Most adults need between 3 and 6 sessions usually on a weekly basis. I will space your treatment sessions further apart as quickly as possible so you don’t spend money unnecessarily.

Each person is different and I will discuss with you your realistic recovery time. A long term problem may require more sessions.

Sometimes people like to have a treatment every so often as ‘maintenance’ to reduce their likelihood of problems.

You are more than welcome to bring a chaperone with you to any of your appointments. Please be aware that of course they will then hear what we are discussing, which includes your medical history.

It is not compulsory for you to undress, and you are welcome to wear shorts/leggings/vest top. There is also a modesty gown you can use as well.

However please be aware that osteopathic diagnosis is partly based on observing how your body moves, and it’s usual when seeing an osteopath to be asked to remove clothing from the area being treated. If you are uncomfortable with this, then just let me know and we can work around it.

Osteopathic treatment is generally gentle, but some techniques for example stretching and articulation of tender joints may be uncomfortable and I will warn you of this, but just let me know if you would prefer a different technique to be used.

You can generally expect to be sore and achey after treatment for 2-3 days.

I use both ‘structural osteopathy’ which involves moving and stretching your joints, and working through your muscles with massage, but I also use ‘cranial osteopathy’ where I gently place my hands on the area of your body being treated.

Cranial osteopathy is very gentle but very effective. Often people can’t feel much when being treated cranially but notice the improvements in their symptoms and a common comment at the next session is “I feel better but you didn’t seem to do anything!”. Cranial osteopathy works gently through the body’s restrictions and the natural tiny movements of the bones, fluid and fascia.

To be a registered osteopath in the UK you have to complete 4 years full time study to qualify as an osteopath. It’s so extensive because you cover a lot of medical science such as anatomy, neurology, physiology and pathology. You also train in specific clinics such as paediatrics, sports injuries and pregnancy.

To be a registered osteopath with the regulatory body in the UK (the General Osteopathic Council) you have to complete at least 30 hours of continuing professional development each year to ensure your knowledge and skills are up to date.

I am a registered osteopath and my registration number is 7470.

Yes I have a card machine so can accept all cards including American Express.

At your first session you will have a detailed consultation, examination, hands on treatment and advice.

You are welcome to bring a chaperone with you to each of your appointments.

I will listen to why you have come to see me and how your problem has impacted your life. I will then ask questions about your issue, together with some medical questions. This is to screen for any potential medical issues.

For this part your may be asked to undress, or you can wear a vest top and leggings or shorts. There is also a modesty gown for you if you prefer too. You will be asked to stand, and perform some simple movements while I stand behind you and observe how your back or neck is moving.

Then you will be asked to lie on the plinth, and hands on examination will look at your problem area as well as other areas of your body that maybe related to the problem.

If needed, neurological, orthopaedic and other medical testing will be performed. Once your problem has been diagnosed I will discuss this with you and what treatment is needed.

Your treatment is bespoke, using a mixture of joint articulation, stretching, soft tissue work on your ligaments and muscles, and cranial osteopathy.

At the end of your treatment you will be offered advice on how to care for yourself, and as you get better how to help stop your issue from happening again.