Frequently asked questions
Please click on a question below:
How many treatments will I need?
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Are there any risks to the treatment?
Is treatment covered by my medical insurance?
Do I need a referral from my Doctor?
What can I expect at my consultation?
First, we will ask you some questions about the history of your condition and any other medical conditions you may have had. We will then assess and examine the area that has the problem. We will have a look at your general posture and we may do a few orthopaedic or neurological tests. These generally involve simple movements, checking that your reflexes are all there, and sometimes checking your sensation.
Once we have an idea of what is wrong with you we will explain it to you, and we will let you know what we propose to do to treat it. We may have an idea about how many treatments it will take, but this can be difficult to judge at the beginning. If you are happy, we will then start treating the problem.
Occasionally we need to refer people for more tests such as X-
Your next treatment will last up to half an hour and will involve mostly treatment. At this stage we generally have a better idea how long it will take to treat the problem.
We often prescribe exercises or stretching so that you can help prevent the pain from coming back. We may also advise you on ways of performing certain tasks or movements so that they are easier on your body. This may involve changing the way you do certain sports, activities, or even how you sit at your desk or vehicle.
Osteopathy is a manual therapy that diagnoses, treats and helps to prevent problems with muscles and joints. Once we have identified the problem we will use a variety of techniques to relax muscles and improve joint movement.
The osteopath will first take a detailed history of your condition together with any relevant past medical history. A physical assessment will then be undertaken to determine the clinical diagnosis of your problem. The physiotherapist will discuss with you a proposed treatment plan and will give you an estimate as to the length of treatment required and the proposed outcome of your treatment.
Problems with muscles and joints do not discriminate, and can affect anyone at any time of their lives. Osteopathy is also suitable for pregnant women and children.
We have many techniques available to us including massage (gentle to deep), as well as techniques to improve joint movement (mobility and manipulation).
Exercises are often prescribed to improve strength and mobility and to prevent problems recurring.
Physiotherapy is a manual therapy that uses several different techniques including manipulation and mobilisation, massage, hydrotherapy, exercise programmes, electrotherapy (e.g. ultrasound, interferential therapy), and sometimes acupuncture.
Physiotherapists not only treat the problem but will often be able to show the patient how to help prevent the problem happening again.
The physiotherapist will first take a detailed history of your condition together with any relevant past medical history. A physical assessment will then be undertaken to determine the clinical diagnosis of your problem. The physiotherapist will discuss with you a proposed treatment plan and will give you an estimate as to the length of treatment required and the proposed outcome of your treatment.
The initial assessment can last up to one hour and subsequent treatment sessions will last approximately thirty minutes.
How many treatments will I need?
This is always a difficult question for us to answer since it depends so much on your individual circumstances and history. We audit our treatment records and we have found that our average number of treatments per patient is about four. We should be able to give you an estimation of how many treatments you will need after your initial consultation.
Our treatment programme is designed to suit your needs. We have a range of treatment techniques, which we can use to help your problem. Sometimes there may be a little soreness during the treatment but this quickly goes away. Occasionally you may feel a little sore or stiff the next day. This is quite normal and quickly gets better. If you have any concerns about this after your treatment then please contact us.
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Treatment is generally gentle and whilst there may be a little soreness the next day this quickly eases. The feeling is a bit like having done too much exercise the day before. Occasionally the muscle tissues that we have been treating may react the next day by shortening and becoming painful, many people call this a spasm, and whilst it can be painful it is not harmful. If this happens it is usually effective to apply some ice to the area for no longer than 5 minutes. We do not suggest that you apply heat since this can make it worse). Simple painkillers may also help. If you do feel worse the next day then please contact us.
Are there any risks to the treatment?
Osteopathy and physiotherapy are generally very safe forms of treatment. All our
practitioners have undergone extensive full-
Is treatment covered by my medical insurance?
Most insurance providers cover osteopathy and physiotherapy. Some insurance companies require a referral from your doctor. We advise that you contact your insurer to find out their requirements prior to making an appointment. For further details please see our fees page.
Do I need a referral from my Doctor?
You do not need a referral from your doctor to attend our clinics for treatment. Doctors are permitted to refer to osteopaths and many doctors refer people to us for treatment. If you have health insurance, you may need to obtain a referral if your insurance company requires it.
If you have back pain we will need to examine your back, if you have knee pain then we will want to look at your knees. Please wear something appropriate for the complaint you have and make it something that you are comfortable in.
Our fee is £35 per session.
