Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of conditions which works to eliminate pain throughout the musculo-skeletal system. This is achieved by improving the movement and stability of the body to enhance and promote good health and well-being. Osteopaths' patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient's full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment and advice is tailored to the individual patient.

​

All of our osteopaths are fully qualified & registered with the General Osteopathic Council.

​

What to expect

Your first visit will last up to 1 hour.

• A complete case history will be taken by your Osteopath. Questions will be asked about your symptoms, lifestyle, past and present health, medications (please bring a list if necessary) and any previous accidents even if you feel they are not related.

• Your Osteopath will also take a blood pressure reading. This is to ensure that your blood pressure reading is within the safe parameters to provide hands on treatment, if deemed appropriate by your Osteopath.

• You may be asked to remove some items of outer clothing for examination so please wear something you are comfortable in and bring sports shorts if you prefer. This is to enable the practitioner to observe your posture and fluidity of movement. Orthopaedic testing will allow the Osteopath to identify any restrictions. If necessary neurological examination will be carried out to eliminate any underlying pathology.

• Osteopaths are trained to have a highly developed sense of touch (palpation) and this will be used to locate areas of restriction throughout your spine, joints and muscles.

• A referral to your GP will be made if blood tests or x-rays/scans are deemed necessary. Private referrals are also available for X-rays/scans if a patient would prefer this option.

• Following examination, a diagnosis and treatment plan will be discussed with you. If treatment is appropriate this may include soft tissue massage and stretching, articulation and/or manipulation (to mobilize joints) and muscle energy techniques (to release muscular tension).

• Prevention advice will be offered which may include exercises, lifting techniques, postural advice and/or work space ergonomics, lifestyle changes, breathing and stress reduction to help maintain your own health and promote a good environment for healing.

• Maintenance sessions can be organised to help avoid future injury and create better health.

• Where treatment is not deemed appropriate and your condition requires further evaluation, your Osteopath may spend time providing a written letter to your GP with their findings or contacting another healthcare professional who would be best suited to treat your presentation. Your Osteopath will then provide any advice and information relating to your ongoing care.

• Patients are welcome to bring a chaperone if they wish to be accompanied. (Compulsory for under 16 years, optional at patients discretion 16+)

• All information discussed during consultation is in strict confidence.​

​

Please note:

• Your osteopath may spend time treating parts of your body that are causing you no discomfort. This is usually because problems can be caused some distance from the symptom area.

• Occasionally some discomfort may be felt. Please tell your osteopath should this occur.

• Whilst we do our upmost to help you with your problem, we cannot guarantee the outcome as every patient is different.

 

Treatment Response

• Symptoms should start to change straight away.

• Post treatment reactions may include tiredness, light headedness, a vague ‘headachy’ sensation and/or aches and pains.

• Babies and children are usually sleepy following treatment.

• All of these symptoms should not last longer than 48 hours.

 

Everyone reacts differently and for some not at all. However, if you are concerned following treatment, regarding any adverse reactions, please contact the clinic immediately.

 

After treatment

• Following treatment your osteopath will advise you on anything you can do at home to aid your recovery.

• High impact exercise should be avoided for at least 48 hours.

 

Dry Needling (Acupuncture)

• Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment.

• You may feel a little tired or sleepy and should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use heavy machinery straight after your treatment.

• You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and, ideally, give yourself a little time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for several hours after treatment.

• Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting.

​

Risks

• Occasionally patients get worse before they get better.

• If you are pregnant please inform your Osteopath, who will adjust techniques so they are suitable for you.

• It is widely debated that manipulation of the neck can cause a risk of injury including stroke. All safety checks are carried out to ensure you are suitable for this form of treatment and only ever with your consent.

 

Cancellations

• Notice of 24 hours is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

• Any treatments not cancelled/rescheduled in this time will be charged for the full fee.

 

Payment

We accept payment by cash or debit/credit card.

Initial Assessment Appointments – Payment is due in advance at the time of booking.

Follow Up Appointments – Payment is due on the day of your appointment.

Please note that if on the day your Osteopath does not deem that hands on treatment is appropriate, the usual fee for the appointment booked will be due.

​

Insurance & Receipts

Our Osteopaths are registered with a variety of health insurance providers. We can provide a full receipt for your treatments, should you require this to claim on your insurance. Please request this from reception. Please note that you should check that your treatment is covered with your insurance provider before making a booking.

 

Consent

If you have any further queries raised from this information sheet, please discuss these with your Osteopath. You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to treatment commencing, to confirm you have read and understood this information.

​​

At Uphill Village Osteopaths we do all we can to make your visit a pleasant experience. Please ask to speak to the clinic director if there is anything you are not happy with so we can continue to improve our service.