Margaret Papoutsis was the Gold Medal Graduate from the British School of Osteopathy in 1968, where she taught clinical subjects for a number of years.
She is registered with the General Osteopathic Council (Registration No:2/959/F).

What is osteopathy & how did it evolve?

Massage and manipulation have almost certainly been practised since Man started to walk upright in defiance of gravity. Traditionally, manipulative skills were passed down through generations of 'bone setters', and few people outside these dynasties ever developed the required skills.

In the mid 19th century, Andrew Taylor Still lived and worked as a doctor in the American mid-west. His twin interests of medicine and mechanics led him to develop a system of physical therapy which could be codified and taught to others. He named the system osteopathy, and for many years it was used equally as a treatment for both internal ailments and physical problems. The advent of 'modern' medicine inevitably moved the therapeutic emphasis towards musculo-skeletal (muscles and bones) concerns, but recent years have seen a renewal of interest in the area of visceral osteopathy, particularly in the area of digestive problems.

Osteopathy is a 'hands-on' therapy which uses a variety of manual techniques to mobilise, realign and rebalance the body. These include massage, stretching, friction, joint articulation, manipulation amongst others. The osteopathic approach is holistic, addressing the whole person, rather than a specific disorder. It may also include cupping, exercises, diet and lifestyle advice.

The ultimate aim is to bring the body back into a state where healing is optimised and wellness is maintained.

What can osteopathy treat?

Osteopathy can have a wide range of influence on the body, but is most recognised for the effective management of problems of spine, muscles and joints.

These include:

Low back pain and sciatica
Neck pain and tension
Headaches
Arthritic and rheumatic aches and pains
Joint strains
Sports injuries
'Tennis elbow'
'Frozen shoulder'
Foot problems
Bad posture
Muscle spasm related to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Many problems are associated with work or leisure activities, and as such have a tendency to recur. Often great improvements can be obtained and maintained by regular osteopathic treatment. This is particularly relevant in physically stressful occupations, such as:

Dancers
Musicians
Sports enthusiasts
Singers
Lorry and van drivers
Builders
Computer-bound activities

Visceral Osteopathy can help support the treatment of a number of conditions, such as digestive problems.

What does an initial osteopathic consultation involve?

On your first visit you will be asked to provide details of your current problem, and any significant medical history. A physical examination will follow, both standing and lying down, which will assess your posture, mobility and muscle strength amongst other things. If necessary, you will be advised if further testing is required, such as x-rays, scans or blood tests.

Once the problem has been identified, Mrs Papoutsis will discuss the most advantageous therapeutic approach. This is usually followed by some initial treatment on the first visit.

Subsequent visits will involve a short initial examination to identify the progress made, leading to a greater focus on treatment.

What does the treatment involve?

Depending on your own individual problem you may receive a selection of any of the available treatments mentioned above. Typically, a session may start with soft tissue massage, be followed by some joint stretching and/or articulation and then finish with some manipulation to free particularly stiff joints. Some of the manipulative manoeuvres may be accompanied by a slight 'popping' noise from the joints. You may also be offered other supporting therapies such as remedial exercises or cupping.

Are there any side-effects?

Many patients experience a therapeutic reaction to treatment in the 2 days following a treatment. This is more likely early on in the course, when dramatic changes may be taking place. These are a very positive sign, and are not a cause for concern. Any soreness or discomfort can be alleviated by homoeopathic Arnica tablets, or suitable mild painkiller. Should there be any significant discomfort, please do not hesitate to call the Practice for advice. This said, however, the most common side-effect is an immediate feeling of physical and mental wellbeing!

How safe is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is one of the most reliable medical treatments, and has an unmatched record of safety. Yet it must be said that there is no such thing as a guaranteed, totally safe therapy of any kind. Even the aspirin you buy at the supermarket is potentially dangerous to some people, and almost certainly causes more adverse events in one day than osteopathy has provoked in its entire history.

Some patients are concerned about the chances of damage or stroke following an osteopathic manipulation of the neck, for instance. Just to put any potential risks into perspective, research has indicated that the likelihood having a stroke following an osteopathic manipulation is about the same as the chance of the having a similar problem due to having your hair washed over a back-basin at the hairdressers!

Osteopaths are highly qualified, primary care professionals who are trained in differential diagnosis, unlike many complementary therapists. They are able to recognise conditions which may make certain forms of manipulation inadvisable, and will choose an appropriate style of treatment with safety as the prime consideration.

If you have any concerns about the suitability of any osteopathic techniques, please discuss the matter with Mrs Papoutsis.

Contraindications

There are very few conditions which totally contraindicate osteopathic treatment of any kind. However, several conditions, such as pregnancy and cancer, require specialised handling and possibly permission from your medical practitioner. The medical history you provide will reveal whether or not this is necessary, and you will be advised accordingly.

Dress Code

Men: closed front, close fitting underpants/swimming costume. Note that some loose boxer pants are not suitable.

Women: bra and pants (or pants only, if you prefer)

Earrings and necklaces should be removed.

If you have any concerns about undressing for your treatment, please discuss the matter before booking your appointment.

Medical Records

The Practice maintains high levels of patient confidentiality, and no information can be given out without written permission of the patient.

Patients over the age of 16 are legally entitled to medical confidentiality. Parents wishing to discuss the problems of children of this age will need to seek permission from them before any information can be released.

Please bring a list of any medication and/or supplements you are taking – preferably along with their containers. If you have recently had scans or blood test, bring a copy of the results with you. In the case of x-rays, the original films (or copies), or CD should be brought if at all possible. The Practice Manager, Jenny, will outline the request procedure for copies of NHS x-rays if required.

Fees

£44 for 30 minutes
(£34 - student rate)

Osteopathic treatments are booked half-hourly, but this is an average time only.

Some patients require a slightly longer or shorter session, depending on their condition.

The fee remains the same in either case.

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