FAQ's
How many treatments will I need?
We are often asked this question, it's one of the hardest and yet easiest to answer. Our general response is that every patient is different and as such predicting how fast an individual will get better is not an exact science and can rely on many factors, but normally by treatment number two a fairly accurate plan of treatment can be provided.
One of our main ethos here at Birch House Osteopathic clinic is that we only ever see a patient for the number of times it takes them to get better. We don't believe in bulk bookings or asking people back when we don't think it will benefit them, if we see a patient twice and that's all it takes then we are happy that our job is done.
How much will it cost?
First appointments cost £55 and last about an hour, follow up appointments are £45. We take cash, card or cheque.
Do you take insurance?
We work with many insurance companies, though if you would to use your insurance to pay it's best to check with your insurance company before you come in.
Do I need a GP refferal?
No is the short answer! You do not need a refferal to book an appointment. We often communicate with your GP (with your consent, we would always discuss this with you first) if we feel that you need additional investigations or it's not something we can help with.
Can you refer me for X-rays or MRIs?
Yes, there are two ways that we can do this. We can refer you privately for either an x-ray or MRI, we use a company called Colbalt imaging who are based in Cheltenham, appointments can usually be arranged within one or two days and cost about £250. Colbalt imaging is a charity and do not make a profit from this, neither do we!
The second avenue is to refer you back to your GP to request an X-ray or MRI, this usually takes longer, though not always, and has the advantage of being done on the NHS. We have on occasion referred people back to minor injuries or A & E when we think it's an emergency, such as a broken bone.
Can I bring a chaperone?
You are of course welcome to bring a chaperone if you would like, we would ask that you only bring one other person into the treatment room itself as otherwise things get a bit crowded. We have a waiting room just outside the treatment room and if you'd like to bring someone with you they are also welcome to wait there if you don't want them in the room with you.
Will I need to undress?
You may be asked to remove some items of clothing, this is so as we can see the area we need to treat and work on it more easily. When you are on the treatment couch we always use a towel to cover you for comfort, we also have a gown if you prefer, and you are of course welcome to wear shorts. If you have any worries about this please talk to us about your concerns.
Is Osteopathy safe?
Yes, but as with any other form of medical intervention to your health osteopathy is not without some risks. As a patient it is important to weigh these against the potential benefits so that you can make a balanced choice.
Unwanted reactions such as mild to moderate soreness in the treatment area, headache or fatigue might occur, if this were to happen (it is not the norm) these would usually develop within an hour or two of a session and would typically get better on their own within a day or two.
For pain management Osteopathic treatment has a comparable risk to exercise and analgesic drugs and is less risky thsn prolonged use of pain killers
If you would like to talk to us about this, please do give us a call or mention it during the session.
Do I need to bring anything?
Not really, but it can be helpful if you bring a list of any medications you are on. If you have x-ray or MRI reports we would also like to see them.
How long will the appointment take?
We allow longer for a first appointment so that we have extra time to take your case history, this session is about an hour. Follow up appointments usually last about 40 minutes
Will i be treated on my first visit?
Almost always the answers is yes. The only reason we wouldn't treat you in the first session is if we have concerns that we need to address before we feel safe to treat you, these might include something like a fracture or broken bone.
Can you treat animals?
Tom has completed a post graduate diploma in veterinary osteopathy and can treat animals, due to a six day commitment to human clinics he is finding less time to get out and about to treat horses, but often treats dogs at our clinic
If you are very local to Yate then it is usually possible to schedule a visit but Tom is no longer travelling further afield, sorry for the inconvienience. If you would like to ring for a recommendation than please email the clinic.