What to Expect at Oaklea Osteopathy in Chelmsford

What happens on your first appointment?

Please allow approximately 60 minutes for your first appointment.

Amanda will ask you questions about your problem, as well as your medical history past and present. It may be helpful to bring a list of any prescribed medications you are taking. Information will be recorded in your case notes, and will be kept confidential at all times.

In order to examine you, Amanda may require you to remove some layers of clothing, sometimes down to underwear, in order to fully observe the problem area. Some patients like to bring a pair of shorts to wear or tee shirt, or alternatively a gown can be provided if you prefer to wear one. You are also welcome to bring a friend or relative with you if that would make you feel more comfortable in the treatment room.

After examining you, Amanda will discuss her diagnosis and proposed treatment plan with you, as well as giving you the opportunity to ask any questions. Please note that although treatment usually takes place on the first visit, osteopaths are trained to know when it is medically inappropriate to treat, and if Amanda feels further assessment by another healthcare professional is necessary, she will discuss that with you.

How many treatments will I need?

Amanda will discuss this with you at your first appointment, and treatments vary according to the problem. However, most problems settle within 2-6 sessions. Some patients may choose to have periodic preventative treatments if they have a problem that recurs from time to time when triggered by underlying causes or repetitive daily stresses.

How much will it cost?

Your first session will last approximately 60 minutes and costs £55. Follow up sessions last 30-40 minutes and cost £45.

Can I have treatment using my Private Medical Insurance?

Amanda is registered with most Private Medical Insurers including Axa PPP, BUPA, Simply Health, HSA, Aviva, Standard Life, Pru Health and many more. Please check with your provider first to ensure osteopathic treatment is covered under the terms of your policy, and whether they require you to be referred to an osteopath by your GP.

Do I need to be referred by my GP?

There is no requirement for self-paying patients to be referred by a GP, and most patients approach osteopaths for help directly. Many GPs are aware of the benefits of osteopathy, and sometimes suggest it to their patients. In those instances they may write to the osteopath, but it is not essential. The only exception to this is where patients have private medical insurance. Some insurers require that you are referred by your GP and will only authorise treatment on that basis. Please check with your insurer first before proceeding with treatment.

Does osteopathic treatment hurt?

Every care will be taken to make your examination and treatment as comfortable as possible. Inevitably, if you are in some discomfort at the time of you appointment, you may feel this a little more during examination and treatment. However, the old adage “no pain, no gain” does not always hold true. Many patients are surprised at how gentle and even relaxing some of the osteopathic stretching and mobilising techniques are. Amanda will check how you are feeling throughout the process, and if any technique is causing your pain to worsen, she will ask you to let her know immediately.

Will I have to have my back or neck “clicked”?

Joint manipulation is just one of many techniques used by osteopaths today. It is a safe, but slightly stronger technique used to mobilise joints, commonly in the spine. However, the technique is not used on all patients, nor for all problems, and may be inappropriate for elderly or very young patients, patients with certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis, or just simply because a patient would prefer gentler techniques. Amanda will discuss this with you if she feels it would be beneficial for you, but as with all techniques, it will only be carried out if you are happy to proceed.

Will treatment make me feel worse before I start to get better?

Patients do sometimes report a temporary increase in pain or stiffness after treatment. This can range from the day of treatment, to lasting a couple of days. However, this is not the case for everyone, and some patients find an improvement quite quickly. Amanda will adapt her treatment according to your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms, your age and any medical conditions you may have to try to minimise any additional discomfort after treatment.

What happens if I don’t improve?

Osteopathy is a safe and effective way of treating many musculoskeletal disorders. There are times, however, when a patient’s symptoms may not respond, and Amanda will not encourage you to continue with treatment if you are not starting to improve within the first couple of sessions. Amanda may then ask your permission to write to your GP if she thinks further investigation, medical screening, or onward referral to another specialist would be in your best interests.