Frequently Asked Questions

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An osteopath assesses how your muscles, joints, and nerves are working together. Using hands-on techniques such as; gentle mobilisation, massage, stretching, and manipulation help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support healthy movement patterns. Osteopathy treats both the symptoms and the underlying causes of your discomfort.

No. Osteopaths are primary healthcare professionals, so you can book directly without a referral. Many patients come to us before or alongside NHS care.

Yes. Osteopathy is regulated in the UK by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Treatment techniques are adapted to your age, health, and comfort level, making it safe for most people from teenagers to older adults.

Most techniques are gentle and comfortable. Some areas may feel tender if they are already irritated, but we always work within your pain tolerance. Many people describe treatment as soothing or relieving.

Loose, comfortable clothing is best. You may be asked to move or stretch, so avoid anything tight or restrictive. If we need to assess a specific area, you will be covered appropriately.

Your osteopath will:

- Take a full case history

- Assess your posture, movement, and symptoms

- Explain what’s causing your pain

- Begin hands-on treatment where appropriate

- Give personalised advice to support recovery

The focus is on understanding your problem and providing safe, effective care.

Many people notice an improvement within 1-3 sessions, though long-standing or complex issues can take longer. We give honest expectations from the start and review your progress each session.

Most UK health insurers cover osteopathy, though policies vary. We can provide receipts for reimbursement if required.

Morning back pain is often linked to stiff joints, tight muscles, poor sleep posture, or an unsupportive mattress. Osteopathy helps improve joint movement and reduce overnight stiffness, while targeted advice can improve your sleep setup.

A sudden onset is commonly due to muscle spasm, joint irritation, ligament strain, or a trapped nerve. These often occur with bending, lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting. Early treatment helps reduce inflammation and speed recovery.

Yes. Slumping, leaning, or sitting for long periods can overload the spine, neck, and shoulders. Over time, this leads to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and joint irritation. Osteopathy helps correct strain patterns and improve posture through hands-on therapy and advice.

Clicking is usually harmless and caused by pressure changes inside the joints or tendons moving over bone. If the clicking is painful or accompanied by stiffness, an osteopath can assess and treat underlying issues.

Symptoms may include:

- Sharp or radiating pain

- Tingling or numbness

- Weakness in a limb

- Burning or electric sensations

Osteopathy can help relieve pressure on the affected nerve through gentle mobilisation and soft tissue release.

Tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can irritate nerves and blood vessels that lead to the head, causing tension headaches. Releasing these tight muscles often brings significant relief.

Stiffness can be due to inflammation, overuse, arthritis changes, or a lack of movement. Hands-on therapy helps restore normal joint mobility and reduce discomfort.

Persistent tightness can result from stress, anxiety, inactivity, dehydration, poor posture, or muscle weakness. Osteopathy addresses both the physical tension and the lifestyle patterns contributing to it.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, commonly due to disc issues, tight gluteal muscles, spinal joint dysfunction, or inflammation. Symptoms may radiate from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, or leg.

Most people improve within 6-8 weeks, though recovery depends on the cause. Early treatment, activity modification, and nerve-gliding exercises can significantly speed up healing.

Gentle movement is usually more helpful than bed rest. Short walks, light stretching, and avoiding prolonged sitting can reduce nerve irritation. Your osteopath will advise exactly what movements are safe for your specific case.

This is often caused by irritation of the rotator cuff, inflammation in the shoulder joint, or muscular imbalance. Early treatment helps prevent frozen shoulder and long-term stiffness.

Hip pain can come from muscle tightness, joint strain, bursitis, or referred pain from the lower back. Osteopathic treatment supports joint mobility, reduces tension, and improves gait mechanics.

Yes. While osteopathy cannot reverse arthritis, it can significantly reduce stiffness, improve mobility, increase circulation, and ease pain. Many people with osteoarthritis find regular treatment very beneficial.

Knee pain is often caused by biomechanical issues elsewhere, for example, tight hips, weak glutes, or foot posture problems. Osteopathy examines your full movement chain to find and treat the real cause.

Medical acupuncture is based on modern anatomy and uses fine needles to relax muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. It is often used alongside osteopathy to target stubborn areas of tension.

Most people feel only a small pinch followed by a dull ache or twitch in the muscle. This response is normal and often means the muscle is relaxing. The sensation usually settles within seconds.