takes a holistic, whole-body approach to healthcare, embracing the intricate interplay between the body’s structure and its ability to function harmoniously. As a result, treatment encompasses the entire individual when making a diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.
Rather than conventionally healing the body, our osteopaths aim to correct structural imbalances, thus restoring the body to a natural state of balance. That involves a range of hands-on, manual therapy techniques, such as stretching and soft tissue release, to help increase mobility, improve blood flow, and relieve muscle tension, thus reducing pain and kickstarting the body’s natural healing process.
However, osteopathy is not merely a collection of techniques. It is also a philosophy that recognises the innate healing capacity residing within the human body. Our osteopaths do not focus only on the problem area. They will also conduct a comprehensive overview of your lifestyle and recommend changes to balance all your body systems, ensuring overall good health and well-being.
2.2. How To Become An Osteopath At Orchard Health Clinic
Training to be an osteopath in Singapore is no mean feat, especially if they aspire to join Orchard Health Clinic! Before joining our clinic, our osteopaths must undergo a stringent selection process as we seek specialists who can implement osteopathic principles to health, illness, and disease and apply this knowledge to treat our patients.
Our osteopaths must also possess a recognised Master’s Degree qualification and have studied anatomy, pathology, physiology, nutrition, and biomechanics. This knowledge is crucial in allowing them to create a personalised treatment plan and utilise an evidence-based approach to adapt treatment based on the patient’s condition.
Once they are part of the team at Orchard Health Clinic, our osteopaths are expected to participate in weekly round table discussions on the latest medical research, techniques, and technology at the forefront of medical breakthroughs. Any complex cases handled by the team are also brought up and discussed with our experienced Clinic Director to formulate the ideal treatment plan.
Additionally, our osteopaths must go through a minimum of 104 hours of CPD throughout their employment at Orchard Health Clinic and complete a minimum of 48 pro-bono hours per Calendar Year as our way of giving back to society. We believe these requirements are necessary to shape our osteopaths for the better, ensuring they are better equipped to help treat our patients.
2.3. What Can You Expect When You Visit Orchard Health Clinic?
As we shared, osteopathy is patient-centric. That is no different at Orchard Health Clinic. When you visit our clinic, you can expect our osteopaths to schedule an initial consultation to assess your condition before any active treatment begins.
At Orchard Health Clinic, our osteopaths can help treat numerous conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Ankle pain
- Back pain
- Foot pain
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Hand, shoulder, and elbow pain
- Headaches
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Neck pain
- Postural issues
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Sport injuries
- Tennis elbow
During this initial consultation, our osteopaths will discuss your health problems with you, asking several questions and listening to your responses to determine the issues plaguing your body. The information obtained will be jotted down for reference and taken into consideration to formulate the ideal treatment plan for your needs.
You can also expect to undergo a physical examination, which generally takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. During the assessment, you will be requested to perform several simple stretches and movements to help our osteopaths make an accurate analysis of your mobility and posture. They may also utilise an osteopathic method called palpation to ascertain the health of your joints, ligaments, and tissues.
Based on the information obtained, our osteopaths can make an accurate diagnosis and work with you to devise a suitable treatment plan. Depending on your diagnosis, you may be required to attend several treatment sessions spread out over time. Please note that this number may change depending on your response to the treatment. Along with your treatment, our osteopaths may also recommend dietary changes, home exercise programmes, and lifestyle adjustments to encourage self-management of the condition.
PART 3 – WHY YOU SHOULD SEEK OSTEOPATHY TREATMENT
3.1. Benefits Of Visiting Our Osteopaths At Orchard Health Clinic
Osteopathy has often been suggested as an alternative healthcare treatment. However, beyond this reason, why should you take a step on this holistic path to wellness and embrace osteopathy? Well, thanks to its versatility, osteopathy offers a comprehensive and integrative route to optimal health. Let us share the benefits of visiting our osteopathic clinic and how it can empower you to lead a healthier, more balanced life.
Benefit #1: Manage chronic pain
Chronic pain can be a persistent and frustrating companion, affecting various aspects of your life. Osteopathy can provide a promising avenue for those seeking relief from such discomfort. Whether you have arthritis, knee pain, or other chronic pain conditions, our osteopaths can play a role in helping you manage the pain and improve your quality of life.
Rather than masking the symptoms, our osteopaths seek to identify and address the root cause of pain through various hands-on techniques. One of the primary methods involves the manipulation of the musculoskeletal system to restore balance and alignment to the body. This process alleviates pressure on nerves, reduces inflammation, corrects structural damage, and encourages natural healing.
Benefit #2: An holistic approach to treatment
As a holistic treatment that recognises the interconnectedness of the body system, osteopathy considers all aspects of the body, including physical, social, and mental factors, that may contribute to a particular health problem. Rather than focus solely on the injury site, our osteopaths will assess your entire body and lifestyle to understand how the different parts influence one another.
