Click on the following questions to go to the answer...
•Is my Osteopath qualified?
•Will treatment hurt?
•What is the difference between Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic?
•Do I need a referral from my G.P?
•How many treatments will I need?

Q: Is my Osteopath qualified?
A: The title “Osteopath” is protected by law and as such anyone claiming to be an osteopath or using osteopathic techniques (such as cranial osteopathy) must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council. An osteopath will have completed a four year degree at an established college or university and be undertaking Continued Professional Development throughout the year to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest developments.

Q: Will treatment hurt?
A: In some cases the body needs to adjust to a new position or function after treatment and occasionally this may feel like you have “had a work-out” for up to a day or so afterwards. Most patients, however, experience very little discomfort, and as osteopathy has a reputation for quick results, feel improvement following treatment.

Q: What is the difference between an osteopath, chiropractor and physiotherapist?
A: There are many small differences between the three professions and most of them are due to their evolution of practice. Historically, osteopathy was the first to be developed in 1874 and chiropractic branched off to form a separate profession in 1895. Although there remain many similarities in terms of the type of conditions treated, their philosophies now differ as a result of this separation. In general, an osteopath would be concerned with the function of the whole body, as well as its structure, taking into account the health of the spinal and other joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. A chiropractor would be concerned with the structural alignment of the spine with a view to ensuring good nerve function and may focus on spinal manipulation. A physiotherapist’s treatment may vary depending on whether they work within the NHS or privately, but their approach is mainly directed at exercises to strengthen muscles and help with post-operative rehabilitation.

Q: Do I need to be referred by my GP?
A: No. Although we get many referrals from GPs, nurses, midwifes, dentists and consultants, you do not need to see them first. If the osteopath thinks there is something that needs to be brought to the attention of your GP they will, with your permission, write to them or phone them.

Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: This will depend on the problem you have. Some patient are only seen once or twice when their symptoms are from a simple source. We have other patients who find benefit in receiving a “maintainance” treatment every few months to prevent their symptoms recurring or, in the case of some age-related problems, getting worse. Most patients, however will be somewhere between these two examples.