Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

We allow up to an hour for your first appointment. This gives us plenty of time to thoroughly investigate your problem, discuss our diagnosis with you and give you some initial treatment.

Firstly we will listen carefully to understand your problem, the events leading up to it, your general health and lifestyle. We will go on to examine you. We usually ask you to undress down to your underwear for this. (If you would rather bring loose fitting shorts and a vest to wear this is fine.)

Your osteopath will discuss their diagnosis and proposed treatment plan with you. We use a variety of manual treatments including joint mobilisations, stretching and massage techniques. Treatment is usually very comfortable.

At the end of your first appointment we will advise you on things that you can do at home to help yourself.\

You are welcome to bring someone with you to your consultation.

Depending on your problem we may ask you to undress to your underwear so please wear something you are comfortable in. Alternatively you can bring some loose shorts and a vest top to wear.

If possible, please bring a list of any medication you are currently taking, and any recent x-ray or MRI reports which may be relevant (you can get hold of photocopies of these reports from your GP surgery).

Free parking is available nearby in the Iceland or Co-op car parks.

Obviously this will depend on your problem. Your age, occupation and stress levels will also affect how quickly your body can heal. A simple sprain may be better after 2 treatments but a severe disc injury would take a lot longer. Your osteopath will advise you after they make their diagnosis.

Treatment is usually quite comfortable. Sometimes we may wish to use stronger techniques and if any discomfort is felt patients usually describe this as ‘good pain’. Your osteopath will be constantly checking that you are comfortable during treatment.

You may feel some soreness or stiffness for 24-48 hours after treatment, particularly if you haven’t had treatment before. This is quite normal but please call us if you have any concerns.

We are recognised by most of the major insurance companies – BUPA, AXA PPP, WPA, AVIVA, Simplyhealth etc.

BUPA and AXA PPP patients need to let us know when booking, as not all of our osteopaths are registered with these providers.

Please ask for a receipt of payment following your session.

All registered osteopaths practising in the UK have completed rigorous training. Students of osteopathy follow a four or five year degree course, during which they study anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and biomechanics. Training includes a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. All our osteopaths are fully registered and insured.

The General Osteopathic Council sets the standards of osteopathic education and requires qualified osteopaths to update their training throughout their working lives, a process known as continuing professional development or CPD.

It is against the law to call yourself an osteopath unless you are qualified and registered with the GOsC.

Yes. Your safety is our primary concern. In common with medical practitioners and dentists, Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)

We are trained to recognise any concerning symptoms (so called “red flags”) and will refer you back to your GP, or another healthcare professional if we believe further investigations are indicated.

The primary aim of all these treatments is to reduce bodily aches and pains.
All three professions are regulated by their respective governing bodies and are highly qualified so there is no right or wrong choice,
but what do these different treatments offer?

Chiropractic

Chiropractors and Osteopaths have a lot in common. In fact Chiropractic developed as an offshoot of Osteopathic medicine back in the 1800’s.
Chiropractors train for 4 years and focus on the belief that the spine and nervous system govern our health.
Modern chiropractors in the UK are trained to treat a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions, however treatment of back and neck pain constitutes a major part of their practise. They are skilled in the use of spinal manipulation (adjustments) as well as offering advice on exercise and lifestyle.
Chiropractors may take x-rays to make their diagnosis, (something Osteopaths are not keen on. See our ‘Do I need an X-Ray’ Blog!)

 Osteopathy
is a holistic system of diagnosis and treatment based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, joints and connective tissues functioning well together.
Osteopaths study for 4 years including over 1000 hours of clinical training.
As well as their expertise in spinal health, they take a ‘holistic’ approach. Osteopaths aim to restore your body to a state of balance and will often look away from the symptomatic area to find the cause of pain.
They are skilled in spinal manipulation, as well as a variety of other hands-on techniques including soft tissue stretching, massage and joint mobilisation. They also advise on exercise and lifestyle.

Physiotherapy
is a broad based training lasting 3 years. Traditionally, physiotherapists are less ‘hands on’ with their treatment of back pain, using more exercise-based approaches.
Physios use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body and their course includes the care of neurological (stroke/MS/Parkinson’s), musculoskeletal (e.g. back and neck pain) and Cardiovascular and Respiratory patients. Physios learn about a variety of conditions, (not just musculo-skeletal like Osteopaths and Chiropractors,) so it’s best to seek out one who has undergone specialist training after qualifying.

Points to remember.

*Good practitioners from any of these professions will have a ‘tool box’ of treatments they can use. They will carefully select which treatments and advice to use based on you, the patient.

*Avoid therapists who continue to treat you in the same way without any signs of improvement.

*You should feel confident that your practitioner has your best interests at heart and has taken time to really understand your problem.

Here at the Plympton Osteopathic Clinic we are committed to helping you back to health. We take time to understand your problem and choose from a variety of different hands-on treatments depending on what your body needs at the time. If you would like more information about what we offer please Contact Us.

No. Osteopaths are qualified to diagnose your complaint, so it is not necessary to see your GP first. We will take a medical history and examine you at your first consultation. If we feel that osteopathic treatment is not suitable we will refer you on appropriately.

No, we do not currently offer cranial osteopathy. 

Osteopathy can treat pain and dysfunction in most parts of the body, including the:

• feet
• ankle
• knee
• shoulder
• elbow
• wrist
• hip
• back
• neck
• jaw

Every case is different but we are always keen for you to keep as mobile as possible. We will discuss your usual exercise routines at your consultation and make recommendations.

Yes, this is usually possible. We will discuss the treatments you are receiving at your appointment, but if you are in doubt you can request a call from an osteopath to discuss this on 01752 347663.

No, unfortunately, we do not offer home visits at this time.

When you visit us at the clinic we take a full medical history. If we don’t feel it is appropriate to treat you for any reason, we will discuss this with you and there will be no charge for the consultation.

Yes, you are welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment. Please note, a parent or guardian is required to be present at all times for any persons under 18.

This will vary according to your symptoms and underlying health factors.

The average number of treatments for acute conditions is 2 – 4 sessions.

Many of our clients with longer-term chronic problems choose to see us regularly every month or two to maintain their joint and muscle health.