Osteopathic emergency
Emergency osteopath in Steinsel (Luxembourg)
A sudden blockage or acute pain often requires rapid care to relieve the pain and prevent the situation from worsening. In this context, an emergency consultation with an osteopath can help you regain comfort and mobility.
Located in Steinsel, the practice of Frédérik Michel offers osteopathic emergency consultations for patients from Steinsel and the surrounding areas: Luxembourg City, Walferdange, Helmdange, Lorentzweiler, Lintgen and Mersch. Appointments are offered as quickly as possible, depending on availability.
When to consult in an emergency ?
We speak of an “osteopathic emergency” when pain appears suddenly, without warning, or when a wrong move causes the back or neck to lock. An osteopath is not a hospital emergency department, but can intervene quickly to relieve many mechanical blockages and acute pain.
Acute pain
Acute pain in the back and neck is among the most common reasons for emergency consultations. You may consult in particular for:
Acute lumbago or low back pain (lumbar blockage, difficulty standing up straight, feeling that the “back is stuck”)
Acute cervicalgia (marked pain in the neck, sometimes associated with headaches)
Torticollis (sudden neck blockage, difficulty turning the head)
Dorsalgia (pain between the shoulder blades or in the middle of the back, sometimes linked to a wrong move or prolonged posture)
Acute lumbago
Torticollis
Neck pain
Radiating pain
Pain of vertebral origin can sometimes be felt at a distance from the actual source. The osteopath can intervene in certain functional radiating pains, after medical emergencies have been ruled out.
Radiating pain in the upper limb (cervico-brachial neuralgia) or in the lower limb (sciatica, cruralgia, etc.) with a pulling, burning or electric shock sensation.
Other functional radiating pain (for example certain facial neuralgias, trigeminal or Arnold’s neuralgia, after medical advice where necessary).
Intercostal pain that makes breathing or certain trunk movements difficult, often described as a “stabbing pain” with each deep breath.
In the event of unusual pain associated with severe shortness of breath, faintness, crushing chest pain or loss of consciousness, it is essential to contact emergency services immediately (112) before any osteopathic consultation.
Pain following trauma
After a shock or a fall, osteopathy can help restore mobility and reduce pain once serious injuries have been ruled out by a doctor (fracture, dislocation, suspected serious lesion).
Fall or impact (on the coccyx, back, shoulder, etc.) with persistent pain despite rest.
Wrong move while lifting a load, getting up or during a sudden sporting movement.
Mild sprain (ankle, wrist, knee, etc.), after medical advice if necessary, to support functional recovery.
In the presence of visible deformity, complete inability to bear weight or move the limb, or very intense pain, a medical consultation or a visit to the emergency department must always take priority.
How an osteopathic session works
Even in an emergency situation, an osteopathic consultation follows a specific process to ensure safe and appropriate care. The aim is both to relieve pain quickly and to understand the origin of the blockage.
History taking and clinical examination
The session begins with history taking, that is, a detailed interview. The osteopath asks you about your pain, how it appeared, your medical, surgical and traumatic history, your current treatments and your lifestyle.
A clinical examination is then carried out: exclusion tests, assessment of mobility, palpation of the painful areas and surrounding tissues. If any red flag is identified, the osteopath may refer you to your doctor or to the emergency department.
Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment
Based on the information gathered, the osteopath establishes an osteopathic diagnosis and chooses the techniques that are most appropriate for your condition, always respecting your comfort and any concerns you may have.
Gentle techniques on the joints, muscles, fascia (supporting tissues) or visceral system, depending on the probable origin of the pain.
Targeted treatment of the blocked area as well as compensatory zones, in order to rebalance the whole body.
Adaptation of techniques according to the patient’s age, pain and general condition.
Advice and follow-up
At the end of the session, personalised advice is given to help prolong the effects of the treatment: recommended positions, movements to avoid temporarily, gentle exercises, use of heat or cold depending on the case, and adjustments to work or sports activities.
One or more additional sessions may be suggested depending on how your symptoms evolve. The osteopath may also recommend that you consult your general practitioner or another specialist if necessary.