A treatment session normally lasts around 30 minutes. Your first session is longer than a normal session, and is normally between 45 minutes and 1 hour, allowing extra time to take a case history, conduct a full examination, and provide a full osteopathic treatment session.
What Is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a physical therapy primarily used to treat conditions stemming from musculoskeletal issues. Osteopaths work mainly through physical manipulation, mobilisation, stretching, massage and exercises.
Osteopathy is fundamentally based on the principle that the body’s structures and functions are interrelated, and that the health of an individual is dependent on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments, organs, nervous system and connective tissues working in harmony.
What Does Osteopathic Treatment Involve?
Osteopathy involves mainly joint manipulation, stretching, massage and mobilisation and exercises.
Your first appointment will consist of a diagnosis and case history followed by a full treatment session. I will discuss and explain the particular treatments which are relevant to you at this first appointment.
Your first appointment will consist of a diagnosis and case history followed by a full treatment session. I will discuss and explain the particular treatments which are relevant to you at this first appointment.
Does It Work?
Yes. Osteopathic treatment is based on research and evidence, and the efficacy of Osteopathy in treating various conditions has been demonstrated in many clinical trials. You can also see an Osteopath on the NHS, by referral to the musculoskeletal departments of many hospitals. Osteopathy is also one of the 14 Allied Health Professions, meaning trained medical professionals who are not doctors, dentists or nurses.
Is The Treatment Painful?
Osteopathic treatment is usually a very gentle process, and osteopaths work very hard to make treatment as painless as possible.
Following treatment, you may experience some mild soreness in the area of their body that was treated. This is normal. The aching will typically pass within 24 hours of treatment and should not stop you going about your normal activities. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with me.
Are Osteopaths Qualified and Regulated?
Yes. All Osteopaths are trained to degree level or higher and are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopath is a protected term, and only those who are registered and who have completed the appropriate training can call themselves osteopaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost?
For prices please click on the link below
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions you will need depends on the nature and severity of your problem and on your body’s natural healing ability. Following your initial session, I will discuss with you what to expect from the treatment and exactly how many sessions you might need.
Do I Need to Remove Clothing?
Your Osteopath will want you to feel at ease at all times, so you are more than welcome to wear comfortable clothes such as shorts/leggings, a top/t-shirt, or loose-fitting garments. Your Osteopath will never expect you to remove any item of clothing that you do not wish to.
How Do I Make an Appointment?
I use an online booking system called Cliniko, allowing you to view available appointment times and book quickly and at your convenience, any time of the day or night. Book appointment online.
How Do I Find More Information?
If you want to discuss your specific condition and whether Osteopathy might be right for you, or if you’d like more information on me and the clinic, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
For more general information about Osteopathy, you can go to the Institute of Osteopathy, the General Osteopathic Council and NHS information on Osteopathy.
Do I Need a GP Referral?
You do not need a GP referral to see an Osteopath, and can book an appointment of your own accord. Osteopaths are trained Primary Health Practitioners and are able to refer you to a more appropriate service if Osteopathy is not the right treatment for your problem.
Will I Be Covered by My Health Insurance?
Yes. We are registered with some of the main insurance companies: Vitality Health, AXA Health, Aviva, Cigna.
Can I bring a friend or relative as a chaperone?
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to accompany you during your osteopathic appointment. Children under the age of 16 will need a chaperone present throughout the treatment.
Can Children and Teenagers Have Osteopathy?
Yes, children and teenagers can also be treated with Osteopathy. Children, like adults, can be affected by general joint and muscle issues, which is one of the main reasons people visit an osteopath. Children’s requirements differ depending on the stage of their development and your osteopath will consider your child’s individual needs, age and stage of development, and adapt their advice and treatment accordingly.
Please note that up to the age of 16 a friend or family member will need to make the appointment and be present throughout. Young people over the age of 16 are able to book their own treatment and attend without a chaperone.
Will I Need to Do Anything Outside of the Sessions?
Yes. I will typically give you a program of stretches and exercises to do outside of the sessions, normally to be done at least once a day. This self-care is important to your recovery and to stop your problem worsening again in between sessions.
We may also look at your lifestyle, posture and how you work, drive, sleep, etc. to see if any of these are contributing to your problem, and look at ways you might be able to improve them.