Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions
With support from our team of experienced osteopaths in Bath
Do you still have questions about the treatments we provide, the clinic itself, who we treat or what to expect during your appointments?
Take a look below at our FAQ’s which cover many of the commonly asked questions we get from patients. If you can’t find the answers to your questions please drop us a line using the form at the bottom or give our team a call on 01225 571084.
The number of treatments needed will depend on the nature of the problem you are experiencing. Your osteopath will explain the likely duration, frequency and cost of your treatment in your new patient consultation.
No, most patients self refer to an osteopath, however, it is advisable to keep your doctor informed of any progress or change in your medical details. We can do this for you if you wish, you just need to give your osteopath permission to contact them.
Your osteopath will need to see the area that is painful (to check for bruising or signs of inflammation), and many of the techniques used need us to be able to be in contact with the skin.
For men we recommend shorts or secure boxer shorts, for women shorts and either a crop top or a sports bra.
We have towels and blankets that we use to drape over patients who may feel uncomfortable with this. You are very welcome to bring another person with you to the treatment if you wish.
We will happily treat children above the age of 10. If they are any younger we can recommend a paediatric physiotherapist. Give us a call on 01225 571084 and we will put you in touch.
Yes, we treat patients in all stages of pregnancy, and after birth to help them cope with the postural and mechanical changes that may cause some pain and problems with movement.
Home visits may be offered in extreme circumstances, however to get the maximum benefit of our osteopath’s skills it is recommended that any treatment takes place at our clinic in Bath.
We accept most major credit and debit cards as well as cash and cheques.
Yes, we are registered with most major medical insurers, however we recommend checking the position with your insurer before attending the clinic.
We ask that you pay for your treatment at the time it is undertaken and then claim back the cost from your insurance company.
Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages and activity levels as the appointments and techniques used are easily adapted to the patient’s needs.
Before any treatment begins we complete a detailed medical history and a physical assessment is undertaken to ensure that any treatment given is safe and suitable. If you are unsure whether osteopathy is suitable for you please contact us on 01225 571084.
On your first visit a detailed medical history and physical assessment is conducted in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
From this a treatment plan is prepared (including the number of sessions that may be necessary to meet your needs), and with the agreement of the patient treatment is commenced either on that day or at the subsequent appointment. Treatment may take many forms, including manual techniques, acupuncture, postural and nutritional advice or exercise prescription.
On the first appointment depending on the complexity of the problem you may need to be there up to 60 minutes, subsequent treatments vary from 20-30 minutes (depending on the problem being treated).
Structural Integration (SI) is a very adaptable process and is therefore suitable for people of all ages (including children) and body types.
There are some medical conditions which may not be amenable to the process, however before commencing a series a detailed medical history will be taken in order to determine whether or not SI is suitable for you.
If you want to discuss whether SI is suitable for you then please call us on 01225 571084.
At the beginning of the series the person will be asked about their physical history, their reasons for coming to have SI and what they expect to get out of the series.
At the beginning of each session the practitioner and the client will discuss the previous session, its impact and feeling generated within the body. The practitioner will then conduct a structural assessment, looking at the person from all four sides to determine the direction of the next session.
Precise pressure is applied using the fingertips, elbows, palms and knuckles to manipulate the fascia. While this pressure is applied the person will be asked to perform precise movements in order to stretch and realign the fascia in the desired direction. At the close of the session the practitioner will conduct another structural assessment, the person will be asked to give some feedback and some movement or postural advice may be given.
No. Whereas the ultimate goal of SI is to stand the body up in alignment with gravity the session(s) are number and frequency of sessions is ultimately under the control of the patient, however recommendations may be given by the practitioner. In terms of the whole series it is worth trying the first three sessions to see if SI is for you, then deciding whether or not to proceed with the rest of the series (most people complete after experiencing the first three). Some clients may wish to extend their work beyond the ten sessions, this is also possible.
SI and Rolfing are extremely similar. There are two schools that teach Dr Ida P Rolf’s method of work, one is the Rolf Institute and the other is Guild of SI. Students who go to the Rolf Institute are the only ones allowed to call themselves Certified Rolfers, those who go to the GSI are not permitted to do this. Both schools have strong links to Dr Ida P Rolf and her teachings with the Guild being the more traditional one. To a person receiving sessions from either a certified Rolfer or a SI practitioner the difference would be unperceivable.
Single use, sterile, disposable acupuncture needles are inserted into the patients skin, either locally at the site of pain or elsewhere such as in the hands or feet. The needles rest in the skin and are left for up to twenty minutes or stimulated by the practitioner before simply being taken out. Patients may feel a slight dull ache over the site where the needle is inserted.
Don't hesitate to contact us directly
We are more than happy to help answer any questions you may have about us, our treatments and our team.
Send us your questions using the form and we will respond as quickly as possible. You never know you may help us add to our frequently asked questions.
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