Frequently Asked Questions
Will treatment hurt?
Generally, osteopathic treatment does not hurt, although there may be some minor short-term discomfort, aching or stiffness, which will pass. Patients normally find that further treatments are much more comfortable, most look forward to coming!
Are there any risks?
Research has shown that osteopathy is one of the safest and most effective forms of manual therapy available and has far fewer risks than many other types of treatment and interventions for your problem. Your Osteopath will be happy to discuss all your concerns regarding treatment.
How long will treatment take to help my pain?
Osteopathy can significantly help reduce pain, especially if carried out within the first six weeks of the appearance of the symptoms. Classically, the longer you have been in pain the longer it will take to achieve results. Your Osteopath will be able to advise you of your likely recovery time. Although early treatment is preferable, Osteopaths are also effective at treating long-standing or chronic pain.
How can a recurrence of my condition be prevented?
This will depend upon the condition itself. Where necessary your Osteopath will prescribe exercises and lifestyle adjustments. Your Osteopath may recommend maintenance treatment sessions every two to six months depending upon your original condition.
What if it is something serious?
If your Osteopath feels treatment is not appropriate for your condition, you will be referred to your GP or to a suitable specialist.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept debit and credit cards, bank transfers and cash.
Will I be able to claim on my Health Insurance?
You may be able to claim for treatment against your health insurance. Call them prior to your first appointment as often a GP referral letter and authorisation number is required. Charges for x-rays, CAT, PET and MRI scans, and professional witness reports are dealt with on an individual basis.
When is the clinic open?
Both Luton and Buckingham clinics are open every day and on certain days, we offer evening appointments. Please call to check on appointment slots.
Who recognises Osteopathy and by whom is it regulated?
In 1993, osteopathy became the first complementary health care profession to undergo statutory regulation by Parliament. This has given Osteopaths the same legal status as dentists and doctors, guaranteeing patients the same level of professionalism, protection and confidentiality. Osteopath is a protected title; a practitioner can only use the title, Osteopath, and offer their services as an osteopath if he/she is registered with The General Osteopathic Council.
What Do Osteopaths Treat?
Although a great deal of osteopathic treatment is concerned with back pain and sciatica, there are many other conditions that can be treated successfully. These include:
What are the differences between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?
Osteopathy and Chiropractic have very similar origins in 19th century North America and use manual techniques to treat patients with similar conditions. There may be very little distinction between individual Osteopaths and Chiropractors. However, generally speaking, there is a difference in the style of practice. Osteopathic appointments typically last longer than the average chiropractic appointment. This enables us to spend time using highly developed palpation (sense of touch) skills to diagnose a patient’s problem and deliver appropriate treatment to relieve their pain. Although, like Chiropractors, we do use the more robust “thrust” techniques where appropriate, this is in a context of slow joint articulation and soft tissue massage to change neural pathways and alter muscle chemistry.
Whilst some Chiropractors may use the title “Dr”, this is a courtesy title only and does not necessarily denote either a previous medical qualification or the holding of a higher degree. The General Osteopathic Council prefers Osteopaths not to use that title to avoid causing our patients confusion. . Any doubts concerning exact qualifications should be addressed to the individual practitioner.
Generally, osteopathic treatment does not hurt, although there may be some minor short-term discomfort, aching or stiffness, which will pass. Patients normally find that further treatments are much more comfortable, most look forward to coming!
Are there any risks?
Research has shown that osteopathy is one of the safest and most effective forms of manual therapy available and has far fewer risks than many other types of treatment and interventions for your problem. Your Osteopath will be happy to discuss all your concerns regarding treatment.
How long will treatment take to help my pain?
Osteopathy can significantly help reduce pain, especially if carried out within the first six weeks of the appearance of the symptoms. Classically, the longer you have been in pain the longer it will take to achieve results. Your Osteopath will be able to advise you of your likely recovery time. Although early treatment is preferable, Osteopaths are also effective at treating long-standing or chronic pain.
How can a recurrence of my condition be prevented?
This will depend upon the condition itself. Where necessary your Osteopath will prescribe exercises and lifestyle adjustments. Your Osteopath may recommend maintenance treatment sessions every two to six months depending upon your original condition.
What if it is something serious?
If your Osteopath feels treatment is not appropriate for your condition, you will be referred to your GP or to a suitable specialist.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept debit and credit cards, bank transfers and cash.
Will I be able to claim on my Health Insurance?
You may be able to claim for treatment against your health insurance. Call them prior to your first appointment as often a GP referral letter and authorisation number is required. Charges for x-rays, CAT, PET and MRI scans, and professional witness reports are dealt with on an individual basis.
When is the clinic open?
Both Luton and Buckingham clinics are open every day and on certain days, we offer evening appointments. Please call to check on appointment slots.
Who recognises Osteopathy and by whom is it regulated?
In 1993, osteopathy became the first complementary health care profession to undergo statutory regulation by Parliament. This has given Osteopaths the same legal status as dentists and doctors, guaranteeing patients the same level of professionalism, protection and confidentiality. Osteopath is a protected title; a practitioner can only use the title, Osteopath, and offer their services as an osteopath if he/she is registered with The General Osteopathic Council.
What Do Osteopaths Treat?
Although a great deal of osteopathic treatment is concerned with back pain and sciatica, there are many other conditions that can be treated successfully. These include:
- General aches and pains
- Sports injuries
- Headaches arising from the neck (cervicogenic) some migraine prevention.
- Neck and arm pain
- Shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand problems
- Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck
- Repetitive strain injuries (R.S.I)
- Hip, knee and foot problems
- Problems experienced during pregnancy and post–natal issues
- Degenerative conditions such as hip and knee pain arising from osteoarthritis.
- Arthritic pain
- Acute, chronic & general low back pain (also known as lumbago)
- Circulatory problems
- Cramp
- Some digestive problems
- Sciatica
- Muscle spasms
- Neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia
- Inability to relax
- Rheumatic pain
What are the differences between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?
Osteopathy and Chiropractic have very similar origins in 19th century North America and use manual techniques to treat patients with similar conditions. There may be very little distinction between individual Osteopaths and Chiropractors. However, generally speaking, there is a difference in the style of practice. Osteopathic appointments typically last longer than the average chiropractic appointment. This enables us to spend time using highly developed palpation (sense of touch) skills to diagnose a patient’s problem and deliver appropriate treatment to relieve their pain. Although, like Chiropractors, we do use the more robust “thrust” techniques where appropriate, this is in a context of slow joint articulation and soft tissue massage to change neural pathways and alter muscle chemistry.
Whilst some Chiropractors may use the title “Dr”, this is a courtesy title only and does not necessarily denote either a previous medical qualification or the holding of a higher degree. The General Osteopathic Council prefers Osteopaths not to use that title to avoid causing our patients confusion. . Any doubts concerning exact qualifications should be addressed to the individual practitioner.