This comprehensive perspective ensures treatment that is delivered is measured accordingly, taking into account the entire body. As a result, our osteopaths address the symptoms and any underlying imbalance contributing to your discomfort, thus restoring harmony and well-being on a profound level.
Benefit #3: Prevent injury and recurrence
At Orchard Health Clinic, our osteopaths understand that prevention is better than a cure. Therefore, our treatment focuses on promoting optimal healing and optimising your body’s biomechanics and movement patterns to address any lingering issues and minimise the risk of recurrence.
Through our targeted assessments and personalised treatment plans, you can improve muscular flexion and resilience, thus increasing your range of motion and enhancing the resiliency of various tissues. As a result, your muscles are less likely to suffer damage under stress, preventing tearing and further impact on an injured body part. That is especially beneficial for those susceptible to stress-related injuries, like athletes, physical labourers, and seniors.
Benefit #4: Promote fluid flow
Do you know that our body relies on a delicate balance of fluids for optimal functioning? When restrictions or disruptions occur, such as circulatory or lymphatic issues, it can compromise your health. Our osteopaths can help prevent such occurrences by enhancing fluid flow throughout the body via osteopathic techniques such as gentle manipulations and stretching.
By facilitating the circulation of blood and lymph, nutrients and oxygen are better distributed throughout the body. The improved fluid flow can also help reduce swelling, enhance tissue repair, and expedite recovery from various injuries. As a result, you will notice an improvement in overall vitality and wellness.
Benefit #5: Ease pregnancy symptoms
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey. However, the hormonal and structural changes brought about during pregnancy can bring various discomforts for the expectant mother, such as back pain, pelvic pain, and additional stress on supporting ligaments. Osteopathic treatments can mitigate much of this bodily unease, helping mothers restore balance and adapt to pregnancy, thus optimising maternal health, improving fetal positioning, and enhancing the overall birthing experience.
Learn More: Osteopathy: How It Plays A Critical Role In Postnatal Care
3.2. When Should You Visit Our Osteopathic Clinic?
Now that you understand the benefits of osteopathy, you might be wondering when you should visit our osteopaths. Well, it all begins with listening to your body’s signals. Your body will communicate with you in subtle ways, alerting you to potential imbalances and discomfort. When these signs persist, it is time to seek professional help.
Sign #1: You experience chronic, ongoing pain
Never dismiss pain as a mere inconvenience. Whether you experience low-level discomfort with occasional flare-ups or something more acute, your body is informing you that something requires medical attention. By ignoring the pain, it worsens over time and becomes more than a passing discomfort, resulting in the pain dominating your life.
Our osteopaths can help manage chronic pain by addressing the root cause rather than simply masking the symptoms. They will assess your body’s structure and function to identify areas of tension, imbalance, or misalignment contributing to your pain and address them through gentle manipulations and targeted techniques. So if chronic pain hinders your ability to enjoy life to the fullest, consider consulting our osteopaths for lasting relief.
Sign #2: You constantly wake up feeling stiff and achy
We have all experienced the occasional body aches after a long day or intense workout. However, if you constantly wake up with persistent stiffness and aches and your body feels tight, it could be a sign of underlying musculoskeletal issues. Do not underestimate this discomfort, as it can have a significant impact on your daily activities, affecting your productivity and overall mood.
Fortunately, osteopathy can provide an excellent solution to address these early-morning discomforts. Our osteopaths can optimise your body’s mechanics and promote proper alignment, helping you reclaim the vitality and energy you require to kickstart your day with enthusiasm!
Sign #3: Pain affects all areas of your life
Pain can extend its reach beyond the physical realm, seeping into every aspect of your life. So when your discomfort is beginning to affect all areas of your life, hindering your ability to exercise, participate in family activities, or engage in hobbies you once enjoyed, it is time to take action! Our osteopaths can help alleviate your pain and restore balance and alignment to your body, allowing you to reclaim your quality of life and embrace the activities that bring you joy and fulfilment.
Sign #4: Your work confines you to a desk regularly
Do you know that a sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on your body over time, leading to posture-related issues and musculoskeletal strain? In fact, we have often encountered many patients complaining of ailments relating to their desk-bound jobs. So if your work and lifestyle involve prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, you might want to consider osteopathy.
Our osteopaths are well-equipped to address any strain caused by prolonged sitting and repetitive movements, helping to release tension, improve posture, and enhance your body’s overall functioning through targeted manipulations and suitable exercises. They can also discuss your workplace ergonomics and show you how to maintain proper posture, mitigating the impact of your desk-bound job and promoting optimal well-being.
Sign #5: You seek an alternative non-invasive treatment
Learning to manage your pain is not always straightforward. Without adequate knowledge, it can be challenging to know what to do or where to begin. Moreover, some pain relief measures, like medication, might not always address the root cause of chronic pain. As such, you may be seeking an alternative treatment to resolve your outstanding health issues.
In that case, you might want to consult our osteopaths for a lasting solution to your condition. Our therapists take a holistic, non-invasive approach to treatment, with the aim of triggering your body’s natural healing mechanisms to facilitate pain relief. They can also educate you on what to do to help manage your discomfort.
