All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council and are on a public register – which you can access their details on the register.

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

Osteopathy is recognised by the NHS and the standards of osteopathic training and practice are maintained and developed by the General Osteopathic Council, the profession’s statutory regulator established under the Osteopaths Act 1993.

The British Medical Association's guidance for GP's states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths.

However, you do not need a GP referral to see an osteopath.

You will need to be relaxed during your osteopathy appointment but bear in mind you will most likely be asked to remove some clothing for your osteopathic assessment and osteopathy treatment.

Please wear whatever appropriate clothing you feel most comfortable in, such as shorts, sports bras, vests etc. There is a changing blind in every clinic room to offer privacy whilst getting undressed.

Of course!

Much like any other medical consultation you can have a friend or relative present.

If you are accompanying a child or teenager under 16 you have to remain with them at all times for their treatment by law.

Osteopathy is primarily a gentle therapy but some soft tissue techniques will cause discomfort both during the treatment and for a period after the treatment, which is a healthy response to your treatment.

Osteopathy is re-tuning your body and the muscles and connective tissues are, essentially being reset, so it is normal to experience soreness and some stiffness.

Your individual treatment plan is wholly dependent on the ailment or condition you have.

Your osteopath will explain thoroughly their diagnosis and outline their recommended treatment plan, including how many treatments they advise to bring your body back to its optimum state.

This plan is not obligatory; however, we strongly advise adhering to it as relapses are common without completing a full course of treatment.