Osteopathy is not painful and is commonly very relaxing. However, patients occasionally describe ‘good pain’ when treating particular areas. The practitioner will communicate extensively to ensure this is always within the patient’s pain threshold.
It is common to feel a little achy for up to 48 hours following your appointment as the joints and muscles adjust and adapt to being treated. This is very normal. During this time, you may be advised to continue normal daily activities and light movement but minimise strenuous exercise. This is, however, dependent on your specific issue/treatment.
Techniques you may experience at Barnes Osteopaths:
- The gentle, rhythmic movement of joints, known as articulation, which helps improve the range of motion of joints
- Soft tissue techniques. These can feel similar to massage but target specific muscles, tendons or ligaments, rather than a routine-based massage you might have experienced.
- Unwinding and gentle release techniques can be performed on all soft tissues, including the supporting structures of organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
- Manipulation of joints (‘cracking’), often with an audible click, may be appropriate. This pain-free technique is only undertaken with a full explanation and the patient’s consent.
- Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle technique that involves holding a part of the body (often the head or the sacrum), allowing the body to resolve old tension patterns and restricted movement patterns. This approach is well recognised now as suitable for all ages, including newborns, children, and all stages of pregnancy.
