I can't manage stairs; can I be seen in a ground floor treatment room?
Yes, all of our treatment rooms are on the ground floor along with the waiting room and toilet. There is also full disabled access.
What are the practice opening hours?
Normal practice opening hours are detailed on this page.
Is treatment suitable for everyone?
Osteopathic treatment can generally be adapted to suit all patients. If we feel that a patient is not suitable for treatment we will stop and fully explain our decision for this. If we can refer you to somebody that could help you we will do so.
Patients under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a suitable adult.
We would be happy to discuss any of your concerns prior to you making an appointment.
How soon can I have an appointment?
We aim to see patients as soon as possible and within 48 hours. We do try to keep some short notice emergency appointments free but the osteopaths can be available to give advice over the telephone otherwise.
How do I pay for treatment?
Fees are usually settled at the end of each session. Payment can be by cash, cheque or credit / debit card.
Third party payment e.g. from your employer is acceptable by prior agreement.
Can I claim my fees through Private Health Insurance?
Generally yes, but you do need to contact them before your appointment to check your policy. Some companies will issue you with an authorisation number which we will need to process your claim and others require a GP referral first. We are generally happy to invoice your insurance company direct so that you do not have to pay at the time. There are no extra charges for this. Our practitioners are registered with all the relevant governing and insuring bodies.
Can I purchase a gift voucher for a friend/relative?
Gift vouchers are available and valid for 6 months from date of issue. Please contact the practice to make the arrangements.
I cannot attend my booked appointment. Will I be charged?
We appreciate that sometimes events develop which make it impossible for our patients to attend booked appointments. If you find yourself in this situation, please make every effort to contact us as soon as possible so we can give your appointment to somebody else. Charges may be applied for appointments which are cancelled with less than 24hrs notice or missed altogether.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my appointment?
Details of any prescribed medication or supplements are required. If you have any recent relevant X-rays, scans or medical reports please bring these with you. Also bring any orthotics, braces, supports or foot wear that might be appropriate.
Will I need to undress?
Due to the nature of our work involving both observation and palpation, it is normal practice to ask patients to undress to their underwear. Your privacy will be respected at all times and we would be happy for you to wear a loose fitting t-shirt / vest top or a pair of running shorts if this makes you more comfortable.
Can I bring a chaperone?
Yes but please be aware that they will become party to all conversation during the appointment. Anyone under the age of 16 should be accompanied at all times by a parent or appointed guardian.
Is it safe to have osteopathy in pregnancy?
Osteopathy can be helpful throughout all stages of pregnancy. All pregnancies are at a higher risk of miscarriage during the first trimester (12-14 weeks) and as a precaution we moderate and adapt our treatment during this phase. It is important that you advise us if you are, or think you may be pregnant.
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
No. Although we get referrals from GPs, nurses, midwifes, dentists and consultants, you do not need to see them first. If the osteopath thinks there is something that needs to be brought to the attention of your GP they will, with your permission, write to them or phone them.
Should I tell my doctor that I am seeing an osteopath?
It is not necessary to advise your GP unless of course you would like to. As primary healthcare practitioners, we are clinically trained to assess patients without recourse to medical records. Occasionally we need to contact your GP about aspects of your health and medical history. We will always obtain your consent before contacting your GP or other medical carers.
Will I be treated on my first visit?
The primary aim of your initial consultation is to establish what is wrong and that osteopathy would be safe and appropriate for you. Providing there are no contraindications we would normally expect to treat you on your first visit.
How often will I need to be seen?
The majority patients require 3-6 treatment sessions. We often recommend 2-3 sessions in the first 10-12 days, with intervals increasing to match your progress. We have other patients who find benefit in receiving a "maintenance" treatment every few months to prevent their symptoms recurring or, in the case of some age-related problems, getting worse. There is truth in the adage "Prevention is better than cure".
Every patient responds differently and your osteopath will discuss with you the anticipated course of treatment, your prognosis and realistic expectations for recovery.
