Frequently Asked Questions

Whilst Osteopathy is a predominantly a hands-on treatment approach, Osteopathic Practitioners can help you to achieve beneficial change by advising you on the correct self-help methods for your specific circumstances, such as; postural advice, hot or cold compresses and after observing your mobility concerns prescribing exercises, plus, in some circumstances, training you in simple self-treatment applications, all of which can be undertaken via a video call.

Also, appointments such as Osteodouce and Reiki or Sanomentology, similar too hypnotherapy, can be utilised to reduce pain levels and are just as good when applied remotely, so this may be a consideration if you are open to more of a mind, body, spirit alternative to the conventional hands-on approach. So whether you are in too much pain to travel to us, are currently away from home, have transport issues or are just too unwell to be accepted into the practice one of our remote options might be a good fit for you.

If you book a remote appointment you will receive a link in your confirmation and reminder emails. Just click the link from your internet enabled computer or device to access your appointment. It may be useful to use a stand or tripod for your phone or tablet to help keep the device steady and allow you to keep your hands free in case you need to move around during the call. Payment in house by cash, cheque or card, if convenient or otherwise by electronic transfer, is required for remote appointments.

After your appointment you will be given self-help information with a view to speeding your recovery by; improving your resting postural alignment, reducing your mechanical loading and empowering you to reduce your own inflammation levels, as well as teaching you how to effectively stretch or tone any relevant restricting and supporting muscle tissues.

Further information such as appropriate activity levels, lifestyle factors, footwear options and dietary or supplement advice, as well as specific prescribed exercises may be relevant. Do please ask your practitioner as to what they would advise for your particular circumstances as they will always be very happy to teach you more about how to take control of your recovery.

Please only undertake exercises and stretches that your practitioner has recommended for you plus if you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises stop, rest, try again another day and if the issues persist then contact us on 01797 361111 or email us at in**@**********************co.uk for advice.

Functional Osteopathy addresses the tendons, ligaments, fascia and membranes that support our joints and surround our organs, so echos the cranial effect throughout the body.

During Functional Osteopathic Treatment your practitioner may, with your permission, need to place their hands on your; spine, throat region, shoulders, rib cage, hips or abdomen and joints to unravel the restrictions and torsions held within the body that are triggering your symptoms.

Patients sometimes feel sensations of pressure, warmth or wave-like motion, either under the Osteopath’s hands or elsewhere in the body as these tensions are gradually drawn out, unraveled or unwound, which may leave you feeling lighter and looser.

Some patient’s find these techniques surprisingly gentle, however it is important to remember that plenty is going on under the surface, plus the intensity will vary depending on the area being addressed as well as the pain levels and health of the patient. However, whether the techniques applied are considered gentle or even incredibly subtle your Osteopath is ultimately focused on restrictions and blockages as per Structural Osteopathy.

Functional Treatment may be of particular benefit to those seeking an alternative to the more traditional physical approach due to pain levels, contra-indication concerns, personal choice or when an individuals’ resistance is at a low ebb. This particular style is often the treatment of choice for patients suffering from acute or arthritic pain, sciatica, repetitive injuries, circulatory concerns and digestive disorders.

Cranial Osteopathy addresses the cranium or skull plus the spine, sacrum or pelvis, and the membranes that surround the central nervous system.

During Cranial Osteopathic Treatment your practitioner may, with your permission, need to place their hands on your; skull, face, spine, shoulders, pelvis or abdomen and occasionally, with your signed consent, onto the roof of your mouth, to unravel the restrictions and torsions held within the body, that are triggering your symptoms.

Patients sometimes feel sensations of pressure, warmth or wave-like motion, either under the Osteopath’s hands or elsewhere in the body, and as these tensions are gradually drawn out, a very calm and relaxed state may be produced.

Some patient’s consequently mistake this branch of Osteopathy as a form of laying on of hands, but the underlying rationale is science based and your Osteopath, who will have undergone an extensive course of pre/post-graduate training in Cranial assessment and treatment as well as in the associated complex anatomy, is ultimately focused on restrictions and blockages as per Structural Osteopathy.

Cranial Treatment may be of particular benefit to those seeking an alternative to the more traditional physical approach due to pain levels, contra-indication concerns, personal choice or when an individuals’ resistance is at a low ebb. This particular style is often the treatment of choice for patients suffering from acute or arthritic spinal pain, headaches, neuralgia and sciatica, sleep concerns and relaxation issues as well and digestive disorders.

