Your First Appointment:
 
If this is your first visit to the practice – there are a few things you should know:
 
This advice relates especially to patients visiting an osteopath for the first time, but also applies
for most treatments offered here. Advice regarding other types of treatment can be found
in the relevant section of our website.

WELCOME

A receptionist should be present to greet you, unless you have booked an appointment outside office hours.

All of the practitioners here work to an appointment system so please be on time for your appointment as it would not be fair to keep the patients after you waiting.
If you need to cancel an appointment, please give us as much notice as possible so that we can fit in someone else. We charge a fee of half the treatment cost for missed appointments.

Free coffee or chilled water is available in the waiting room.

FILLING FORMS

When you arrive, you will be asked to complete a medical history form and to read our consent form (which you will be asked to sign later). (You can preview these forms elsewhere on our website).

Please fill out the medical history form as fully as possible – it will be useful if you can bring a list of any medication that you take and copies of any letters or reports pertaining to your condition.

EXAMINATION

The Osteopath will then take you into one of the treatment rooms and take a full case history of your symptoms and their onset as well as asking for information about your general health, lifestyle and diet.

We will then want to examine your spine or the area of your symptoms.
This will usually involve the removal of some clothing near the area to be examined, so consider this when you decide what to wear. Loose fitting clothes, shorts, track suits etc may be appropriate and we will try to preserve your modesty at all times. Gowns or towels are available. You are welcome to bring a friend or relative with you if it makes you feel more comfortable. Patients under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.

The examination may involve observation of some simple movement, testing muscle strength and reflexes etc. The osteopath will also use their highly developed sense of touch to determine if there is any swelling, heat or stiffness in the area.
As a result of this examination there may be further questions regarding your condition. Hopefully we will now have a good idea as to the cause of your problem, be able to give you a detailed explanation, and discuss what type and how much treatment you may need. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions about anything that you do not understand.

If we feel that treatment by us is inappropriate or unlikely to help, we will not proceed with treatment, but may ask you to visit your GP or recommend someone else who may help.
We will discuss our findings with you and give you the best advice we can – nothing will be done without your agreement and consent.

TREATMENT

The case history investigation and examination may take up most of the time on your first visit.

Treatment may consist of some soft tissue massage, stretching, joint articulation or spinal manipulation (none of this should be too uncomfortable). We will discuss with you what your preferences are and what treatment methods are appropriate. Manipulation of the joints will not be used if we consider that your age or health indicate that this might be unsafe or produce an adverse reaction.

You may also be set some homework in the form of exercises or hot/cold treatment to do at home, and in some instances we may recommend changes in your diet or lifestyle as well. We can write to your employer or another health practitioner on your behalf, but this will incur additional costs.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Anything you discuss with your practitioner here is confidential. If you want us to report to or discuss your treatment with someone else (even a family member) you will need to give us signed permission.

COSTS

Your first appointment may last up to 45 minutes and will cost £41. Further appointments will normally take 30 minutes and cost £36 each. We expect you to pay our fees when you attend, by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. Your treatment may be covered by your health insurance but check with your insurance provider before attending and tell our receptionist which company you are with when you book your appointment (some companies only cover some osteopaths). A receipt can be given for you to reclaim the money. In some cases the osteopath may agree to give treatments on account and bill your insurance company directly.

Remember – if you choose not to attend for your appointment, we need 24 hours notice to fill the time or we will make a charge of half the normal fee.

AFTER TREATMENT

After your first consultation/treatment your practitioner will discuss with you what to expect for the next few days and when or whether you should return.
If you are advised to make further appointments, the receptionist will try to arrange a time that suits you (some of the osteopaths work at weekends or into the evenings). If you like we can also arrange for reception to call or text you to remind you that your appointment is due.

Please take note how your symptoms are affected by the treatment as this will be the first question you are asked on your next visit. If you are concerned about any symptoms after your treatment or when attempting any exercises you were set – phone your practitioner.

 
Thank you for choosing us.
If there is any way in which you think our practice could be improved – please tell us.