Do I need to see my General Practitioner first?

Although many local general practitioners refer patients to us, it is not necessary to see your GP before coming to the osteopath. Osteopaths recognise the kind of problems that are not suitable for osteopathic treatment and will refer you back to your GP if that is more appropriate.

What do I need to bring to treatment?

We need to know about your past and present health. Therefore, if you are on medication of any kind, please bring either the medication or information about what you are taking. If you have had private x-rays taken and have the films in your possession, please bring those with you.

Will I need to undress?

Generally, the answer to this is yes. Even if the symptoms are in a limb (perhaps an elbow or knee problem), we may well still need to examine other parts of the body. For instance, where there is pain in the hip or knee we may need to examine the lower back region. Where there is pain in the arm, we may need to examine the neck and upper back. Please wear suitable underwear that you feel comfortable in, or bring something to change into.

Is treatment uncomfortable?

We may have to examine and treat areas of the body that are tender and therefore sensitive to touch. The techniques we use should not generally cause or amplify the pain that you have come with, but sometimes there may be discomfort when sensitive areas are treated.

How long does treatment take?

When you first consult one of our osteopaths, your consultation will usually last 40-60 minutes. If you need further treatment, the session will usually last between 20-30 minutes.

How many treatments will I need?

This will vary on the nature of the problem; what factors have contributed to the problem and how long it has been there. Osteopathic treatment may well help to accelerate your recovery; however, how you manage your problem will also have a bearing. Therefore, some people only need to visit once, while others may need many treatments. Your osteopath should give you an assessment of how much treatment is likely to be required at your first appointment.

Is there parking?

Yes, there is free parking outside the Tesco's express where there are steps up to the practice. If steps are inconvenient please park at the opposite end of the car park where you will find a slope for ease of access. The postcode for the car park is RG24 8YL

Can I have treatment if I am pregnant?

Yes, however we usually suggest you wait until you are 12 weeks pregnant although we may be able to offer advice over the phone.

Should I have Osteopathy or a Sports Massage?

With a Sports Massage, no diagnosis is made although you may be given advice on what potentially could be causing some of the tightness in the musculature. An Osteopathic consultation will provide you with a concise diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Osteopathy looks at long-term prevention as well as cure and so more treatments are usually necessary, whereas a Sports Massage is often considered as only short-term relief, regardless of complexity.

How do I check my Osteopath is regulated?

All Osteopaths are regulated with the General Osteopathic Council, in accordance with Osteopath’s Act 1993, and have undergone at least 4 years of training. It is illegal for someone to call themselves an Osteopath without being on the register. Every registered Osteopath’s details can be found on the General Osteopathic Council database.

What measures are taken to reduce risk in the clinic due to COVID-19*

Rest assured you will still be receiving the same highly professional osteopathic care and of course we have taken additional precautions to protect our patients and ourselves during this pandemic as follows;

• We have all undertaken training in PPE usage and infection control

• You will be sent a screening form prior to your appointment to make sure it’s ok for you to come to the surgery for your treatment

• Patients will be asked to have a temperature reading taken before each appointment 

• Patients will be asked to use hand sanitising gel before treatment and to wear a mask throughout the treatment

• Our osteopaths will be wearing protective mask, aprons, and gloves

• We have increased the time between appointments to allow us to effectively clean the room and change our own PPE.

More information is provided in your appointment confirmation email but please get in touch if you have any concerns or questions.  

You can read our full risk assessment policy here - we also have a laminated copy in the practice 

What is Cranial Osteopathy?

This approach applies Osteopathic principles to the treatment of the whole body, including the head. The body has amazing powers of healing and regeneration. Cranial Osteopathy works with the forces of growth and development to guide the body back to its healthy function. These forces are at their most vigorous in the early years, so babies and children respond very rapidly to treatment.

Do I need x-rays?

The large majority of people who consult osteopaths do not. This is because x-rays only show problems of bones, and most mechanical problems within the body result from soft tissue injuries or strain (muscles,  ligaments, tendons etc), which are not visible on x-rays. If at consultation we were concerned that x-rays or other tests were necessary we generally refer the patient back to their GP.

How do I pay?

Payment by credit card payable at the end of each session or via BACS on request. Telehealth appointments are payable at the time of online booking. If you have private medical insurance you will usually be required to have a GP referral. Please check with your own insurance company.

Are there disabled facilities?

Yes.

What’s the difference between Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and a Chiropractor?

These days choosing which one of these professions is often a matter of preference. They all come to diagnosis in slightly different ways, Osteopaths can perhaps look a little more holistically and, while treating the symptomatic area, may also treat parts of the body that they think are the underlying causes of the symptoms.

Osteopaths are very hands-on using a lot of massage and articulation of joints along with joint manipulation – you will definitely feel that you have been worked on after!

Physiotherapists tend to focus more exercises and stretches to aid in rehabilitation, while Chiropractors may perhaps focus solely on joint manipulations.

Is Osteopathy safe?

Osteopathy is safe for all ages, and we will be able to treat 99% of cases. All our Osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council and have gone through years of extensive training to be granted the use of the title Osteopath. Any contraindications to treatment will be flagged up during your initial consultation, in which case you may be referred onto another healthcare professional if warranted.