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Any guidance after a session is always discussed on an individual basis. Depending on the assessment and what has been explored during the consultation, your osteopath may suggest being mindful of certain activities for a short period of time.
Some people are advised to take things gently immediately afterwards and to pay attention to how their body feels during movement. If you are unsure about returning to a specific activity or exercise, this can be discussed with your osteopath, who can help you make an informed and comfortable decision.

Some parents choose to bring their children or infants to an osteopath as part of a broader approach to wellbeing. When working with babies and children, osteopaths use very gentle, hands-on techniques and take a cautious, individual approach.
Sessions focus on observation, listening and understanding each child’s circumstances, always taking age, development and comfort into account. Any approach is adapted carefully, and parents are encouraged to ask questions and be fully involved throughout the consultation.
Osteopathy for babies and children is complementary and does not replace medical care. Parents are always advised to consult their GP, health visitor or paediatrician if they have any concerns about their child’s health or development.

Some people living with long-standing discomfort choose to see an osteopath as part of a broader approach to wellbeing. Osteopathy takes an individual and person-centred perspective, focusing on understanding movement, posture and how different parts of the body may be working together.
Osteopaths use gentle, hands-on techniques and adapt their approach carefully to each individual. Sessions often involve discussion and observation, with attention given to everyday activities and physical demands.
Osteopathy is complementary and does not replace medical care. Anyone living with ongoing or complex symptoms should continue to seek advice from their GP or relevant healthcare professionals alongside any osteopathic care.

Some people with headaches or migraines choose to see an osteopath as part of a broader approach to wellbeing. Osteopathy takes a whole-body perspective and may involve exploring factors such as posture, movement and tension, always within an individual and person-centred framework.
Osteopaths use gentle, hands-on techniques and take time to understand each person’s situation. Any approach is adapted carefully and discussed during the consultation, with a focus on comfort and overall physical awareness.
Osteopathy is complementary and does not replace medical care. Anyone experiencing headaches or migraines should consult their GP or another qualified healthcare professional to ensure appropriate medical assessment and advice.

In the UK, you do not need a referral from your GP to book an appointment with an osteopath. Appointments can be booked directly.
If you have private health insurance, your insurer may have specific requirements regarding referrals for reimbursement. It is therefore advisable to check directly with your insurance provider to understand what applies to your policy.
Osteopathy is a complementary approach and does not replace medical care. If you have any concerns about your health, you should continue to seek advice from your GP or other appropriate healthcare professionals.

In some cases, an osteopath may suggest simple exercises, movements or general recommendations to support awareness of posture, movement or everyday habits. These suggestions are always tailored to the individual and discussed as part of the consultation.
Any guidance provided is intended to complement the hands-on approach and to help individuals feel more confident in how they move and use their body in daily life. Your osteopath will explain any recommendations clearly and ensure they are appropriate and manageable for you.

Osteopathic medicine differs depending on the healthcare system in which it is practised. In the United States, osteopathic medicine is part of the medical system, and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully qualified medical doctors, similar to MDs.
In addition to their medical education, DOs receive training in osteopathic principles, including hands-on techniques known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This forms one element of their broader medical training and reflects an emphasis on understanding how structure, movement and function may be related within the body.

The practice of osteopathic medicine in the US often places value on a whole-person perspective, considering physical, social and environmental factors alongside conventional medical care. It is important to note that this medical role is specific to certain countries and differs from the osteopathic profession in the UK and many other regions.

The length of a session can vary depending on whether it is an initial visit or a follow-up appointment. An initial consultation is usually longer, often lasting around 45 to 60 minutes. This allows time for discussion, observation and an individual assessment.
Follow-up sessions are typically shorter and often last around 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration is discussed individually and may vary depending on what is relevant for each person on the day.

The number of osteopathic sessions varies from person to person and depends on a range of individual factors. These may include how long discomfort has been present, overall physical demands, lifestyle factors and how each person responds to a hands-on approach.

