FAQs

Osteopathy: Your first appointment usually takes 45 minutes.  We generally have time to give you a short treatment as well as initial in-depth consultation.  Any follow-up appointment slots are usually 30-40 minutes  – at SOC we like to have the time available for you, should your treatment require it.

Your first session will include detailed discussion of your medical history – by getting to understand you and your unique combination of symptoms, previous injuries or medical conditions and lifestyle as well as focusing on the issue you are currently seeking help for We also look at any other factors that might be contributing or maintaining the problem, such as any psychological or external stresses. Osteopaths have always used what is in modern medicine called the “biopsychosocial approach” to health. We will then examine you as appropriate to your condition, perhaps asking you to perform some movements and may do some non-invasive neurological or other tests (such as reflex testing or muscle power testing).  We always aim to explain everything that we are doing and why – but please ask and give as much feedback as you can to us both during and after the sessions. Your safety and comfort are at the heart of our work.

After this assessment we will discuss our findings with you and our suggested treatment plan.  Often problems can be addressed and significant relief obtained in one session, but often we do suggest one or two follow-up treatments to ensure the best results and also to give time to advise you on exercises to help you manage your condition yourself.  Many patients find that Osteopathy is so helpful, they like to book in with us for “maintenance” sessions every month or two.  This is not essential but sometimes is very advisable with chronic conditions and we will discuss all these options with you.

Occasionally it may be that, after taking your history and examining you, we decide that Osteopathy treatment is not appropriate for you but in that case we would always directly refer you either back to your GP or another appropriate medical professional or signpost you to other possible avenues to explore to help.

Osteopathy is generally considered an extremely safe form of manual therapy.  Osteopaths undergo extensive training of at least four years and post-graduation are required to update their knowledge continually in order to maintain registration.  While some clients experience some post-treatment soreness or sometimes tiredness, this usually lasts only a few 24-48 hours at most. Serious risks are very few and any ill effects are extremely rare as Osteopaths are carefully trained to take every precaution and to treat appropriately.  The General Osteopathic Council is our regulator and we are bound by Practice Standards  – for more information, please see: http://www.osteopath.org

All our Osteopaths will  communicate with you throughout your treatment and ensure that you are comfortable as possible. Sometimes you may feel some discomfort initially when tissues are inflamed or tight but this should dissipate very quickly.  Please always let your Osteopath know if you experience any pain or discomfort during your session as treatment can always be modified to suit you.  

 Each person and each treatment is different so the best thing to do is ask your Osteopath  about what they advise, but generally, if you can have an hour or two of rest or at least not engage in too strenous activity after treatment, to give your body a chance to adjust and settle.  However, we realise that this isn’t always possible in our 21st century world, but if you can take a little break and a few deep breaths, or a short walk in the open air, this can be beneficial.  Try to ensure you drink a glass of water in the hour after treatment. 

And make sure you’ve booked your next appointment, if you need one!

Your osteopath may give you some exercises to do between treatments – it’s a good idea to ask them if you should start the exercises on the day of treatment or wait until the next day.