TREATMENTS EXPLAINED

 

THE PUKACZ PRACTICE offers the following disciplines:

 

Osteopathy and Manipulative Therapy – Osteopathy originated from the common sense principle that a patients history of illnesses and physical traumas are written into the bodys structure.  Our practitioners have a highly developed sense of touch which allows them to palpate (feel) the patients living anatomy (i.e. flow of fluids, motion of tissues, and structural make-up). Their job is to set the body up to heal itself.  To restore its normal function, our practitioners gently apply a precise amount of force to promote movement in areas of congestion to restore normal motion of the body, release the compression of bones and joints, thus allowing restoration of normal tissue function. 
When the body is balanced and efficient, just like a well tuned engine, it will function with the minimum of wear and tear, leaving more energy for living.
As Osteopaths we consider each person as an individual. On your first visit, we will spend time taking a detailed medical history including important information about your lifestyle. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and perform a series of simple movements. This will allow a full diagnosis and a treatment plan to be devised by us, tailored to your individual needs.
Through a variety of stretching, mobilising and manipulative techniques we aim, through working with you, to restore the body’s harmony.  This, coupled with exercises and health advice, enable us to reduce the symptoms and restore your health and quality of life.
We treat a variety of common conditions including changes to posture in pregnancy; repetitive strain injury (RSI), postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries.

 

Remedial Massage – We also offer therapeutic massage and soft tissue manipulation for the treatment of muscular-skeletal conditions, sports injuries etc.  When most people think of massage they think of relaxation massage, where the primary aim is to relieve stress and soothe muscular aches and pains.  Remedial massage, however, takes this a little further focusing on the root cause of persistent chronic muscular or skeletal pain and then seeks to alleviate it permanently.  Often such pain is the result of injury, caused by specific trauma or imbalances in the joints, muscles and ligaments.

 

Our therapists are trained to assess these imbalances and establish an effective programme of therapeutic treatment. The remedial massage treatment process involves the application of scientifically based treatments, often in conjunction with a rehabilitation programme.

 

The application of remedial massage and manipulation is based upon a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. It aims to re-balance the musculo-skeletal system, by working specifically on muscles, tendons, joints, fascia and ligaments, thus making the treatment a powerful yet non-traumatic therapy. This re-balancing of soft tissue, allows freedom of movement within the joints so facilitating the normal function of the vascular and neural systems.

 

Many studies have demonstrated the wide-ranging benefits of massage.  It is useful for specific ailments such as asthma, depression, back and neck pain, insomnia, immune deficiency disorders and diabetes. It can be helpful during pregnancy and labour and is also used to help premature babies thrive. It can also be taught to their mothers to help them bond with their infants while they are still in incubators. Massage is often a part of therapy for people with cancer since it promotes relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.

 

Electrotherapy – Our therapists apply electrotherapy where appropriate to be of benefit to the condition being treated. Modalities used in the Practice include interferential, pulsed electromagnetic energy fields and medium frequency modulated current (Likon). 
Some of the equipment is designed for continuation of therapeutic treatment at home.

 

Interferential – This is based on the crossing of two separate applied electronic currents of two different frequencies which “interfere” at their cross points, creating the required therapy frequency.  This is done by applying four electrodes to the body (in direct contact).  The reason for this form of therapy is to create this interferential field deep within the localized tissue.

 

Pulsed Electromagnetic Treatment - Electromagnetic Therapy does not need any electrical contact with the body and creates a much larger area of therapy field within the body and penetrates easily through the body.  It works by applying a low frequency pulsing magnetic field to the injured area. This pulsating field influences the ions within the body cells to enhance ion exchange which, in turn, improves oxygenation to the cells which accelerates healing and cell regeneration.

 

 

When you first visit THE PUKACZ PRACTICE you will be welcomed by one of our receptionists.  They will ask for your address and some personal details in order that we may set up a Patient Record on our system.  During your consultation with one of our therapists, a full medical history will be taken and you will be given an examination.

