What to expect at oak osteo
If you’re new to osteopathy, or haven’t visited us at Oak Osteo before, we’ve shared everything you’ll need to know before your first appointment with us. We want you to feel confident and safe at all times, even before you walk into the clinic, so please feel free to call us if you have any questions we haven’t addressed on this page.
Many people call us to see if osteopathy can help them before booking their first appointment. If that sounds like you, give us a call, and we’d be happy to answer any of your questions.
At your first visit, we will ask a number of questions about why you’ve made an appointment. We will also ask about your medical history, so you may want to bring any scans, letters, and prescriptions with you. All of this is to ensure we offer you a safe and comprehensive treatment.
In the treatment room we will then do an assessment using palpation and active and passive movement. It is normal for us to look globally at the body to allow us to get to the root of the problem. After a discussion of the findings we will then hopefully progress into treatment using suitable techniques. The appointment is rounded out with a discussion on aftercare such as exercises and lifestyle advice.
If you have any questions we haven’t covered below please feel free to contact us any time and we’ll be happy to have a chat.
It is recommended to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing to an osteopathy appointment. This will allow the osteopath to easily access any areas of the body that needs treatment. It is also a good idea to wear clothing that is easy to remove, as the osteopath may need to access certain areas of the body that are covered by clothing. Avoid wearing restrictive clothing, as this may make it difficult for us to perform your treatment.
Osteopathy is generally very safe. Osteopathic techniques may involve gentle stretching and manipulation of the muscles, joints, and bones, but they should not cause significant discomfort. Some people may experience mild soreness after treatment, similar to how they might feel after exercising, but this should resolve quickly. Osteopaths undergo a long training period and are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (www.osteopathy.org.uk). Training prepares osteopaths to examine and screen for potential difficulties that indicate where certain techniques should not be used; thereby avoiding patients being exposed to unnecessary risk.
The number of sessions you need depends on you and factors such as your age, current health and presenting symptoms; each person and presentation is unique. The aim is to keep your appointments to a minimum. We will be able to tell you within a short period of time the number of treatments required and this will be discussed with you after the diagnosis has been explained at your initial assessment.
Typically, an adult might need 3-6 sessions over a period of several weeks, however if you have a longer term/chronic condition you may well require more sessions.
No, you do not need a GP referral to see an osteopath. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners; you can see them directly without a referral. However, it is always a good idea to inform your GP if you seek treatment from an osteopath or any other healthcare practitioner.
We may send a report about your condition and treatment to your primary care physician with your consent.
The General Osteopathic Council recommends that self-referral patients notify their GP about their osteopathic therapy and provide updates on their progress.
Osteopathic treatment is an extremely safe and natural approach to health care which works with the body’s own health and repair mechanisms.
Osteopathy is a recognised health profession, and has the same safeguards that you would enjoy if you visited a doctor or a dentist.
Approximately 10-20% of patients who consult osteopaths for relief from painful symptoms may experience an initial aching for 24 to 48 hours following treatment. Despite this, research suggests that these patients usually start to gain relief from their symptoms. Osteopathic treatment can provide a variety of responses, depending on the individual and their condition. Generally, patients report improved well-being, increased mobility and range of motion, decreased pain, improved circulation, and enhanced relaxation. Additionally, some patients may experience reduced symptoms associated with stress, fatigue, insomnia, and digestive issues.
All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). It is against the law for anyone to call themselves an osteopath unless they are registered with the GOsC, which sets and promotes high standards of competency, conduct and safety.
Yes, there is free parking outside the clinic. Sometimes the parking can be tricky as we share the site with a number of other businesses. If you are struggling to park please mention when you come into the clinic or call from the car park.
Yes, your notes have the same protection as your medical records.
No, whilst all can be considered types of manual therapy, osteopathy is an holistic approach that focuses on the relationship between the structure of the body and the way it functions. It aims to improve mobility and balance in the body through improved movement of the joints and soft tissue techniques. Chiropractic is a manual therapy focusing on the spine and nervous system, using adjustments to improve function and relieve pain. Physiotherapy is a type of rehabilitation that uses exercise, education, and other techniques to help individuals recover from injuries or manage chronic conditions. All three modalities may overlap in some areas, but they are distinct and unique in their approaches and techniques.
As a registered osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council, Laura aims to carry out all assessment, diagnosis and treatment in accordance with the ‘Osteopathic Practice Standards’, which ensure all patients receive quality care and protect them from harm. In the unlikely event you feel you are dissatisfied with the level of care you have received you should:
a) Speak with Laura and express your concerns, she will aim to help you.
b) Contact the Institute of Osteopathy or the General Osteopathic Council.
In the unlikely event your concerns have not been resolved. Please contact the above practice bodies. We can provide you with the contact information.
Please give us 24 hours notice of cancellations so that we can give your appointment to someone else. If you fail to attend, forget your appointment, arrive more than 20 minutes late or cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged a cancellation fee up to the full consultation. Cancellation can be done by phone, email or text.
If you are unsure whether or not to attend for treatment, we will be happy to advise you over the telephone.
