FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What appointment times are available?
Some therapists are flexible offering day, evening or weekend appointments. Others are available at specific times. Please contact us for more details.
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Q. What is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to make you appointment, please call your practitioner to let them know so that someone else may benefit from your appointment time. If less than 24 hours notice is given, the full fee of the session may be charged.
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Q. What are the fees?
The current fees are listed on the treatments page. Fees are payable at the time of your visit by cash or cheque. We do not accept cards at this time.
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Q. Will my insurance company pay?
Most insurers cover osteopathic treatment. Some have special referral conditions or require that you tell them at the onset, so please check with your insurer before commencing treatment. We ask that you settle the treatment fees with us and then reclaim from your insurance company.
Other therapies are less likely to be covered, but you should check with your insurance company.
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Q. Do I need to see my GP before having osteopathic treatment?
There is no need to consult you GP before attending an Osteopath. Many GPs recommend osteopathic treatment to their patients. Occasionally the osteopath will require information from, or will advise your GP of your treatment but this will only be done with your consent.
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Q. What are the similarities and differences between osteopathy, chiropractic and physiotherapy?
The similarities:
-All three are a hands-on approach to the treatment of musculo-skeletal problems in the main, although many other problems can be helped.
- All require formal training leading to a BSc(Hons) or Batchelor degree.
-The professions are regulated in the UK in the same way as medicine and dentistry.
The differences:
- Chiropractic treatment tends to involve a more "direct" approach with an emphasis on manipulation or adjustment of the spinal joints.
- The Osteopathic approach tends to involve slower, rhythmic stretching or "indirect" techniques on the muscles and joints in addition to manipulation. Some osteopaths also use cranial techniques which is very gentle.
- The Physiotherapist treatment often involves less hands-on, and more exercise rehabilitation and electro-physical modalities such as ultra-sound & tens machines.
-The manipulative techniques do differ in application and emphasis. Patients will often describe their experience of treatments in quite different ways.
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Q. Is osteopathic treatment painful?
In general, no. There may be some mild aching or a slightly "bruised" feeling after treatment. Many patients feel freer and more comfortable almost immediately. Others feel quite tired for a few hours and maybe a little achey for a day or so.
If your tissues are tense and sore, it may be uncomfortable at first to have them stretched and relaxed, especially if they have been tense for a long time. If your joints are elderly, they will inevitably be showing some signs of wear and tear and this may influence the rate and extent of response to osteopathic treatment.
Should any reaction to the treatment cause any concern at all, do please contact your osteopath for advice. If necessary, leave a message on our answering machine for a response at the earliest opportunity.
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Q. How long until I feel better after osteopathic treatment?
Some patients have instant relief, others find it can take weeks or months. Many factors can affect your recovery such as your age, how long you’ve had the problem and how severe it is. Whilst every patient reacts differently, your osteopath will be able to advise you on your likely recovery time. In most cases you will feel a definite change for the better early on in your treatment plan. Most patients do express feeling “better” or “lighter” after just one or two treatments, but in general, the longer you’ve had it, the longer it will take to get better.
Your commitment to the recommended treatment plan, home exercises and diet or lifestyle adjustments will also determine your treatment outcome, and your long term benefits from osteopathic care.
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