FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE THERE ANY COVID RESTRICTIONS?
You are not required to wear a mask to your appointment but are welcome to if you wish, and your osteopath will be happy to do so as well, please just ask. We continue to maintain high standards of hygiene to protect our patients.
HOW DO I FIND YOU?
We are located in the old HMRC VAT office, now known as Deansgate. This is a large building located on the right-hand side of Tettenhall Road when travelling from the city centre. The building is just after the Connaught Hotel and just before the Shell petrol station. The entrance is immediately opposite the entrance to our old clinic.
WHERE DO I GO WHEN I ARRIVE?
Please park in the section of the car park nearest to the entrance gate. After parking, please go straight through the 4th door along from the left signposted ‘City Osteopaths’ and take a seat in the entrance hall. Your osteopath will come out to meet you when available.
If the car park gates are closed (evenings and weekends), please press the intercom to the left of the gates and they will be opened for you.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING AND WEAR?
It will normally be necessary to examine the area of pain and possibly other associated parts of the body. For this reason you may wish to bring shorts and a vest top to change into or wear loose fitting clothing. For Pilates, loose fitting or gym clothes are required (training shoes are not required). It will also be helpful to bring details of any medication you are taking or test results you have that relate to your complaint.
HOW IS PAYMENT MADE?
Payment is made at the end of each appointment by credit or debit card only, please. If you would like to use your health insurance, you will still need to pay at your appointment but we will provide you with documentation to recover the cost from your insurer. We are registered with all insurance companies except BUPA and AXA.
DO YOU HAVE DISABLED ACCESS?
This is available for appointments Monday to Friday 9am–5pm only, please advise when booking if you will need disabled or step free access. Please park in the car park to the rear of the building accessed via Lower Vauxhall Street. After parking, please go to the rear of the building via the ramp to the central door (not the first one on the left) and press the ‘bell’ button on the intercom and await the receptionist.
WHAT SORT OF THINGS CAN YOU TREAT?
The main purpose of our treatment is to reduce pain and improve physical function, it is therefore appropriate for many different types of conditions. Some of the more common complaints which we see include; back and neck pain; slipped or prolapsed disks; sciatica; trapped nerves; joint pain; frozen shoulder; tendonitis; arthritis; postural problems; ligament or cartilage injuries; and muscle sprains.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OSTEOPATHY AND PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Traditionally, osteopathy involves 'hands on' treatment applied by the practitioner, whereas physiotherapy typically involves the patient taking the more active role, such as performing exercises. We use a combination of approaches according to our patient's preferences and what we feel will help best. For a more detailed explanation, click here.
DO YOU DO HOME VISITS?
Unfortunately we are not able to offer this service. If you are concerned about accessing the building, we do have disabled access. If you are in too much pain to travel, we suggest you contact us so that we can advise you on the best course of action to help with your symptoms until such time you are able to travel to the clinic and we can help you further.
CAN I HAVE AN MRI SCAN OR OTHER TESTS?
If required, we can refer you for a private MRI scan, or we can write to your GP to suggest appropriate further tests.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
This varies between individuals, however, according to independent research*, more than 7 out of 10 people feel improved after their first treatment. After 3 to 4 treatments, more than 8 out of 10 people feel improvement.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS TO HAVING TREATMENT?
As with all kinds of medical treatment, osteopathy does carry some risk of side effects, albeit very small. According to independent research**, the majority of patients do not experience any side effects. However, 1 out of every 100 people may experience moderate side effects, such as a temporary increase in symptoms.
HOW IS MY PERSONAL INFORMATION HANDLED?
For details about how we use your personal information, please see our Privacy Notice.
CAN I BRING A CHAPERONE?
Yes, of course. Please feel free to bring a friend or family member if you would like someone to accompany you during your appointment. Anyone who accompanies you will also be able to use the lounge facilities while waiting for your appointment to finish. Unfortunately, we have no child care facilities, but your children are welcome to accompany you and we will do our best to keep them occupied.
WILL I FEEL WORSE BEFORE I FEEL BETTER?
Most patients will experience gradual improvement in their symptoms following treatment. However, some patients may feel a slight increase in discomfort for up to 48 hours. You will be warned if this is likely to occur and advised on ways to reduce any additional discomfort that may occur.
WILL I NEED TO AVOID CERTAIN ACTIVITIES?
After your appointment, you will be able to continue with any activities that you were already undertaking beforehand, such as returning to work, or driving home. It will be discussed in your appointment if there are any activities that are best avoided or limited to improve your response to treatment.
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?
If you have any cause for concern during or after your appointment, you should raise these concerns with your osteopath at the earliest opportunity. If you feel unable to do this or are not satisfied with their response, please contact one of the clinic directors: Jennifer Bailey or Daniel Bailey, who will attempt to address your concerns or can advise you of our complaints procedure. If we are not able to resolve your concerns, you can contact our governing body, the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) on 020 7357 6655.
*Carnes D, Mars T, Mullinger B, Underwood M (2010) Adverse events in manual therapy: a systematic review. Manual Therapy 15(4): 355-363
**Vogel S, Mars T, Keeping S, Barton T, Marlin N, Froud R, Eldrifge S, Underwood M, Pincus T (2013) Clinical risk in osteopathy and management scientific report: The CROaM Study.
If you have any other questions regarding treatment, please email us, as our practitioners are not available on the phone but will normally respond the same day. Our secretaries are available for appointment bookings and related queries.