FAQ

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment designed to provide pain relief for the body’s musculo-skeletal system (the muscles, joints, ligaments and connective tissues). It is a natural therapy combining manipulation, stretching and massage techniques.

When was Osteopathy introduced ?

Osteopathy has been around for the last 120 years. Dr Andrew Taylor Still became disillusioned with contemporary medicine in the 1820's when his own children were unwell. As an alternative he felt many diseases resulted from mechanical imbalances within the body and developed ways to correct these and hence alleviate many ailments. This was the start of osteopathy.

What happens when I visit and osteopath?

When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The osteopath will then use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.

How will I be treated?

Osteopaths treat with their hands, using a combination of soft tissue “massage”, stretching, and high speed movements or manipulations. These can often cause a joint to click. We obviously use gentler treatments on the young or elderly.

Is it safe?

Osteopathy is basically safe. With every form of treatment, and everything In life, there are risks associated with them. However, the case history where we find out about your condition and you previous ailments and illnesses, and the examination should help reduce the risks and make the whole process safe.

Does it hurt?

Different Osteopaths work in different ways. Some perform the massage work very gently, others more strongly. We endevour to ensure that the treatments are not too unpleasant but are still effective. Manipulation is usually more of a shock than actually painful. When you come in with severe pain, most things hurt. So anything we do will probably hurt a bit. We try to minimize your pain during the treatment, and our objective is to reduce your pain in the shortest number of visits. So some of what we do does hurt a little. Please tell us if you don’t like the strength of the treatment, because if you are lying on your front, we can’t see your face!!!!

Can I help myself?

Yes you can. We can give advice where necessary, on exercise / seating / posture / pillows / lifting etc to enable the things you do at home to either augment the treatment, or at least no undo it!

I hear babies can be treated by osteopaths?

Yes...they can. Cranial therapy is used to treat babies who suffer from a variety of problems. Cranial has its detractors, and there is not much conclusive research about it. HOWEVER it seems to work for a lot of children. There is a Children's Osteopathic Centre where it is used a lot, and we believe in it enough to offer it to you.

We started doing Cranial Osteopathy in September 2009, when our newest addition Sylvie Hamilton joined us. She is a lovely kind lady who is very adept at using the techniques of Cranial, and has had great success. If you think you OR your child may benefit, please call us for some advice. remember we have a free-fone number for you to use!!

How do I know if my osteopath is qualified or not?

In 1993, Osteopathy became the first major complementary healthcare profession to be accorded statutory recognition under the 1993 Osteopaths Act. Osteopathy is now recognized by the British Medical Association.
Since 9th May 2000 it has been illegal for a therapist to call themselves as an osteopath or to practice as such, unless registered with the General Osteopathic Council. If you are not sure, please contact us, or the General Osteopathic Council.

What does it cost?

Our initial consultation is £40.00 and any treatment after that will be £35.00

I have medical insurance - will it pay ? (PMI)

Many private healthcare schemes give benefit for osteopathic treatment, in full or in part. The best thing to do is talk to your insurance company directly to find out what their terms are. We are recognised by the major healthcare providers such as BUPA, AXA PPP, and Norwich Union. you will usually need a referral from your GP, and a referral number with your membership number. then, you can leave the rest to us.

Where can I get info on Osteopathy and osteopaths?

Ask your local osteopath or try www.osteopathy.org.uk , or give us a call for advice and assistance- 0800 9807151