Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can be highly effective in the treatment of a wide range of issues and injuries, including back pain, sports injuries and arthritis. 

A physiotherapist will use a combination of manipulation, exercise and massage techniques to help rehabilitation. Physiotherapists are trained practitioners and are regulated by two main bodies in the UK. 

If you choose to visit a private physiotherapist, you should check that they are registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). 

Most physiotherapists will also be registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and members must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance. 

It is possible to access physiotherapy through the NHS, private sector or independent sector. Direct or self-referrals are also becoming increasingly popular, especially for people who need physiotherapy to help with the management of a long-term condition as self-referral usually means shorter waiting times for patients. 

Your GP can give you details of local physiotherapists or your employer may run an occupational health scheme that includes physiotherapy treatment, in which case you should check with your human resources department to see if you are eligible. 

If you decide to visit a private physiotherapist, you will be expected to pay for any treatment you receive. You can find a directory of private physiotherapists at www.physiofirst.org.uk and can search for practitioners based upon the expertise you require e.g., for help with pain management, treat a sports injury or related to women’s health, including problems during and after pregnancy. 

Make sure that you feel comfortable with your chosen physiotherapist (you should be able to request a male or female therapist if this matters to you) and that they explain your treatment in advance, as well the treatment plan. 

Private Podiatrist

Podiatrists (also known as chiropodists) are foot specialists who diagnose and treat diseases and abnormalities of the lower limb. They can provide professional advice on existing foot problems and give proper foot care advice for people of all ages, including infants and older people. 

A podiatrist will often see people who are at high risk of foot problems or even amputation, due to illnesses such as diabetes. They can also help monitor and manage problems and deformities caused by diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. 

Foot problems are very common and can be a significant cause of pain and disability, which in turn can lead to issues such as social isolation and loss of independence, particularly in older patients. Podiatry services are available on the NHS but with an ageing population, may be limited in some areas to higher risk patients or in great demand. 

You can ask for a referral through your GP or go straight to a private podiatrist for treatment. 

The British Chiropody and Podiatry Association is the largest professional body representing independent private chiropodists regulated podiatrists are represented by The College of Podiatry. 

Osteopathy

Osteopathy emphasises the role of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease. Osteopaths take a holistic approach and are trained to work with the structure and function of the whole body, based on the understanding that its wellbeing depends on the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together. 

Osteopaths have extensive training and are recognised as primary care physicians. They focus on preventative medicine and caring for the musculoskeletal system to reduce problems. 

In their effort to reduce bodily aches and pains, they may also seek to treat functional disorders related to the respiratory or digestive systems, for example. 

Osteopaths typically treat back and neck pain, repetitive strain injury, changes in posture and resulting problems during pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, arthritis and sports injuries. Some osteopaths specialise in visceral osteopathy (organ function and movement) or cranial osteopathy, which focuses on the movement of cerebrospinal fluid. In fact, cranial osteopathy is often an effective treatment for headaches, migraines and sinus problems; stress; recurrent infection; period pain; and digestive difficulties. In babies and young children it may also relieve colic, crying and feeding difficulties. 

Osteopaths usually use a number of techniques to employ the body’s innate healing system; these usually use subtle, gentle movements and include soft tissue and muscle work, joint articulation and mobilisation / manipulation. 

All osteopaths working in the UK must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council. 

As osteopathy is classed as a complementary treatment, its availability on the NHS varies around the country and, where it is available, appointments may be limited. You should speak to your GP or Integrated Care Boards (ICB’s) to see whether you can be referred to an osteopath through the NHS. Most people pay to receive osteopathic treatment on a private basis.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline similar to Osteopathy and is now recognised by the medical profession. Chiropractors are concerned with the framework of bones and muscles that support the body – this is known as the ‘musculoskeletal system’ – and the effects that disorders of the musculoskeletal system can have on the function of the nervous system and a patient’s general health. 

Some problems of the musculoskeletal system are due to everyday wear and tear, but they can also be caused by accidents, stress, illness, poor posture, lack of exercise, or even pregnancy. Symptoms typically treated by a chiropractor include upper, mid or lower back pain; neck pain and stiffness; shoulder pain; numbness or tingling; pain in the extremities (arms and legs); hip pain; knee pain; ankle or foot pain; headaches; or jaw pain.

 When you see a chiropractor, they may manipulate parts of your spine or joints to address the pain or discomfort you are experiencing. Manipulation involves precisely handling or moving joints or parts of the spine, sometimes moving them further than their normal range of movement – it is very common to hear a clicking or popping noise as your joint is being manipulated and nothing at all to worry about. 

When you first see a chiropractor, they will take a full case history and will ask your permission to carry out a thorough physical examination. They may take or send you for X-rays if they are needed. A chiropractor will probably also give you advice about exercise, self-help, diet and lifestyle to help treat the problem. 

In the UK, chiropractors are required by law to register with the General Chiropractic Council.