FAQ

Osteopathy is similar to the examination, assessment, and exercise prescription you would receive from a physiotherapist. However, osteopaths also use specific techniques to manipulate and mobilize joints and soft tissues to improve the body's function. In the UK, osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as: - Lower back pain - Sciatica/neuralgia - Neck pain - Shoulder pain/injuries - Knee pain - Headaches (cervicogenic) - Tennis elbow/golfer's elbow - Ankle injuries - Sports injuries - Postural issues - Arthritic pain - General aches and pains in muscles Osteopaths consider you holistically, examining how you move and where you experience pain or restriction. They also help you understand how diet, sleep, social, and spiritual relationships impact your pain and overall well-being. Our bodies are designed to self-heal through complex physiological processes. Osteopathy recognizes the musculoskeletal system's capacity to influence and address these natural processes. Osteopaths believe the musculoskeletal system acts as a critical regulator of health and wellness, providing a way to assist the body's natural processes when they become overwhelmed or imbalanced. Modern life can disturb and imbalance our bodies, leading to health issues like disease, discomfort, pain, and burnout. Factors include prolonged sitting, excessive exercise, and psychological stress manifesting as bodily symptoms. While these issues may resolve naturally, professional help can restore balance and alleviate pain. Osteopaths use palpation to detect areas that are tight, inflamed, or stiff. They feel through muscles and joints, searching for restrictions and checking if joints are moving correctly. Targeted treatment helps you feel and move better, reducing tension and stress, and improving flow, ultimately assisting in pain reduction and revitalizing the body's natural healing mechanisms.

At Exophysical Osteopathy, our goal is to restore your optimal function and alleviate pain. The number of sessions you'll need depends on the severity of your condition and any previous injuries. As you progress, your visits will become less frequent. We emphasize thorough rehabilitation to prevent future injuries and ensure lasting results. To maintain your improvement, we may recommend 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 Exophysical Osteopathy, our osteopaths are highly qualified and experienced. To become an osteopath, our practitioners complete extensive training and education, including a four-year full-time or five-year part-time course that combines academic study, technique classes, and over 1000 hours of clinical experience. They earn a Masters degree in Osteopathy (MOst, BSc (Hons), or Bachelors in Osteopathy (BOst). We believe in providing the best possible care, so our osteopaths stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. They participate in 30 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) each year, which includes self-study, workshops, courses, and seminars. This ongoing education ensures our osteopaths provide the most effective and up-to-date treatments.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans at Exophysical Osteopathy. To ensure a hassle-free reimbursement process, we recommend verifying your policy's coverage with your insurance provider before booking a session. Since policies and plans vary, a quick call to your provider can save you any potential inconvenience.

At Exophysical Osteopathy, your first appointment will last about 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, our osteopath will: - Listen to your concerns and ask about your general health, any medical care you're receiving, and medications you're taking. This information is confidential. - Conduct a thorough examination, which may involve asking you to remove some clothing. If you're uncomfortable, please let us know. We provide privacy and a gown or towel. You can also have a friend or relative with you. - Observe your posture and mobility through simple movements and stretches. Pain in one area might be linked to a problem elsewhere. - Use palpation to check the health of your joints, tissues, and ligaments. If we detect any serious conditions, we may advise you to see your GP or go to the hospital, providing a letter explaining our findings. Your osteopath will explain their diagnosis and discuss a suitable treatment plan, including the benefits and any risks. Treatment involves hands-on techniques like spinal manipulation and soft tissue massage. We always ask for your consent before treatment. Feel free to ask questions at any time. We may also offer self-help advice and exercises to aid your recovery and prevent future issues.