Classical Osteopathy focuses on improving joint mobility via articulation, which rhythmically moves the spine and peripheral joints through their full range of motion, with a view to reducing muscular tension, promoting blood supply and increasing fluid drainage, which can either be directed towards a specific area or applied throughout the whole body.

This approach is a great low risk way of addressing your mechanical concerns when the practitioner recommends a mid-range modality, or the patient prefers a moderately gentle yet tangible approach, to promote the recovery of sub-acute and chronic spinal restrictions, hip and shoulder joint stiffness, plus circulatory and fluid drainage concerns. Whilst post treatment reactions can still occur with these techniques the likelihood of occurrence and the intensity of such effects is far lower than with the structural approach above.

However, even with this approach there can be concerns about suitability, your Osteopath will not use techniques they deem to be unsafe in your case, even if you have received those previously or you request that technique, they will of course be more than happy to explain their reasoning, behind this decision, which will be taken for the benefit of your health.

Structural Osteopathy is probably the most well-known approach within the Osteopaths toolbox, and comprises of the more physical techniques within our armoury, such as; soft tissue massage and neuromuscular technique, passive and active muscle stretching, known as muscle energy technique and, where relevant, spinal manipulations.

All of these techniques offer the benefit of improved mobility, but because of their intensely physical nature they may produce a post treatment reaction, such as; joint stiffness, muscular aching or pain, especially on movement. These aftereffects are considered normal, however, can be reduced by following the advice of your practitioner and usually resolve within 24-48 hours. And as long as you feel more mobile and comfortable once this phase passes then you have progressed as a consequence.

It is important, however, to stress that there are risks to treatment so your Osteopath will not use any technique they deem to be unsafe in your case, even if you have received those previously or you request that approach, they will of course be more than happy to explain their reasoning, behind this decision, which will be taken for the benefit of your health.

Your Osteopath will discuss this with you during your appointment so you can both decide on a treatment plan, which will be dependent on your individual circumstances and needs. Some patients with simple musculo-skeletal injuries may just need a few appointments, others with more complex mechanical patterns may require a longer course of treatment to help stabilise their structure.

Where ongoing conditions are evident, such as arthritis, disc issues, joint replacements or severe postural imbalances then initially a number of short interval appointments may be necessary to help the body repair and recover, then once inflammation levels disperse and pain reduces the frequency of the visits can usually be reduced.

Regular Osteopathic Treatment can then be utilised to help manage your pain levels more effectively and reduce the chance of future flare-ups. It is important to communicate to your Osteopath if your condition or symptoms change, so they can adjust the treatment approach to suit your current circumstances.

Osteopaths can help with; Arthritic and Joint pain, Back and Neck pain, Digestive Disturbance, Headaches and Migraine Prevention, Sleep and Relaxation Issues plus Sports Injuries and Repetitive Strains.

Your Practitioner will tell you what to expect in advance, but Osteopathic Treatment is not usually painful, however soft tissue or manipulatory techniques may trigger some degree of discomfort or tenderness during your appointment. Please do mention if you are in pain as your Practitioner will want to know, so that you can decide together how to proceed. You are welcome to request a more gentle approach, either in advance or at any stage during the appointment, if you would prefer.

Following treatment or perhaps by the next day you may feel a little stiff or sore, which could last for up to a few days, particularly if you are having treatment for a painful or inflamed condition or injury. This is a normal healthy response to the treatment process, you will however be given advice on self-help and exercises, where relevant, to speed your recovery and reduce your symptoms so it is best to action these suggestions as advised.

An Osteopath is a qualified Musculoskeletal Practitioner who has undertaken extensive higher education training and is registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Osteopaths apply hands-on non-invasive techniques that are focused on; mobilising, stabilising and balancing the musculoskeletal system plus harmonising its relationship with other systems in the body.  An Osteopathic approach to promoting recovery consists of building a bespoke treatment plan from our vast armoury of methods, which range from the very gentle to the very physical, such as physical; soft tissue massage, joint articulations, active muscle stretching, and spinal manipulations, plus gentle balancing, unwinding & cranio-sacral releasing techniques.