FAQs

Do I need referral to see the Osteopath?

No you can come without a referral. Just call to enquire and then book the appointment.

Can my Doctor or other Health Professionals refer me?

Yes referrals from GP's and other healthcare professionals are welcomed.

What is involved in the Osteopathic Appointment?

Osteopaths need to know why and how you got to this level of severity and discomfort.

Questions are asked about the presenting complaint, patient overall health including past medical history, lifestyle, as well as the specific problem that brings them to the osteopath. Based on these findings from the consultation. This information is recorded on your case history and is kept confidential. Consent is asked permitting treatment, thus preliminary diagnosis and treatment plan is made. Palpation and performing a Physical examination of the area in pain, with Osteopathic tests where appropriate helps to confirm diagnosis.

What can I expect on the First Appointment?

Firstly observation of the spine and posture then joints.Simple active movements are made. Movements made to observe your posture and mobility of affected joints. This gives comparative picture of pain free and the affected side. The inter relatedness of the body's structure means. Osteopath needs to determine if you are experiencing pain in one part of the body which can be coming from a problem elsewhere.

Will I need to have X-ray or scans?

In some cases patients are required to have investigations to confirm diagnosis, if there are signs of further serious conditions which may contributing to the pain and state of health. Then a referral letter back to the hospital or the GP will be given to you explaining, why you necessitate more specific tests.

What do I need to wear?

To examine you properly, you may need to undress up to the under wear, but not always. You will be asked to remove some of your clothing, so that appropriate examination of the pain area can be conducted. Towels and gowns are provided. Sometimes patients bring shorts with them, female patients like to wear leggings or keep their tights on.

You can always tell the osteopath if you are uncomfortable about this.

How many treatments do I need?

This is different for each individual. The factors determining the time and length of your treatment plan include the following criteria:

• The type of injury and severity of the current problem
• Whether you are in acute pain or longer chronic state of health pain
• Age and vitality of your health and fitness levels
• The length of time you have had the problem
• Degenerative conditions may initially take 2-4 sessions with a monthly follow up treatment
• Office worker with neck pain would be 2-3 sessions working towards, a once in three month check-up
• Low Back Pain with degenerative disc related problems can be 4-6 weeks, then monthly working toward MOT( Monthly Osteopathic Treatment)
• Self-help postural advice / sleeping postures to pillow positioning with exercise prescription given after the treatment has resolved the initial problem.

How long does each appointment last for?

All appointments last for 45 mins

All Follow-up treatment appointment last 30 - 35 mins

What are the costs for the treatments?

Osteopathic initial consultation: £70 - Follow-up: £65

Naturopathic initial consultation: £75 - Follow-up: £65

Cranial initial consultation: £65 - Follow-up: £60

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Response to appointment enquiries are normally answered within 24-48 hours.

New patients can text, call or email.

Would I be able to bring along a chaperone or a friend?

You can ask a friend or relative to accompany you and be present throughout treatment.

A parent must always accompany children under the age of sixteen

Mothers are requested to attend with children and babies, as they will need to answer questions about the child's growth and health from birth to present day. The mother can provide useful information about prenatal and postnatal health of herself and the child, especially if there was complications during the birth of the baby.

Mothers should bring any documentation related to medical treatment of the baby.

Extra essentials for the baby should be brought just in case if the child needs milk bottle, clothes or nappy change during the treatment. A favourite toy for older children to help them relax and settle in the treatment.

How long are the cranial treatments for children?

Babies and children treatments are 45 mins

If longer is needed, the osteopath will inform you in the consultation.

Adult Cranial treatment

Information is taken about the nature of the problem. Neck and head palpation, sometimes postural analysis prior to treatment commencing.

Cranial treatment you remain partially dressed. Loose comfortable clothing is advised to be worn so that you are comfortable laying down on the treatment plinth.

How long are the adult cranial treatments for?

All cranial treatments for adults are 45 mins.

If longer time is needed, the osteopath will inform you in the consultation.

What is the Naturopathic Consultation?

Naturopathic consultations: Primarily this is in depth consultation questioning, and exploring how the patient has arrived with presentation of their ailments. Exploring the contributory factors leading up to their present day health status. Questions are asked about past medical history from childhood to present day. Their diet and their lifestyle, relationships, social environment.

Further Naturopathic consultations may involve tests such as Hair Mineral Analysis, Intolerance Food Testing and Physical examination. Occasionally palpation and observation looking at signs and symptoms with presenting features of the condition on the body. Taking pulse, or looking at the tongue.

Who pays for Tests and prescriptions?

Naturopathic tests are conducted by reputable Laboratories and the price can vary depending on the type of test that is being performed and where it goes to be tested. All prescription remedies are paid by the patients. Naturopath will always advice you on your most affordable option.

Can treatment costs be claimed back on the Health Insurance?

Patients are advised to check with their insurance providers whether the claims for osteopathic treatment will be accepted. (The Exception to Bupa patients no insurance claimant in this practice).

• Check how many sessions you are entitled to
• Whether you have to pay an excess on the claim first, prior to getting treatment cost reimbursed
• Whether you need a GP referral for your claim
• Osteopathic treatment: Insurance claims-yes
• Naturopathic: Insurance claims (Check with Provider)
• Cranial Osteopathy: Insurance Claim (Check with Provider)

Useful Links

• Institute Osteopathy (The iO) www.osteopathy.org
• General Osteopathic Council (GOC) www.osteopathy.org.uk
• General Naturopathic Council (GCRN) www.gcrn.org.uk / https://naturopathy.org.uk/
• Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council www.cnhc.org.uk
• Kensington www.kensingtontherapycentre.co.uk

I am always happy to answer any questions you may have. Call me today on 07711 265500, or please send an email to, nita.mistry@btinternet.com for more information or text me with your enquiry followed by your name and contact number.

Most people consult osteopaths privately. Many private health insurance schemes give benefit for osteopathic treatment. Some companies will reimburse the total fee that you have paid for treatment, others only a percentage. Most companies require a GP or specialist referral. All insurance companies have helplines. Patients are advised to check the terms and conditions with their health insurance provider prior to having treatment and placing a claim.