Do I need to know which treatment to book?
No, not at all. You do not need to decide between osteopathy or chiropractic before you contact us. Both osteopaths and chiropractors treat the same types of problems, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, long-standing aches and stiffness, as well as symptoms such as numbness, pins and needles, reduced movement or nerve-related symptoms. Some people have a preference because they have had treatment before, but many people do not.​ If you are unsure, just speak to our reception team. They will ask a few simple questions and help book you with the practitioner who is most appropriate for you.
What happens at the first appointment?
Your first appointment is focused on understanding you and your problem in detail. It includes: - A thorough discussion about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and goals - A physical examination, which may include posture checks, movement testing and neurological or orthopaedic tests where appropriate In most cases, we do not go through the full findings or treatment plan during this first visit. This is because your practitioner needs time to carefully review all the information and decide on the most appropriate course of action. We will invite you back for a second appointment, where your practitioner will: - Explain their findings clearly - Talk through treatment options - Discuss expected timescales and costs You then decide whether you would like to go ahead with treatment. If you choose not to begin treatment, this second appointment is free of charge. If you are in acute pain and it is safe and appropriate to treat on the day, your practitioner may offer treatment during the first appointment. This is always at their discretion. If your problem is not suitable for treatment at the clinic, this will be explained and you will be guided towards the right next step.
Will I receive treatment at my first visit?
It depends on your situation and on the clinical judgement of your practitioner. If you are in acute pain and treatment is considered safe and appropriate, it will likely be offered at the first appointment. In many cases, especially where symptoms are more complex or long-standing, treatment begins at a second visit after your practitioner has had time to review all findings and discuss options with you. If treatment does not take place at the first appointment, you will only be charged for the consultation.
How long is the first appointment and follow-up sessions?
The first appointment usually lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. Follow-up appointments are shorter and typically last between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on your condition and what is needed on the day.
How do you decide which treatment is right for me?
Your treatment is based on your individual needs, not on a fixed technique or approach. Osteopaths and chiropractors use many overlapping techniques and treat very similar conditions. If, after assessment, your practitioner feels another colleague would be better suited to help you, they will discuss this with you. The focus is always on choosing the approach that best suits your body, your symptoms and your comfort.
What is the difference between osteopathy and chiropractic?
Both osteopathy and chiropractic are hands-on treatments that aim to improve movement, reduce pain and support how the body functions. They share many similarities and both are evidence-based and regulated professions. In general terms: - Osteopathy often involves more soft tissue and hands-on techniques - Chiropractic has a stronger focus on joints, particularly the spine, and how this relates to the nervous system In reality, there is a lot of crossover. Most practitioners adapt their techniques to suit the person in front of them. What matters most is not the label, but finding the right approach for you.
Is osteopathy safe?
Yes. Osteopathy is recognised as a safe treatment when provided by a fully trained and registered osteopath. Osteopaths complete four to five years of university-level training and must meet strict professional and safety standards. National clinical guidance, including recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), supports the use of manual therapy such as osteopathy for certain musculoskeletal conditions. A detailed case history and examination are always carried out to check whether treatment is appropriate for you. Any risks, alternatives or reasons not to treat will be explained clearly before anything begins.
Is chiropractic safe?
Yes. Chiropractic is considered a safe and regulated treatment when carried out by a qualified and registered chiropractor. Chiropractors undergo extensive training and follow evidence-based clinical guidelines. Manual therapy, including chiropractic care, is supported by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance for certain musculoskeletal problems. Before treatment, your chiropractor will take a detailed history and carry out a physical examination to ensure care is suitable for you. Any potential risks or alternatives will be discussed so you can make an informed choice.
What types of massage do you offer?
We offer a wide range of massage therapies, including: - Deep tissue massage - Sports massage - Remedial massage - Relaxation massage - Hot stone massage - Aromatherapy massage - Thai foot massage - Pregnancy massage - Natural facelift massage - Manual lymphatic drainage We also offer additional techniques where appropriate, such as cupping and dry needling. If you are unsure which option is right for you, our reception team will be happy to help.
How do I know if massage is right for me?
Massage can be helpful for a wide range of people and reasons. Research shows that massage may help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, support recovery from exercise or injury, and reduce stress. You may benefit from massage if you experience: - Ongoing muscle tightness or stiffness - General aches and pains - Sports-related soreness or injury - Stress, poor sleep or tension headaches - Swelling or fluid retention, depending on the technique used Massage can be used on its own or alongside osteopathy or chiropractic care. If you are unsure whether massage is suitable for you, just ask. We can talk through your symptoms and help you decide.
Can treatment help with long-term pain?
Yes. Many people we see have been in pain for months or even years. Long-term pain is often linked to reduced movement, changes in how the body functions, and ongoing strain over time. Treatment focuses on improving mobility, function, circulation and nerve input. When the body is supported to move and function better, pain often reduces. National clinical guidelines recognise manual therapy as part of the management of persistent pain.
Can you help with new or acute injuries?
Yes. We regularly see people with recent injuries, such as sudden back pain, neck pain, or nerve-related symptoms. A thorough assessment is always carried out first. In cases of significant trauma, such as after a car accident, treatment may not be appropriate on the same day. This will be explained clearly. If we feel your condition needs a different type of care, we will help refer you to the right place.
What if I already have a diagnosis or scan results?
If you already have a diagnosis or imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans, please bring them with you. This information can be very helpful in building a complete picture of your health and guiding treatment decisions.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies from person to person. Some people notice improvement after a single session. Others may need a course of treatment, particularly if pain has been present for a long time, keeps recurring, or is linked to long-standing movement patterns, previous injuries or ongoing physical strain. Your practitioner will discuss their recommendations early on, including likely progress and costs, so you can make an informed decision about what feels right for you.
How often will I need treatment?
Frequency depends on your symptoms, how long the problem has been present and how your body responds. In the early stages, some people benefit from closer spacing between appointments. Others may attend less frequently. This is always flexible and tailored to you. Nothing is decided without discussion.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is helpful, but not essential. We have gowns available if needed. If you prefer to stay dressed, we will assess you as best we can through your clothing. We will always explain what we are doing and make sure you feel comfortable.
Will you explain what you are doing during treatment?
Yes. Clear explanation is a key part of what we do. Your practitioner will explain the treatment, what it involves, and how it should feel. You will always be asked for your consent before anything is done. If something does not feel right, you can say so at any time.
What if treatment does not feel right or is not helping?
If treatment does not feel right, or you are not improving as expected, this will be discussed openly. Sometimes a different approach or technique is needed. In other cases, further investigation such as an X-ray, MRI scan or other tests may be helpful to better understand what is going on. We aim to identify early if treatment is not working and will not continue unnecessarily. If needed, we can help guide you towards further tests or refer you to another healthcare professional.
Are there times when treatment would not be recommended?
Yes. There are certain medical situations where treatment may need to be avoided or modified. For example, specific neck techniques would not be used for someone with certain vascular conditions or a history of stroke affecting the neck. In other situations, such as osteoporosis or inflammatory conditions, treatment may still be possible but would need to be very gentle and adapted. This is why a detailed case history and examination are essential. Your practitioner will always explain what is safe, appropriate and in your best interests.
Will you explain costs before treatment starts?
Yes. Costs and recommended treatment plans are explained clearly before treatment begins. We will give an estimate of how many sessions may be helpful, but this can change depending on how you respond. If cost is a concern, please let us know. We want your care to be effective, realistic and right for you.
Got a question that is not covered here? Just ask. We are always happy to help.