featured9 1 - The Differences between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor

The Differences between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor

When it comes to looking up alternative forms of treatment, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with choices as there are so many. This is why it is important—more than ever—to be empowered with your decisions. A few weeks ago, we received a question that piqued our interest quite well.

Heather from Atlanta sent in a question from across the big pond. She asked what the distinct differences between an osteopath and chiropractor are. This was something that understandably confused some people as both concepts deal with the physical manipulation of the spine, bones, and joints. Let’s take a look at some of their differences:

Osteopathy Came First

What we find fascinating about both concepts is that one came first. Osteopathy was established in 1872. Chiropractors did not come about until 1895 and only because one of the students that studied under the founder of osteopathy decided to try out their hand at alternative treatment.

Chiropractors Are More Well-Known

If you mention alternative physical treatment, it would be odd at all to be referred to a chiropractor rather than an osteopath. The biggest difference comes in the form of their marketing and advertising strategies. There has been significantly more advertising about chiropractors and their craft than osteopaths.

Chiropractors Target Specific Areas

Chiropractors will often target the spine of the patient as they believe that a majority of the pains that humans feel pass through the spine. Osteopathic treatments however treat the totality of the body and not just a specific area. A majority of chiropractors focus more about popping joints rather than a holistic take at treatments.

Osteopathy Tends to Limit Radiation Exposure

When you get your x-ray taken, you are exposed to radiation. Chiropractors will always require their patients to have an x-ray taken. Osteopathy, however, will limit doing so unless wholly necessitated by the osteopathic doctor. Osteopathy always aims to be on the all-natural side of the treatment spectrum.

Osteopathic Treatments Are Extensive

Usually chiropractors will not go on for extended periods of time. Osteopathic can go on for several sessions—as long as there is recurring pain, more and more people will keep coming back to osteopathy.

To Conclude

We don’t blame you if you were confused about the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor. This is a concept that anyone can easily be mistaken in. We hope that today’s discussion helped you to determine the difference. That way, you’ll be able to fully know who you should see regarding your ills.

How to find an Osteopath away from Wales

We understand that you might read this and be to far to visit us. So how to find and Osteopath somewhere else?
Well of course you could call the University College of Osteopathy, formerly known as the British School Of Osteopathy and ask for graduates in your area, but we would only recommend someone that we can trust completely. So if you are in London and can reach Notting Hill conveniently we suggest you visit Idris at Natural Moves, his reputation precedes him and he also has some celebrity endorsements.

featured5 1 - Before the Choice: Questions You Should Ask When Screening an Osteopath

Before the Choice: Questions You Should Ask When Screening an Osteopath

Once you have found an osteopath whose practice you would like to patronize, it would still be good for you to be prepared. Today, we want to talk about certain questions that you should ask when screening an osteopath.

Why are questions important?

In order to determine if you’ve found the right doctor to suit your needs, you need to know what you want. You do that by asking a set amount of questions in order to gauge the expertise or the personality of the doctor. When it comes to alternative treatment, you should be able to make sure that the doctor that you choose would be a good fit.

Sample Questions

If you’re looking around for an osteopathic doctor, here are a few questions that you may want to consider asking:

Are you certified?

21 - Before the Choice: Questions You Should Ask When Screening an Osteopath

This is one of the more important questions that you could actually ask. In the UK, it is critical that an osteopathic doctor is duly certified otherwise they would be subject to criminal persecution.

Would you be comfortable with an outsider to appointments?

22 - Before the Choice: Questions You Should Ask When Screening an Osteopath

In some cases, the patient may not be comfortable with attending appointments by themselves. It would be important to know if the doctor would be okay if the patient brought along a relative or a friend.

What risks are associated with treatment?

23 - Before the Choice: Questions You Should Ask When Screening an Osteopath

It is important for the osteopathic doctor to be clear about any risks so that any patients would be aware. Patients need to see if a doctor would be willing to share such risks. Potential patients could also use this to gauge the personality of the doctor.

What is the duration of treatments?

24 - Before the Choice: Questions You Should Ask When Screening an Osteopath

Those seeking alternative treatment must have a clear understanding of what goes into a treatment. How is it done, how long does it take, and other such questions would be smart. This would be a good way to determine if you would like to go forward with the treatments.

To Conclude

Being prepared for the appointment you’re setting saves yourself a lot of time and you also save the physician a lot time as well. When you know what you need and have the right questions prepped, you help to create a better experience for yourself. After all, if the doctor you’re talking to cannot give you the answers that you want, you would be better off going somewhere else for your treatments.

What questions would you consider asking when you screen an Osteopath?