Info & Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I feel better?

Your recovery rate will depend on several variables including:

• what the problem is
• how long you have had it and whether or not it is a recurrent injury
• the degree of damage to affected tissues
• the type of tissues affected e.g. muscles or ligaments
• how many areas are affected
• how compliant you are with prescribed exercises and following general advice
• whether or not you are able to rest if necessary e.g. taking time off work or sport
• your age

All patients are different and heal at different rates. Our aim is to ease/eliminate your pain as quickly as possible. This is often achieved earlier on and with fewer treatments if patients follow our advice and modify their activities accordingly to prevent further damage.

How often should I receive a treatment?

This will depend on whether we are treating a specific injury or providing treatment for general well-being and body maintenance.

With first visits and injuries, it is likely that several treatments will be required but this will be advised on the first visit.

Many clients choose to come once every 4 or 6 weeks as part of their general body maintenance.

What happens on your first appointment?

We ask you to complete a simple but thorough questionnaire on your medical history and details of your injury. We then assess your posture and movement patterns and carry out appropriate special tests which may include nerve tests, orthopaedic tests, mobility, flexibility and strength tests. We ask you to wear appropriate clothing to allow full assessment of your injury, but are sensitive to your needs and if necessary, can treat through light clothing. We will explain our findings to you and treat according to what we find.

Our treatment consists of the most up to date techniques and can include: soft tissue massage, joint/nerve mobilization, joint/spinal manipulation/adjustments and electrotherapy e.g. ultrasound and laser. The method of treatment depends on the clinical diagnosis. We also prescribe appropriate rehabilitation exercises which are an important tool for recovery. If we believe further tests are needed we will refer you to the appropriate person.

How long is each appointment?

The first appointment with an osteopath or physiotherapist will take approximately 45-60 minutes. Any follow-up treatments will be allocated 30 minutes.

An hour is required for a first visit to the clinic for a massage and any massage treatments thereafter are for either 30 or 60 minutes.

Appointments with the nutritionist usually last for an hour and for the podiatrist/chiropodist, 30 minutes.

Do you provide X-rays / MRI scans?

In most cases of musculoskeletal conditions X-rays and MRI scans are not usually necessary. However if we do feel you will benefit from these services we will always liaise with your doctor or consultant where appropriate or refer you privately.

Do we prescribe drugs?

We are not trained to prescribe drugs and often find that pain can be eased and managed using hot and cold treatment gels and sprays. If we find that pain cannot be eased we will liaise with your doctor or consultant as appropriate.

Do I need a G.P. referral?

We receive regular referrals from local doctors although this is not necessary in order to have an appointment. With your permission we can keep your doctor informed of your progress and if needed give details of your treatment. Privately insured patients may need to see their GP for a referral. Please contact us for further information.

Do you have to do sport to have a sports massage?

Sports massage is not just for sports participants but for anyone who is experiencing muscle aches and discomfort brought on from activities such as building work, DIY, gardening and bringing up young children. It is also ideal for people whose jobs require little physical activity such as long distance drivers or sitting at a desk for the majority of the working day.

What is scar tissue?

When tissue damage occurs some bleeding will take place and this forms scar tissue. It is part of the healing stage and helps mend together the disrupted tissue. A lot of bleeding and chronic inflammation will lead to excessive amounts of scar tissue forming that will harden over time. Friction massage techniques are used to break down and prevent scar tissue forming by stopping these cells from binding together. Any scar tissue broken down into particles will be removed via the lymphatic system.

How are tight lumps and knots in the muscles caused?

A muscle is made up of many fibres that glide smoothly alongside each other. However with overuse and lack of stretching these fibres can tighten up giving a tight and tender feeling. Blood and oxygen supply is hampered so exasperating the problem. Other soft tissues of the body can be affected by fibrous adhesion forming from scar tissue and this will make them thick and less pliable and impair efficient functioning of the muscle. This will result in muscle imbalance and discomfort. Appropriate massage techniques will assist in breaking up this adhesive tissue.

Will my massage hurt?

It really depends on what type of massage treatment you are having but you may experience some discomfort when working into fibrous, knotty tissue. There may also be some pain working into areas post injury where scar tissue may need to be broken down. In addition some people can experience some aches post treatment if they are not used to deep tissue work but this will not last for too long.

Is the clinic registered with insurance companies?

We are registered with most major insurance companies. Please call us to discuss as different treatments are covered by different insurers. We will then advise you to contact your insurance company for authorisation and to discuss whether you have an excess amount on your policy. We require your membership number and authorisation code if you would like us to send your invoice directly to your insurance company.

Is there parking at the clinic?

We provide free parking on site.

If I need to cancel an appointment will I be charged?

ALL missed appointments and cancellations within a 24 hour period will be subject to the full treatment charge. Missed appointments and late cancellations affect both our therapists and patients waiting for appointments.

Pain - Cause, Effect and Managemenet

Causes of pain and dysfunction

Pain may appear suddenly but unless it is caused by a traumatic event such as lifting something that was too heavy or a freak accident, it is more likely that your symptoms are a result of an accumulation of stresses over weeks, months or even years. A sedentary lifestyle, repetitive movements and poor posture, incorrect sports activities/technique and previous injuries resulting in compensatory problems are often the cause.

Pain can be significantly reduced by taking appropriate medication and resting during the worst spells but this does not deal with the mechanical cause and so cannot always prevent the regular re-occurrence of symptoms. A full assessment of the injury should be made so that appropriate treatment, exercises and advice can be given.

Why wait?

Most musculoskeletal conditions are easily managed with the appropriate treatment and patient compliance to prescribed exercises. Many of our patients inform us that their pain has affected their occupation, sport, social and family life. This can often be avoided if an injury is assessed early on before a more chronic condition sets in. Patients commonly only see a health care practitioner once they're in pain but there are many warning signs for potential injuries.

Potential early warning signs

• constant aches
• feelings of stiffness
• decreased muscle and joint flexibility, for example difficulty looking over your shoulder when driving or difficulty bending forward to put on your shoes and socks
• poor work and sports performance

Many of our patients choose to have regular preventative check-ups to minimise injury risks and keep them on track.

Our treatment

We take an evidence-based approach and treat holistically. Our treatment is safe and effective for all age groups. We consider how various aspects of your lifestyle such as occupation, sport, hobbies, diet and day to day stresses can contribute to pain and health and affect the ability to work, limit sports performance or simply limit activities like getting out of a chair and walking.

Treatment is directed not only at your symptoms but also the elimination of the multitude of causes and contributing factors of pain and providing appropriate preventative measures. We have found this approach to be far more constructive and effective than looking at an injury in isolation.

No two patients are the same; we all vary in age, size, shape and fitness levels and have different occupations, stresses and strains. All our patients are treated as individuals.

Where appropriate we can provide referrals to consultant surgeons and sports doctors or for MRI scans, ultrasound imaging, X-rays and other investigations.