FAQ

Have you got parking?

Yes, free parking is available on site

Booking process / cancellations?

You can do this either by following the book now link, or by contacting me on 07711521233 or email info@essexosteo.co.uk

How do you take payments?

Payments can be either cash or card.

How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment(s)?

Call the Clinic in which you go to for all your regular appointments.  Please try and let us know at least 24 hours in advance so we can give the appointment to another client.

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Absolutely yes you can have someone present throughout your consultation and treatment if you wish

Do osteopaths just treat bones?

No. In fact osteopaths are trained to give you complete treatments on your whole body – not just sections. This includes your bones, muscles and body systems.

How long do Osteopathic treatments last?

The initial treatment lasts 30 minutes. If you require any follow up treatments, they normally last 30 minutes.

Who is Osteopathy recommended for?

Osteopaths’ patients include the young, the more mature person, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, repetitive strain injury, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.

What does an osteopath do?

Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis. Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise your joints. Sometimes, when we move joints, you may hear a ‘click’. This is just like the click people get when they crack their knuckles.

Does osteopathic treatment hurt and are there any side effects after treatment?

Some soft tissue treatment may cause slight discomfort during treatment. Your osteopath will tell you what to expect and will want you to let them know if you are uncomfortable. You may feel a little stiff or sore after treatment, but this is not unusual, however this will quickly subside. This is a normal, healthy response to the treatment. Osteopathy is a very safe & effective form of treatment & most patients feel substantially better for it.

Is Osteopathy safe?

The evidence suggests that Osteopathy has one of the best safety records of any medically associated profession. Any concerns can be discussed during your treatment.

Osteopaths are trained to recognise complaints/disorders that may make osteopathic treatment inappropriate, and the patient would therefore be referred to the appropriate clinician when required.

In the same way, a GP would identify safety as the most important factor in deciding a suitable medication for a particular patient, an Osteopath would also identify the correct style of treatment with safety being held as the number one consideration.

Can I have treatment when pregnant?

Absolutely, osteopathy can be extremely beneficial for expectant mothers to help them with the many changes that their bodies have to go through.

Is cranial osteopathy safe for babies?

Osteopathic treatment using the cranial approach is gentle, safe and effective for babies and children. Very specific, skilled, light pressure is applied where necessary to assist the natural ability of the body to release stresses and tensions.

What are the side effects of cranial osteopathy?

In most circumstances there is no side effects, but in some cases the baby might be tired and relaxed meaning that they will sleep more after treatment. On the flip side to a lesser extent the baby might feel a little irritated after treatment and cry more. This is not a negative sign, but simply a treatment reaction that will commonly settle after a couple of hours.

What are the side effects of Osteopathy?

The most common side-effect is some general aching/soreness for 24-48 hours; however, most people do not experience any side effects at all.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Simply put, No. Once the needles are in place, you may feel an initial cramp or twitch in the muscle, this will then go. 

The needles may be left in position for a length of time lasting from a few minutes up to around 10-15 minutes. You may feel a tingling or a dull ache when the needles are inserted but you should not experience any significant pain.

What are the side effects of Acupuncture?

The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. In order to reduce the risk of side effects I always use clean, disposable needles.

Does Shockwave therapy hurt?

Sometimes the treatment is a bit painful, most patients say it feels like small pulses against the skin. If you are in pain during the treatment, please notify your medical practitioner as there are some adjustments that can be made to reduce the discomfort, however, having some pain during the treatment illustrates that shockwaves are having a positive effect.

What are the side effects of Shockwave therapy?

You may experience swelling and redness in the treated area, and in rare circumstances you may get bruising in the area. This can make your pain feel worse, but this is indicative of the healing process, is completely normal and will subside within a day or two.

Do manipulations hurt and are they dangerous?

If practiced by a qualified and sensitive osteopath, they are not dangerous. Manipulations should not hurt if the osteopath has good technique and is respectful of a patient’s sensitivity. You shouldn’t assume that you will always have manipulation whenever you go to an osteopath, as many successful treatments can be conducted without its use. All good osteopaths will keep the patient informed of what they are doing as the treatment progresses.

Is cupping painful?

Cupping is a sensation that not everyone likes as some report slight discomfort during treatment, BUT, it is not painful. 

What are the side effects of cupping?

Commonly cupping can result with circular bruising on the skin, but not always, this depends on how long the cups are left on for. If you do get a bruise this will fade within 1-2 weeks.

How many sessions of Osteopathy do you need?

The number of sessions you need depends on the condition and person we are treating. The aim is to keep your appointments to a minimum. Your osteopath will be able to tell you within a short period of time the number of treatments required, and this will be discussed with you after the diagnosis has been explained at your initial assessment.

Do I need to undress for treatment?

Sometimes you will need to expose the area to be treated, just so the osteopath can get a better idea of what is happening and for some treatments. But if you do not wish to undress for personal or faith reasons, this is not a problem as most treatment can be through clothing. 

How do you get referred to an osteopath and do I have to be referred by my doctor?

You do not need to see your doctor first if you are paying for your own treatment. However, some insurance companies require you to see your doctor first. Osteopathy is available on the NHS in some areas – and national guidelines say it should be available everywhere for low back pain. Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.

Can I claim on my private medical insurance for my Osteopathic treatments?

Most private health insurance policies accommodate for osteopathic treatment. It may be possible to claim for a course of treatment, but you need to enquire in advance with your insurance company before obtaining osteopathic treatment, in order to confirm the available level of cover and whether you will need to have a referral from your GP or a specialist.

What is the difference between an osteopath, chiropractor and physiotherapist?

These three therapies are quite similar, but there can be some overlap between the disciplines. One common goal is to reduce a patient’s pain, this is achieved by improving the patients’ structure and function. Each therapy has its own philosophies and treatment approaches so that these common aims are achieved.