Some people choose to attend only a small number of sessions, while others prefer ongoing support over a longer period of time. During the initial consultation, the osteopath will take time to understand your situation and discuss what a possible course of care could look like. Progress and preferences are reviewed along the way, and any approach is adapted as needed in collaboration with the individual.

It is generally recommended to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. This makes it easier to observe posture and movement during the session and ensures you feel relaxed and at ease.
In some cases, you may be asked to remove outer layers of clothing, so wearing suitable undergarments can be helpful. If you are unsure what to wear or have any concerns, this can always be discussed with your osteopath before or during your visit.

The cost of osteopathic treatment can vary depending on the practitioner, their experience, the clinic’s location, and the length of the session. Initial consultations are often priced differently from follow-up appointments. It’s always recommended to inquire about the fees directly with the clinic or practitioner before booking your first appointment. Some private health insurance plans may cover a portion of osteopathic treatment costs.

The path to becoming an osteopath varies depending on the country. In the United States, aspiring osteopaths pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited osteopathic medical school. This involves completing a four-year program after earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by a residency training program, just like medical doctors (MDs). In other countries, such as the UK or Australia, the term “osteopath” often refers to practitioners who complete a specific osteopathy degree, which focuses on manual therapy and a holistic approach, but does not typically grant full medical licensure to prescribe drugs or perform surgery. It’s crucial to research the specific educational and licensing requirements for the region where you intend to practice. Learn more about the education here.

People’s experiences with osteopathic care can vary widely. Some individuals notice changes early on, while others feel that any changes develop more gradually over time. There is no set timeline, and responses differ from person to person.
During the initial consultation, the osteopath will take time to understand your situation and discuss what to expect in general terms. Any approach is reviewed along the way and adapted based on individual preferences and responses.

Osteopathy can be adapted to people of all ages, including older adults. Osteopaths take an individual and person-centred approach, with careful consideration of overall health, mobility and personal circumstances.
When working with older individuals, osteopaths typically use gentle, hands-on techniques and adapt their approach to suit each person. A consultation includes time to understand medical history, daily activities and any relevant factors, helping to ensure that care is appropriate and considered.
If you have any questions or concerns, these can always be discussed with your osteopath, who will take the time to explain the approach and answer any queries.

People’s experiences during an osteopathic session can vary. Osteopaths work in a gentle and considerate way, and any hands-on approach is adapted to each individual’s comfort and preferences.
Some people notice mild or unfamiliar sensations during certain techniques, while others feel very little at all. Open communication is encouraged throughout the session, and you are always welcome to let your osteopath know how you are feeling so the approach can be adjusted if needed.

After a session, many people choose to take things gently and pay attention to how their body feels. Staying hydrated and allowing time for rest can be helpful as part of normal self-care.
Some individuals notice temporary sensations such as tiredness or mild tenderness, while others feel no change at all. Experiences can vary from person to person. If any guidance is relevant for you, your osteopath may offer simple suggestions related to posture, movement or everyday activities, always adapted to your individual situation.
If you have any questions after your visit or are unsure about returning to specific activities, this can be discussed with your osteopath.

Osteopathic medicine is a medical approach that is part of the healthcare system in certain countries, most notably the United States. It is based on an understanding of the body as a connected system, where structure and function are considered in relation to one another.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully qualified medical doctors within the US healthcare system, with training comparable to that of Medical Doctors (MDs). Their education includes all core areas of medicine, alongside additional training in osteopathic principles.

As part of their medical training, DOs are introduced to hands-on techniques known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). These techniques form one component of their broader medical education and reflect an emphasis on understanding the musculoskeletal system in the context of overall medical care.

It is important to note that osteopathic medicine, as practised by DOs, is distinct from the osteopathic profession in the UK and many other countries. In the UK, osteopaths follow a separate educational and regulatory pathway and are not medical doctors.

