Faqs & Fees

Yes. Osteopathy is safe for all ages as it supports the body’s own healing and self-repair mechanisms.

The minimum qualification for an osteopath is completion of a four-year degree, which includes at least 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice. Osteopaths are registered allied health professionals within the UK, held to clear standards of practice by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

Please allow 60 minutes for your first consultation so that I can discuss your condition and establish what you need from the treatment. I will listen to your concerns, take a full history. I will carry out a detailed assessment including observing your spine and joints moving in different ways as well as hands on examination. I may conduct further tests such as taking your reflexes or testing muscle strength. There are some (rare) instances where I may refer you to your GP or midwife.

I will clearly explain my findings with you and discuss a treatment plan which will include exercises and what I can do to help you or your baby. Questions are encouraged as understanding why a particular treatment plan has been recommended is an important part of rehabilitation and preventative care.

Please be reassured that any conversation you have with me will be strictly confidential.

New Patient consultations last one hour to allow me time to listen to your story and take a detailed case history, as well as performing examination and treatment.

During follow-up I don’t normally need to gather as much information, so the follow-up session is shorter, focusing on treatment to make you feel better. I do my utmost to provide treatment at the first consultation, however occasionally due to time constraints or when medically indicated to be inappropriate, treatment may not be possible.

I tend to treat using hands on therapy such as joint mobilisation, articulation, stretching, cranial osteopathy, visceral osteopathy and massage. Exercise rehabilitation is also an important part of osteopathic care and I will prescribe exercises and self-care advice which is specifically tailored to you or your baby.

In the majority of cases, people feel much better after treatment but you may also feel tired and some local soreness or stiffness one or two days afterwards.

It’s important to be comfortable at your appointment. During the examination and treatment I like to observe your spine so you may feel most comfortable in leggings or comfortable shorts and a vest top. For paediatric appointments, I will ask that you undress your baby down to their nappy.

You are welcome to bring a relative, friend or chaperone with you to any of your appointments. Children under the age of 16 should be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

No. I can treat your child in a position that is comfortable for them.
It’s not realistic to expect a child to remain still in the way an adult can during treatment. My treatment of children often takes place while they are being engaged in quiet play or being read to. If your child or baby has a favourite toy, or book, bringing it to the appointment may help keep them entertained.

The number of appointments you will need varies from person to person. However, I will always outline a treatment plan with you during your consultation and review it at each session.

Significant improvement in acute symptoms is often felt after the first 1-2 sessions, but further appointments are sometimes needed depending on how long you have been suffering from your symptoms.

You don’t need a referral from your GP to book an appointment with me. If you are on any medication or have had any medical tests/imaging (x-rays, MRI’s etc) then it’s useful if you can bring your prescription list, as well as any test results with you.

Many health insurance companies do cover osteopathy. However, each has their own set of requirements so please check with them that you will be covered. I request that you pay me directly and reclaim fees paid from your insurance company. I am happy to provide a receipt for insurance purposes.