Debunking 5 Common Myths About Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a holistic form of healthcare that aims to improve health across all body systems by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework. By improving the body’s mobility and function, osteopaths can help patients heal and reduce their pain.
In recent years, osteopathy is increasingly used alongside conventional treatment to improve patients’ health. However, despite the growing popularity of the practice, there are still many common myths surrounding it. So let us set the record straight by sharing and debunking the most common myths about osteopathy.
Myth #1: Treatment is not permanent
Occasionally, there is a grain of truth residing in a myth. Nevertheless, this statement only applies to specific cases. After all, the number of treatment sessions depends on the patient’s condition. Some may require more extensive care since their condition is severe. As such, there is no written rule on how often a patient requires treatment.
For example, at Orchard Health Clinic, our osteopaths will assess our patient’s condition before recommending the frequency of treatment sessions. As the programme progresses smoothly, these sessions become less frequent. Generally, the latter visits are often scheduled to ensure patients are not experiencing setbacks in their treatment programmes.
Myth #2: Osteopaths only treat back problems
Yes! Osteopaths do treat back problems. However, chronic back pain is far from the only ailment that osteopaths see daily. In fact, various osteopaths in Singapore offer treatment for a range of medical conditions, including headaches, neck and shoulder pain, arthritic pain, hip, knee and ankle pain, and other conditions like sciatica and scoliosis.
Learn More: How An Osteopath Can Help with Your Scoliosis
Myth #3: Osteopathic treatments are painful
Many hesitate to try osteopathy because they believe the treatment may be painful. If you share similar concerns, let us reassure you that this myth is untrue. Our osteopaths are trained to use gentle and non-invasive techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. They work to ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the treatment. In fact, many of our patients report feeling a sense of relief and relaxation after their treatments.
Myth #4: Osteopathic treatments will make my pain worse
Building upon the previous myth, many people avoid osteopathic treatments because they mistakenly believe that the various muscle manipulation techniques will worsen their pain. Although our osteopaths will endeavour to make the treatment as painless as possible, some soreness or aching is common after an appointment.
This is because our therapists may be moving your body in ways that they have not been moved before. As a result, it may take some time for your body to adjust to these movements. You may experience an increase in tiredness and soreness after a session, but they tend to vanish within a day or two after visiting our clinic. Most importantly, you will wake up feeling more refreshed than before your session!
Myth #5: Osteopathy is identical to Physiotherapy and Chiropractic care
There is no denying that there are overlaps in the work performed by osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors. The end goal remains the same – to help patients improve their overall health. Moreover, practitioners from these fields utilise similar techniques to treat similar conditions.
We hope what we shared has clarified any doubts you have about osteopathy. Rest assured that osteopathic care is safe and effective and can help improve your overall health. So if you are considering osteopathic treatment, do not hesitate to approach Orchard Health Clinic. As one of the best osteopaths in Singapore, we can help you achieve optimal health and well-being. Do not hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment with our osteopaths.
