Integrated
Osteopathy & Physiotherapy
One of the most frequent questions we get from our patients is ‘what is the difference between osteopathy and physiotherapy?’. Physiotherapy and Osteopathy are both medical disciplines that address human body movement and function, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of various conditions. While both aim for injury recovery and a return to normal activities, they feature distinct approaches. Having access to both during your rehabilitation process can provide a unique advantage due to the diversity in their methodologies.
The perfect combination: The osteopathic approach aims to alleviate pain, correct imbalances, and enhance your body's mobility, ensuring freedom from restrictions. In tandem, the physiotherapy method offers a tailored, progressive exercise regimen to prevent setbacks and sustain the positive outcomes attained through osteopathy. Upon achieving improved movement, you can seamlessly transition back to your daily routines and sports activities. Book with Tommaso, the founder of Complement clinic and Senior Osteopath and Physiotherapist.
He implements various stages in his approach:
Case History: Every session commences with an introductory interview to assess your unique condition and overall health status thoroughly. This meticulous process ensures a comprehensive understanding of your requirements. In the initial evaluation, it is essential to grasp your personal objectives and expectations, fostering a collaborative approach to our shared journey towards optimal health and well-being.
Clinical Assessment: During your initial assessment and at the beginning of the follow-up sessions you will receive a postural and functional assessment to investigate which adaptations or issues your body may face when moving, exercising, or maintaining any position. Also specific clinical tests (orthopaedic, neurological, visceral and general osteopathic) are performed in order to identify the root cause (or the causes) of your dysfunctions or injury.
Manual Treatment: Through the assessment, the therapist can determine the most effective hands-on interventions to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and restore function in the affected tissues of your body. Manual treatments typically involve manipulative techniques targeting the spine, pelvis, thorax, and limbs, along with gentle mobilisations, soft tissue release, massage therapy, fascial techniques, and other necessary interventions. Additionally, visceral and craniosacral techniques are utilised as needed to promote complete recovery and support tissue healing.
Exercise Therapy: Following the manual treatment, the therapist leads the patient through a structured series of exercises aimed at improving their condition, building strength, and restoring confidence in pain-free movement. These prescribed exercises are tailored for home practice, empowering patients to gradually regain functionality and mobility. The therapist customizes a set of exercises to suit each patient's schedule, focusing on continual progression and regularly reviewing the exercise regimen. A well-rounded exercise routine is vital in minimising the risk of reinjury and promoting self-management, even long after their last clinic session.
Empowering Education: We believe that education is key to long-term success, which is why we take the time to educate our patients about their condition, treatment options, and strategies for self-management. By empowering you with knowledge and skills, we help you take control of your health and well-being.
Tommaso seamlessly integrates the principles and techniques of both physiotherapy and osteopathy into his practice.