FAQs

Your First Appointment

This will normally last from 45 minutes to 1 hour and involve taking a full case history including details of your present problem, your past medical history and health in general, this will be followed an examination, and if appropriate treatment.

In general, the first treatment lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, and subsequent treatments around half an hour. Your first appointment is usually slightly longer to allow for a full case history to be taken.

Osteopathy is a “hands on” treatment. The Osteopath will first assess your posture and ask you to perform a gentle series of movements to identify any areas of dysfunction. The Osteopath will then assess your muscles and joints to identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Other tests such as neurological testing, blood pressure, X-Ray or MRI investigations may be carried out or arranged if necessary.

The assessment will be considered alongside lifestyle factors such as work and leisure to enable a full diagnosis and treatment plan to be developed.

Once the examination has been completed and any relevant clinical tests carried out, the osteopath will explain their findings and, with your agreement, formulate a treatment plan.

Following treatment, the Osteopath will discuss with you any appropriate changes to your daily routine which will aim to minimise the risk of further injury. Relevant stretches or exercises may also be given. There is often a lot you can do to help yourself and you will be encouraged to be as proactive as possible. The Osteopath will give you an indication of how many further treatments will be necessary.

Every patient is unique and will react differently to treatment. Generally there is an improvement in function but the discomfort may last for a few days. You may feel a little sore or even worse for a few days afterwards. This is perfectly normal as the body adjusts to the treatment - symptoms often get worse before they get better. You will be given advice on how to ease this at home through the use of ice or warmth or gentle movements and stretching where appropriate. If symptoms have not calmed after a couple of days or you have any concerns, it is always recommended to call the Osteopath for advice.

Most private health insurance policies provide cover for osteopathic treatment. It may be possible to claim for a course of treatment but you should check in advance with your insurance company before seeking osteopathic treatment, as you will need to confirm the available level of cover and whether a GP referralis required. We are currently registered with the following insurance companies: Simply Health, Pru Health, Aviva and WPA.

Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on a patient’s general health.

Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness. Osteopathy is very effective at resolving aches, pains and injuries because it looks at the causes of a problem. It is an Osteopath’s aim to prevent a problem or injury from recurring by identifying and removing the original cause of the problem.

An Osteopath’s patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient’s full medical history, as welll as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.

No. Most patients 'self refer' to an Osteopath for treatment. Although referral by a GP is not necessary, patients are encouraged to keep both their GP and Osteopath fully informed so that their medical records are current and complete and the patient receives the best possible care from both healthcare practitioners.

Yes. GPs refer patients to Osteopaths where they believe this intervention would be beneficial.

The title 'Osteopath' is protected by law, and only those included on the UK Statutory Register are entitled to practise as Osteopaths. Unregistered practice is a criminal offence in the UK.

The standards of osteopathic training and practice are maintained and developed by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), the profession’s statutory regulator established under the Osteopaths Act 1993.