Yes, osteopathy is an extremely safe form of natural healthcare, as it supports the body’s own healing and self-repair mechanisms. It is safe for all ages, from babies through to the elderly.

The minimum qualification for an osteopath is completion of a four year degree, which includes over 1000 hours of clinical experience. Osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and there are standards of practice we follow.

Osteopaths are highly qualified, NHS recognised Allied Health Professionals with their own government appointed regulator, the General Osteopathic Council. They are trained to diagnose and treat independently and know when to refer you to your GP or other specialists. 93% of patients rate their experience of osteopathy as ‘very good’ and 96% have confidence in their osteopath’s treatment and advice.

During your first appointment, I will listen to you about your current issues and also ask about past events such as illness and injuries. I will carry out a thorough examination of the whole body, as well as the area where you are having a problem. It may be necessary to ask you to undress down to underwear so I can fully examine a particular area. Therefore, wearing suitable underwear, leggings or shorts and a sports top is a good idea. I will discuss my findings with you and recommend a course of action to take, including osteopathic treatment and self-management advice, such as exercises, postural or ergonomic advice. Sometimes I will refer you to your GP or other health professional to help you get the best care possible. The treatment I offer tends to include soft tissue work (massage), gentle stretches, joint articulations (movements) and cranial osteopathy.

Yes, many health insurance companies cover osteopathy, but each has its own set of requirements, so please check with yours that you will be covered. Let me know if you wish to use your insurance cover.

I ask that the fee be covered by the patient on the day of treatment. I will provide receipts and any further information your insurance company requests (with your consent). You will then be reimbursed by your insurance company.

No, there is no need to have a referral from your GP to see me. However if you are on any medication or have had any medical investigations, then it will be useful for me if you can bring your prescription list and test results with you on the first visit.

The number of appointments you will need varies from person to person. Your treatment plan, which will be outlined at your consultation, will be individual to you. I reassess you at the beginning of each session and review this plan and how long is best between sessions. An average is 3-4 sessions with me, usually weekly. Sometimes you will feel better straight after the first session, but depending on how long you have had the problem for and whether there are any maintaining factors, it can take a course of treatments to feel better.

You are welcome to bring a relative, friend or chaperone with you to any of your appointments. Children under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

No, it isn’t realistic to expect a child to remain still in the way an adult could during treatment. I am able to treat your child in a position that is comfortable to them. This may be on a parent’s lap, feeding, being engaged in quiet play or being read or sung to. If your child has a favourite toy, bringing it to the appointment may help to keep them entertained.