FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Osteopathy?Is the Treatment Painful?
What is Cranio-Sacral Therapy?
Do I need a Doctor's referral?
How long does an appointment take?
How many treatments will it take?
What do I wear for the treatment?
Are there any exercises that I can do?
Is there anything else that I can do to help myself?
Will I have to take time off work?
Will my medical insurance cover me for this treatment?
How much does treatment cost?
How can I pay for my treatment?
What is the difference between Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and other manual treatments?
What problems can Osteopathy treat? Can it treat my problem?
Where is the practice?
When can I book an appointment?
I still have unanswered questions, how can I get in touch with you?
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a method of treating pain and disease that involves several approaches to restoring correct mechanical functioning to the joints, muscles and tissues, which results in healing and resolution of pain within the body. This may involve manipulation and articulation (movement) of the joints through their natural range of motion; muscle stretching to increase joint movement and muscle length, and soft tissue massage to relax spasmed and tight muscles, releasing muscular tension and reducing pain.
Is the Treatment Painful?
Osteopathy is a gentle form of treatment and is not, as thought by some, to be painful or uncomfortable.
What is Cranio-Sacral Therapy?
Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a very gentle type of manipulation, primarily of the bones of the skull (but it is used throughout the rest of the spine and the body) for dysfunctions of the ligamentous structure and its associated subtle rhythms. This is especially useful for the weak or infirm patient (Babies, young children or the elderly) where stronger techniques would cause an unwanted abreaction in the treated tissues.
Do I need a Doctor's referral?
No. A Doctor's referral is not necessary for osteopathic treatment. All you have to do is to ring and book an appointment, but many doctors will now readily suggest that osteopathic treatment may help their patient's painful conditions.
How long does an appointment take?
Your first visit to the practice will be approximately an hour long. This will allow for me to take a comprehensive case history relating to the problem, perform the appropriate tests necessary to diagnose the problem and if applicable start the treatment to rehabilitate your problem straight away. Any follow up appointments will take half an hour, and will be concerned mainly with progress and further treatment.
How many treatments will it take?
This is the proverbial 'how long is a piece of string' question. It depends upon many factors; how long you have had the problem; how severe the problem is; how willing you are to follow the home treatment plan in-between treatments; and your general level of health/stamina at the time of the first visit. These are just a few of many factors involved in successful and quick resolution of your problem.
What do I wear for the treatment?
Depending upon which area of the body is to be treated, it will be necessary to view this area for clinical examination. If your problem is a spinal problem (i.e. a back problem) you should be prepared to undress down to your underwear so that a complete examination can be conducted. It is suggested that you wear something loose and something that you feel comfortable wearing for this procedure.
Are there any exercises that I can do?
Depending upon what the problem is, there are usually some exercises or some other self-help methods that you can do at home in between treatments. If these are applicable to your particular problem your osteopath will advise you of what these are at the end of the consultation.
Is there anything else that I can do to help myself?
Your osteopath will suggest things that you can do at home to help your recovery. These may include different rehabilitation exercises, hot and cold pack treatments, over the counter medicines, postural exercises and activities to avoid, to help you recover as fast as possible.
Will I have to take time off work?
This will be at the discretion of the osteopath. Some problems require rest to enable a quick recovery and other problems respond well to continued gentle exercise. Again this depends upon how manual your job may be. A job requiring you to do a lot of manual lifting may well hinder your recovery. Some time off recuperating may mean that you get back to work, and are able to perform your duties easily, much quicker than if you try to keep working without taking the time to allow your problem to recover. If necessary the osteopath can supply you with an "Off Work Certificate" to cover you for this period.
Will my medical insurance cover me for this treatment?
At present I only cover insurance claims through "P.P.P." and "H.S.A.". But I will be adding to these in the future.
How much does treatment cost?
Treatment and other fees are as follows:
| Type of Treatment | Fee |
| First visit (Consultation and treatment - up to one hour) | £45 |
| Follow up visit(s) (Second and consecutive treatments - half an hour) | £35 |
| Osteopathic "Stress-Buster" Massage (One hour treatment) | £45 |
| Osteopathic "Sports" Massage (One hour treatment) | £45 |
| Home visits | £55 |
| Emergency Treatments (Out-Of-Hours) | £55 |
| Missed Appointments | £20 |
| Cancelled/Changed Appointments (Without 24hours notice) | £20 |
How can I pay for my treatment?
Payment is acceptable in cash or cheque (With a personal bankers card). Payment is also acceptable via credit card or debit card from the companies displaying the logos below.
I welcome...
What is the difference between Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and other manual treatments?
This very much depends upon the individual practitioner and the kind of practice that they run. There are many similarities and differences between these methods. Some specialise in certain techniques to affect the healing and recovery process and others use a multidisciplinary approach, but generally speaking they all have their place and if you are looking for a specific kind of treatment you should ask about this before you book an appointment.
What problems can Osteopathy treat? Can it treat my problem?
Osteopaths treat many more problems than you think. The following is just a short list of problems treated currently by osteopaths. If you have a pain somewhere in your body or limbs, involving bones, joints, muscles or any soft tissues, then the possibility is that an osteopath can help you to relieve or even resolve the problem completely. Please ring the practice number 077-1024-4390 and speak to me, Tom Harper, the osteopath if you require and further help or advice, as I will be pleased to help you decide if osteopathy is for you.
| Common Conditions Treated By Osteopathy | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Back pain | Neck pain | Shoulder pain | Sciatica |
| Hip pain | Lumbago | Knee pain | Ankle pain |
| Slipped disc | Trapped nerves | Headaches & Migraines | Foot pain |
| Whiplash | Leg pain | Stiff joints | Sprains & Strains |
| Neuralgia | Calf pain | Arthritic pain | Frozen shoulder |
| Groin strain | Elbow pain | Pulled muscles | Achilles tendonitis |
| Sports injuries | Wrist pain | Muscle Spasm | Hand pain |
| T.M.J. syndrome | Acute pain | Chronic pain | Tennis elbow |
| Golfer's elbow | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Bursitis | Work injuries |
| Pregnancy back pain | Road Traffic Accident pain | Sleep difficulties | Work or family stress |
Where is the practice?
The practice is situated in the treatment rooms at "The Hub" in Bayton Road. This is on the North side of the M6 on the Bayton Road Industrial Estate. This shows a "Google Map" showing our location. There is ample parking at "The Hub" and there are disabled facilities if needed.
When can I book an appointment?
Please ring my mobile number on 077-1024-4390 at any time between 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday to book an appointment. The clinic opening times are as below.| Morning | Afternoon | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8.00am – 12.00pm | 4.00pm – 8.00pm |
| Tuesday | Closed | Closed |
| Wednesday | 8.00am – 12.00pm | 4.00pm – 8.00pm |
| Thursday | Closed | 2.00pm – 6.00pm |
| Friday | 8.00am – 12.00pm | 2.00pm – 6.00pm |
| Saturday | 8.00am – 12.00pm | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
I still have unanswered questions, how can I get in touch with you?
Please ring me on 077-1024-4390 at any time between 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday to discuss with me any questions you might have. If I don't answer the phone straight away it is because I am treating a patient. If you leave a name, and a number that you can be contacted at, I will ring you back within the hour. You can also email me at acclaimpainrelief@btopenworld.com
