Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions
What can I expect on my first treatment?
On the first consultation, we will take a full case history. This will be about your present complaint as well as about your past medical history. After, your osteopath will start an examination. This normally involves you standing and doing some movements. Your osteopath will observe these movements and might do additional orthopaedic tests, palpate (feel) muscles and move joints to help make a diagnosis. This diagnosis and treatment plan will be explained to you.
If you are happy, your osteopath will start treatment. Osteopathy is a ‘package’ of care that includes skilled mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise.
At the end of the session your osteopath will estimate the likely number of sessions you need to treat your condition effectively. If your osteopath thinks that your condition is unlikely to respond to osteopathic treatment, you will be advised about how to seek further care. Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.
Can I claim through my Health Insurance?
Will I feel sore after treatment?
Will I need to undress?
It depends on where the problem is, always try wearing loose fitting clothes and ones that you feel comfortable in. As with many problems, your body is likely to compensate so being able to see more of the spine can be useful to our osteopaths. So we may ask you to undress down to your underwear – we can give you privacy to do this. Always remember to voice your concerns with your osteopath if you have any problems. Our main aim is that you feel comfortable and happy during your treatment.
Do I need a GP referral to see an Osteopath?
Most of our patients ‘self refer’ to us for treatment. Although referral by a GP is not necessary, patients are encouraged to see their GP if they have any concerns. It is good to keep both GP and osteopath fully informed, so you, the patient, receive the best possible care from both healthcare practitioners.
What is the difference between an Osteopath and Chiropractor?
This is a very common question from our patients and can be sometimes quite difficult to answer. There are some principles that differ between Osteopaths and Chiropractors, that do have some effect on the treatment each provide.
Chiropractors tend to concentrate on the spine with emphasis on improving the nerve functions that exit in the spine. For example if you had an ankle problem, they may manipulate your lower back to try to effect the nerves that supply that ankle.
Osteopaths do use this method to some extent but we would also treat the ankle directly. We would look for possible compensatory mechanisms that the ankle may be causing, this could be from knee and lower back pain or even headaches. As osteopaths we are always interested in what the underlying issue is to bring you back to optimal health.
Treatments do differ, chiropractor appointments tend to be shorter, between 10-15 minutes for follow-up treatments. Osteopathic treatments are usually a minimum of 30 minutes, this is normally due to the techniques we use. Chiropractors use mainly the manipulative techniques. Osteopaths do use these, but also include deep tissue massage, mobilisation and stretching techniques.
Otherwise there is not much difference between the two and we treat the same problems on a daily basis with similar results. It comes down to what you, the patient, finds more effective.
Where can I park?
There is on-street parking on North Street, or the Co-op car park is right behind the clinic (£1.30 an hour).
Which clinic should I go to?
We have two sites in Heavitree. Osteopathy, sports massage and shockwave therapy are at Motion Clinic, 5 North Street, EX1 2RH. Physiotherapy, the gym and our group classes are at Motion Rehab & Gym, 55-57 Fore Street, EX1 2RJ. Your booking confirmation will show which site your appointment is at.
Should I see an osteopath or a physiotherapist?
Both treat the same kinds of problems, such as back, neck and joint pain and sports injuries, using hands-on treatment and exercise-based rehab. If you are not sure which is right for you, book a free 15-minute phone consultation and we will point you in the right direction.
How do I join the Osteoporosis Prevention or Rebuild classes?
Everyone starts with a £40 Initial Assessment with Dan or Liberty, so we can tailor the classes to you. After that, you can book classes and buy class packs or memberships in the Motion Member app or at reception.
How long is my first appointment and how much does it cost?
A first osteopathy or physiotherapy appointment lasts 60 minutes and costs £70. Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes (£55), or 45 minutes (£65) if you need longer. You can see all our prices on our Pricing page.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance (excluding Sundays) are free of charge. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged £25, and missed appointments without notice are charged £50. Gym classes that are booked but not attended are charged at the price of the class.
If you need to cancel because you are unwell, we allow 12 hours’ notice as a courtesy once a year. If something unexpected happens, please call us on 01392 273243 and we will do our best to help.