Do I need to be referred by my GP?

No. As a primary healthcare practitioner, an osteopath is clinically trained to professionally assess and diagnose patients, without need for a GP referral.

Can I claim on my health insurance?

We are registered with the majority of private health insurers. Please contact us to find out if your treatment can be covered by your insurance.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

When visiting an osteopath for the first time, it is natural to feel a little unsure of what to expect. I will begin by asking you a series of questions about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and treatment goals, and then assess your posture and movement. In order to examine and treat effectively, you may be asked to dress down to your underwear. Some patients prefer to bring shorts and for ladies a sports bra, although this is entirely optional.

I may also do additional tests such as taking blood pressure or testing reflexes.  All of this helps me formulate a diagnosis and develop the best course of treatment for you. After examination, I will explain my findings and discuss a treatment plan.

Usually, I begin treatment at the first appointment. Occasionally however, I may want to refer you to your GP or other health professional for further investigations such as blood tests or scans. I will always discuss this with you and get your permission to do so.

Will Treatment Hurt?

Osteopaths work hard to make treatment as comfortable as possible. However you may experience some discomfort during or after a session. Two-way communication is important, and I will encourage to you to let me know if you feel uncomfortable in any way during treatment. This may be because of a position you are in, a certain technique hurts, or you feel worried that treatment may make your symptoms worse.

You may just prefer me not to use particular techniques or work on certain areas of your body for whatever reason. It is important that you tell me this, as there are usually alternative ways of effectively treating your symptoms in a manner that you will feel comfortable with.

It is quite common to experience stiffness, soreness or tiredness for up to 24-48 hours after your first treatment, similar to how you might feel after exercise. The vast majority of people then go on to see a significant improvement in their symptoms. Before treatment begins, I will discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with you in more detail.

How often should I come for treatment?

I generally suggest weekly treatments, but will advise if you would benefit from coming more or less frequently. I can give you a better indication of the number and frequency of sessions needed, after your full examination at the first appointment.

The majority of people benefit from between 1 and 4 sessions, whereas others may need more. Longer-standing issues often require more treatments.

How do I cancel my appointment?

If you are unable to make your appointment, please call 01926 419967, email info@feelbetterclinic.co.uk or use the contact form at least 24 hours beforehand, so I can give your appointment to someone else. If you do not notify me, you may be charged the full fee.

Do you offer out of hours appointments?

I offer some week day evening appointments. Please check the online booking facility or call for availability. Please note that these slots tend to be very popular, so often get booked up in advance.

What is your policy on confidentiality and data protection?

As health practitioners, osteopaths take data protection and confidentiality issues very seriously. Our Privacy Notice outlines what personal information we collect about you, how we collect it and how it is then used and stored.

Any more questions?

If your question has not been answered, please get in touch.