Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you decide if Osteopathy is a therapy for you or provide you with some practical advice. We hope you find it useful.
Do I need to be referred by a doctor?
No that is not necessary. Patients can come directly without having to see a doctor first. Osteopaths, like doctors, are Primary Healthcare Providers.
Of course, that does not mean that Doctors don’t refer to Osteopaths. They often do and are increasingly seeing the value of Osteopathy in helping manage the musculoskeletal health of their patients.
Conversely, if an Osteopath does not think that they can help a patients’ problem or that further investigation is needed then he or she will refer the patient to their doctor.
What can I expect on my first appointment
The Osteopath will take what’s called a Case History. This will involve a number of questions about the pain or problem you have such as when it started and how it happened as well as other general health questions. In this way the Osteopath can get a holistic view of you as a person. This will be followed by an evaluation. At this point you may be asked to dress down to your underwear so the Osteopath can see how joints and muscles are moving and importantly palpate the joints and surrounding tissue so he/she can make a full diagnosis. This will then be followed by specific, diagnosis lead treatment. The Osteopath will then agree a treatment plan with you and a time for reviewing progress.
Can I receive Osteopathic treatment on the NHS?
In the vast majority of cases Osteopathy is not provided as a free manual therapy treatment on the NHS. In some areas of the country some GP consortia are providing Osteopathy but this is rare. If you want to find if your local GP Consortia provides Osteopathy then ask your GP.
What is Osteopathy?
The GOsc definition: Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patients’ general health.
Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness.
Osteopaths’ patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient’s full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.
What do Osteopaths treat?
Osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders without the use of drugs or surgery. Commonly treated conditions include back and neck pain, postural problems, sporting injuries, muscle and joint deterioration, restricted mobility and occupational ill-health.
Is Hugo registered with any private health insurers?
Yes. Hugo is registered with many of the main private health insurers in the UK. PruHealth (Vitality), Cigna, Simply Health, Aviva and Allianz, AXA PPP, and CS Health
Where can I find the Osteopathy Partnership?
The practice is very conveniently located in the centre of Kingston.
On foot or cycle
The address is 15 Beaufort rd, KT1 2TH. Approx 10 mins walk from the station, heading towards the county court and the University campus. Cross over the road keeping the cinema on your left and head towards the Cattle Market walking past the famous leaning telephone boxes. Walk past the Cattle market car park and the Kingston Library. You will see Fairfield park on your left. Pass down one side of the park keeping it on your left. Cross over into Knights rd, go over the blue bridge at the end of the rd. Keep going straight on until you come to St Johns Church. turn left at the first mini round about then right at the second. This Is Beaufort rd. No15 is half way up on the left opposite the Antoinette car park. Go through white iron gates and take a seat in the waiting room on the left.
By car
15 Beaufort rd KT1 2TH, Follow the one way system in the direction of Kingston County courts and Surbiton. Take a left past the Cattle Market Car park and continue to follow the one way system going past the county court. Take a left into Grove Crescent (opposite the Surrey County Hall). Follow the road round and turn left at the junction heading towards St Johns Church. Cross over the first mini round about and turn right at the second mini round about. This is Beaufort rd. No 15 is just opposite the Antoinette Hotel car park. There is usually plenty of parking. Come through the white iron gates and go through the door on the left and take a seat in the waiting room.
