Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an Osteopath has completed a four year full time, or five year part time course, previously called a ‘diploma’, now an honours or masters degree. No one can practise as an Osteopath without this high standard of education. Look for the initials DO, BSC (Hons), BOst, BOst Med or M.Ost. A qualification in Osteopathy involves extensive study in anatomy, physiology, pathology and most medical subjects. The course includes at least 1000 hours treating patients under supervision in clinic.

Although it can be nice if someone has seen their doctor first, it is not essential and most patients do not.

Yes, Osteopaths often write to your doctor and request tests or refer for further analysis. The Osteopath will keep a close look out for anything which needs to be referred.

No, you do not have to get undressed to your underwear; it is up to you. However, most people prefer to be examined in their underwear as you can be examined better this way. If you want to keep some or all of your clothes on, please mention from the start and your wish will be respected.

We are concerned that we should provide a body of evidence that demonstrates that what we do actually really helps although of course we believe it does. The General Osteopathic Council for Osteopathic Research, which attempts to promote unbiased, well conducted research into the effectiveness of Osteopath. See also NICE Guideline on low back pain 2009. Recently, they have found that the majority of patients seeking Osteopathic care were satisfied with their treatment and that serious side effects are extremely rare. For more information, visit the GOsC website or www.ncor.org.uk.

The type of conditions which we commonly see are: back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, chest pain, nerve pain in the arms or legs, headaches, hip pain, knee pain, foot pain, elbow, wrist, hand pain and pelvic pain.

The price for a 30-minute treatment is £55. The aim of pricing is to make treatment affordable. Osteopaths may not charge the high hourly rate of other similarly qualified professionals as we believe that as many people as possible should be able to afford our care. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept credit/debit cards.

We will do everything that we can to address all your concerns and make your visit free of anxiety.

Please contact us by telephone on 01793 848093.  We try to be available to speak to from 6 am to 8 pm weekdays and 5.30 am to 5 pm on Saturdays.  Occasionally you may get an answerphone. 

Yes. The GOsC sets standards of practice and conduct expected of Osteopaths and can be contacted at www.osteopathy.org.uk or by mail at 176 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 3LU, or telephone 020 7357 6655.

We are happy to deal with questions and complaints, and, if you wish to contact us, telephone or write to the surgery or complain to the GOsC at the addresses given above. We believe that it can be useful to receive complaints and suggestions, so please let us know if you have any comments to make.

We would not suggest that you do choose us above others. All Osteopaths will be qualified and should offer a high standard of care. We suggest that most patients will prefer personal recommendation as a way of deciding on their practitioner. If you do decide to see us, we will, of course, be delighted to see you and do everything we can to give the best standard of treatment.

The majority of patients are free of symptoms within 2-6 treatments, but some people have conditions which have been there a long time which affect every aspect of their lives and will take a long time to resolve. We will always aim to get you fully better as quickly as possible, with as little expense on your part as possible. You are the customer and you are in charge. We will advise and always do our best to get the best results as quickly as possible with as few treatments as possible.