FAQ

If you are unfamiliar with osteopathy it is very similar to the examination, assessment and exercise prescription you would receive from a physiotherapist. However osteopaths may also use specific osteopathic techniques to manipulate and mobilize joints and soft tissues, to improve the body's function. Osteopaths in the UK are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess and diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Such as Lower back pain Sciatica/neuralgia Neck pain Shoulder pain/ shoulder injuries Knee pain Headaches (cervicogenic) Tennis elbow/ golfers elbow Ankle injuries Sports injuries Postural issues Arthritic pain General aches and pains in muscles When working towards alleviating your pain an Osteopath will consider you holistically. This mean that they will not only examine how you move or where you are experiencing pain or restriction, but will also help you understand how diet, sleep, social, and spiritual relationships can all have an impact on your experience of pain and how you feel within your body. ​ Our bodies are intricately designed to self-heal through a complex network of physiological processes that work harmoniously to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Osteopathy recognizes the capacity of the musculoskeletal system to influence and even address these natural processes. Osteopaths are taught that the musculoskeletal system acts as a critical regulator of health and wellness, providing a way to access and assist the body's natural processes when they become overwhelmed or imbalanced. While we are beautifully structured machines, designed to move and regenerate, the demands of modern life can take a toll on our bodies, causing them to become disturbed and imbalanced. This can lead to a range of health issues, including disease, discomfort, pain, and breakdown or burnout. There are various reasons for this, including ​ Prolonged sitting at work, leading to stiffness and stagnation. Excessive and rigorous exercise causing overload issues. Unavoidable psychological stress manifesting as bodily symptoms. In short, we can become overwhelmed, overloaded, and imbalanced due to various reasons. While these issues may resolve naturally over time and space, the luxury of time and space is not always feasible. Therefore, we may require professional help to get back to a place of balance, without pain, aches, and disease. So, how can Osteopathy help? As osteopaths, we develop a sense of feeling through our hands using palpation, a physical act that continually develops through our career, during assessments of the body. We palpate to detect areas that are overly tight, inflamed, or sensitized, or areas that are hardened, ropey, or stiff. We feel through the muscles and joints, searching for subtle or obvious restrictions and checking if joints are not moving or gliding as smoothly as they should, or even moving excessively. Our targeted treatment can then help you feel and move better, reducing tension and stress, and improving flow, which can ultimately assist in pain reduction and the revitalisation of the natural healing mechanisms within your body

"At Exo physical, our priority is to restore your optimal functioning and alleviate any pain you may be experiencing. This journey is a process, not a one-time event. Based on the severity of your condition and any previous injuries, the duration of treatment may vary. As you make progress, the frequency of your visits will decrease. We place a strong emphasis on thorough rehabilitation to prevent future injuries and ensure lasting results. To maintain your improvement, we may also suggest periodic check-ins over the long term."

"We understand that life can be unpredictable and plans may change. If you need to cancel your appointment, we kindly ask that you give us at least 24 hours' notice. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient in need. If you need to cancel, please let us know via email or call as soon as possible. Please note that late cancellations or missed appointments may result in a full charge. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter."

"At our clinic, we're proud to have highly qualified and experienced osteopaths on our team. To become an osteopath, our practitioners underwent extensive training and education. This included completing a four-year full-time or five-year part-time course that combined academic study, technique classes, and over 1000 hours of clinical experience. As a result of their hard work, they received a Masters degree in Osteopathy (MOst, BSc (Hons), or Bachelors in Osteopathy (BOst). We believe in providing our patients with the best possible care, which is why our osteopaths stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. To achieve this, they participate in 30 hours of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) each year. This could include self-study, attending workshops or courses, or participating in seminars. With this ongoing education, our osteopaths are equipped to provide you with the most effective and up-to-date treatments."

To ensure a hassle-free reimbursement process, we highly recommend verifying your policy's coverage with your insurance provider prior to booking a session. As policies and plans vary, a quick call to your provider can save you any potential inconvenience.

Osteopathy is a patient-centred, system of healthcare. A first appointment generally lasts about 45 minutes to an hour to allow the osteopath adequate time to: Listen and ask questions about your problem, your general health, other medical care you are receiving or medication you are taking, and record this in your case notes. The information you provide will be confidential. Examine you properly. It is likely the osteopath will ask you to remove some of your clothing. Tell your osteopath if you are uncomfortable about this. You should expect privacy to undress and a gown or towel should be provided. You can ask a friend or relative to accompany you and be present throughout your treatment. Ask you to make simple movements and stretches to observe your posture and mobility. Because of the body’s structure, pain or stiffness you are experiencing in one part may be linked to a problem elsewhere. Examine the health of the joints, tissues and ligaments using their hands and a highly developed sense of touch called palpation. Your osteopath will also check for signs of serious conditions they cannot treat and may advise you to see your GP or go to hospital. They should provide you with a letter explaining what they believe to be the problem. Diagnosis and treatment Osteopathy specialises in the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders. Your osteopath will give you a clear explanation of what they find (their diagnosis) and discuss a treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will explain the benefits and any risks of the treatment they are recommending. It is important to understand and agree what the treatment can achieve, and the likely number of sessions needed for a noticeable improvement in how you feel. Treatment is hands-on and involves skilled manipulation of the spine and joints, and massage of soft tissues. Your osteopath will explain what they are doing and will always ask your permission to treat you (known as consent). Ask questions at any time if you are unsure what you have been told or if you have any concerns. Self-help measures and advice on exercise may be offered to assist your recovery, prevent recurrence or worsening of symptoms.