FAQS

Osteopathy is a regulated healthcare profession that focuses on assessing, diagnosing and treating problems affecting the muscles, joints and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

Osteopaths use a combination of hands-on techniques, movement advice and exercises to help manage pain and improve mobility.

At Bure Valley Osteopaths we look beyond the area that's hurting to explore the possible factors contributing to your symptoms.

Osteopaths commonly assess and treat a range of musculoskeletal disorders including:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica and sciatica type leg pain
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Muscular aches and tension
• Some types of headache
• Hip and knee pain
• Certain sports-related injuries

Whether Osteopathy is appropriate depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms, which is why an individual assessment is important.

Osteopathy may help some people experiencing sciatica, depending on what's causing their symptoms.

Sciatica typically involves pain travelling from the lower back or buttock into the leg. You may also experience tingling, numbness or weakness.

However, not all leg pain is sciatica, which is why a proper assessment is important.

At Bure Valley Osteopaths, we'll discuss your symptoms, assess your movement and carry out appropriate clinical tests to help identify what may be contributing to your pain.

Where suitable, treatment may include hands-on techniques, exercises and practical advice to help you manage your symptoms.

If your symptoms suggest that further medical investigation or a different approach is needed, we'll explain this and recommend the appropriate next steps.

Osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors all assess and treat musculoskeletal problems, and there's considerable overlap between the three professions.

Physiotherapy often places particular emphasis on rehabilitation, exercise and restoring movement and function.

Chiropractic commonly focuses on spinal and joint problems, often using manual techniques.

Osteopathy combines clinical assessment with hands-on treatment, movement advice and exercises where appropriate. Osteopaths consider how different areas of the body move and function together, while exploring possible factors contributing to your symptoms.

In practice, the approach can vary considerably between individual practitioners.

At Bure Valley Osteopaths, our focus is on understanding your problem, explaining our findings clearly and helping you manage your symptoms with an individual treatment plan.

No. In the UK, the title "osteopath" is protected by law. Only practitioners registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) can legally use the title. To become registered, Osteopaths must meet recognised professional standards and requirements for education, training and insurance. They must also undertake continuing professional development to maintain their registration. Gemma Sethna is fully qualified, registered Osteopath, having completed a five-year Master's degree in Osteopathy at The London School of Osteopathy, graduating with Distinction. GOsC registration number: 9300.

No. You can book an appointment directly with an osteopath without needing a referral from your GP.

Osteopaths are regulated healthcare professionals trained to assess, diagnose and manage a range of musculoskeletal conditions.

During your appointment, we'll discuss your symptoms and medical history and carry out an appropriate clinical assessment.

If we feel your symptoms require further investigation or would be better managed by another healthcare professional, we'll explain our findings and recommend the appropriate next steps.

The primary aim of your initial consultation is to establish what is wrong and whether osteopathy is a safe and appropriate treatment for you. Providing there are no contraindications we would normally expect to treat you on your first visit.

Not every problem is suitable for osteopathic treatment, and recognising this is an important part of clinical practice.

Your initial consultation includes a discussion of your symptoms, medical history and an appropriate physical assessment.

If we believe osteopathy isn't the right approach, we'll explain why and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.

This may involve recommending that you speak to your GP, seek further medical investigation or consult another healthcare professional.

Our priority is to ensure you receive appropriate advice and care, even when that means osteopathic treatment isn't recommended.

You are welcome to bring a relative / friend with you. Anyone under the age of 16 should be accompanied at all times by a parent or appointed guardian.