Research into osteopathy and manual approaches is ongoing, and the evidence base continues to develop. Some studies have explored osteopathic principles and hands-on techniques in relation to movement, function and patient experience, particularly within musculoskeletal care.

In the UK, osteopathy is regulated as a complementary healthcare profession and practised within a defined professional framework. Osteopathic care is guided by current professional standards, clinical reasoning and individual assessment, rather than by claims of guaranteed outcomes.
As with many complementary approaches, people may choose osteopathy as part of a broader, person-centred approach to wellbeing. Anyone seeking care should make informed decisions and consult appropriate healthcare professionals where needed.

Some pregnant women choose to see an osteopath as part of a broader approach to comfort and wellbeing during pregnancy. Osteopaths take a cautious and individual approach, always adapting any hands-on work to the stage of pregnancy and the person’s comfort.
Sessions focus on careful assessment, listening and supporting awareness of posture, movement and everyday physical demands. Techniques used during pregnancy are gentle and adapted, with the comfort and safety of both the pregnant person and baby always prioritised.
Osteopathy during pregnancy is complementary and does not replace medical or midwifery care. It is important to inform your osteopath if you are pregnant and to continue following advice from your midwife, GP or obstetric care provider.

Both osteopathy and chiropractic care are hands-on approaches that involve manual techniques and a focus on the musculoskeletal system. However, their training pathways and professional frameworks differ, particularly across countries.
In the United States, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully qualified medical doctors who receive comprehensive medical training alongside education in osteopathic principles. This role is specific to the US healthcare system and differs from the osteopathic profession in many other countries.

In the UK and many parts of Europe, osteopaths complete a dedicated degree in osteopathy that focuses on anatomy, physiology, clinical assessment and hands-on, manual approaches. UK osteopaths are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication or perform surgery. Their work centres on understanding the body as a whole and how structure, movement and function may be interconnected.

Chiropractic care also involves manual techniques, with a strong emphasis on the spine and its relationship to movement and function. Chiropractors typically focus on spinal assessment and adjustment as part of their approach. Like osteopaths in the UK, chiropractors are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication or perform surgery.
Both professions are regulated in the UK and practise within clearly defined professional frameworks, offering different perspectives within manual and complementary healthcare.

During your initial osteopathic consultation, the practitioner will begin by taking a comprehensive medical history. This involves asking detailed questions about your current symptoms, past medical conditions, lifestyle, and any relevant injuries or surgeries. This thorough discussion helps the osteopath understand your overall health picture and how different aspects of your life might be contributing to your discomfort. Following the discussion, a physical examination will be conducted. This typically involves observing your posture, assessing your range of motion, and using hands-on palpation to identify areas of tension, restriction, or imbalance in your body. The osteopath will then explain their findings and discuss a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Treatment may begin during this first session.

In some countries, most notably the United States, the title Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) refers to a fully qualified medical doctor. DOs complete medical training at accredited osteopathic medical schools and are licensed to practise medicine within the US healthcare system.

As part of their education, DOs receive training in all core areas of medicine alongside additional education in osteopathic principles. This includes learning manual techniques known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which form one component of their medical training.

It is important to note that the role of a DO is specific to certain healthcare systems and differs from the osteopathic profession in the UK and many other countries. In the UK, osteopaths follow a separate educational and regulatory pathway and are not medical doctors.

Yes, osteopathic treatment may be covered by certain health insurance providers.

At Osteonordic, we currently accept the following insurance providers:

• Cigna
• WPA
• Simplyhealth
• Bupa Global

Coverage depends on the terms of your individual insurance policy. In most cases, payment is made upfront at the clinic, and the patient is responsible for submitting the invoice to their insurance provider for reimbursement.

Our practitioners are fully authorised and registered where required. Please note that insurance coverage and reimbursement are handled directly between the patient and their insurance provider.

Please note: that we do not accept the following insurance providers: Axa, Viva and Bupa