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Is osteopathy safe..?
Yes, osteopathic treatment is a non-invasive and gentle approach to health. It is proven to be remarkably safe, relying on relaxed movements, mobilisation and manipulation of joints along with soft tissue massage. No surgery or drugs are involved. Most patients experience pain because their tissues have become damaged or overused. We are trained to recognise pain arising from diseased or damaged tissue that would benefit from the skills of a medical practitioner. We will explain any possible risks of treatment and discuss any worries you have before your treatment.

What happens on my first visit..?
On your first visit a full medical history, including details of any past and present illness will be taken. It can also be helpful if you can bring along any x-rays or scans you may have had in the past. You will be asked to perform some simple movements so that together we can assess the mobility of your body and identify areas of strain, weakness or injury before a more detailed and thorough assessment of your musculoskeletal system. You will also be asked questions about your lifestyle, work, emotional state, and sporting and leisure activities. This will all help towards making a diagnosis and building a treatment plan to suit you. Treatment times will vary depending on your needs but you should allow up to 1 hour for your first visit and around 30 minutes for any subsequent visits.

How many treatments will you need..?
This will depend on your individual problem and how long you’ve had it. I will not suggest a set amount of treatments nor expect payment for several treatments up front. Of course every patient reacts differently, but I will advise you on your likely recovery time in most cases and you should feel a definite change for the better early on in your treatment plan. In general though, the longer you’ve had the problem or pain, the longer it may take to correct fully. Your commitment to the treatment, including home exercises and any lifestyle alterations will also determine your progress and your long term benefits from osteopathic care.

Is the treatment painful..?
Generally speaking no. You may experience some tenderness if the problem has been there for some time or during examination if your symptoms are reproduced. However if you experience pain during treatment, I will alter the technique or reduce the pressure of the treatment. Osteopathy should not cause pain. You may experience some post-treatment soreness for up to 48 hours. This will soon pass as your body begins to adapt. But don’t worry, this is normal and advice will be given to help with this.

Should I take painkillers..?
Painkillers may help reduce the symptoms of pain, but they don’t address the cause. They may also have unnecessary side effects such as stomach upsets, drowsiness and nausea as well as constipation or diarrhoea. I would suggest only a short course of painkillers if your pain is too much to bear, but osteopathy is a much safer way of dealing with it. If the cause of pain is not addressed promptly, unnecessary degenerative changes may result.

Do you need to consult your GP first..?
There is no need to consult your GP before visiting, osteopaths are classed as ‘primary care physicians’ – this means you can consult us without approaching your GP beforehand. While we don’t have the authority to prescribe medication or painkillers, we are able to provide off-work certificates/sick notes if necessary.

What training does an osteopath undergo..?
Osteopathy was the first complementary healthcare profession to be accorded statutory regulation by the government. Osteopaths are expert primary contact healthcare professionals who have undergone five years of training to gain a BSc (Hons) degree or equivalent, and are registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). The GOsC protects patients by regulating and setting standards for osteopathic education, practise and conduct.

Is osteopathic treatment safe during pregnancy..?
Osteopathic treatment is gentle and safe, though it is often wise to wait until after your first trimester before treatment. Pregnancy is a good time to visit an osteopath as your body is changing so much and so quickly. Osteopathy can ease restrictions and strains as your ligaments are softer than usual at this time in your life.

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Can you have osteopathic treatment after surgery..?
Yes, in most cases osteopaths can treat you after surgery – we can advise you on your own circumstances. The treatment provided after surgery helps keep the soft tissues around the joints relaxed, stable and balanced, with the aim of reducing premature degeneration and wasting of the muscles and tissues around them.