The Lloyd’s Wellbeing Centre practitioners can help.

Here at the Lloyd’s Wellbeing Centre, we have a great team which includes both Osteopaths and Physiotherapists. Two of the questions that we are most frequently asked are, “What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Physiotherapist?”, and similarly, “Would an Osteopath or a Physiotherapist be best to treat my condition?”

Many of our patients who have been treated by both osteopaths and physiotherapists, find it hard to tell you what the differences are between the two. Even Osteopaths and Physiotherapist themselves will say that their treatments overlap in many ways.

Before we explore the differences, here are a few similarities between Osteopaths and Physiotherapists:

• both treat musculoskeletal pain conditions.
• both have protected titles, meaning that a therapist cannot call themselves an ‘Osteopath’ or a ‘Physiotherapist’, unless they have completed the relevant accredited course.
• both have university based education, requiring at least 3 years of full-time study.
• both are regulated by law and have to be registered with their respective regulatory bodies.

Now we’ll define a few key differences…

• What are the differences in training for an Osteopath and a Physiotherapist?
  
  • Physiotherapists study for a 3 year Degree, during which they have to complete 1000 hours of clinically based learning in hospitals. The majority of physiotherapists work within the NHS, with the remainder (approx 40%) in private practice. All physiotherapists must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
  • Osteopaths study for a 4 year Degree or 5 year Masters Degree, with again, at least 1000 hours of clinical training before qualifying. The majority of osteopaths work in private practice, with a small minority (<5%) working within the NHS. All UK practising osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic council (GOsc).

• What are the differences in treatment between an Osteopath and a Physiotherapist?
  
  • Osteopaths and Physiotherapists will both use their medical training to assess, examine and diagnose each patient before treatment commences.
  • Osteopaths are trained to look at the patient as a ‘whole’ – or holistically – so that they can assess where the problem is coming from, rather than just treating the bit that hurts right now. Osteopathic treatment focuses on correcting disturbances with this system, whether caused (by among many things) muscle weakness/imbalance and/or tension, restricted joint movements, poor posture or working practices. Given that each body is viewed as being unique, treatment is tailored to the individual not the symptom(s).
    Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment is around 90% ‘hands-on’. The techniques employed by our osteopaths can vary from cranial osteopathic (gentle touch and pressure – see the page on cranial osteopathy for more information), soft tissue techniques such as massage and passive joint movements (where the osteopath initiates and controls the movement) and thrust techniques (such as manipulation – often referred to by patients as ‘cracking’ – which, incidentally, is only the release of a slight vacuum that has built up between two surfaces of a joint). They may also use ultrasound, modern acupuncture, and in many cases lifestyle/postural advices, exercises and/or stretches may be given.
  • Physiotherapists are trained in a hospital environment so they can treat patients with heart conditions, incontinence, post-surgical recovery, and neurological problems such as strokes. On a very basic level, the end result is the same – we help you to understand your injury, help you recover and help you to prevent it from recurring. But Osteopaths and Physiotherapists will have some different methods when helping you to recover.
    Physiotherapists concentrate on restoring optimum function and performance to the problem area. As physiotherapy has been an intrinsic part the NHS for many years, the availability of funding has driven research and enabled studies leading to the development of ‘treatment protocols’ for the treatment of specific problems.
    Physiotherapy diagnosis and treatment is less ‘hands-on’ (around 60%) as more focus is given to observing movement and correcting technique. The techniques employed by our physiotherapists vary from soft tissue techniques, such as massage and passive joint movements (movements initiated and controlled by the physiotherapist), to more extensive rehabilitation exercise programs. Ultrasound also be employed.

• Who should I see? Do the differences matter?
  
  • Physios and Osteos are more similar, than they are different.
    Our experience is that patients get better when there is a good relationship between the patient and the practitioner. The actual techniques themselves, provided they are performed competently, seem to matter less. Perhaps the best advice for patients is for them to try different therapies and find the one that works for them as individuals.
  • We have many different Patients at the Lloyd’s Wellbeing Centre; people with computer-related aches and pains, sports injuries, people recovering from operations, pre-natal and post-natal women, people with arthritis or other conditions that cause painful joints, people with headaches and migraines – there is an endless list! Osteopaths and Physiotherapists treat all of these patients and more.

To book an appointment or speak to us, please contact the Lloyd’s Wellbeing Centre on 020 7326 5341 or email info@lloydswellbeingcentre.co.uk