Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an osteopath is properly qualified ?A government bill was passed in 1993 and from May 2000 all osteopaths will have had to pass a stringent acceptance procedure to become a member of the General Osteopathic Council. All osteopaths are also required by law to be insured,
to protect both the public and themselves.
Does osteopathic treatment hurt ?
The osteopath will have assessed your condition and be monitoring your response during treatment both verbally and by your reactions. For acute and inflamed conditions treatment will be as gentle as possible to illicit pain relief. With skilled handling and consideration most patients feel a lot better having had treatment.
Are there any side effects caused by the treatment ?
By and large side effects or adverse treatment reactions are generally very rare. You may experience some soreness in the region treated , but this will subside quickly.
How many treatments will I need ?
This largely depends on the problem. At the end of your initial consultation your osteopath will explain to you a diagnosis and prognosis, that is what the problem is and how long it will take to get better.
Do I need to see my G.P. first ?
A lot of patients are increasingly being referred by their doctor, however the vast majority of people come directly to osteopaths for treatment without being referred. If the osteopath feels that you need to see your G.P. then they will arrange this with your permission.
Can I claim for osteopathic treatment on my medical insurance ?
It is probably best to check directly with your own personal insurers but yes the majority of insurance companies now cover osteopathic treatment.
