Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Many GPs and other healthcare professionals do refer to us. However, patients can refer themselves and most see us without a formal referral.
What can I expect on my first appointment?
Your first appointment will involve the osteopath taking your case history, listening to your concerns, and trying to establish a diagnosis. Physical examination is part of this process, where the Osteopath will feel parts of your body to work out what may be wrong and whether or not it can be helped to be more healthy. We always try to treat patients on their first appointment; in some simple cases one treatment may be enough to solve the problem. Advice is often given about health-related issues, with the aim of helping the patient to look after themselves and prevent recurrences or other problems.
Children and babies should be accompanied by a parent or other adult. Osteopathic treatment of youngsters is very gentle, and often they fall asleep.
What should I wear for the appointment?
Loose clothing is best, though the Osteopaths can work through most thin items. Some patients choose to undress to their underware, however this is not always necessary. It is important that patients feel relaxed during treatment.
How many appointments will I need?
We always try to help people in as few visits as possible. The amount of treatment required is tailored to each individual. Some may have chronic or recurrent conditions that might need preventative or maintenance treatment to help them to be healthy and pain free, while others might be treated in one or two sessions.
Will I experience any pain or discomfort during or after treatment?
Osteopathic treatment is not usually painful. Sometimes people feel some minor discomfort for up to 24 hours, but more often people find the treatment relaxing, and feel calm after a treatment. Sometimes Osteopaths release spinal and other joints, making a small click. This is not usually painful, and often improves mobility. If you don’t like the idea of such manipulations please inform your Osteopath. We will only do things with your consent.
What training is required to be an osteopath?
All osteopaths have to be registered with the General Osteopathic Council by law. The council will only register osteopaths that have been fully trained with a four or five year degree or masters degree course in osteopathy. Osteopaths have to comply with annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements in order to maintain their registration.
What if I am unable to attend my appointment?
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. This is to allow another patient to take that slot, as sometimes there may be a waiting list of people requiring treatment. If you fail to cancel before the 24-hour period we reserve the right to charge a cancellation fee for the missed appointment. In these cashless and times it might be easier to pay by card over the telephone when you make the appointment, or pay by bank transfer.
Can I make a health insurance claim?
Patients who have health insurance can ask for a receipt and make a claim on their insurance. It is advisable to telephone the insurance company prior to receiving treatment so that it can be authorised by the company. Some insurance companies require referral by a GP, but many do not. If in doubt telephone the company. Due to administrative difficulties we are no longer accepting new PPP or BUPA claims - patients are welcome to consult us, but pay the fee themselves rather than us making a claim from their insurance for them.
COVID19 Protocols:
In the current pandemic we are all having to change the ways that we work. The main aim is to prevent the transmission of the virus between patients, or between patient and Osteopath.
For that reason we have changed the way that we work:
Firstly, before treatment, do not visit the Osteopath if you have any symptoms of COVID19 - especially a fever, a new cough or loss of sense of smell. Ring 111 if in doubt. Do not attend an appointment if you are self-isolating, for example after travelling, or a member of your household has the virus. We will discuss these precautions when we talk to you when the appointment is made.
Our treatments will continue to be about 40 minutes long, but we will book patients in at one hour intervals to allow for effective cleaning between patients. All surfaces touched by patients will be wiped, also the treatment table and pillows. Paper coverings will be used that can be thrown away. Please do not arrive more than a couple of minutes before your appointment time so that this can be done thoroughly. We no longer have a receptionist to open the door, so if you telephone please leave a message and we will respond when we can. Come on your own if possible, though in certain cases, such as children, a parent or family member chaparone is permitted.
When you arrive you will be met at the door by your Osteopath, and asked to clean your hands and remove your shoes. You will be offered a disposable mask and gloves. We may take your temperature with a contactless thermometer. Please be clean and wear some light clothing as many patients can be treated with some clothes on. The Osteopath will wear a mask, and use new disposable gloves and apron with each patient. There will be only one Osteopath in the practice at a time, so there is no risk of meeting other patients in a confined space. The treatment rooms will be used alternately, and good ventilation will be maintained.
Whilst we are taking all precautions to minimise risk there will always be a small chance of infection. By attending the practice you consent to this risk, and also any risks from Osteopathic treatment itself.