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WILL IT HURT?

While some techniques and tests do require the practitioner to produce some pain, your Osteopath will never intentionally induce pain without warning.

 

They will ask for your consent to carry out such techniques and tests, and you are free to decline this option. However, please bear in mind that any minimal pain caused during the consultation will significantly decrease any overall symptoms you may have felt from original complaint.

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HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Ideally, patients should require 4-6 sessions. However, everybody reacts differently to treatment and other factors, such as; the diagnosed condition, how long you’ve suffered from the condition, pain levels and commitment to prescribed exercises will also have an effect.

 

Your Osteopath will routinely reassess your progress after the first 3 weeks. Significant improvement should be seen by this point. If it has not, your case will be reassessed and your GP or an Orthopaedic specialist may be contacted for further tests to ensure that improvement is seen.

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WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OSTEOPATH, CHIROPRACTOR AND PHYSIOTHERAPIST?

(If only I had a pound for every time I was asked this question!)

 

It’s difficult to define the difference between these three professions. This is because there is a lot of cross over between these professions.

 

OSTEOPATHS 

Osteopathy is a holistic form of manual therapy, which deals with a wide range of acute, chronic and systemic disorders of the body, both musculoskeletal and visceral.

 

Osteopathy uses in-depth physiological and clinical knowledge, coupled with keen observation and palpatory skills. The osteopath will combine a detailed health case history with a thorough physical evaluation to diagnose the patient’s condition and treat it. The patient’s diet, work and leisure practices all inform this process.

 

Osteopathic treatment combines joint mobilisation – and occasionally manipulation – with work on muscles and ligament tension,focus on diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Treatment tends to be manual (hands on)

 

CHIROPRACTORS 

However, a large proportion of chiropractors focus treatment on manipulation of spinal segments to normalise spinal position and effect underlying nerve roots.

 

Treatment plans are often based on regular manipulation for a set number of sessions in order to wholly correct a disorder. Chiropractors also often use imaging to aid diagnosis such as x-ray. These x-rays will often be conducted in the clinic as part of the course of treatment.

 

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Physiotherapists specialise in the rehabilitation of acute and chronic joint injury, often using a variety of prescribed exercises that the patient carries out. Many NHS physiotherapists tend not to perform hands on manual therapy.

 

NHS Physiotherapists tend not to have diagnostic input, the diagnosis and treatment request tending to emanate from an orthopaedic surgeon, consultant rheumatologist, GP, etc.  

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WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE CONSULTATION?

To assess the area of the body causing dysfunction, your osteopath will need to see and palpate the area with ease. Therefore, you will be require to remove outerwear so the Osteopath can assess the area.

 

For men, we advise you to bring cycling shorts or wear supportive underwear.

 

For women, we advise you to wear shorts and a vest top. We also suggest you wear a supportive bra.

 

If you prefer to stay dressed, we request you inform the Osteopath beforehand.

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CAN I BRING A CHAPERONE?

For children and young adults below the age of 18 years a chaperone is legally required. As Southfields Osteopathy/Tara Northey Osteopathy cannot always guarantee a chaperone, we advise that a parent or guardian always attend with the young person.

 

For those over 18 years of age, you are still welcome to bring a friend, family member or chaperone to the consultation. 

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IS OSTEOPATHY COVERED BY MY PRIVATE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?

Osteopathic treatment is covered by some private healthcare providers. However, this depends on your provider. Please contact your provider for their terms and conditions. 

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SHOULD I CONTINUE EXERCISE?

You’re Osteopath will inform you if they believe it is best for you to refrain from exercise.

 

However, the general rule is that injuries tend to heal better with gentle movement. Try to stay active by continuing walking and doing gentle exercise.

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CAN I BRING CHILDREN TO THE APPOINTMENT?

Yes! We understand that finding childcare for every appointment can be a challenge. You may find that sessions where you are able to attend without a child allow you to focus more and gain the most from the consultation. 

 

However, children are welcome. We do suggest you may wish to bring something to entertain you're child to the consultation, such as reading material or quiet games and toys.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

We have a strict 24hr cancellation policy.

 

We understand that there will be times when you may have to reschedual an appointment. We simply ask that in these instances, you provide the Osteopath with as much notice as possible. This allows us time to fill your appointment slot so the osteopath and other patients dont miss out. 

 

Tara Northey Osteopathy reserves the right to charge you 50% of the consultation fee for missed appointments or cancellations with less than 24hours notice.

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QUESTION NOT ANSWERED?

Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible with an answer

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