Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Many patients are referred by their doctor, but it is not necessary to visit him / her first. If there is any reason for me to contact your doctor I will ask your permission first.
Am I too old or my baby too young for osteopathic treatment?
Age is not a barrier to receiving osteopathic treatment. Treatment is always adapted to your individual requirements.
Can I pay by health insurance?
Most health insurance policies cover osteopathic treatment. You should check your policy details to confirm this. It is the policy of the practice that payment should be made at the time of treatment and then reclaimed from insurance companies by the individual.
What should I wear?
You may be asked to remove some of your clothing so that a series of observations and assessments can be made during the consultation. However, disrobing is completely voluntary and if you feel more comfortable a fully clothed examination can be performed or a gown is provided. Alternatively you may choose to wear sports clothes.
Osteopathy and Covid-19
I am remaining up-to-date with all public health statements and guidance issued regarding Covid-19 and am following the GoSC Covid guidance.
Do you do home visits?
I occasionally do home visit treatments for people who are unable to get to the practice and have an urgent need for treatment. Given that home visits can take up to 3-4 treatment slots, after accounting for travelling, setting up and treating, this is reflected in a higher fee.
Is treatment painful?
Osteopathic treatment is usually a very gentle process and I work hard to make treatment as painless as possible, but you may experience some discomfort during and after treatment. I will warn you if I think that the technique that I am about to use is likely to be uncomfortable and will stop if you tell me that you are feeling too much pain.
Following treatment you may experience some mild soreness in the area of your body that was treated, this will normally go away within 48 hours.
Will I receive treatment at my initial consultation?
Yes, your initial conultation includes both consultation and treatment. Typically first appointments can take between 45 minutes to an hour,
Some interesting facts:
– There are more than 5,300 osteopaths registered with the General Osteopathic Council, which includes some who practise abroad. Those practising in the UK carry out more than seven million consultations every year.
– Of those consultations, 54% of new patients are seen within one working day of contacting the osteopath and 95% are seen within one week.
– The profession attracts almost equal numbers of male and female practitioners, and some have already qualified in another healthcare practice such as medicine, nursing or physiotherapy.
– Most osteopaths are self-employed and work in the private sector, although some are working in multi-disciplinary environments within the NHS and in occupational healthcare in public bodies and private companies. All osteopaths, wherever they work, must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council.