Chiropractors are in many ways very similar to Osteopaths; their philosophy is that everything needs a good nerve supply whereas osteopathy suggests that all body function is in harmony with a good blood supply! However, Chiropractors do seem to manipulate the spine more whereas Osteopaths do seem to use a greater range of techniques, not only manipulation. Such techniques involving stretching, massage, articulation (mobilisation). Most Chiropractors work on 10-20 minute consultations whereas osteopaths generally work on 30-40 minute appointments, this normally results in less frequent treatments.

Generally, Physiotherapists are less hands on compared to Osteopaths and Chiropractors. Treatment is based on using more machines such as ultrasound, laser therapy and interferential. They do allocate exercises to do at home as do Osteopaths and Chiropractors.

Osteopathy is a holistic approach treating the whole body, the underlying cause and not just the symptoms. Therefore, I develop a bespoke treatment based on the clinical findings and what you would prefer.

Can anyone call themselves an osteopath?

The title ‘osteopath’ is protected by law, and only those included on the Register are entitled to practise as osteopaths. Unregistered practice is a criminal offence in the UK.

How do I know if an osteopath is registered?

All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council. You can use the Register to check whether your health professional is currently registered.

Who sets the standards of training and practice for osteopaths?

The standards of osteopathic training and practice are provided and promoted by the General Osteopathic Council, the profession’s statutory regulator established under the Osteopaths Act 1993

Equine Osteopathy FAQ

When should I contact an Equine Osteopath?

You should contact a qualified Equine Osteopath if your horse is not performing at its best, develops any unusual problems, different behaviour patterns or has had a consultation with a veterinary surgeon ruling out any pathological problems.

How many treatments will my horse need?

This depends on what condition is being treated and your horse’s history.  More details after the initial consultation and treatment will be provided. In general, back problems require 3 to 4 treatments. Yearly maintenance check-ups are sometimes advisable as a means of preventative care to improve mobility and movement which will then minimise the re-occurrence of injury.

How long does the treatment take?

The first treatment usually lasts approximately 45 minutes, with follow-up treatments around 30 minutes.

Should my horse be checked regularly?

Yes. Ideally horses in work should be checked on a regular basis – at least 3 to 4 times a year. I strongly recommend checking any new horse immediately after purchase, to identify any problems that could benefit from preventative care. Osteopaths are trained to detect early changes in the musculo-skeletal system which could result in discomfort if treatment is delayed.

Should I consult my vet?

Yes. It is illegal for any treatment to be conducted by any other practitioner on an animal without the consent from your attending vet. 

Is my horse covered for osteopathic treatment on my animal insurance?

Yes. Most insurance companies are happy for an animal insured with them to receive osteopathic treatment from a registered osteopath holding valid insurance, provided that the treating vet recommends the treatment and refers the case. (Do check with your insurer prior to treatment if you wish to make a claim).

Why are some vet’s against getting my horse’s back treated?

Some veterinary surgeons are sceptical about back treatments for animals because there are so many so-called “back persons” treating horses who have no formal qualifications. These people can be a danger to their patients, which is why it is essential you check the therapist treating your horse is fully qualified and insured.

How do I know if a therapist is qualified or insured?

An Osteopath trains over a period of 4 years, plus an extra year for post-graduate training in Animal Osteopathy. It is also a legal requirement for a practitioner to be fully insured to call themselves a Human/Animal Osteopath. Ask the therapist to provide you with the name and telephone number of the college they qualified from, and details of their insurance company. A legitimate and qualified animal osteopath will be happy to provide all these details. 

What can equine osteopathy treat?

Osteopathy isn’t just about treating bad backs in horses. It has proved to be particularly useful in helping to improve the following:

• Reduced performance
• Maintaining mobility in competition horses
• Gait problems: tracking-up/short stride, loss of collection, cross-canter problems,
  rushing downhill, pulls uphill, lacks concentration
• Stiffness in different areas of the body
• Stiffness in the older horse
• Reluctance to trot / canter on certain reins
• Preventing bucking between transitions
• Problems with head carriage
• Changes in behaviour: bucking, bolting, rearing, kicking and refusing to jump
• Objection to being saddled or girthed, unable to stand still or relax, hyper-sensitivity to brushing and difficulty shoeing
• Aiding rehabilitation after injury (tendon injuries, ligament overstrains, sacroiliac lesions)
• Aiding rehabilitation in diagnosed conditions such as arthritis, hind leg and front leg lameness
• Uneven muscle bulk, muscle imbalance and spasms

What does an osteopathic treatment involve?

We begin with an initial consultation during which we will discuss your horse’s case history (previous injuries, treatments and medications). We also look at your horse’s lifestyle and the demands placed upon him or her as part of their routine.

We then observe the horse in hand, at walk and trot as well as performing a series of turns. Depending upon the problem, we may also require the horse to be lunged and/or ridden. Next, we conduct an osteopathic examination of the horse, assessing all joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.

After consultation with the owner, we commence treatment if appropriate. 

The techniques we use during treatment consist of: 

• Joint articulation
• Soft tissue techniques such as massage, stretching, lymphatic drainage, reflex    and trigger point work
• Joint Manipulation 
• Therapeutic Ultrasound
• Fascial Edge (a form of Graston Therapy)
• Laser therapy

The techniques we use during the treatment will be tailored specifically for each individual horse according to his/her age and build.

How will my horse feel after treatment?

Treatments initiate a healing response which triggers changes to occur within the horse’s body and encourage toxins to be released for elimination; this can often be quite a tiring experience for your horse. For this reason, I recommend that the horse should not be worked after the treatment for 1-2 days and instead either turned out or grazed in-hand with fresh water available at all times.