(0117) 929 3289
Birdwell Osteopathic Practice - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Osteopathy?
- What conditions do Osteopaths treat?
- What can I expect when I receive treatment?
- Will treatment be painful?
- How many treatments will I need?
- Is there a waiting list?
- Should I be referred by my doctor?
- What should I wear?
- How much will treatment cost and how do I pay?
- If I have private medical insurance what should I do next?
- Which Private Medical Insurance companies cover the cost of Osteopathic treatment?
- How do I make an appointment?
- How do I find you?
Osteopathy is a physical therapy using entirely manual techniques, whose comprehensive system of Examination, Diagnosis & Treatment aim to help restore normal, pain free function to any area of our bodies where it has been lost.
Although we are best known for treating 'bad backs', osteopaths can effectively treat a wide range of injuries, aches and pains in all parts of the body.
Techniques include Joint manipulation, articulation and stretching techniques
along with soft tissue and massage techniques.
As Osteopaths, our aim is to provide a long term solution to problems of the musculo-skeletal system by finding and treating the root cause.
Working in this way helps us minimize the chance of your problems recurring.
It is said that Structure governs Function and we would expect, by working to improve the mechanics of the body’s structure, that we would simultaneously improve the function of the body as a whole.
Osteopaths treat each patient as an individual, tailoring each treatment as well as your overall care plan to specific needs.
So whether you have suffered the sudden unexpected trauma of a car crash, a sport related injury or just a build up of poor posture over months or years - Osteopathy will usually be able to help you!
- Headaches
- Neck Pain & Stiffness
- Arm Pain / Tingling (Brachial Neuralgia)
- Shoulder / Elbow / Wrist Problems
- Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Trapped Nerves
- Hip / Knee / Ankle Problems
- Occupational Injuries
- Sports Injuries
- Posture related problems
- & more
At your initial consultation we will take a full and detailed history of your condition, including previous medical history.
We will then carry out a thorough physical examination, looking at both injury-specific and general body mechanics.
We should then be able to make a diagnosis of your problem, which we will discuss with you, explaining all relevant treatment options.
If you are happy, we will then proceed with treatment – this consists largely of soft tissue and manipulative techniques and should not be painful.
After your treatment, advice on appropriate exercise and self help will be given.
Treatment itself should not be painful or uncomfortable – although some soreness, stiffness and muscular aches may be felt for 24 - 48 hours afterwards.
This is sometimes known as a ‘treatment reaction’ and is caused by your muscles, joints and posture changing and adapting following treatment.
This reaction is usually most prominent after your first treatment and decreases progressively as you improve.
5. How many treatments will I need?
There is no set number of treatments for any condition – every injury and every patient responds slightly differently; although as a rough guide, most conditions will show a good response between 2 & 6 visits and many patients will then decide to have occasional, preventative treatment once they have made a full recovery.
At your first consultation we will discuss the anticipated number of treatments you may need and we will reassess this at each subsequent visit.
If you do not improve as expected, we may consider sending you for X-ray or MRI (either via your GP or privately); alternatively onward referral to an appropriate specialist may be considered.
We usually hope to be able to see you within 24 - 48 hours – although occasionally during holiday periods this may not be possible.
We always try to keep a couple of emergency appointments aside each day so that truly urgent patients can be seen as rapidly as possible.
7. Should I be referred by my GP?
No, anyone can refer themselves for treatment.
However, if you wish to use your medical insurance to claim for treatment costs, some policies require your GP to refer you.
Dress comfortably in comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
We will need to see the injured area to assess and treat it,
Arm or Leg injuries can be treated with loose shorts or T-shirts;
However most back or neck related problems will require undressing to your underwear for us to fully assess your injuries and general posture.
9. How much will treatment cost and how do I pay?
Initial Consultations are currently charged at £60.00
Follow up Treatments are £48.00 per visit.
Full Payment is required at the time of each treatment, receipts will be issued to enable reimbursement of treatment costs through Private Health Insurance.
We are happy to accept payment by either Cash, Card or Bank transfer.
Unfortunately we no longer accept cheques.
10. If I have private medical insurance what should I do next?
Our preference is for patients to pay for their treatment as it progresses, we can either issue a receipt after each visit or provide an itemised receipt at the conclusion of a course of treatment which will enable reimbursement of costs from your insurers.
11. Which Private Medical Insurance companies cover the cost of Osteopathic treatment?
Most of the major medical insurance companies will cover either part or all of the cost of your Osteopathic treatment, but it is always advisable to check with your own company before commencing treatment; as different policies have varying levels of benefit. Below is a rough guide to benefit provided by some well known companies:
| AVIVA | up to 10 Treatments p/a |
| WPA | up to £500.00 p/a with 15% funded by patient |
| CIGNA | up to £250.00 p/a |
| REMEDI / BCWA | up to £250.00 p/a |
| HSA | Refunds 50% of fees up to various different maximums |
| Norwich Union | up to £1000.00 p/a |
| Groupama | up to 12 Treatments p/a |
12. How do I make an appointment?
If you would like to make an appointment you can telephone us any weekday between 9am and 6.30pm
One of our receptionists will be happy to take your call, arrange your appointment and give you directions to help you find us.
Please find below the numbers for the various clinics:
| Bristol | (0117) 929 3289 |
| Chepstow: | (01291) 627 374 |
BRISTOL |
CHEPSTOW |
Birdwell Osteopathic Practice 33 Weston Road, Long Ashton, BS41 9AA |
The Chepstow Osteopathic Clinic
|
| (0117) 929 3289 | (01291) 627 374 |
| Click here for map | Click here for map |
....would you like some more information or book an appointment?
Call us on the corresponding number below:
please telephone: - 0117 929 3289
