FAQs

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#What will treatment involve?

Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. We also provide advice on posture and stretching/strengthening exercises for you to do  between treatments to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

#What to expect at your initial session:

At the first session, you will be asked lots of questions around the problem you need treatment for but also about your health in general and any other aches and pains you have. I’ll look at your posture and then i’ll then ask you to do some movements to see how your muscles, ligaments and joints are functioning. I will  assess your joint range of movement, use any appropriate orthopaedic tests to determine the cause of your problem and if appropriate, give you some treatment. I’ll also provide you with advice about how to manage your symptoms after treatment and give you exercises to do at home if required.

#After treatment

Patients can sometimes feel sore after treatment; this is not unusual and will usually go after 24-48 hours. Many patients report tiredness after treatment however many patients report no pain or discomfort. I will discuss ways to manage discomfort post-treatment. If any symptoms persist or if you have any concerns I will ask you to contact me and/or come back in to see me between treatments.

#How many treatments will I need?

This will vary from patient to patient; as a rule of thumb, the longer you have had a problem, the longer it will usually take to improve. I generally advise between 2-6 treatments, however this is always something I discuss with patients depending on how they respond to treatment.

#How long does a treatment last?

The initial treatment will last about an hour to take a detailed medical history and provide an assessment and treatment. Follow up treatments typically last 30-40 minutes.

#How much do sessions cost?

  • £50 new patient fee (one off payment for consultation and treatment)
  • £40 follow up appointments

#What if osteopathy isn’t right for me?

Osteopathic treatment isn’t always right for all people and if during our initial consultation I think that this isn’t the best course of treatment for you, i’ll explain that to you and discuss other treatments that might be beneficial. In some cases it will be appropriate to advise you to see your GP.

#What should I wear?

You will be seen in a private space and I will usually ask you to dress down to your underwear so I can see as much of your body as possible.  Patients who would prefer to be covered up more may prefer to wear shorts, cycling shorts, vest tops or loose t-shirts. I will always cover patients with a towel during treatment (unless they prefer not to be covered.)

#Chaperones/Young Patients

Seeing an osteopath for the first time can be a strange and sometimes stressful experience. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to appointments if you wish to. Minors under the age of 16 will be required to have a parent/guardian/carer with them during any treatment, who can consent to the treatment given. In almost all circumstances you will have to stay with the patient during the consultation if they are under 16 years of age.

#What is the difference between osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment?

Often there is no difference between what we do; all physical therapists use a combination of manipulation, stretching, massage, exercise advice and other treatments such as acupuncture. Generally the main differences are that physiotherapy treatment will often focus on rehabilitation and exercise protocols, and chiropractors generally use more manipulative techniques than osteopaths and physiotherapists. They can also take x-rays of affected areas. All these treatment modalities are effective; it’s just about finding the right one for you.

#Can I be referred though my GP or private healthcare insurance?

Currently very few GP’s refer patients to see osteopaths and patients have to pay for treatment themselves. If you have private healthcare insurance, you may be entitled to osteopathic treatment. Please contact your insurers to see if osteopathy is covered by your plan.

#Regulation of osteopathy

All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

Osteopaths are required to renew their registration each year and are provided with an annual licence to practise. As part of this process, the GOsC checks that osteopaths have current professional indemnity insurance, remain in good health and of good character, and have met mandatory continuing professional development requirements.

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