FAQs

Osteopathy is a statutory regulated and title protected healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, management and prevention of musculoskeletal (Muscles and Joints) and other related disorders. It utilises a patient focused physical therapy approach to restoring, maintaining and promoting physical and psychosocial health, based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, nerves, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

Diagnosis involves a combination of osteopathic and conventional medical diagnostic techniques. This approach emphasises the integration of the musculoskeletal system with other body systems and the influence that impaired function of each has on the other.  It also seeks to empower and educate patients in assisting their recovery to good health. Osteopaths work alongside GPs, Consultants and other healthcare professionals.

Osteopath’s patients include people of every age and occupation, including pregnant women, children and sports people.

Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including pain, stiffness and disability, poor posture, repetitive strain at work, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.

See What we treat > Osteopathy

Most patients 'self refer' to an osteopath for treatment. Although referral by a GP is not necessary, you are encouraged to keep your GP fully informed, so that your medical records are current and complete. This will ensure your receive the best possible care from both health professionals.  Osteopaths are trained to recognise when osteopathy will not help a medical condition, and will refer a patient to a GP when necessary.

The treatment is patient-centred so the number will vary depending on the nature of the problem being treated. Acute (recent) problems will usually not take as long as chronic (longstanding) problems to get better. For some acute issues only two to three treatments may be necessary. Chronic conditions may need longer ongoing care. We’ll be able to give you an indication after your first visit.

We have always felt great pride in treating our patients with the most up to date and progressive care allowing us to discharge you after the minimum of treatment. Discharging a patient is always a proud moment!

Removal of top clothes, down to your underwear, is usually preferable so the Osteopath can examine the whole of the spine and body structure. Large towels are available to cover areas not being treated.

If you have private health insurance you will need to contact them before you start any treatment and discus starting a claim and the available level of cover/ budget /excess requirements.  Almost all require you to be referred by your GP. This very often need only be a verbal declaration between you and your GP and a comment on your records and then between you and the insurance company. It is now largely a paperless system. They then provide a Claim or Authorisation number that confirms your cover and allows us to invoice them directly.