3.3. How To Select Your Ideal Osteopath
At Orchard Health Clinic, our osteopaths can help treat various conditions. Nevertheless, each therapist possesses their areas of expertise. When it comes to osteopathy, a discipline that embraces the body’s natural healing abilities, finding the ideal osteopath is a critical decision that can profoundly impact your well-being and quality of life.
Remember, the therapeutic relationship with your osteopath should be a partnership built on trust, open communication, and mutual understanding. So take the time to find an osteopath who resonates with your needs and goals. Let us guide you through the process of choosing your ideal osteopath to ensure you achieve synergy with your therapist, enhancing the effectiveness of your osteopathic journey.
Tip #1: Ensure the therapist possesses the relevant license and accreditations
The effectiveness of your osteopathic treatment depends significantly on the qualifications and credentials of your osteopath. Before you commit to your decision, ensure your preferred osteopath meets the stringent standards laid down by the relevant statutory regulator.
Fortunately, rest assured that all our osteopaths at Orchard Health Clinic possess the relevant license and accreditations to administer osteopathic treatment in Singapore. We go the extra mile to verify that every therapist we employ meets our high education standards, ethics, and practice, ensuring our patients can place their trust and confidence in our healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective care.
Tip #2: Ask for recommendations
The experience and insight of others are a valuable resource to consider when embarking on your search for the ideal osteopath. So do not hesitate to seek insights from others by reaching out to friends, family members, or colleagues who have sought osteopathic treatment in our clinic.
Ask them if they like the approach adopted by their therapist and whether the treatment has helped address their needs and concerns. These personal referrals can provide a sense of trust and assurance, especially if someone you know has had a positive experience with the osteopath they are recommending.
Tip #3: Read reviews to find out about other patients’ experiences with the osteopath
In our digital age, online reviews have become an indispensable tool for assessing the reputation and quality of healthcare professionals. Our clinic has amassed numerous reviews from multiple patients, allowing you to read testimonials from other patients who have visited us. These firsthand accounts can offer valuable insights into our osteopaths’ approach to care and the overall patient experience, allowing you to decide which of our osteopaths best fits your needs.
Tip #4: Consider the philosophy/speciality of the osteopathic clinic
At Orchard Health Clinic, we offer various modalities to treat numerous ailments. Hence, before choosing your ideal osteopath, you may wish to inquire on the treatment options available for your condition to determine if they suit your needs and align with your health goals.
PART 4 – FAQs ABOUT OSTEOPATHY
Even with our best effort, we understand that our comprehensive guide may not cover everything you wish to know about osteopathy. As such, allow us to compile and share the common questions we receive from various patients and our response to these queries. We hope the information provided can help address any outstanding concerns you may still have about osteopathy.
Question #1: Who is osteopathy recommended for?
Osteopathy is suitable for patients of all ages, from infants and pregnant women (after the first trimester) to seniors, and is recommended for individuals seeking a holistic, non-invasive approach to healthcare. Osteopathic treatments are especially beneficial for patients experiencing pain that affects their musculoskeletal, visceral, or cranial regions.
Question #2: Are osteopathic treatments safe for me?
Rest assured that osteopathic treatments are completely safe when carried out by licensed healthcare professionals like our osteopaths at Orchard Health Clinic. Osteopathy is an excellent option for those seeking less invasive pain prevention and relief techniques to address preexisting conditions.
Question #3: Are there any side effects to osteopathic treatments?
Osteopathy is a safe practice with minimal side effects. Some patients may experience mild soreness or pain following osteopathic treatment. Rest assured that this is normal as their bodies are responding to the changes created by the treatment, and the side effects will not last long. However, if the side effects worsen or the issue persists, please consult our osteopaths immediately.
Question #4: How often do I need to visit an osteopath?
There is no one size fits all answer to this question, as the suitable length of treatment depends on your condition. Our osteopaths will advise and recommend treatment frequency that will be ideal for you during your first session.
Question #5: What should I do if I experience discomfort after my osteopathic treatment?
There are various ways to support the recovery process from home following your osteopathic treatment. We recommend:
- Avoid sitting or lying in one position for too long;
- Drink plenty of fluids;
- Maintain a healthy diet;
- Perform gentle mobilising activities recommended by your osteopath, such as gentle stretches;
- Refrain from undergoing another type of treatment or bodywork immediately after your osteopathic treatment;
- Rest for an appropriate period of time, as advised by your osteopath, before engaging in any strenuous physical activity;
- Try to remain mobile.
PART 5 – CONCLUSION
Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to healing, directly addressing the root of the issue and providing the body with the relief it requires through a careful combination of science and philosophy. This overall care helps your body achieve balance, leading to optimal healing and well-rounded recovery.
Many of our patients find osteopathy safe and effective in treating their conditions. If you experience any musculoskeletal issues, consider visiting Orchard Health Clinic and consulting our healthcare professionals. With over 80 years of combined experience, our osteopaths can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment based on your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our clinic.
