Chigwell Osteopaths | Ben Cohen Osteopathy

Chigwell Physiotherapists | Chiropractors | Osteopaths

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What is the difference between Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists?​​ 

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At Chigwell Osteopaths | Physiotherapy & Wellbeing, we understand the importance of finding the right healthcare professional for you. Our experienced and knowledgeable team of Osteopaths, Physiotherapists & Massage Therapists are all qualified and dedicated to providing a tailored approach to your individual needs. 

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Osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists all have a shared goal of restoring function and mobility, but it is the techniques used that differentiate them from one another. Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals are here to help you make the best choice for your individual needs. 

. It should be noted that there is a large overlap between the professions and even within the professions themselves. All Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and Chiropractors can treat musculoskeletal issues (muscle, ligament, joint and nerve issues). Ultimately it is therefore more important that the therapist you choose to see a) comes highly recommended and b) is a proffesional you feel comfortable working with to achieve your goals.

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We understand that many people are confused about the differences between Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists so We have therefore provided an overview below to help you understand a bit more about the professions

 

Osteopaths in Chigwell

 

What does an Osteopath do? - The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) defines osteopathy as “A system of diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions, it works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.” Osteopathic training takes a minimum of 4 years of study which generally involves over 2000 hours of clinical experience.

 

Our Osteopaths in Chigwell specialise in the treatment of back pain, sciatica, sports injuries and nerve entrapment. Physiotherapists in Chigwell differ in their treatment approach.

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Chigwell Osteopaths are musculoskeletal specialists meaning that they are trained in the assessment, examination and treatment of the muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints of the entire body.

Some Osteopaths may further their training and study additional courses in Visceral and Cranial Osteopathy. These courses then enable Osteopaths to carry out treatment which influences organ function and cranial mechanics.

 

Chigwell Osteopaths follow the principle “The body is a unit” meaning that everything in your body works as one. Osteopaths will use a range of massage, stretching, mobilisation, and joint manipulation to improve muscle function and joint movement. They may also prescribe specific exercises to help with posture and encourage the rehabilitation process.

Some Osteopaths are also trained in: Acupuncture, Electrotherapy, and Paediatrics.

During an initial consultation, an Osteopath may get the patient to perform active and passive ranges of movements to assess for restrictions. The Osteopath may also need to carry out Orthopaedic tests or further testing (neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal and peripheral vascular) to come to a working diagnosis.

Chiropractic

 

Chiropractor in Chigwell

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What does a Chiropractor do? - The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) define chiropractors as “A primary health-care profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves”. Chiropractors will generally work privately and you can self-refer yourself for chiropractic care. Chiropractic students will study at university for about 4 years. The training is more specifically in musculoskeletal conditions. They will be trained in radiography and will be able to take and read x-rays.

Chiropractors are mostly well known for their spinal manipulation. Chiropractors follow the principle that if there is misalignment in the pain this can affect the rest of the body. They place a large emphasis on spinal correction to improve movement. More modern chiropractors will also undertake extra training in acupuncture and electrotherapy e.g. ultrasound.

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Physio in Chigwell

 

What does a Physio do? - The Chartered society of Physiotherapy (CSP) defines Physiotherapy as “helping to restore movement and function to as near normal as possible when someone is affected by injury, illness or by developmental or other disability.” A high percentage of UK Physiotherapists work for the NHS, however there are also private Physiotherapists.

 

To become a physio, you must get a degree which generally takes 3 years. The training is broad and covers the physical problems of the different systems of the body. This includes musculoskeletal (muscles, bones, and joints), neuromuscular (brain and nervous system), cardiovascular and neurological system (heart and lungs). Physios will generally work in one of these specialisms. Their treatment approach has an emphasis on exercise prescription and will sometimes combine a hands-on approach using massage therapy and other soft tissue techniques.

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Osteopaths & Physiotherapists in Chigwell | Common Conditions

 

If you are suffering from any of the following it is always best to seek professional help: Our Osteopaths in Chigwell can help with -

 

• Back Pain – ‘slipped disc’, Sciatica, Pelvic Dysfunction, Osteoarthritis, Pregnancy

 

• Neck Pain – ‘slipped disc’ , Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Osteoarthritis, Postural

 

• Headaches – Tension-type, Cervicogenic, Posturally-related

 

• Shoulder pain – Rotator Cuff, Impingement, Tendinopathy

 

• Elbow pain – Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow, Peripheral Nerve Entrapment

 

• Wrist pain – Carpal Tunnel, Repetitive Strain Injury

 

• Hip pain – Bursitis, giving way (Labral tear), Osteoarthritis, ITB Syndrome

 

• Knee pain – Meniscus, ligament (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), Osteoarthritis

 

• Foot pain / Ankle pain – Ligament, Plantar Fasciitis, Osteoarthritis, Achilles Tendinopathy