How do I book?

You can book your chosen session via our website. If you are booking your first session then please select the “Initial Consultation” option. If you need any assistance please drop us an email on wbc1@wellbodyclinics.com

 

Where are you based?

You can find us situated at Longacres Garden Centre opposite the disabled parking bays and adjacent to UrbanFox BarberShop and UrbanFoxy ladies hair salon.

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What do I wear to a session?

Please wear loose fitting/moveable clothing for the physical examination. Certain services may require you to undress to some degree to effectively examine you but you'll very likely be able to immediately re-dress (again loose fitting clothing means it can be moved a bit for treatment). You may bring someone with you if you are more comfortable. Ladies, sports bras with wide or decorative back sides or racerback styles make examination challenging as they cover too much of the back and shoulders - it might be helpful to opt for a more minimal design on your appointment day.  Please remove all jewellery prior to your appointment. 

What happens at my first osteopathy appointment?

The initial session will look a bit like this:

We'll ask you some administrative things for our records and then about what you are coming in to get help with.  We'll then ask a variety of things about your health history, medications, any other treatments you're undertaking. Some questions may seem irrelevant to your initial concern but it is our job to put together the whole picture of what is happening.  We will then ask for consent to examine you, which usually entails some physical movements that you'll perform and some clinical tests that we do with your joints and muscles.  After this we'll discuss with you what we think is happening and outline a treatment plan. If you're happy to continue, we'll spend the rest of the session treating you.   If for some reason we feel it is in your best interests to refer you to your GP instead, we will let you know.

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How many osteopathy sessions will I need?

There is no single number that applies to everyone. Well Body Clinics' Recovery Roadmap separates problems into different pathways. A recent, relatively simple issue may require a short treatment window of around one to three sessions. Recurring problems may need a three-to-six-session recovery plan, while longer-standing or more complex problems may require a staged approach with review points. Progress should be reviewed rather than treatment continuing automatically.

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Can osteopathy help with recurring back pain?

Recurring back pain is one of the situations where a structured assessment can be particularly useful. Rather than simply treating the same symptoms whenever they return, the osteopath can assess movement, relevant history and possible contributing factors, provide appropriate treatment and introduce rehabilitation or lifestyle advice where useful. Progress is then reviewed so the plan can be continued, adapted, reduced or redirected depending on how you respond.

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Do osteopaths treat just backs?  

No!  It is a common misunderstanding - we are well known for our back low back pain treatment but we can treat a wide variety of body areas and musculoskeletal conditions. Book a consultation today to discuss your pain points. 

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Does osteopathy always involve cracking joints?

No. Osteopathic treatment does not have to involve joint manipulation or “cracking”. Depending on the assessment and what is appropriate for you, treatment may include soft-tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, articulation, functional movement and other neuromuscular approaches. Treatment should be discussed with you and provided with consent. The emphasis at Well Body Clinics is on selecting appropriate treatment as part of a wider recovery plan rather than using one technique for everyone.

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What happens if osteopathy is not improving my problem?

If progress is not happening as expected, the approach should be reviewed rather than simply repeating the same appointment indefinitely. Your osteopath may reconsider the working diagnosis, treatment approach, exercises, lifestyle factors or treatment frequency. Further rehabilitation may be appropriate, or another healthcare professional may be better placed to help. The Well Body Clinics Recovery Roadmap specifically includes review points so that care can be adapted, paused or redirected.

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How do I know whether I need an osteopath, physiotherapist or GP?

The right route depends on your symptoms, history and what is limiting you. Well Body Clinics offers an initial suitability conversation for people who are unsure whether osteopathy is appropriate. If your symptoms appear suitable for osteopathic assessment, you can proceed to an initial consultation. If another healthcare pathway appears more appropriate, the clinician can explain why and recommend that route rather than providing unnecessary treatment.

 

How are you different from a massage therapist?  

We are clinically qualified.  Does your back hurt because it is a muscle strain or could it be a kidney stone? We are trained to ask questions and examine in a way that might help us determine if it might not be your back that's causing you back pain and to refer you appropriately.

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Can osteopathy help if gardening or walking is causing pain?

Pain or stiffness associated with gardening, walking, shopping or other everyday activities is a common reason people seek an osteopathic assessment. The aim is to understand what movements or activities are difficult, assess relevant movement and function, and provide treatment and guidance where appropriate. Your plan may also include rehabilitation or practical activity advice designed to help you return to everyday movement with greater confidence.

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Is osteopathy suitable for older adults?

Age by itself does not determine whether osteopathy is suitable. The important factors are your symptoms, medical history, mobility and the findings from an appropriate assessment. Treatment should be adapted to the individual and may focus on movement, comfort, confidence and maintaining everyday activity. Where osteopathy is not appropriate, or medical assessment should come first, the clinician should explain this and recommend a more suitable healthcare route.

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Is treatment painful?

Treatment is usually gentle, but there can sometimes be some temporary discomfort afterwards if there is firmer soft tissue work involved in your treatment. It can sometimes cause a bit of achiness for a short period. We will discuss this and how to manage it with you.

 

How are osteopaths trained?

Osteopaths in the UK undergo a full time four or five year degree programme that requires clinical education, hands on education, and over 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice.

 

How many osteopathy sessions will I need?

This depends greatly on what your concern is and what your goals are. Most conditions that are amenable to osteopathic care would take an average of 3 or 4 sessions.  Our goal is not to overtreat you, but to treat you fully, give you the ability to look after yourself and to have gained the trust you need to recommend us to your friends in need!

 

Why the emphasis on regulation?

People can only call themselves osteopaths if they have followed a specific training and are registered with our regulator the General Osteopathic Council (GOSC).  It is an offence for someone to claim they're an osteopath (or any registered professional) if they are not on the appropriate Register. GOSC is not a professional body that supports osteopaths themselves. GOSC is a body that supports the public in ensuring we deliver safe quality care.  Think of it this way: Doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, psychologists, podiatrists - they all are regulated professions, just with a different regulator.

 

What is the difference between an osteo and a physio?

Great question! We are very similarly trained, but we get more independent experience - but physios get experience in post surgical settings which we do not.  If you have had a recent ACL surgery for example, you either want a sports physio or a sports osteo to look after your rehab.

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