 

In order that the examination may take place, you will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements, so that the mobility of your body can be evaluated.  Any points of weakness, excessive strain or specific injury will be identified.  This musculo-skeletal assessment will be considered alongside lifestyle factors such as work and leisure activities, to enable a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be determined.  Your Therapist will make you feel at ease and communicate what he/she is doing at all times.   Please feel free, at any time, to ask questions during your consultation, examination or treatment.

 

 

 

 

We thought you may find the following information from a recent survey of interest:

 

In a national survey of patients visiting osteopaths it was found that :

 

• Half suffer low back trouble
Most back pains result from mechanical disturbances of the spine - postural strains, joint derangements and spinal disc injuries.  Osteopathy, with its comprehensive approach to health care, is a particularly successful approach to treatment.

 

• Over half are women
Many women are working mothers and both aspects of their lives can give rise to problems, from the perennial headache to severe musculo-skeletal disorders.
Many headaches originate from stiffness and tension in the neck and osteopathic treatment can often bring relief.
Pregnancy can put a strain on the low back and osteopathic treatment can help the body to adjust.

 

• A quarter are in their forties
Due to work and life style changes many patients are losing fitness at this stage in their lives and are more prone to injury.  Osteopaths consider all the factors, examining posture and the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons.  Treatment is designed to alleviate current problems and to help prevent recurrences.

 

• Many are elderly
Painkillers are not the only solution for the aches and pains associated with ageing.  For more permanent relief it is necessary to eliminate the underlying causes of pain, a job for which the Osteopath is specifically trained.  Osteopathy can also help in reducing pain and stiffness in the less acute stages of arthritis.

 

• Many problems relate to work
Work, whether it be a computer terminal or in heavy industry, can give rise to disorders of the muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, hands and arms.  Osteopaths treat many conditions relating to the workplace and can give remedial advice and preventative exercise.

 

 

 

 

 

With the Osteopaths Act 1993, osteopathy became the first of the complementary medical professions to achieve statutory self-regulation.  The regulatory body formed to represent Osteopaths is the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

 

The GOsC’s remit is to provide for the regulation of the profession of osteopathy, including the registration of osteopaths and their professional education and conduct, and for the promotion and development of the profession.

 

The GOsC is committed to encouraging diversity in the application of the principals of osteopathy to a wide range of health care problems.

 

It also acknowledges that the frontiers of osteopathic practice continue to move forward as the profession gains recognition.  The Council has not therefore produced a definition of osteopathy but offers instead a basic description, which it hopes will be of help to members of the public.
Description of Osteopathy as defined by the GOsC

 

Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. 

 

It is distinctive by the fact that it recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of body structure as well as damage caused to it by degenerative, inflammatory or infectious processes, which are collectively, called pathology (disease). 

 

Osteopathy recognises the need for medical investigation into symptoms when indicated and uses many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis.

 

Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way in which the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and manual methods of treatment applied that suit the needs of the individual patient rather than specific treatment for a specific problem.

 

 

The Osteopaths Act (1993) came fully into force in May 2000.  It defines a practising osteopath as a person whose name is entered on the Statutory Register.  This guarantees that s/he has demonstrated that they meet the Standard of Proficiency currently laid down by the GOsC, that s/he adheres to the guidance and principles set out in the Code of Practice and carries professional indemnity insurance. 

 

LCSP Register of Remedial Masseurs and Manipulative Therapists
(Formerly – London and Counties Society of Physiologists - founded 1919)

 

The LCSP was established in 1919, making it one of the oldest independent organisations for the registration of massage and manipulative therapies in the UK.  Members must follow a strict code of conduct and the LCSP Register acts as a watchdog for these services.

 

 

The BOA is an independent professional association which aims to support Osteopaths in their profession and promote osteopathy in both the public and government arenas.  Through their “Find an Osteopath” website the public have access to a list of local and national practitioners along with on-line help and advice