There are many different reasons why people are in pain and each person has a different way of responding to it. The average number of visits to an osteopath is between 3-4, sometimes less and sometimes more. However it is the policy of this practice that if you do not respond to your treatment we will discuss other alternatives and try and find a therapy that works for you.
What happens when I visit an osteopath?
When you visit an osteopath for the first time, a full case history and examination will be undertaken to understand which tissues are affected. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a series of movements. The osteopath then uses their highly developed sense of touch, called Palpation, to identify areas of strain/stress and points of weakness. The osteopath may need additional investigations such as X-ray or Blood test. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed for you.
Does osteopathic treatment hurt?
Not ordinarily. The approach that is most likely to be uncomfortable is deep soft tissue work, rather than manipulation (the technique that most fear). With a good patient - practitioner rapport, you should try and give feedback as to when it is becoming too uncomfortable. Known as 'therapeutic discomfort' this is usually that sort of sensation that is not comfortable, but not unpleasant either.
Will I be expected to undress?
For your best care and to fully assess the nature of the problem, then yes a level of undress would be required. In fact we could be regarded as being negligent if we were to assess, diagnose & treat without fully examining you. Obviously, more minor, peripheral problems (i.e. ankle strain, knee injury, etc) may be addressed with a lesser degree of undress, but we can only give you our best care if we are able to get a fuller, holistic picture of the problem. Wearing 'appropriate underwear' is a good idea, a bikini or cycling shorts & sports bra would be acceptable.
Is osteopathy safe for pregnant women?
Yes. Osteopathy can be hugely beneficial to women who are pregnant. It can help you cope with pregnancy related pain and also help get rid of some of the pain altogether. An osteopath can help you adapt to the changes the body is undergoing during pregnancy.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
Generally you do not need a doctor’s referral for treatment with us. If however you would like treatment under your private medical insurance cover, you would need authorisation from your insurance and a referral from your general practitioner. Please consult with your insurance company or if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Can osteopathy help sports Injuries?
Osteopathy looks at the underlying causes of the injury. In sports injuries, the osteopath will look at the cause of the injury and how it can be prevented in the future. This may involve in exercise prescription, lifestyle changes, diet changes and more awareness of injuries in general. The Osteopath will try and be sports specific in your rehabilitation to ensure you return to sport with good fitness.
Can I get treatment through the NHS?
Currently Brent Primary Care Trust do not provide osteopathy as a therapy. We are constantly communicating with the PCT to try and allow patients to have osteopathic treatment under the NHS. We shall inform you if their stance changes in the future.
Do you always run on time?
We will try to keep to the appointment schedule but certain cases may require more time. Our treatment policy is of doing what is required rather than what can be done in the time available. As a result you may be asked to wait a little. If you have other pre-arranged engagements that require you to leave the clinic at a prompt time contact us, prior to your appointment to see if we are running on time.
Do I have to pay at the end of each session?
We have a policy of collecting fees for treat at the end of every treatment session.
What is the cancellation policy?
The current cancellation policy is minimum 24hrs notice. Of course there are exceptions that you may be let off, but this is to the discretion of the individual osteopaths you have treatment with.
Can I get a discount if I pay for bulk treatments?
We do not give discounts if you pay for bulk treatments. We believe in healing you as quickly as possible, hence you may not need many treatments. No point in paying for 10 treatments when you only need 3!
I play/work for a large club/organisation, can we get exclusive prices?
Exclusive prices can be arranged for individual clubs and businesses. Please get your human resources manager or employer to contact us to arrange this.
Can osteopathy help my business?
Employee absenteeism is estimated to cost UK businesses over £1,300 per employee per year or £11 billion to industry as a whole (CBI, 1998). This amounts to 197 million days lost to the economy.
The costs to companies is huge, made up of loss of output and perhaps penalties from missing deadlines, compensation, legal fees and higher insurance premiums, medical costs, sickness benefits, fines and loss of goodwill.
Musculo-skeletal disorders, according to the Health & Safety Executive, form the largest group of work-related illnesses, accounting for 1.2 million of an estimated 2 million cases of occupational ill-health. The aim of working with industry is to be able to bring about a reduction in absenteeism figures due to musculo-skeletal related injuries by promoting the benefits of early intervention. Benefits of early intervention are not only cost effective but also cost saving.