What to Expect
During your consultation, your Osteopath will compile a detailed medical report. The medical report will need to include your medical history and details about your general health and lifestyle. This is important because these things may be contributing towards your current condition.
Your osteopath will spend time really trying to understand your problem and will subsequently propose a treatment plan for you.
At the end of the session we may provide you with advice on exercises that you can do at home (where appropriate) in order to reduce your symptoms.
Please be aware that you may be required to undress down to your underclothes so that your Osteopath can assess your range of movement and carry out the treatment.
All Osteopathic consultations are confidential and a referral from your GP is not always necessary.
If you do have any questions or concerns prior to your visit, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an Osteopath?
Many people see an osteopath for help with back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, minor sports injuries or other problems related to muscles and joints.
Do I need a referral from a GP?
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.
Does osteopathic treatment hurt?
Osteopathic treatment is usually very gentle, but manipulating, massaging or stretching an injured area may be uncomfortable. Your practitioner will explain what you are likely to feel and will stop if you tell them that the treatment is causing you too much pain.
How much will treatment cost?
The cost will vary depending on how long the appointment is and whether specialist knowledge or techniques are recommended. Also the duration of treatment can vary, with more severe or complex conditions needing more or longer appointments. We should be able to give you an indication of how much treatment you'll need and how much it will cost when we examine you and make a diagnosis. We won't ask you to book appointments that you don't need.
What training does an Osteopath have to have to practise and how are they regulated?
Osteopaths undergo a rigorous 4 year degree which includes over 1000 hours of supervised practise. They must continue to update and expand their knowledge with a minimum of 30 hours continued professional development per year to retain their registration with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), the governing body.
They asked me to undress. Is this normal?
To make a diagnosis and treatment, it is usual for the osteopath to ask you to remove clothing from the area being examined and treated. This may mean undressing down to underwear. The osteopath should explain how much clothing it is necessary to remove and then leave you to undress in private and provide you with a towel or blanket so that you can cover yourself. If you are uncomfortable undressing to your underwear it may be possible for the osteopath to examine and treat you while you are wearing shorts or a t-shirt. You should discuss this with your practition.
I feel worse after treatment. Is this normal?
Roughly half of all patients treated by an osteopath will experience some localised soreness in the area treated, which will usually go away within two days and can be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers. If your discomfort persists, please contact your osteopath for advice.
Can I bring a friend/partner?
Yes, we are happy for you to be accompanied by another adult during all or part of your treatment if it makes you feel more comfortable. Children should always be accompanied by another parent or guardian throughout treatment.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes, that the full fee is charged if the patient fails to attend or give less than 24 hours notice of cancellation.
To make an appointment
Book online or speak to reception
0114 267 1901
