If you feel tighter, sorer, or less mobile than you would like, osteopathy may help. Some people come with one clear problem. Others have a mixture of aches and restrictions that are harder to pin down. We will assess you carefully and agree a clear path forward that aims to get you out of pain and moving better.
What Is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy looks at how the body works as a whole. Instead of focusing only on the area that hurts, we consider how joints, muscles, and other tissues are working together, and where extra strain may be coming from.
Treatment often combines soft tissue techniques, joint work and gentle movement. The aim is to reduce unnecessary tension, improve how you move, and help your body manage day-to-day demands more comfortably.
In the UK, osteopaths complete several years of training and are statutorily regulated. That means they must meet clear standards of safety and professionalism in order to practise.
How Can Osteopathy Help?
Osteopathy is often used for everyday problems affecting muscles and joints, especially when they begin to get in the way of work, family life, sleep or exercise.
You might consider osteopathy if you are:
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Living with long-standing aches or stiffness that make everyday tasks harder
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Feeling generally tight or “wound up” through your back, neck, shoulders or hips
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Stiff and sore after sitting, standing or first thing in the morning
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Having repeated flare-ups around the hips, knees, ankles or feet that affect walking or exercise
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Dealing with shoulder or arm issues that seem linked to posture or tension through the neck and upper back
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Getting headaches or migraines where muscle and joint tension appears to play a part
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Pain, pins and needles, or numbness spreading into an arm, leg, hands or feet
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Managing arthritis and want help easing pain and stiffness so you can stay as active as possible
You do not have to arrive with a clear idea of your problem. If what we assess is better suited to a different form of care, we will be open about that and help you choose the right route.
Osteopathy Consultation: What To Expect
We use a two-stage process. This gives us time to think carefully about your case, and gives you time to decide what feels right.
Appointment 1: Consultation and assessment (45 to 60 minutes)
Your first visit is focused on understanding the full picture. We will talk about:
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what you are feeling and how it affects day-to-day life
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your medical history, including previous injuries or operations
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your work, home life and activities that might be contributing
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what you are hoping to change or get back to
This is followed by a physical examination. That may involve posture checks, movement tests (biomechanics) and, where appropriate, neurological or orthopaedic checks. Everything is explained as we go and you can ask questions at any time.
Your osteopath, Ben Palmer, will take time afterwards to review everything and consider the best approach with the priority being to help you feel better as quickly as possible. If it is a longstanding issue then the best course of action to help you achieve your health goals will be discussed so you understand at well as we do.
Appointment 2: Report of findings and plan (30 minutes)
At your second visit, your osteopath will:
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outline what they believe is driving your symptoms
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how we address and resolve the root cause
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explain which treatment options are available
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discuss what a sensible timescale might be
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talk through likely costs
You can then decide whether you would like to begin treatment. If you choose not to go ahead, this second appointment is free of charge.
If you are in acute pain
If you are in significant pain and it is both safe and appropriate to treat straight away, your osteopath may offer some treatment at the first appointment. That decision is based on clinical judgement and what is in your best interests.
If at any stage we feel your problem is not suitable for treatment at the clinic, we will explain this clearly and guide you towards the most appropriate form of care.
What Osteopathic Treatment Can Include
If you choose to continue, treatment will be tailored to your body, your symptoms and your comfort level. An osteopathic session may include:
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soft tissue techniques, to ease tight or protective areas
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gentle joint mobilisation, to help stiff joints move more freely
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stretching and guided movement, to encourage smoother, more balanced motion
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techniques that address linked areas, where other parts of the body are clearly involved
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adjustment or manipulation techniques if appropriate and with your full consent
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simple exercises or lifestyle suggestions, chosen to support what we do in the clinic rather than overwhelm you at home
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massage therapists assist our osteopath, Ben, so you can fully relax into your treatment at no extra charge
Some sessions focus mainly on one key area. Others include more than one region, especially when your body has been compensating for a long time. We will always explain why we are working where we are and what we hope to achieve.
Pricing
We aim to keep our pricing simple and transparent. If you are not sure which treatment is right for you, just get in touch and we will help you choose.
Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Sports Injury and Rehabilitation
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Consultation and assessment: £30
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Treatments: £40 to £50 (care plans available)
Massage Therapies
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£45 to £70, depending on the type and length of massage
Got a question about costs or appointments? Contact us for more information and we’ll be happy to help.
A Note on Comfort and Safety
Osteopathy can be adapted to you. Pressure can be lighter or firmer, and techniques can be changed depending on how you feel on the day. You stay in control and can ask to pause or adjust at any time.
It is quite common to feel a little sore or tired after treatment, especially if an area has been tense for a while. This is usually similar to the feeling after unfamiliar exercise and settles within a day or two. If we expect anything different in your case, we will let you know.
Before offering treatment, we will take a detailed case history and examine you to check what is appropriate. We will also explain any risks, alternatives or reasons to avoid certain techniques. If something is not safe or suitable for you, we will not use it.
FAQs About Osteopathic Treatment
Will my joints crack, and will it hurt?
Some techniques can create a small clicking or popping sound. This is a normal release of pressure inside the joint, not bones being damaged or forced “back into place”. Most people are surprised by how comfortable treatment feels. You might notice a brief, unusual sensation, but it should not feel sharp or alarming, and many people feel easier or lighter afterwards. If you would rather avoid any techniques that might click or pop, just tell us. There are plenty of other ways we can work, and we will always stay within your comfort level.
What should I do after my appointment?
Most people do well with a normal, steady day. Gentle movement, such as walking, is usually more helpful than complete rest. It is common to feel a little sore, heavy or tired for a short time, especially if an area has been tight for a while. This often feels similar to doing unfamiliar exercise and usually settles within a day or two. If there is anything specific you should avoid or focus on, we will make this clear before you leave.
Can I exercise or play sport after treatment?
Keeping active in a sensible way is usually part of getting better. But, we will talk about what you currently do, then advise on: - what is fine to continue - what may need easing back for a short time - how to build back up without repeatedly aggravating your symptoms If you have an event or important commitment coming up, let us know so we can factor that into your plan.
When should I seek urgent medical advice?
If you develop symptoms that feel serious or very different from usual, it is important to seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for an appointment. This includes things like: - new, significant weakness in a limb - changes in bladder or bowel control - numbness around the groin or saddle area - chest pain - a sudden, severe headache that is not like your normal pattern - feeling very unwell or feverish with severe pain If you are unsure, you can contact us and we will help you decide on the safest next step.
What if my problems keep coming back?
Recurring problems are very common. They are often linked to how you move, previous injuries, work demands, stress, or how different areas are sharing the load. Osteopathy can help by looking at these patterns as well as the painful spot. Treatment aims to ease pain and tension in the short term, then support you to move and cope in a way that reduces repeated flare-ups where possible.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly and do not need to see your GP first. If there is anything in your history or symptoms that needs medical investigation, we will tell you. With your permission, we can also share information with your GP or another health professional if it would be helpful.
Can osteopathy, or chiropractic help arthritis?
Osteopathy cannot “cure” or reverse arthritis, because it involves changes to the joints themselves. However, many people with arthritis find that treatment helps them manage pain, stiffness and day-to-day function more comfortably. Treatment may focus on: - easing tension around affected joints - improving movement in nearby areas so the joint is under less strain - helping you stay as active and independent as possible We will always be honest about what feels realistic in your situation.