Osteopathy is characterised as a gentle, non-invasive manual therapy. In general, it should not be painful. Osteopaths are trained to use techniques that are comfortable and safe for the patient.

However, it is important to note that, in some cases, it is possible to experience a temporary feeling of discomfort during or after an osteopathic session. This can occur when gentle manipulative techniques are applied to release muscle tension or correct imbalances in the body. This discomfort is usually brief and may be accompanied by a sense of relief as the body adjusts and releases tensions.

It is essential to communicate any discomfort or concerns to your osteopath during the session. Osteopaths are trained to adjust their approach and techniques according to the patient's needs and sensations to ensure that the treatment is as comfortable as possible.

In summary, although osteopathy is generally painless, it is normal to experience some sensations during treatment. Open communication with your osteopath is key to ensuring a comfortable and effective experience.

A session lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

In general, a medical referral is not required to receive osteopathic treatment. Osteopaths are usually self-employed health professionals and can treat patients directly without the need for a referral. You can seek and schedule an appointment with an osteopath on your own.

However, there are some situations in which your primary care physician may recommend osteopathy or provide you with a referral if he or she feels it may be beneficial to your health situation. In such cases, a physician referral may be helpful to ensure that the osteopath has complete information about your medical history.

It is important to note that osteopathy is a complementary practice and does not replace conventional medical care. If you have a serious medical condition or are undergoing medical treatment, it is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations and, if you wish to try osteopathy, to discuss it with your doctor to ensure that it is safe and appropriate in your particular case.

The number of osteopathic sessions you will need can vary depending on a number of factors, including the nature of your condition, its severity, your response to treatment and your individual health goals. Osteopaths will usually assess your situation at the first consultation and provide an initial recommendation on the frequency and duration of treatment.

For acute problems or minor injuries, you may only need a few treatment sessions to experience significant relief. In these cases, it is common for osteopaths to follow up regularly to make sure you are making progress and to adjust treatment as needed.

For chronic conditions or more complex health problems, a greater number of sessions may be required over time. The goal in these cases is usually to improve quality of life and symptom management over the long term.

It is important to work closely with your osteopath to develop a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. The osteopath will continually assess your progress and guide you on the number and frequency of sessions needed.

Ultimately, the number of osteopathic sessions required will be unique to each individual and will depend on the specific health situation. You can always discuss your expectations and concerns with your osteopath to ensure you are on the same page and receiving the best possible care.

Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages, from babies to older adults. This manual therapy is adapted to the individual needs of each patient, making it versatile and beneficial in a wide range of situations.

Here are some considerations for different age groups:

1. Pregnancy : Women benefit from the osteopathy during pregnancy to relieve pain, relax and prepare for childbirth.

2. Babies and Children: The paediatric osteopathy focuses on the treatment of babies and children. It can be useful to treat common problems such as colic, sleep problems, breastfeeding problems, postural asymmetries, plagocephaly and more. Treatments are gentle and tailored to the needs of the little ones.

3. Adolescents: Adolescents can benefit from osteopathy to address growth problems, sports injuries, muscular and skeletal pain, as well as postural problems related to growth.

4. Adults: Osteopathy is widely used by adults to treat a variety of conditions, from back and neck pain to digestive problems, stress, bruising and muscle tension. It can be an effective option for improving general wellbeing and quality of life.

5. Older people: In older age, osteopathy can be useful in addressing problems related to ageing, such as reduced mobility, arthritis and general health maintenance. Gentle techniques can be particularly beneficial for older people.

It is important to note that osteopaths are trained to adapt their approach and techniques according to the age and condition of each patient. It is always advisable to communicate any health concerns or existing medical conditions to your osteopath to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages and can be beneficial in a wide variety of health situations. You can always consult an osteopath to discuss your specific needs and determine if osteopathy is appropriate for you or your family.