Tuesday September 19th, 2000

Christine puts her life back on track


Christine Buckley - now free of pain. [Herald]

The hands on approach to beating pain

OSTEOPATHY is a complementary medicine which treats a wide range of musculo-skeletal disorders without resorting to drugs or surgery,

It is not an 'alternative' medicine, and should not be confused with chiropracty - although the
two share some similarities.

The practice of osteopathy is 120 years old, and is based on an established system of clinical diagnosis and manual treatment. Using a variety of hands-on treatments, osteopaths provide therapy to those suffering from back pain, joint pain, sports injuries, headaches, pregnancy-related conditions, and childhood conditions arising from difficult births.

Osteopathy takes an holistic approach to the treatment of musculo-skeletal disorders. There are no pharmaceuticals involved, 'no invasive surgery, and no painful exercise routines.

Practitioners treat the whole person, rather than just concentrating on isolated aches or pains, so the cause of the patient's illness or discomfort is as important as the symptoms.

Osteopaths are noted for their sensitivity and finely-tuned sense of touch (palpation). They use these palpation and motion testing skills to diagnose restriction in joint movements, areas of tension and tightness in muscles, and problems in the connective tissue under the skin.

CONDITION

Treatment is always based on the individual's specific condition, and may include techniques like stretching, rhythmic passive joint movements, gentle release techniques, specific manipulation, and patient-assisted techniques.

Osteopathy is not as widely recognised in Ireland as it is in Britain, the USA and Australia -where it's enjoyed statutory recognition for more than 20 years. In the UK, osteopathy became a Statutory Regulated profession earlier this year, just like doctors and dentists. The title 'Osteopath' is restricted by law, and only those registered can use it.

Up until recently, anyone seeking formal training in osteopathy in Ireland had to move abroad to study. However, the Institute for Physical Therapy and Associated Sciences (IPTAS) has now introduced a five-year B.Sc. Honours Osteopathy course.

Anne Mangan is a founder director of IPTAS. She previously worked in nursing and medical massage in Ireland and the USA, before qualifying as an osteopath.

Ms Mangan would like to see the Government follow the UK in introducing a statutory system of regulation and registration of osteopathic practitioners. This would serve to protect patients, and raise the standing of the profession in Ireland.

She points out that, at present, anyone can set themselves up as an osteopath in this country. Given the growing popularity of this treatment, she say's it's imperative measures are taken to protect patients and promote proper standards of professional care and conduct.

In Britain, over 20,000 people visit an osteopath each working day, and the treatment is accepted by the NHS, and more; than 30 UK medical insurers.

In Ireland, BUPA will provide cover, while the VHI will cover treatment in some circumstances. "Osteopathy is regarded as being very successful in the management of back problems, but it can treat a much wider range of problems," says Anne.

In fact, osteopathic treatment of babies and children is one area that's growing rapidly. Anne says that two to four treatments are the average required.

Long-standing problems may require four to five sessions, but many patients find relief starts after just one treatment.

"The cost of treatments varies, but £30 to £35 per session would be an average' figure," she says,

"Osteopaths take an holistic approach and discover the underlying cause of pain at the initial consultation," she adds. "We get referrals both from GPs, and by word of mouth," says Anne. "There is definitely a growing acceptance of osteopathy." And, as the profession grows in popularity, the need for regulation is becoming obvious.

The Institute of Physical Therapy and Associated Sciences is located at 17/18 Priory Hall, Stillorgan.

Freefone: 1800 254 642.
Email: info@iptas.ie
Web-site: www.iptas.ie

To visit the Priory Clinic website - click here.
To make an appointment email us at: info@prioryclinic.com
After years of years of debilitating back pain, Dubliner Christine Buckley has found a whole new world of pain-free movement thanks to the healing powers of osteopathy.

The former resident of Goldenbridge Orphanage now works as a counsellor at the Aislin Centre: Association for the Healing of Institutional Abuse on Ormond Quay.

After years of trying different treatments, Christine has found that osteopathy provides relief for her painful back. "I've had back problems on and off since 1967," says Christine, who's now 52. Christine had a laminectomy in 1979, in which one of her lower vertebrae was removed.

"That operation helped for a while, but then my back started getting really bad again in 1988," says Christine, who reckons that her years as a nurse may have contributed to the problem."

"Over the years, I tried lots of things - physiotherapy, acupuncture, an' osteopath, and painkillers."

"The back problem was aggravated when- ever Christine drove, and she eventually considered having a fusion operation carried out. This is where a piece of bone is taken from the hip, and inserted into the space in the vertebrae.

"Then I knew someone who had the operation done, and they ended up in a wheelchair," she says. "That frightened the life out of me, so I cancelled it.

CHRONlC

"The back pain was chronic, but I'd got used to dealing with it. It was part of my life. I'd have to get up half an hour before I could even consider showering or dressing or anything - my back was too stiff. I also had a special bed made.

"I'd find that if I was on holidays, and relaxing, it would help my back. But as soon as I'd get back home and into the car, it all started again. Even a simple task like hanging clothes out would put my back into spasm." Christine's son, Conor (19) is a promising rugby player, who's about to start studying at University College Dublin.

Last year, while Conor was playing for Blackrock, he suffered ongoing groin and back injuries.

He had successful iso-kinetic treatment, but also went for osteopathic treatment with Jacqui Eberach at the Institute of Physical Therapy and Applied Sciences.

"The treatment helped to speed up my recovery, and Jacqui gave me some helpful exercises to do," he says.

Conor's experience inspired Christine to make an appointment with Jacqui.

"Conor was due to go for trials for Ireland the next day, and he was limping badly with a groin injury," says Christine. "He was pleased with Jacqui's treatment of his back problem, so decided to visit her for more treatment. When I saw the improvements in him I decided to go along."

Jacqui discussed the history of Christine's back problem, and then started treating her.

"At the first appointment Jacqui worked on my back for an hour and a half;" says Christine "It's like manipulation, but it's not painful. She also gave me lots of movements to do at home. "I could feel the difference immediately after the first treatment, in how far I could bend down, or rotate my arms. The improvements were obvious.

There wasn't a week went by when I wasn't taking painkillers for the back pain.

After the first treatment, I didn't take any painkillers for the next ten days." she says. "I spent six hours doing the garden - something I hadn't been able to do in years. I thought I'd be in bits the next day, but I was fine. I couldn't believe the difference.

"Jacqui also taught me the correct way to get out of bed. I'd forgotten all about that - and it was something I used to tell patients when I was a nurse.

The big difference now is that I can get out of bed and walk straight into the shower. I can bend over and put on tights, no problem."

Christine has had two osteopathic treatments so far, and has another appointment soon.

TREATMENTS

"I could see myself going once a fortnight for another four to five treatments," she says, "I'd imagine that after another four treatments, I'll be able to run like a sprinter!"

We went to Waterford recently and I walked on the beach for two hours. I'd normally never be able to walk on a really uneven surface,"

"Jacqui works on the whole person, and on the whole skeletal frame - from the feet to the knees, pelvis, the whole spinal cord and thorax.

"I don't find it painful because she uses all these different oils and gives you a beautiful gentle massage

"I've great confidence now in ostepathy-and I'd tried everything