Frequently asked questions

What can I expect on my first appointment?

Your medical history

Before we start to treat you, we will make a full medical assessment. We take time to listen to you and ask questions to make sure we understand your medical history and your day-to-day routine. We’ll ask you about things like diet, exercise and what is happening in your life, as these may give clues to help our diagnosis. We may feel your pulse and check your reflexes. We may also take your blood pressure and refer you for clinical tests, such as x-rays, if we think you need them.

Your posture

We usually look at your posture and how you move your body. We may also assess what happens when we move it for you and see what hurts, where and when.

Trouble areas

Using touch, we may also find the areas which are sensitive or tight and this helps us to identify what’s going on. When we have done this, we can diagnose your condition. We may sometimes feel that osteopathy is not appropriate for you and refer you to your GP or another specialist such as an orthopaedic surgeon.

Your treatment

Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis. Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise your joints. Sometimes, when we move joints you may hear a ‘click’. This is just like the click people get when they crack their knuckles.

We may discuss exercises that you can do to improve your posture and movement in your workplace and everyday life.

What should I wear?

As with any medical examination, you will probably be asked to undress to your underwear, so we can assess your body as a whole and understand how other areas may be affecting the symptomatic region. Therefore, please wear something you are comfortable in. Patients are welcome to bring a pair of shorts with an elasticated waistband. You may also bring a friend or relative with you if you like.

Does it hurt?

Some soft tissue treatments may cause a little discomfort, but they should not be painful. If treatment becomes painful you must tell us so that we can stop, and change to a more comfortable technique. You may feel stiff or sore after treatment for 24 hours. This is a normal healthy response to treatment.

Do I need to see my GP first?

You do not need to see your GP if you are paying for your own treatment. However some insurance companies do require you to be referred by a GP, in which case you will need to see your GP first.

How long does it take?

The initial consultation takes between 45 minutes and an hour. Follow up appointments take about 30 minutes.

How do I pay?

We are only taking card payments currently. However, if you are claiming on a health insurance policy, we usually invoice them direct.

Are there disabled facilities?

Yes we have disabled facilities at the Health Centre.

Is there parking?

Yes there is free parking available at Odiham Health Centre. There is also a pay and display car park next door to us, if our car park is full.