Your first treatment will last up to one hour and you will be asked detailed questions about your present complaint, general health and past medical history. An examination and assessment of the way your body moves will be performed using orthopaedic and neurological tests and if necessary further tests such as x-rays or other investigations will be recommended. (Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions that require further medical referral.)
Each person and condition is treated individually so techniques used may not be the same as the next person or even in your next session.

Some treatment modalities are:
Soft tissue manipulation (massage techniques)
– Joint mobilization (gentle rhythmical movements to improve joint range)
– Joint manipulation (small adjustments made to joints to release restriction and reduce pain)
– Muscle energy technique (a type of stretching that uses muscle contractions to improve joint range)
– Exercise prescription and self-management advice
– Kynesio taping may also be applied to assist recovery and offload painful muscles and joints
– Advice regarding orthotics or heel lift may also be provided

Your follow up treatments take 35 to 45 minutes, and normally between 2 and 6 sessions are required. Many patients decide that they would like to have periodic preventative/ maintenance treatments.

I will need to see and feel the area of your body that requires treating. You might therefore want to wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as shorts and a vest, tank top, or sports bra. Your comfort is of the utmost importance, so you will never be asked to remove any item of clothing that you do not wish to. A towel is used to cover you throughout the treatment.

It is always helpful if you are able to provide any additional information which could help me understand your current condition. If you are on medication, it is helpful if you bring a list of your current prescriptions. If you have had any investigations, such as blood tests, an X-ray, or MRI scan, and you have a copy of the report then please bring it with you.

I will keep in constant communication with you about what I am doing or about to, and will ask you to feedback what you are feeling. If at any point you are uncomfortable or feel too much pain, I will find an alternative treatment approach to the area.
Occasionally treatment can leave you feeling some discomfort, especially the next day, whilst your body adapts and processes inflammation.

I ask for at least 24 hours notice of appointment cancellation or rescheduling. Cancellation at less than 24 hours notice will be charged in full, except in exceptional or pre-agreed circumstances.

I do not support AXA PPP or Bupa insurance policies, however, I am able to provide treatments under most other insurance policies.