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Here are a few questions we always get asked. Click on a question to find out the answers!
Q:
Can osteopathy or acupuncture be combined with other forms of treatment?
A:
Yes, but if you receive simultaneous treatment on the same problem from two different practitioners it may be hard to tell which treatment is working. It is most important that you tell us about other treatments you are receiving, particularly all forms of medication you are taking.
How soon after surgery can I have osteopathy or acupuncture?
That depends upon what the operation was for, how it was done and how well you are recovering. A telephone consultation can usually answer these questions but in all cases treatment will never commence without a thorough examination first.

Q:
Can you treat pregnancy pain and is treatment safe during pregnancy?
A:
Yes, we do treat a range of pain conditions related to pregnancy, with good success, and treatment is entirely safe. However, due to a very small risk of inducing premature labour, acupuncture is not administered at the Holmesdale clinic during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
Q:
Will I need to undress when I attend the clinic?
A:
Yes, you may have to in order for us to carry out the necessary examinations. However, we want you to be as relaxed as possible, so we keep undressing to a minimum. Depending upon which area needs examining, it may be necessary for you to undress to your underwear. For your comfort, we suggest that you may wish to bring a pair of loose shorts to change into. If you prefer to bring someone else to accompany you during your consultation, they will be very welcome.
Q:
Do I need to bring x-rays or scans?
A:
Yes. If you have any, please bring them with you.
Q:
Do osteopaths just treat back pain?
A:
No. Osteopaths are consulted most often about back pain but have extensive training in the treatment of many other common health conditions, ranging from sinusitis to asthma.
To learn more about the types of problems that Osteopaths frequently treat, go to the page titled ‘Conditions We Treat’.
Q:
How many treatments will I need?
A:
This depends upon what your problem is and for how long you have had it. Providing osteopathy or acupuncture is suitable, many pain conditions of recent onset show signs of good progress within 3-4 sessions. Conditions that have persisted for a long time may take longer to respond.
In order for us to adjust your treatment appropriately, your feedback is essential. At the Holmesdale clinic we believe that in most cases it is sufficient to treat only until symptoms are significantly improved, and nature will usually do the rest.
We are committed to minimising the problem of practitioner-dependence by avoiding unnecessary treatment.
Q:
Do I need to see my doctor first?
A:
No. Osteopaths have extensive training in the general medical sciences which enables them to distinguish between symptoms originating from a problem in the body’s framework (somatic) and those which are caused by a diseased organ (visceral) or general health condition (systemic).
Osteopaths are accorded the status of Primary Care Practitioner because they are trained to diagnose a wide range of health conditions that may be beyond the scope of osteopathic treatment.
They are also skilled in identifying the types of pain conditions and physical problems which can be improved by hands-on treatment. In order to reach an accurate diagnosis it may be necessary for us to request further investigations via your doctor.
Please note: some insurance companies still require that you are referred to us by your doctor before you are eligible to claim back the cost of treatment. Check with your insurance company before you visit us.
Q:
How long does each session last?
A:
30 minutes. Although every session involves discussion and examination, we try to devote as much of this time to treatment as possible.
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