Osteopathy & Massage FAQ

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a primary care profession and a holistic form of manual therapy that uses a patient centered approach to treatment.

Osteopaths will follow many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medicine, but seek to restore optimal functioning of the body without the use of conventional procedures such as drugs or surgery.

Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has its own ability to heal when everything is balanced. Thus the Osteopaths job is to find any structural imbalances that may be impacting ones health and give the body and musculoskeletal system a helping hand at healing itself and preventing further illness.

For more information about Osteopathy visit our Blog post.

What happens on my first visit?

Your first Osteopathy appointment will last between 45minutes – 1hour. You will be given a consent form and a form for you to register as a patient with your details. When your appointment begins a detailed case history will be taken where you will talk with your Osteopath for roughly 15-20 minutes about your current issue, medical history and any medication you are taking.

Your Osteopath will then assess your posture and ask you to do a number of movements to help find the origin of your issue. The Osteopath will then discuss with you what they have found and create a treatment plan specific to you. The treatment plan will be aimed at reducing pain, improving function and encouraging vitality.

At the end of your treatment your Osteopath will provide some lifestyle advice and exercises (if applicable) to help with recovery and prevent re-occurrence.

Treatment will occur when the full assessment has taken place, in some cases the case history taking is extensive and treatment may be shorter on your first session.

For more information Visit Our Blog Post.

Is Osteopathy covered by my health insurance?

We Currently accept patients from any of the following health insurance companies:

• AVIVA

• WPA

• VITALITY

If you are unsure please contact us to check before your appointment, and always check with your provider that they will cover the session before attending.

What do I need to wear?

As part of your assessment it may be necessary to remove some clothing.

If you have a lower body issue please bring a pair of shorts. Upper Body please wear a comfortable bra or sports bra that still allows access to your back. Loose fitting clothes are perfect.

A towel will be provided for privacy if required. Your Privacy will always be valued, please speak with your practitioner if you have any concerns or send us an email.

Do I need to bring anything?

If you have any medical notes or previous scan reports (MRI/XRAY) relating to your appointment please bring this. Also if you have a long list of medication please prepare a list or bring your prescription to your appointment.

How many sessions will I need?

This is a difficult question to answer but one we often hear. How many sessions you will need depends on your current issue, how quickly your body responds to treatment and how good you are at following the advice and exercises we give you.

For more minor or recent issues the average patient normally has around 3-5 sessions. However long term chronic conditions may take longer.

Our aim is to get you back to your life pain free as soon as possible, for some this happens after a few sessions, for others a few months. Your Osteopath will always have your best interest at heart.

How much does a session cost & how do I book?

For information regarding Pricing or How to Book an Osteopathic treatment, Massage or Pilates please visit our Bookings & Pricing page.

What locations do you cover?

Our Clinic Locations include…

• Clapham Junction & Clapham Common.

• Streatham.

Our Home visit locations cover:

• Surrey

• South West & South East London

Please be aware your location will be taken into account when quoting a price.

Do you treat just back pain?

While Back & Neck pain is one of our most common presenting complaints - WE TREAT SO MUCH MORE THAN THIS!

Through our medical degree we are trained on treating all parts of the body, with many Osteopaths specializing in certain areas. We have experience in joint pains, headaches, tennis elbow, shoulder pain, hip or knee pain and the list goes on!

So if you have any of these types of aches or issues Osteopathy might be the place for you! To find out more about what we treat visit our blog page.

Do I need to be referred?

Most patients who attend Osteopathic treatment ‘Self Refer’. You do not need to be referred by anyone to see an Osteopath privately, however if you are intending to use your Health Insurance to cover the sessions you must check with them & us first.

Occasionally a patient will present with medical symptoms that we are unable to treat, in which case your Osteopath will refer you to the appropriate medical professional.

What if I want to cancel my appointment?

If you are unable to make your appointment or would like to rearrange please contact the clinic via email or telephone 24 hours before your appointment.

For any No show appointments or cancellations after 24 hours you will be charged the Full Fee. We understand life events happen and will always be accommodating if this is the case. Thank you for your understanding.

Do you have parking & wheelchair access?

Balham has Two 1 hour Free parking bays & Paid parking on Marius Road. There is Free Parking after 11.30am down Saresfeld road.

Clapham Studio has Paid Parking bays along the main road and adjoining roads. There are lots of local buses and Clapham junction station is a 5 minute walk from the Studio.

We have Wheelchair access at both Balham & Clapham Clinics. We also offer home visits for those who do not feel able to leave their home.

What training do Osteopaths have?

All Osteopaths must complete a 4 year degree, either at Bachelors or Masters level. The degree combines academic learning and clinical based work.

Osteopaths are required to update their training, skills and knowledge yearly.

Can Osteopathy help with Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a Irreversible Condition where the damage to the joints cannot be changed. While we are unable to directly impact the condition OA, Osteopathic treatment can do a great deal at reducing the symptoms associated with the condition.

Osteopathy can help reduce pain, ease swelling, improve mobility and range of movement in a joint. We can help treat any muscle tension or postural alterations that may have occurred as a result of having Osteoarthritis.

Pilates FAQ

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a low intensity mind-body movement, focusing on core strength, flexibility, postural control and balance.

There are two forms of Pilates - Classical & Contemporary. Classical follows Joseph Pilates original 34 exercises, whereas Contemporary Pilates has been modernised and provides movements different from the original moves Joseph created.

What should I wear?

Normal exercise gear or comfortable clothing that allows you to stretch and move without feeling constricted.

You may workout in bare feet or wear Pilate’s socks with gripping on the bottom.

Do I need to bring anything

If you are taking part in a virtual class or in person you will need:

• Mat

• Water bottle

• Towel

• Equipment if needed (Pilates ring, Small Ball, Hand & Ankle weights)

How many people in a session?

We currently offer:

• Group Classes (Zoom)

• Group Classes (SW London)

• 1-1 | 2-1 | 3-1 Classes (In person & Zoom)

How often should I do Pilates?

As with every movement practice, consistency is important.

To see the physical & mental benefits of Pilates practicing 3/4x a week is ideal. These sessions can vary from 15minutes - 45/60minutes. Shorter Classes often, is more effective than 1 or 2 60minute sessions.

Am I too old for Pilates?

Pilates is for Every Age & Body! You are never too old for Pilates!

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes – We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you are unable to make the class or would like to rearrange please contact us via email 24 hours before your class starts.

No show appointments or cancellations after 24 hours you will be charged the Full Fee. Thank you for your understanding.

How will I feel after a class?

If you are new to pilates you may feel some discomfort in your neck & have a mild headache - this is common if you are new to the practice, as your core strength gets stronger your neck muscles won’t get involved as much.

Generally you will feel lengthened, strong, improved mobility and refreshed ready to take on the day or have a restful sleep.