FAQ'S

Osteopathy

If you have private health insurance it may be possible to claim for your treatment. It is your responsibility to confirm with your insurer that your treatment is covered and you will be responsible for any shortfall for treatments not covered by your insurance company. We are recognised by most insurance companies.

General

The first osteopathy or acupuncture appointment generally lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. Subsequent appointments are 30 minutes.

Pilates classes are either 55 minutes or 30 minutes.

It may require more than one visit to resolve your problem. The Osteopath will agree a treatment plan at your first visit and review your progress at each subsequent visit and seek your consent to any changes to your treatment plan.

You are very welcome to bring a friend or relative to accompany you and be present throughout your treatment.

It is likely that the Osteopath will ask you to remove some of your clothing as being able to see the problem area helps to prevent anything being missed. You can expect privacy to undress and a towel will be provided if necessary.

However, undressing is not compulsory and you should tell the Osteopath if you are uncomfortable with removing any items of clothing.

Acupuncture

On your first visit you will be asked for a detailed case history. This will include information about your symptoms and medical background to enable a full picture of your health to be obtained. The information you provide will be confidential. Next, the Osteopath will examine you properly and ask you to make simple movements and stretches to observe your posture and mobility. Because of the body’s structure, pain or stiffness you are experiencing in one part may be linked to a problem elsewhere. The osteopath will then give you a clear explanation of what he finds (his diagnosis) and discuss a suitable treatment plan.

Osteopathic treatment is hands-on and involves skilled manipulation of the spine and joints and massage of soft tissues. Acupuncture treatment involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. The Osteopath will explain what he is doing and will ask your permission to treat you. Ask questions at any time if you are unsure of what you have been told or have any concerns.

Because of the physical nature of the treatment, it is not unusual to sometimes feel sore in the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment. The Osteopath will explain any likely reactions that you could expect. If you have any concerns it is important to contact the Osteopath and ask for advice.

Kevin Bell is both a qualified Osteopath and Acupuncturist so can provide a combination of treatments where appropriate.

Pilates

On your first visit, the Pilates teacher will ask you for information about your health, relevant medical background and your aims. The Osteopath may join in this discussion and provide any necessary medical input. You will be asked to make simple movements and stretches to observe your posture and mobility to enable the teacher to work out a bespoke, suitable exercise program for you.

The first class will be simple to enable the teacher to assess your needs and to give you a strong foundation and understanding of the basic principles of Pilates, before moving on to more challenging exercises.

You should wear comfortable clothing, such as sportswear or leggings and a vest or T-shirt, so it is easy for you to move and for the Pilates teacher to observe your structural movements.