Ekonatura · Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Answers to your questions before your appointment.
When a problem keeps recurring or several ailments arise at once, it’s normal to be unsure where to start. These are the questions most frequently asked during consultations.
A little more context
Every problem has its own nuances.
Back and spine
Neck pain.
Tension between the shoulder blades or scapulae.
Lower back.
Disc protrusion or herniation.
Pain in the sacrum or buttocks, or pain radiating down the leg.
Here you can go straight to the issue that most closely matches what you’re experiencing.
Abdomen, digestion and back
Sometimes the abdomen and back change at the same time.
For example:
- indigestion accompanied by upper back pain
- very stiff abdomen and strained lower back
- limited mobility beneath the ribs
- breathing that becomes shallower
- digestive discomfort and physical tension that change simultaneously.
When a pattern repeats itself, it’s worth looking into.
Head, neck and jaw
Neck and jaw problems often occur together in some people.
The following may also occur together:
- bruxism
- Sensitive TMJ
- tension in the temples
- tension in the suboccipital region
- certain types of headache associated with the neck.
Here we have compiled content on the head, neck and jaw.
Dolor menstrual y pelvis
For some people, period pain is accompanied by a great deal of tension in:
- abdomen
- pelvis
- sacrum
- lower back.
Osteopathic treatment is not a substitute for a gynaecological assessment when this is indicated.
Physical and musculoskeletal factors may also be part of the problem.
Stress, rest and physical tension
Sometimes there isn’t just one issue.
The body seems to be constantly at work.
The following may appear:
- clenched jaw
- neck
- shoulders
- stiff abdomen
- shortness of breath
- poor sleep
- pain that worsens at certain times of the year.
I assess how your body is expressing itself physically.
Does your problem keep coming back?
Some people see an improvement for a few days or weeks, only to end up back exactly where they started.
When symptoms improve and then return, this may be a reason to broaden the assessment and check what else is contributing to the pain around the affected area.
Are you dealing with several issues at once?
This is also common.
Neck and jaw.
Upper back and digestion.
Lower back and abdomen.
Stress, breathing and muscle tension.
First, we look at what is happening and which areas are worth investigating.
If you’ve come here because of a number of niggling issues, during your first appointment we can assess them together and decide where to start.
What if it’s something simple?
Perfect.
A recent strain, a stiff joint or discomfort following physical exertion can often be addressed directly.
When the abdomen, breathing or the nervous system are also involved
A significant part of my work focuses on observing these relationships when they become clearly apparent.
In particular:
- abdomen and digestion
- diaphragm and breathing
- fascia
- the nervous system and bodily tension
- spine and pelvis.
Not because everything is connected to everything else.
Because certain anatomical, mechanical and neurological factors may indeed play a part in some cases.
The starting point is always how you feel
If you have any test results, reports or a previous diagnosis, these are useful pieces of information.
We can also start with something much simpler:
how are you today?;
which movement causes discomfort;
what affects your symptoms;
which areas appear to be involved;
and how your body responds when we start working together.
Before your appointment
What happens during the first session?
First, we’ll discuss what’s affecting you, when it started, what treatments you’ve tried, and what you’d like to be able to do normally again. I’ll then assess how you move and manually examine the relevant areas. Using this information, we’ll decide where to start and move over to the treatment table.
How long does the first appointment last?
The first appointment usually lasts around 90 minutes. The duration may vary depending on what we need to assess on the day.
Does osteopathic treatment hurt?
My treatment is manual, and most of the techniques I use are very gentle. I adapt the pressure and touch to suit each individual.
What is myofascial induction?
It is a manual technique involving gentle touch and sustained pressure, which I use to explore and work on the fascia – the connective tissue that surrounds and connects different structures. I use it to address tension, stiffness and certain movement-related discomforts.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem, how it progresses and how you respond. In the first session, we discuss your goals. We then assess what has changed and whether it is best to continue, adjust the treatment or space out the appointments.
How often do the sessions take place?
I usually leave a gap of between 10 and 15 days between sessions, particularly when using the visceral approach. In some cases, the interval can be as long as three weeks. I like to observe how you’re getting on in your daily life before deciding on the next step.
Do you treat sciatica, herniated discs or muscle problems?
Yes, these are common reasons for requesting an assessment. I examine the area, its condition and range of motion, and identify any persistent discomfort.
What should I do if I have headaches, migraines, dizziness or tinnitus?
I begin by listening to your symptoms and finding out what assessments have already been carried out. When there is discomfort in the neck or jaw, I examine the relevant muscles, joints and surrounding tissues. The causes of dizziness and tinnitus need to be clarified; not all cases can be explained by cervical issues.
Do you treat constipation, heartburn, bloating or discomfort associated with a hiatal hernia?
Yes, these are the kinds of discomforts experienced by people who seek treatment for visceral osteopathy. During the assessment, I examine the abdomen, the diaphragm, the ribs and the fascia, as well as their relationship with the spine and pelvis. The aim is to manually address the tensions and discomfort we identify and then monitor how your symptoms progress.
What about the thyroid, ovaries, kidneys or bladder?
These are also included in the body assessment when the reason for the consultation requires it. In the neck, abdomen and pelvis, there are tissues, muscles, fasciae and anatomical relationships which I examine using manual techniques. I take your medical history and diagnoses into account to tailor the treatment to you.
Does osteopathy help with insomnia and sleep problems?
Insomnia, waking up frequently and poor-quality sleep are also common reasons for seeking treatment. I have treated people who had been sleeping poorly for a long time and who, after several sessions, have told me they are sleeping better again. During the assessment, I focus on neck and jaw tension, breathing, the diaphragm and other relevant bodily interactions. Depending on the case, I incorporate sacrumcranial work and we monitor how sleep improves.
Can I attend during pregnancy or after an operation?
Yes, provided your circumstances allow it. We’ll discuss how you’re feeling and what stage of your pregnancy or recovery you’re at. From there, I’ll tailor the manual techniques to suit you, taking into account any medical advice you’ve been given.
Can I undergo other treatments at the same time?
Yes. In fact, it is very common – and often recommended – to combine manual therapy with other treatments or activities, such as physiotherapy, exercise, yoga or Pilates. I’d like to know what you’re doing and how you’re feeling so that I can tailor my approach to you and complement what you’re already doing.
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