TOP QUESTIONS
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I can be found at not just backs in Salisbury. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I am out and about treating animals and doing home visits for people. This is generally places within half an hours drive of Warminster, Wiltshire; however I am happy to travel further with additional charge for fuel and time.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
You will usually be asked to remove some clothing depending on the injury and presentation. I will always try and keep you as clothed as possible though and if you prefer to stay fully dressed that is absolutely fine, but may affect or limit what I'm able to do with treatment.
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Generally if women can wear a vest top and shorts or leggings/yoga pants, and men can wear sports shorts, this will enable most things to be addressed without further removal. For knee/thigh/hip problems then it will have to be shorts or underwear you are comfortable in rather than leggings.
WILL IT BE PAINFUL DURING OR AFTER TREATMENT?
Whilst I will take every care to make treatment as comfortable as possible, some treatments may be slightly uncomfortable whilst I am doing them, but I will always warn you before such techniques and ask permission. Generally it is a "good pain" that feels satisfying.
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Around one third of people will experience a mild increase in symptoms for 24-48hours after treatment before things start to improve. If you have any concerns though, please telephone me immediately.
WHAT IS AN OSTEOPATH?
Osteopath is a legally protected term, like Doctor, and to call yourself an osteopath you have to have passed a four or five year, BSc (now MSc – since 2012) degree course in osteopathy and fulfil strict continuous professional development criteria on an annual basis.
WHAT WILL MY FIRST SESSION BE LIKE?
A first appointment for osteopathy, or initial sports injury assessment, will last up to an hour. Follow up appointments will generally be around 30 minutes unless longer is required.
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What to Expect
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Lots of questions regarding your health and activities
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Focused personal care and attention to you
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Thorough physical assessment (this may involve removal of some clothing, possibly down to underwear, but I will always keep you as dressed as possible; if you are uncomfortable with this, it is not compulsory but may restrict treatment options.
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Treatment of your complaint if appropriate, and if not then advice and onward referral to an appropriate professional.
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Exercise and lifestyle advice tailored to you and your complaint.
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An honest prognosis of how long recovery may take and how much treatment may be required.
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No pressure to re-book unless you wish to. I want you to feel in control of your health and recovery.
WHAT TREATMENT SHOULD I EXPECT?
As an osteopath I offer a thorough, hands-on, manual therapy treatment service with plenty of time per visit to assess your individual needs, talk through concerns, worries, and issues; treat, and thoroughly explain any self-care or home exercises you need to be doing to ensure ongoing improvement.
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I use a wide variety of hands on techniques, ranging from extremely gentle to relatively firm, depending on your personal needs and preference. All techniques should be explained to you beforehand with a clear rationale and process.
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I often use western medical acupuncture in my treatments as I find it very useful with both acute pain and chronic long term conditions. If however you would prefer not, this is absolutely fine and you will never be pressured to have acupuncture.
WHERE CAN I READ MORE ABOUT OSTEOPATHY?
For more information on osteopathy, visit the website of the General Osteopathic Council our governing body or the Institute of Osteopathy our representative professional body.