The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) state Osteopathy is the following:

“Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patients’ general health. Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness. Osteopaths’ patient-centered approach to health and well being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient’s full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.” (GOsC, 2015)

Osteopaths are recognised by the NHS as Allied Health Professionals and play a critical role in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people of all ages.

Rest assured, your osteopath is extensively trained and highly skilled, ensuring a safe and effective diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs. In the UK, the osteopathic profession is overseen by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), guaranteeing high standards of practice. Osteopaths undergo rigorous training at degree level, completing a minimum of four years of full-time undergraduate study, including 1200 hours of direct patient contact. You can trust in the expertise and professionalism of your osteopath for your well-being.

You’re welcome to book an appointment with an Osteopath without needing a referral from your GP or other healthcare providers.

It’s important to note that Osteopathy in this realm isn’t currently covered by the NHS, so treatment fees apply. For more information on costs, please refer to our Book an Appointment page.

Certainly! You’re encouraged to bring along a companion during your treatment session if it makes you feel more comfortable.

For those under 16, it’s necessary to have a parent or legal guardian accompany you. We value your comfort and support throughout your visit.

Osteopathic treatment is typically gentle, and osteopaths prioritise minimising discomfort throughout the process. However, it’s possible to experience some discomfort during or after treatment. Your osteopath will communicate beforehand if a technique might cause discomfort and will cease if you indicate excessive pain.

Post-treatment, you might encounter mild soreness in the treated area, which usually subsides within 48 hours. Should you experience any concerning or unusual symptoms following treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your osteopath promptly for guidance and support. Your well-being is our priority.

The technique that produces the “cracking” noise can be effective, but it might not always be the best option for your specific condition.

Even if it is deemed appropriate, you have the choice to opt out of this approach. Simply inform your Osteopath, and they’ll adjust the treatment accordingly to accommodate your preferences.

Absolutely! Recognising that “niggle” as a sign that something isn’t quite right is key.

Addressing it promptly can often lead to needing less treatment overall to resolve the issue. Waiting until the discomfort becomes severe isn’t beneficial for you or your Osteopath. By taking proactive steps and seeking assistance early on, you’re prioritising your well-being and ensuring a smoother path to recovery.

No need to worry!  We can still identify patterns in your body and determine the necessary treatment. As mentioned earlier, the less discomfort you’re experiencing, the more we can accomplish in a single session. Your comfort is important to us, and we’ll work efficiently to address your needs and optimise the effectiveness of each session.

Patients frequently report feeling better by the conclusion of their initial treatment, though it’s not uncommon to experience some stiffness or soreness for approximately 24 hours afterward.

Individuals experiencing significant pain prior to treatment may require additional sessions to achieve improvement.

Your osteopath will monitor your progress closely and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal recovery.

The frequency of your treatment depends entirely on your individual needs. Some individuals benefit from regular sessions, while others may only require a single visit.

Typically, experiencing a noticeable improvement often requires around 3 to 6 treatments, on average.

However, your osteopath will tailor the treatment plan according to your specific requirements, ensuring the best possible outcome for you.

The initial consultation will usually take 45-60 minutes. Follow up appointments are 30 minutes long.

Just like any healthcare appointment, your osteopath may need to request removing some clothing to properly assess and address your concerns. Their aim is to ensure a thorough examination by visualising and palpating the relevant areas.

We recommend wearing suitable clothing like shorts and a T-shirt, or other snug-fitting attire, to your appointment.

Your comfort is our priority, so if undressing to your underwear feels uncomfortable, your osteopath can offer alternative options. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or preferences with your osteopath to ensure a comfortable and effective session tailored to your needs.

Your feedback matters to us. If you have any concerns or complaints about your treatment experience, we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible. Please provide detailed information about your concern, and we are committed to addressing it seriously, promptly, and constructively. Your input helps us improve and maintain our standards.

You can voice your complaint in person, over the phone, via letter, or through email.

Upon receiving your complaint, we will investigate it within the next few days and aim to:

1. Understand the situation and any errors that occurred.
2. Offer an explanation and, if appropriate, extend our apologies.
3. Take necessary steps to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.

Your satisfaction and well-being are our priorities, and your feedback contributes to our ongoing commitment to quality care.