> Frequently Asked Questions
● What can Osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths treat a wide range of conditions that include back and neck pain, trapped nerves, peripheral joint pain, repetitive strain injury, headaches, sporting injuries, arthritic pain, and many other conditions. Please contact me if you are uncertain if osteopathy is appropriate for your condition.
● What should I expect on my first visit?
The purpose of the initial consultation is to gather the information required to establish a working diagnosis. This is the first definition of your problem, and it allows the formulation of a plan for treatment and advice both in the short and long term. This is also an opportunity to clarify that the patient is indeed suitable for osteopathic treatment by ruling out any medical cause for the condition.
To arrive at the working diagnosis firstly a comprehensive case history is taken that not only covers the presenting condition, but the previous medical history in some considerable detail. A thorough physical examination is then conducted. For this you may be asked to undress to your underwear to allow a clear view of your posture, to examine mobility, and conduct a range of tests, all of which help to clarify the condition and its underlying causes. You are never required to undress beyond the underwear, and you are asked to to make it clear if undressing makes you uncomfortable for any reason. Being able to view the area concerned does help greatly, but the wish is to never make you feel anxious in any way. You may feel more comfortable bringing shorts to wear during your visits.
Once a diagnosis is arrived at it is clearly explained, together with details of the treatment plan, the techniques that may be employed, and an initial estimate of how many treatments may be required. Normally there is time towards the end of this first visit for some treatment and advice.
● What should I expect from subsequent treatments?
Following some questioning about the changes to your condition a brief re-examination is made. The allows the progression of treatment to be assessed objectively and ensures that it is adapted accordingly. During these visits both hands-on treatment is provided as well as advice regarding exercises or lifestyle modifications that will assist in your recovery. Any questions you may have can be addressed along the way.
● How frequent are treatments?
This depends on the problem and its severity. In some cases, particularly when the pain is acute, it is more effective to see the patient again within a few days. Generally treatments are spaced roughly a week apart, although as the condition begins to improve they may be spaced more widely.
Some patients feel that they benefit from visits on a regular basis despite the absence of any pain. In such cases they may chose to attend every few weeks or months for a check-up, and can simply book themselves in.
● Will treatment be painfull?
Some of the techniques employed by osteopaths may occasionally provoke a mild discomfort during their application, but communication between the patient and osteopath means that this should never be to a degree that would be unpleasant.
Occasionally after visits patients may experience a treatment reaction with a some exaggeration of their symptoms for a brief period, normally no more than 24 hours. This is most often not the case. Patients are encouraged to contact their osteopath if this causes concern.
● Do I need to consult my GP before visiting an osteopath?
Generally not. Most patients self refer without first consulting their GP. If you have severe health problems and a complex medical history then you may wish to consult your GP to ensure that osteopathic treatment is appropriate.
● Will my medical insurance cover the cost of treament?
In most cases at least part of the cost is reimbursed up to a certain limit. I am recognised by BUPA (Ref 30023310), AXA PPP (Ref JM06226), HSA and most other insurers. Some providers require that you be refered for osteopathic treatment by you GP. If you are in any doubt then first check with your insurance provider.
● What happens if I cannot attend an appointment?
There is a policy that the full fee is charged if the patient fails to attend or give less than 24 hours notice of cancellation. When allocated time is wasted it prevents other patients from receiving attention, some of whom may be in considerable pain.
Clearly there are some genuine reasons, beyond forgetfulness and poor timing, why attendance may not be possible, and I would ask that you please communicate this if it is the case. It is not my policy to request the fee under certain circumstances.
An experienced Registered Osteopath and Cranial Osteopath at Bethnal Green East London, and Borough Market near London Bridge and the City of London. Covering Hackney, Bow, Mile End, London Fields, Stratford, Stepney, Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Docklands, Victoria Park, Southbank, Southwark, South East London, EC1, EC2, Bank, Monument EC3, EC4.
