Frequently Asked Questions

Often, yes. Most major insurers will reimburse osteopathy under their musculoskeletal or therapies cover. A few things worth checking with your insurer before you book; whether you need a GP or specialist referral first, what your annual limit is and whether there’s an excess. If you’re paying up front and claiming back afterwards, I’ll provide a receipt with everything your insurer needs.

Undergraduate training takes a minimum of four years full time, combining academic study with supervised clinical practice. Qualification is at degree level, usually a bachelors or an integrated masters in osteopathy and training continues throughout an osteopaths working life. Registration with the General Osteopathic Council requires 90 hours of Continuing Professional Development over each three year cycle, including learning undertaken with other healthcare professionals and a formal peer discussion review.

Yes, by law osteopaths must be insured to be registered with the General Osteopathic Council.

Joint manipulation is just one of the techniques an osteopath might use, and often produces a popping or clicking sound which is usually painless. I will always talk you through any techniques and ensure you are happy with these throughout; if there is something you would rather not have done, just say so. There are plenty of other ways to manage your symptoms, and manipulation is not suitable for everyone anyway. The main thing is that you feel comfortable.

Treatment is not usually painful, however you may experience some discomfort, particularly if you are already in pain. It is quite common to feel a little tender for up to 48 hours afterwards which is normal and healthy, much like how you might feel after exercise.

This can be a difficult question to answer because symptoms, circumstances and individual response all vary. Most patients need somewhere between three and six sessions. After your first appointment I should be able to outline a likely course of treatment and give you a realistic idea of recovery time. If things are not progressing as expected, I will review the plan with you or refer on if necessary. Some people with longstanding problems choose to come back periodically, perhaps every 4 to 12 weeks; that is always a discussion and not an assumption.

Osteopathy is a low-risk form of treatment, but no treatment is entirely without it, so it’s worth knowing what to expect. Mild reactions are fairly common, you may notice a short-term increase in your symptoms, some fatigue or headache in the day or two afterwards. This usually settles on its own. Serious reactions such as fracture, or injury to blood vessels or nerves are very rare, but they have been reported. That’s why I always start with a thorough case history and a proper physical check before any treatment begins. It’s this groundwork that keeps things safe. I adapt my techniques to suit you, and if osteopathy isn’t the right option, I’ll tell you and either discuss alternatives or refer you to the right person. If anything feels off afterwards, just get in touch; I’d rather you check in than worry.

Less than what people expect. All three are regulated professionals with protected titles, all three require degreelevel training and ongoing CPD, and all three work with the musculoskeletal system using some mix of hands-on treatment, exercise, education and advice. The differences are mostly historical. Each grew out of a different tradition and that shapes how practitioners tend to work, however, there’s a great deal of overlap in practice. The individual practitioner matters more than the label above the door; what you want is someone who listens properly, communicates well, and works in a way that suits you.