Can I help myself?
Yes, there is usually a lot you can do to speed up your rate of recovery. Your osteopath will advise you of any particular activities or exercises that you should or should not do. Please ask if you have any specific activity in mind or for the suitability of any 'old' exercises.
Should I take pain killers?
Painkillers can sometimes 'mask' symptoms and potentially cause more problems. That said the use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medication can often be extremely useful, especially in the acute phases of some conditions to kick start the healing process. Your osteopath will advise on the suitability of appropriate 'over-the-counter' medication as well as other methods of easing discomfort such as the application of heat and/or cold packs, the use of pain relieving gels or gentle exercises. If prescription medications are required, your osteopath can liaise with your GP.
Can someone come and treat me at home?
We do not routinely offer home visits but can if the patient is not able to make it into the practice at all. The amount of care we are able to give is often limited but we are able to offer a probable diagnosis and some help and advice towards making you more comfortable until you can reach the clinic.
Is my Osteopath qualified?
The title "Osteopath" is protected by law and as such anyone claiming to be an osteopath or using osteopathic techniques (such as cranial osteopathy) must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council. An osteopath will have completed a four year degree at an established college or university and be undertaking Continued Professional Development throughout the year to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest developments. You can easily check by contacting the General osteopathic council.
Will treatment hurt?
In some cases the body needs to adjust to a new position or function after treatment and occasionally this may feel like you have "had a work-out" for up to a day or so afterwards. This typically only occurs after the first or second treatment. Your osteopath will give you post treatment advice towards minimizing this. If you are at all concerned please call us straight away. Most patients, however, experience very little discomfort, and as osteopathy has a reputation for quick results, feel improvement following treatment.
What is the difference between an osteopath, chiropractor and physiotherapist?
There are many small differences between the three professions and most of them are due to their evolution of practice. Historically, osteopathy was the first to be developed in 1874 and chiropractic branched off to form a separate profession in 1895. Although there remain many similarities in terms of the type of conditions treated, their philosophies now differ as a result of this separation. In general, an osteopath would be concerned with the function of the whole body, as well as its structure, taking into account the health of the spinal and other joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves.
A chiropractor would be concerned with the structural alignment of the spine with a view to ensuring good nerve function and may focus on spinal manipulation.
A physiotherapist's treatment may vary depending on whether they work within the NHS or privately, but their approach is mainly directed at exercises to strengthen muscles and help with post-operative rehabilitation.
My GP Said to rest………. to take pain killers to leave it two weeks etc
Occasionally, this is exactly what is needed but on other occasions your symptoms will have either got worse or started to affect other areas of the body as they try to compensate.
As a rule of thumb, most problems should have started to ease within 72 hours. If by then it is showing minimal improvement or even worsening, we recommend you contact the practice.
It's my age!
People do not get injured because they age; they get injured because of what they do. If you're 65 years of age with an arthritic hip, shoulder, back etc I can say with some certainty that the other hip, shoulder is just as old. We do not need to return your body back to as it was when you were 18, only to before it became painful.
Will it return?
The belief is, once you have had a bad back, you will always suffer. This is not true. People injure themselves through lifestyle choices. Changing aspects of these can often go a long way to breaking that cycle of pain and dysfunction. Your osteopath can advise you on some of these things and help to put your body into a better place to receive these changes.
Can you treat... ?
Osteopaths can treat a wide range of problems. If you are not sure if we can help you or not and would like to have a friendly, no obligation conversation with one of the osteopaths for advice, then please telephone the clinic and we will be happy to arrange this for you.
You can't treat...
Many patients have become programmed into accepting the problems that they have, and have become conditioned into believing that nothing can be done. It is extremely rare that nothing can be done to help, and our osteopaths will give honest and clear advice.
I've tried osteopathy before and it didn't seem to work.
Much like doctors and dentists, all osteopaths are different and whilst their training is at the same high standards across the board they all work slightly differently. Sometimes a different approach is all that is needed.