FAQs
We have tried to anticipate some of the questions you may have regarding osteopathy. If your particular enquiry is not included, please do contact us by phone or e mail and we will try to help you.
How many sessions will I need?
This is difficult to answer without having seen you, taken a detailed case history and sometimes to see how you respond to the first consultation and treatment. Typically an acute episode of low back pain might require 3-6 treatment sessions over the period of 6 - 8 weeks, but this can vary either way depending on a number of things including the length of time you have had the problem, type of work or activities you do etc.
What should I wear?
Loose clothing is usually appropriate, the type of thing one might wear for a yoga or exercise class. On some occasions the practitioner might ask you to remove some clothing to examine a problem in a particular area of your body. Suitable underwear is therefore advised. Please do remember you are welcome to bring a chaperone if you feel it is appropriate. Also, if you do have concerns regarding undressing for treatment, discuss them with your osteopath.
Am I able to exercise or go to work after treatment?
This is a discussion you need to have with your osteopath as each patient is different. Generally returning to work is not an issue and nor is gentle exercise, although we sometimes do advise abstaining from exercise for 24-48 hours after the treatment session.
Can I claim on my health insurance?
Yes, we are registered with most of the major insurance companies. You need to read your policy carefully as some policies insist on your GP referring you to our clinic. This should be a formality as most GP's are supportive of our work.
Do I need to inform my GP?
Unless you are planning to claim on insurance (see above) there is usually no necessity to inform your GP that you are having osteopathy. We will not contact your GP without discussing it with you first.
What if I have a complaint?
Please talk to your osteopath. Most medical complaints are due to poor communication, something which we try to avoid. All our osteopaths are registered with and closely regulated by the General Osteopathic Council, whose role is to protect and inform you, the patient. Should there be an issue, St. David's Osteopathic Clinic has a detailed and easy to follow complaints procedure which is available on request.
Does it hurt?
Most of the treatments we use are gentle and relaxing. Occasionally it might be necessary to use slightly more manual treatments to encourage recovery from an injury. However, even these will probably feel awkward or unusual rather than uncomfortable. Please do discuss any concerns with your osteopath.
Why do babies and children need treatment?
The enormous twisting and compression forces which the baby is exposed to during the birth process can put a great deal of strain on its tissues. If the birth is particularly fast or prolonged the forces may be too much for the tissues to accommodate and a ‘strain pattern' or moulding may develop in the tissues.
Probably the most frequent condition we encounter in babies is ‘colic' This is a broad term for babies that are irritable ‘windy' babies and may cry persistently. Other problems that may occur in babies with retained moulding are poor feeding and disturbed sleep and in addition babies who are frequently sick after feeding and constipated babies. As children grow, any untreated strain patterns may express themselves in a variety of musculoskeletal problems including headaches, persistent colds and ear infections amongst others.
Do you treat babies and children?
Yes, all our practitioners are experienced in the treatment of babies and children and we have all undergone extensive postgraduate training in this field.
What is the difference ..?
Please follow this link to a detailed explanation of the differences between the three areas: What is the difference between Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?