Frequently Asked Questions
Osteopaths treat a wide range of problems from acute (short term) to chronic (longer term) musculo-skeletal and postural conditions.
Conditions that we treat include low back and neck pain (sciatica, injured or prolapsed discs, trapped nerves, headaches and general arthritic pain), sports injuries, frozen shoulder, tennis and golfer’s elbow, hip and knee injuries, pregnancy-related musculo-skeletal pains, degenerative joint problems, TMJ (jaw) joint disorders. We also provide advice on posture, exercise and rehabilitation. If you would like more information or to discuss whether osteopathy is the right course of treatment for you please feel free to contact us.
First of all, we take a full case history including questions on the present condition and any relevant past medical history.
We then perform a thorough structural examination of the spine and peripheral joints related to the problem area as well as any relevant neurological, orthopaedic or cardiovascular screening. We will be checking for joint flexibility, muscle tone and postural imbalances. To do this we may ask you to perform some small movements so we can assess how your spine and joints move.
After assessment of the problem, we will often work on the soft tissues using massage techniques combined with articulation (stretching) and manipulation of joints. This will be tailored specifically to the individual needs of the patient.
Postural advice and exercises are often given to help maintain and further the effects of the treatment.
As with any medical examination you may be asked to remove certain items of clothing so your osteopath can see and treat the area. Please wear something you are comfortable in.
Some soft tissue techniques may cause discomfort during treatment. Your osteopath will tell you what to expect, and will want you to let them know if you are in pain. You may feel a little stiff or sore after treatment. This is a normal, healthy response to the treatment.
It is not necessary to have a referral from your doctor to see an osteopath. However we do work closely with GPs and consultants to ensure our patients get the appropriate care.
Some health insurers do require you to be referred by a G.P. so if you are intending to claim through your health insurance it is work checking with them first.
The number of treatments varies from patient to patient and from condition to condition, sometimes one session will be enough to be pain free, other times a number of sessions may be necessary, especially if there is a chronic cause to the pain as the underlying problem needs to be addressed.
On the first visit, the number of likely treatments will be discussed. As Osteopaths, we never ask you to sign up to a specific number of treatments or a “package” of treatments because we want to get you better in as few sessions as possible and provide you with the tools you need to prevent the problem recurring. You are always in control of the number of sessions you have.
Maintenance check-ups are sometimes recommended but not essential.
Yes, but different policies have different levels of cover, i.e. you may have to pay an excess or need referral from a doctor. It is best to check with your insurance company before seeking treatment.
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring a chaperone into the treatment or if necessary we may be able to provide one for you with some notice.
We pride ourselves on providing the best care and communication possible with all of our clients, however if you do feel unhappy with any aspect of your experience with us, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly in the first instance. We welcome any feedback positive or negative and are always striving to improve your experience at our clinic.