Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the treatment sessions?
I offer generous 30 minute appointments
What can I expect from a treatment?
In a typical consultation I like to combine a thorough case history and physical examination with a variety of techniques chosen to reflect the age, fitness and general health of my patient, and the nature and longevity of their complaint.
Soft tissue techniques include massage, gentle stretching and trigger point releases. Articulation or mobilization of joints and gentle specific manipulation will be used if I find that is best for the individual concerned.
For anyone with a very long-standing problem, the very young and the elderly, or for people with bodies that are sensitive to treatment, or simply for those who prefer a more gentle hands-on approach to treatment, cranial osteopathic techniques are my treatment of choice.
Will I, or my child, need to get undressed for treatment?
It is best to wear loose fitting comfortable clothing to a treatment.
I may require that you remove items of clothing such as a shirt so that I can see and access the part of your body that I am treating.
I may ask a parent to remove outer clothing from a baby in order to examine them thoroughly.
With most cranial treatments it is not necessary to remove clothing.
Is Osteopathy safe for all ages and conditions?
Generally speaking osteopathy is safe from infancy onwards.
I will combine a thorough case history with a physical examination that will help me to determine what treatment is required and which techniques will be safe to use depending on each individual’s requirements.
I may require you to have further investigations for your condition to ensure that osteopathy is a suitable treatment option for you, in which case I could refer you back to your GP for example, or on to a radiologist for xray or to a specialist.
How many treatments will I need?
This will be dependent on the nature and longevity of your injury or problem, and your body’s response to treatment.
Expect to have a minimum of two treatment sessions and from there I can make a more accurate assessment of your needs.
Is Osteopathy limited to treating back and neck pain?
Safe, gentle and effective osteopathic treatment promotes optimal function throughout the body by improving – respiratory efficiency (breathing), blood supply and metabolite (waste product) removal for body tissues, and by normalizing innervation (nerve supply) to affected tissues.
This means that along with treating neck and back pain, osteopathy can be used to address almost any health issue you may have, from colic and reflux in babies, asthma and allergies in children to sports injuries, headaches, digestive tract issues, womens’ health complaints, vertigo, joint problems and the aches and pains of old age.
Can I have treatments if I am pregnant?
Most definitely! Its best to let me know that you may be pregnant even if you are only a few weeks in, so that I can ensure you are treated appropriately.
I have a special interest in treating women throughout their pregnancy, believing that safe, gentle osteopathic procedures will help them to function at an optimal level, maintaining comfort in activity and rest, ensuring baby’s health is optimized throughout, and that the eventual delivery is as uncomplicated as possible.
Are there any special aftercare requirements?
Generally I ask my patients to drink plenty of water, rest if possible, apply ice to the treated area and abstain from lifting, unnecessary housework or exercise workouts for the 24 hours following a treatment.
Will I need to do exercises to support my recovery?
Sometimes I will ask you to practice some simple exercises at home to assist your recovery. These will be specific to your injury or condition, your age and general health.
I am happy to discuss any worries concerns or queries you may have regarding your treatment or that for your child – please just ask.