Frequently Asked Questions
Even if you’ve been to an osteopath before you may have some questions about the treatment. Here are some of the topics we are most frequently asked about.
FAQs
An osteopath is a person who specialises in treating injuries. They must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council which requires them to be of good moral standing and to be up to date with professional training to ensure what they do is safe and effective. In order to be registered an osteopath must have completed a university degree in osteopathy (which takes a minimum of 4 years) where they learn anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and manual therapy (hands on techniques) to give them the knowledge of how to treat injuries.
Osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists often treat the same types of injuries. The difference in the professions is in the way these problems are treated. Often the best thing to do is find a modality that works for you or a person that you’re comfortable with and stick with them as long as it’s helping.
Yes. It is not possible to get treated without an appointment. Please call 07860 708729 to book.
Yes. Appointments can be moved or cancelled by getting in touch. Please give as much notice as you can so someone else can be booked in. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice must be paid for in full.
Unfortunately it is not possible to be certain that any treatment will make a problem better. The majority of people improve after each appointment but it is unusual for 1 appointment to fully resolve a problem.
The risks are extremely low. Unfortunately nothing is totally risk free but serious events due to osteopathy are incredibly rare. The most common side effect after treatment is tenderness around the area that was treated. This is usually mild and usually passes quickly but please get in touch and discuss anything with me if you are concerned.
No. Some aspects of treatment can be uncomfortable and some techniques are firmer than others but usually the treatment is very gentle and you should not be in pain while you are being treated. If you are uncomfortable while you are being treated please say that you are. Unfortunately during examination of a problem it is sometimes required to do things that reproduce the symptoms in order to understand more about the injury but you will not be forced to do anything you are not comfortable with.
No. You are welcome to see your doctor before booking if you would like to but this is not required. All you need to do to book is to get in touch.
Yes. If you have individual needs which require someone to help you or you’d be more comfortable bringing a familiar face along you are very welcome to do so. Please ask about this before your appointment if you intend to bring a chaperone as some modifications may need to be made to the treatment to make sure everyone is accommodated during the appointment. There are some rare situations when a chaperone is required in order to treat someone. If this is required you will be informed.
Unfortunately yes it does. Currently those who may be contagious with Covid-19 are not able to physically attend the clinic. If you have tested positive, are awaiting test results, feel unwell or have been in contact with someone with Covid please discuss this before your appointment. It may still be possible to see you depending on the situation. You can see the latest Covid-19 guidelines https://brunswickclinic.co.uk/covid-19/
Both clinics have nearby public parking. In Penrith the clinic is located on a square just outside of the town centre. On the square disc parking is permitted. Any restrictions are explained with the usual road markings and signage. Appointments will always last less than an hour unless you are forewarned so this parking should allow you enough time. If you would prefer to park for longer there are various pay and display car parks in the town of Penrith, not too far away. In Carlisle the clinic is on a street where parking is possible on this street or one of the streets nearby. Again parking restrictions will be displayed in the usual way. Appointments in Carlisle also last less than one hour so this can be taken into consideration when choosing where to park.
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More questions? Please do not hesitate to get in touch!