At the consultation, the Osteopath will take a detailed case history taking. This will include information about specific questions about your symptoms, your general health, lifestyle, occupation, activities and diet. Some questions may seem unrelated to your current condition, but need to be asked in order to get a better picture of what has happened and why. As Osteopaths, we don't just look at the area of your symptoms, but identify and deal with the root cause of it to prevent/minimise reoccurrence episodes.
You may be asked to undress down to your underwear.  A musculo-skeletal examination is conducted where a series of observations and biomechanical assessments are performed to diagnose your problem and decide whether you are suitable for Osteopathic treatment.
Once the diagnosis is made and discussed with you, the Osteopath will formulate an appropriate treatment and/or management plan with you.  Osteopathic treatment is given, if indicated.
You may be prescribed exercises or given advice to help speed your recovery and improve your health and quality of life.

If there is an underlying health condition that requires further investigations, the Osteopath will refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional.  For example your GP.

Please feel free to ask the Osteopath any questions if you need anything clarified during the consultation or subsequent treatment.

You may be asked to undress down to your underwear during the initial assessment.  As Osteopaths we need to assess the whole body and not just the symptomatic area.  However, we do not want your state of undress to be a barrier to treatment and will do our utmost to protect your modesty and dignity at all times. You can choose to wear sport shorts/sports tops if you prefer.  Please feel free to bring someone with you to act as chaperone at any point of time.

Osteopathic treatment should not be painful and is often relaxing.  However, while treating certain joints/muscles may feel tender.  At the Brunswick Hill Clinic, we dont believe in the saying "No pain, no gain."

You may also be a little achy and sore up to 48 hours after treatment, as your body adjusts to the changes. This is quite normal and part of the normal healing response.  However, please contact the Osteopath if it does not subside within 48 hours after treatment.

No. You do not need a referral from your GP to see an Osteopath.  The majority of our patients are self-referred to the practice.
The wide-range of medical and clinical training undertaken by Osteopaths ensures that they have the skills to diagnose and recognise conditions not suitable for Osteopathic treatment and refer you to the suitable healthcare practitioner.

Health issues can be treated at every stage of life – from newborn babies to the elderly. All treatments are uniquely personalised to the individual and not the condition.

At the Brunswick Hill Clinic we aim to get you better and fully functioning as soon as possible.  After the detailed assessment, a diagnosis is made.  The Osteopath can estimate how many sessions you require over a certain time period.  However, nothing is set in stone.  Each person is an individual and the management differs from person to person, even if the clinical symptoms are similar.  The number of treatment sessions is dependent of a number of factors such as your age, general health and the severity of the problem.

Osteopathy is safe and regulated. Osteopaths undertake either a four or five year honours degree program, which is underpinned by extensive clinical training.  Upon graduation from an Osteopathic college, Osteopaths are required to register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopaths that comply with the high standards of safety, competency and ethics are eligible to join the register. Maintenance on the register requires continuing compliance with strict guidelines of ethics, competency and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) laid down by the GOsC.
In 1993, Osteopathy became the first major complementary healthcare profession to be regulated. The title ‘Osteopath’ is protected by statute law.  This means that it is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution to describe oneself as an Osteopath in the UK unless you are registered with the GOsC.
The British Medical Association (BMA) recognises Osteopathy as a distinct clinical discipline and established system of diagnosis and treatment. Patients can expect the same safe guards for their health, safety, confidentiality and welfare as visiting other regulated professions such as their GP or dentist.

The founder of Chiropractic, DD Palmer was a student of the founder of Osteopathy, Dr AT Still.  There is an overlap in some areas (some treatment techniques employed).  Both have their own philosophies and approach to treatment.  However, the training in both professionals is similar and both are protected and regulated by statutory law.
Generally based from patient's experience, Osteopaths will address the whole body and utilise less manipulations and more rhythmic, soft tissue techniques.  Whereas, Chiropractors place more emphasis on the spine and its adjustments.