Visiting a new medically-type person is like therapy for me. I can moan about my ills without feeling guilty about boring them, because I’m paying them handsomely to listen. I went to an osteopath for the first time yesterday. As previously mentioned in a HouseGoesHollywood blog post, I slipped while holding a (live) chook in each hand. I didn’t fall over, but I threw my pelvis out of whack. Ever since, it’s been adding to the old-aged groans I emit whenever I get up off the couch or sit down.
The osteopath wanted to know my medical history, so she could treat me correctly. I had a lovely time telling her all about the headache I had the other day that came back whenever the Panadol wore off. And how I sometimes get blurry lines in front of my eyes and nausea. How I had a dissaccharide deficiency but I think it’s gone now. My heart palpitations last year. How my mum reckons I had a “clicky hip” when I was a kid, but forgot to tell me about it before I embarked on a two-week walking pilgrimage across Spain that almost killed me.
And how people keep asking me if I’ve hurt my leg because I’m walking funny. And I’m like … no … I just walk funny (cue secret distress over what Husband describes as my “womble” gait).
So the osteopath got me to stroll around her consulting room and agreed I did walk funny. Then she got me to lie on a table and showed me that while my left foot rests on a slight angle (normal), my right foot points straight in the air (not normal).
Then she started doing this alarming crunching thing to my back. It made me giggle uncontrollably, while thinking: “Fark, this is good way to end up a paraplegic”.
She suggested I should relax on the weekend, then asked what I had planned. I said: “I’m cooking a Christmas in July dinner for 14 people.” She said: “Oh … well, make sure you wear trainers and have lots of rests while things are in the oven.” I said: “Does that mean no pump class tomorrow?” And she said: “No pump class for a month.”
Damn.
I went home and rang Husband to tell him I’d been “cracked” for the first time. He went a bit mental about it and said I shouldn’t go back. He’d thought when I’d mentioned something about “osteo” it was referring to some sort of bone specialist. While he admonished me, he checked with Dr Wikipedia while he had me on the line and started reciting stuff about: “The use of osteopathy is not always based on science, and there is little evidence that osteopathy is effective in treating any medical condition except for lower back pain.”
I’m ignoring him because while my pelvis is still killing me, she did something fabulous to my neck that makes me feel all loose and two-inches taller. Plus I’ve already made another appointment with her for 12.40pm on Monday and it would be rude to cancel at such short notice. There’s also a yummy Lebanese takeaway just around the corner from her office and I’m dying to try the falafels. They looked gooooood.
I’m almost afraid to ask, but do you have any wisdom to impart on osteopaths?
housegoeshome 
I have heard that cracking is helpful in the short term but will not fix you long term – some even arguing that things will pop out of place more easily due to cracking.
What worked wonders for me was remedial massage and Dorn therapy!!
ps. I love the photo of that chook, haha!
What is Dorn therapy???
Here is a video that gives you an idea. A friend sent me to a very good lady in Avalon who has retired now. I liked that she didn’t pressure me to come back but rather fixed me and sent me on my way with exercises I could do myself. (The remedial massage I used to have was on Elizabeth Street at Jackie’s Sports Massage. I used to leave there feeling 10 feet tall, I miss it sooooo much!).
Thx for video Michele. So, you miss Jackie’s Sports Massage … what else do you miss about Sydney? Much? Hardly anything? Dreaming again about moving to Newcastle.
Mainly I miss the Asian scene, especially the food and dance classes (seems only kids are allowed to dance here!), though I think in Newcastle you would have access to those things. Considering how much you can do online now there is surprisingly little else I have to do without. Lazy brunches with friends are few and far between but that has more to do with having a 2 year old now 🙂
My attitude has always been, if you feel it is time for a change, then it is time for a change. Either you will love your new life or you will fall in love with your old life again. Though I understand you have a husband and children to think of as well …
I’ve been going to a chiropractor (similar but different to osteopathy) for almost a year now. It’s made a huge difference to the way I walk, and my general sense of well being. And goodness knows, if I miss an appointment, I certainly know about it – the aches and creaks come back with a vengeance.
I love the Osteopath for acute problems. And was a lot of help when I hurt myself at a Martial Arts class. But am now swinging towards Pilates for long term improvement of posture and muscle movement.
PS. It’s so cute the way Husband is so anti Complementary medicine. Just like the Medical profession there are good and bad practitioners. I like to get recommendations from friends.
In the Chiro v. Osteopath war, I’m on team Osteo. Stick with it, your clicky hip will sort it self out..
Have to say beware of neck cracking. I was in love with my Osteo after he cured my migraines, but a few months ago his techniques failed me and now I’m seeing a physio on a weekly basis to recover from the ‘whiplash-like’ injury he caused as diagnosed by my GP and evidenced by an ultrasound. Constant neck pain for three months and counting. I’m backing physios over bone crunchers from here on in.
Thx everyone for all the words of advice. Much appreciated. Seems to be two camps on it. I’m thinking I’m in the “let’s give it another try, but no neck cracking.”