FAQ

Your first appointment will last approximately 60 minutes and subsequent treatments 30 minutes. Your osteopath will take your full medical history, including details of any past and present illnesses, accidents, x-rays or scans, medications and surgical procedures. Your personal information is handled in the strictest of confidence. We will then ask you to remove your outer clothing and perform a series of simple tests / movements to asses the mobility of your body and locate the problem areas. Osteopaths work under the principle that there may be a number of contributing factors to the symptoms and will therefore evaluate not only the area which is producing the symptoms, a full assessment of your musculoskeletal system will be made and a diagnosis formulated. The diagnosis will be explained to you with the proposed treatment plan, you will have the opportunity to discuss anything with your osteopath that you are unsure about. Depending on your problem your treatment may involve a combination of gentle articulation, manipulation, of the spine, pelvis and extremities and soft tissue techniques (massage), and cranial osteopathy. This will aim to resolve your symptoms and restore spinal mechanical balance.

Osteopathy is a proven non-invasive and safe method of treatment and has helped millions of people over the past 100 years. The wide-ranging medical training that osteopaths undergo gives them the ability to be able to recognise pain arising from diseased or damaged tissue. From this a decision can be made as to whether osteopathic treatment is the most effective and safe treatment, or whether a referral to your GP for further testing is required. Osteopathic treatment shouldn’t hurt, but if an area is inflamed / damaged or overused it may be sore whilst being worked on, your osteopath will be sensitive to your individual level of discomfort and work to make the treatment as relaxing and painless as possible. There can occasionally be a reaction to treatment for a couple of days afterwards, especially in chronic cases where the body has to adapt to a new way of moving, or in acute cases whilst the inflammation subsides.

Your osteopath will need to fully assess your spine and pelvis therefore we ask that you wear appropriate underwear, leggings or shorts can also be worn, we have male and female osteopaths available.

For 20 years we were recognised with all major health insurance companies. However recently BUPA has changed policy so won’t pay more than £30.00 for treatment and AXA £35.00.
We have therefore withdrawn from these companies on principle along with thousands of other osteopaths. We have very experienced osteopaths working here who value their treatment and feel that BUPA and AXA do not by capping the price like this.
We strive to keep our prices low and affordable and will provide you with receipts which you can use to claim against many other health insurances.
Check with your insurer whether you need a GP referral letter.

After your initial assessment the osteopath will have an idea of your prognosis, sometimes only a few treatments are necessary for a complete cure, with more complex and chronic problems it may take longer. Many of our patients take benefit from a regular treatment every few months to keep everything balanced and prevent problems, especially if your job is physically demanding, or very sedentary i.e. desk and computer work.

For 20 years we were recognised with all major health insurance companies. However recently BUPA has changed policy so won’t pay more than £30.00 for treatment and AXA £35.00.
We have therefore withdrawn from these companies on principle along with thousands of other osteopaths. We have very experienced osteopaths working here who value their treatment and feel that BUPA and AXA do not by capping the price like this.
We strive to keep our prices low and affordable and will provide you with receipts which you can use to claim against many other health insurances.
Check with your insurer whether you need a GP referral letter.

The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) is the statutory regulatory body for osteopaths. All our osteopaths are registered with the GOsC, and have to complete a programme of continual professional development each year. The Institute of Osteopathy (IO) formerly the British Osteopathic Association (BOA) is a voluntary organisation which some of our osteopaths choose to belong to.

Pain is your body’s way of telling you there is a problem and pain killers only mask the pain, therefore you are ignoring your body’s protective mechanism and you may be damaging yourself further without knowing it. Long term use can cause side effects e.g. stomach ulcers, drowsiness and nausea. Osteopathy is a much safer way of dealing with pain, and the goal is to actually address the underlying problem and look for a cure. If you need to take painkillers to function daily you should find that as your problem is being corrected you will need them less and less.

Osteopaths are classed as primary care physicians – which mean you can consult us without going through your GP. You may need a GP referral letter for insurance claims. We cannot prescribe drugs or painkillers. We are able to provide off-work certificates if necessary

Osteopathy may help to relieve the stresses and strains on your body during pregnancy although we advise you start after your first scan (12 weeks). Pregnancy is a great time to visit us as your body is changing so much so quickly and we are able to help ease any pains and restrictions that may develop (see our pregnancy page) also your ligaments are softer, making problems easier to correct.

Yes – as they are smaller and more delicate we adapt our treatment to suit the child. See our page on children to find out what we treat.

Yes, in most cases, but if you are unsure contact us and you can speak to an osteopath who can advise you.

Our osteopaths are fully trained to treat and rehabilitate many sporting injuries, they are able to correct structural and compensatory problems arising from injury which can reduce healing times and prevent future injury. Our osteopaths can advise you on stretches and rehabilitation exercises.