Easingwold Osteopaths Osteopathy & Acupuncture Clinic

Consent > Case History > Examination > Diagnosis > Treatment plan > Treatment

Consent All patients are given a consent form to read through prior to their appointment. Once the patient understands what the treatment may entail, written consent is required so we are able to exam and treat you.

Case History You will then be introduced to the practitioner who will be treating you. Your practitioner will ask you for a full account of your symptoms along with information on your past medical history, lifestyle and general health.

Examination Dependent on the area of your body causing concern, you may be asked to remove some of your clothing so that your Osteopath is able to view the area to make an accurate assessment. This assessment will involve observing your posture and joint movements to see how they relate mechanically to your condition. Further Orthopaedic & Clinical tests may be carried out to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Some patients may choose to bring shorts to wear. Ladies may choose to wear a vest top.

Diagnosis & Treatment Plan Your Osteopath will arrive at a diagnosis and explain this to you. Following this a treatment plan will be discussed before treatment commences.

Initial consultations usually last between 45-60 minutes depending on how detailed the case and medical histories are of the patient. More treatment does not always necessarily mean better results, so if your Osteopath does not use the full hour it is to prevent making your condition worse.

In some cases, Osteopath treatment may not be the right option for you and your condition. In these circumstances, your Osteopath will arrange an onward referral. This may include to another in-house practitioner, to your GP or for a scan.

Treatment
See below

What if I am in too much pain to come in?
All treatments are adapted to suit the individuals needs at that moment in time. It is part of an osteopath’s typical day to see patients in very acute pain so they are trained to deal with such instances. Patient’s may feel they are in too much pain to be touched but gentle alternative techniques can be used at that time to ease the issue. Only in rare circumstances will an osteopath recommend that treatment is not advisable because it is too painful and to return at a later date.

What should I wear?
For examination purposes, it is useful if your osteopath can see the area causing the problem. You may be asked to remove some of your clothing so an accurate examination can be made. Depending on the area of the body causing concern, shorts or leggings may be advised and ladies may choose to wear a thin vest top. To make you feel comfortable, feel free to ask your osteopath to leave the room whilst you undress.

Does osteopathic treatment hurt?
We adapt our treatment to suit you. As you will most likely be in pain when you seek our help, some areas we touch are likely to be tender but we will always work within a level you can tolerate.
It is common for you to feel a little tender and stiff following a treatment for the first 24-48hrs. Some patients describe the sensation similar to the ache you may get after doing a bit too much exercise. If the symptoms do not settle or you are concerned please feel free to call our clinic to speak to your practitioner for advice.

Do I need to be referred by my GP?

No, referrals are not needed to see an osteopath and appointments are available to the general public. Most of our patients seek our help via word of mouth and recommendations from friends and family. We have excellent communications with the GP surgeries in our local area, and with your permission we may inform your GP you have attended our clinic to ensure they are up to date about your general health.



Can I use my heath insurance?

Most private health insurance providers will cover osteopathic treatment. However, please check your policy before you book as some providers will require that you are referred to us by your GP and/or that the practitioner is registered with the insurance company.

How many treatments will I need?

This varies between individuals, but typical depends on the severity of the issue.
In a recent audit of the clinic we found over 60% of our patients have their problem resolved within 3 visits, and 90% within 6 treatments.
If you are suffering from a long-term problem it may take longer to notice an improvement. 
Additionally, many patients elect to attend for maintenance treatments to keep on top of symptoms so that flare up’s do not occur.

How much will it cost?

See our prices above for our price list.
We are recognised providers for Bupa, AXAPP, WPA, Simply Health and other Private Health Plans. If you have private medical insurance, then please see whether your policy covers for Osteopathy or Acupuncture. Feel free to call and check whether your practitioner is a registered provider. Not all practitioners are registered with all of the above mentioned insurance providers so please check before booking an appointment to avoid disappointment.

What if I need to cancel or change my appointment?

We require a minimum of 24 hours notice for cancellations or changes to an appointment. Missed appointments or cancellations within 24 hours may be charged up to the full session fee. We regularly having waiting lists for patients in pain, therefore missing your appointment could have meant somebody else could have been offered that appointment. Prepaid online appointments that are cancelled with more than 24 hours notice will always be issued a full refund.

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Yes, this is no problem. We ask that children under the age of 16 are accompanied by a parent to their first appointment. If you cannot bring a friend or relative but would still like a chaperone, please let us know so we can provide one for you.

Can I receive treatment if I am pregnant?

Osteopaths are well known for treating pregnancy related pains. A pregnancy is extremely demanding on a woman’s body and may lead to problems like lower and mid back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, pelvic pain, post-natal coccyx and symphysis pubis pain and symphysis pubis disorder. Osteopathic treatments can relieve all of these problems whilst helping the body adapt to the many changes that occur during a pregnancy. If you are pregnant and are unsure whether Osteopathy would be suitable to you, please feel free to call the clinic and request a call back from one of our osteopaths to discuss it with you.