Frequently asked questions

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a drug-free, non-invasive hands on therapy that aims to improve health across all body systems by manipulating, strengthening and stretching the soft tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia as well as working on the joints and bony structures. I use a range of treatment techniques such as soft tissue massage, stretching, joint articulation, movement and joint manipulation. 

Who is osteopathy for? 

Osteopathy is for everyone. From children to teenagers, adults to older people and even animals. I ask that people under the age of 18 be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

What could osteopathic treatment help with?

Osteopaths can treat a range of injuries and conditions such as:

• low back pain
• mid back pain
• neck pain
• shoulder pain including frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
• knee, ankle and foot pain in including plantar fasciitis 
• elbow, wrist and hand pain including tennis and golfers elbow
• headaches and migraines
• sciatica
• compensations associated with osteoarthritis
• and much more...

Does osteopathy treatment hurt?

As a rule treatment doesn't hurt. However, if someone comes in in a lot of pain, then sometimes moving them can be painful. I always ask patients for feedback on what I am doing. If it hurts and if the treatment gets too much we can always stop and try something else. Most people find treatment to be painless and even relaxing at times. 

Is osteopathy safe to have during pregnancy?

Yes it is. 

Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy helps to relieve and prevent symptoms enabling the parent to enjoy a pain free, easier and relaxed pregnancy. Treatment can be adapted to make sure parent and baby are safe during the session. During the first trimester (up to 12 weeks) there is a naturally high risk of miscarriage. It is important you let me know if you are or may be pregnant at the time of treatment so I can take extra care of you and adapt how I treat you. Stronger techniques and types of treatment will not be used during the first trimester but once at 14 weeks most treatment types can be used in an adapted way to keep parent and baby comfortable and safe. Treatment during pregnancy may also help to prepare your body for the birth  and may help your delivery to go even smoother than normal. 

Do I need a referral?

Human patients don't need a referral from a GP or hospital to have a treatment with me. However some patients do get referred to me by local GPs. 

Animal patients do need veterinary consent before I can treat them. I have a veterinary consent form I will send you if you wish to book an appointment for your pet. This just needs to be signed by the vet and brought with you to your pets first appointment. A number of pet insurers now cover osteopathy too.