Frequently Asked Questions

It is usual that you may need to get undressed down to your underwear, so please wear underwear in which you feel comfortable. You may bring shorts or if there is a problem in any way, please just talk to Claire at the beginning of your consultation.

You should allow up to 1 hour for your initial consultation and treatment. Any subsequent treatment sessions would be up to 30 minutes long.

This depends on your individual condition. Treatments are usually weekly to start with, though for very acute conditions, it may be helpful to come more than once a week. As your symptoms improve, the treatments can be spaced out. Some patients come monthly or once every 6-8 weeks for a maintenance treatment.

I will advise on your first session on the likely number of treatments needed. It is difficult to specify a typical course of treatment as this will depend on each individual, their condition and factors contributing to the cause of the problem.

Osteopaths work very hard to make treatment as painless as possible, but you may experience some discomfort during and after treatment. I will warn you if they think that the technique that they are about to use is likely to be uncomfortable and will stop if you tell them that you are feeling too much pain.

In the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment, it is not unusual to experience some mild increase in pain or soreness in the area of your body that was treated. This can usually be relieved with an over-the-counter pain killer and will go away within 48 hours. If you experience serious or unusual symptoms after treatment you should contact me straight away for advice.

Osteopathy is very safe. It is estimated that between 1 in 50,000 and 1 in 100,000 patients will suffer a reaction to osteopathic treatment that is serious enough to require further medical treatment or does not resolve within 48 hours.

Osteopaths have undergone an extensive four or five year course including anatomy physiology, and pathology. This knowledge enables them to analyse your problem and diagnose your complaints accurately and competently. All osteopaths have to undergo annual registration and meet mandatory continuing professional development requirements.

Most patients visit an osteopath off their own volition without prior referral, however doctors can also recommend you see an osteopath and on some occasions refer you directly. If you are claiming treatment costs through your health insurance policy, please be aware that some insurance companies may require you to be referred by a doctor first before receiving osteopathic treatment.

Yes, I am registered with all major insurance companies, including BUPA, AXA PPP, Cigna, Aviva. HSA can also be used to pay in part for the treatment. If you are claiming treatment costs through your health insurance policy, please be aware that some insurance companies may require you to be referred by a doctor first before receiving osteopathic treatment.