FAQs
book nowWHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
Osteopathy can offer great results for those seeking immediate care with painful conditions and also for those wishing to invest in long-term health solutions. Treatments are tailored to the individual’s need, regardless of age or condition, our goal is to provide the best medical care whether it be treatment or more appropriate referral.
Osteopathy focuses on health promotion and disease prevention in order to help each person achieve a high level of wellness. The overall goal is to achieve wellness by restoring balance and flexibility to the whole body.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR VISIT
Case hisory – Here we will ask questions in order to go from just “pain” to an accurate set of possible causes. The goal is to sift through all the possibilities and have a shortlisted set of potential diagnoses. It is essential to gather all relevant information regarding each persons’ pain, problem or injury. We will therefore include a past medical history and medical screening questions.
Examination and Diagnosis – Here we will examine the relevant areas and attempt to narrow the shortlisted diagnoses down to just one working diagnosis. We will utilise orthopaedic testing as well as joint, muscle and neural examination through movement analysis and hands on palpation. This is the part of the consultation whereby the patient will remove appropriate items of clothing so that your Osteopath can see and palpate the relevant areas involved in the presenting complaint. Please see ‘What should I wear’ below for more information on clothing
Treatment – Once the working diagnosis and treatment plan has been explained; treatment can commence. The number of sessions will vary depending on how much treatment is required, however most problems can be resolved within 2-5 sessions. Treatment involves soft and deep tissue techniques, neuromuscular techniques, muscle energy techniques, joint mobilisation and joint manipulation techniques. Technique selection depends on the structures involved and this will always be discussed with you. Exercise and rehabilitation programmes are then designed which you are guided through, to help reduce pain, and increase your strength and mobility.
FEES
Clear pricing for quality services. Your investment, and our promise.
Initial consultation and follow up treatments: £58
ISN’T THAT THE BONES? DON’T YOU TREAT BACKS?
While it is true that Osteopaths do treat backs, we are able to treat almost every joint in the body, as well as the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, fascia), and indirectly the nervous system
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
This will completely depend on your complaint and presentation. Some conditions may require just one session, other more chronic or serious problems may require more over a longer period of time. Usually most problems can be resolved within 1-6 sessions. This can be discussed with your Osteopath, and a realistic treatment plan laid out. The aim at Back in Balance is to get you well in as few treatments as possible, teaching you how to manage your own pain with advice and exercises.
WHAT TO WEAR
During assessment and treatment, your Osteopath will need to see the relevant areas being treated. This will mean that you will be asked to remove any relevant items of clothing. It is therefore advised to wear underwear that you are comfortable in, if desired clothing such as sports bras, shorts, and athletic wear may be appropriate. You will never be required to remove any items of clothing you do not feel comfortable with. Please feel free to phone ahead of your first session if you have any questions regarding what to wear.
DOES IT HURT
The purpose of Osteopathy is to remove pain, however as we are moving the affected areas, it is not uncommon to experience some discomfort during the session. Your Osteopath will however communicate with you throughout the treatment to ensure this is kept to a minimum. Almost all patients report feeling a reduction in pain immediately after treatment. In rare cases a patient may experience a treatment reaction, where the area feels more painful afterwards, this usually subsides within 24-48 hours. This will be discussed with you before any treatment is undertaken.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL? WILL YOU WRITE TO MY GP?
You do not need a referral to visit an Osteopath, however if you want to bring any information you think may be relevant that would be helpful. This may include scan/imaging results, list of medications, any letters about your current or previous conditions. With your permission we may need to write to your GP to request a medical history if it is deemed relevant. We may also in rare cases need to refer you to your GP for any further tests or imaging that may be required, if this happens a letter will be sent to your GP with a copy given to you.
DO I NEED TO BE IN PAIN TO VISIT AN OSTEOPATH?
Absolutely not! In the same way that you visit your dentist to reduce the chance of fillings, regular check ups can allow potential problems to be detected and treated before they develop. Preventative treatment and advice can be a worthwhile investment in your long-term health and comfort. Osteopaths can help by maintaining and improving your mobility, flexibility, and posture whether you currently have pain or not.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER?
Yes, we are happy for you to be accompanied by a friend or family member during all or part of your treatment if it makes you feel more comfortable.
GENERAL OSTEOPATHIC COUNCIL (GOSC) REGISTRATION
It is permitted by law that any Osteopath practicing in the U.K. is registered with the GOsC. You can rest assured that all our practitioners carry all the relevant qualifications and registrations to practice Osteopathy both safely, and legally.
TRAINING
All Osteopaths undertake a degree in Osteopathy for a minimum of 4 years of training, including 1000 clinical hours.
OPENING HOURS
Monday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Weds: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday: 9:00 – 3:00pm
HOW TO FIND US
The clinic is located at 8 Unity Street, Bristol BS1 5HH. Right in the heart of Bristol.
PARKING
There is plenty of metered parking directly in front of the clinic. Or if you prefer, trenchard car park is just a few minutes walk away. There are secure bike racks to lock bicycles.
Is pain or injury holding you back?
Book online below and start your journey to recovery.