Useful Information
What to expect during my appointment?
Appointments are conducted by fully qualified and registered professionals. Practitioners undergo thorough training and are regulated to ensure high standards of care. Each step of assessment or treatment is explained clearly, with your informed consent sought throughout. You are encouraged to ask questions or decline any part of the process and may bring a friend or chaperone for comfort. Privacy and dignity are prioritised, and you may pause or stop the session at any time.
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended for ease of access during assessment or treatment. You may be asked to remove some outer clothing, but privacy and your preferences are always respected. The practitioner will explain the reasons for any clothing removal and ensure you are comfortable.
Your practitioner will begin with a detailed health history, including current symptoms, medical background, lifestyle, and previous treatments. A physical examination may follow, involving gentle movement assessments and observation. Findings, diagnosis, and a proposed treatment plan will be explained to you, and treatment will only proceed with your consent. If treatment is not suitable, alternative options will be suggested.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss options, and fully understand the aims and expected outcomes of any recommended therapies. Your comfort and autonomy are central throughout, and you are encouraged to share preferences or concerns.
After your session, advice on aftercare may be provided, including gentle exercises, lifestyle changes, or strategies for ongoing recovery. For further information or to discuss your treatment plan, you are welcome to contact the clinic at any time for support.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended for ease of access during assessment or treatment. Tracksuit bottoms or shorts are a popular choice. You may be asked to remove some outer clothing, but privacy and your preferences are always respected. The practitioner will explain the reasons for any clothing removal and ensure you are comfortable.
How long will my appointment last?
Your first appointment with an osteopath or physiotherapist will generally last between 40 and 60 minutes. Follow up appointments are generally up to 30 minutes.
Initial Hand Therapy appointments may be 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the type of condition being assessed and treated.
How many appointments will I need?
The number of appointments required varies according to the patient's needs. Some patients may require just one appointment; whereas others may require several. We aim to keep your appointments to a minimum. Your osteopath or physiotherapist will be able to advise you at your first appointment on how many sessions you are likely to need.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes. We want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible. We know having someone with you during your consultation and treatment may make this much easier for you.
Children under the age of 16 need an adult chaperone if being examined and treated.
Please call us if you would like any clarification about this.
Does the treatment hurt?
Treatment does not usually hurt although some techniques may be uncomfortable. Your practitioner will tell you what to expect, and will want you to let them know if you are in pain so they can modify their approach. Some people may experience discomfort after treatment, this is usually nothing to worry about and is a normal, healthy response to the treatment we are delivering.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No, although some people are referred by GP’s specialists, health visitors or midwives, most of our patients are self referring.
Can I claim on my private health insurance?
Yes. Please let us know if you are planning to claim on your insurance. We are registered with most healthcare insurers including AXA PPP and BUPA.
Not all practitioners are registered with all healthcare insurers. We always recommend you speak to your insurer first before your first appointment, if you are planning to claim for your treatment. They will normally give you an authorisation number, please bring it with you to your appointment.
What are the opening hours of the practices?
Radlett - Monday 8am to 9pm, Tuesday 8am to 6pm, Wednesday 8am to 7pm, Thursday 8am to 6pm, Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Hitchin -Tuesday 8.40am to 6.pm, Thursday 8.40am to 6.pm.
Post treatment advice Osteopathy and Physiotherapy
OSTEOPATHY – PHYSIOTHERAPY
Your practitioner will normally have told you that you may feel some increased soreness or tenderness and what to do to minimise or avoid it after your treatment. It is quite usual and normally doesn’t last more than 24 – 48 hours. However, if you are worried or would like any more advice about pain killers, cold packs, sleeping and sitting please do not hesitate to call the practice.
You will often have been given exercises, if appropriate and they should be carried out on a regular basis.
Sitting
- If you have low back pain avoid sitting, try lying as described below.
- If sitting is unavoidable, use an upright chair.
- Use a cushion to raise your hips above your knees.
- Stand up and potter around every twenty minutes or so.
- If you are working at a desk, especially at a laptop, speak to your practitioner about modifications you can make.
- Frequent short breaks away from the computer can help avoid back, neck and eye strain.
- Driving involves sitting and long journeys should be broken up.
Lying
- Lying flat on your back is not advised. Use a pillow under your knees or between bent knees lying on your side.
- Placing a duvet under your sheet may make a hard bed more comfortable or consider buying a mattress topper.
- A rolled towel around your neck may help relieve neck pain.
- We can advise you on shaped pillows too.
Movement
Many problems are caused by repetitive movements such as reaching, stretching and twisting, even for small items. Lifting carrying and pushing can aggravate many conditions.
Avoid sudden movements, move slowly, particularly when moving or stretching
Cold packs
Used to reduce pain, swelling and help control inflammation
Cover the area to be treated with a thin cloth to avoid ice burns. In the first 24hrs after the injury or treatment apply the cold pack (frozen peas, gel pack) for no more than 5 minutes every hour, after 24 hours apply cold for 15 minutes (no longer) every 3-4 hours.
Heat
Can be soothing and comforting. It should be warm rather than hot and can be useful to reduce muscle tension and spasm. Do cover skin before applying a hot pack, water bottle or wheat bag to avoid burns or scalds.
Rest
We understand that people have demands upon them and although we might advise rest this is often along the lines of “a change is good as a rest”. We are happy to give you practical advice about workstations, caring for young children, training for competitive sport or undertaking general exercise.
Post Treatment Advice Hand Therapy
After your appointment – General hints
HAND THERAPY
You may temporarily feel some increased tenderness after your initial assessment and treatment. This is not unusual but if you are worried or would like advice please do not hesitate to contact the practice.
- You will be given exercises (if appropriate). These will need to be carried out on regular basis. They should NOT increase your pain levels, if this should occur and you feel they have been carried out correctly, please discontinue the exercises until you have seen or spoken to your therapist.
- If the area is swollen, please try to elevate your hand as much as possible.
- Try to keep the unaffected areas moving as much as possible.
- Contrast bathing: Alternating hot & cold water treatments will help reduce swelling, decrease pain, control inflammation and so improve mobility of the affected area. Immerse the area for 30 seconds each in hand hot water followed by immersion in iced cold water. Alternating the hot and cold so that you end in the hot water. (x4 hot, x3 cold) Repeat this procedure 2-3 times a day until the swelling is under control.
- Surgical wounds: If you experience any of the symptoms below, please contact the hospital where your operation was carried out or your GP.
- Sudden increased pain levels
- Hot to touch
- Throbbing sensation
- Foul smelling odour coming from the wound site
Splints: If you have been fabricated a splint.
- These should not be left in direct sunlight, on the radiator, front seat of your car or in hot water as this will alter the shape and therefore lose its function.
- If you feel that a small area is uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to contact your therapist to correct this for you.
- Splints can be cleaned using cool soapy water and a soft toothbrush.
If you should have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment/condition; Please do not hesitate to contact the practice.
Are all the osteopaths and physiotherapists qualified to do the same things?
All osteopaths and physiotherapists in our clinic are experienced, fully qualified, and registered with the relevant statutory regulatory bodies. While there is significant overlap in the skills and conditions treated, each practitioner may have specific areas of further qualification or special interest. We are all aware of these and work together to ensure our patients see the best person for their concerns.
What is the difference between Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic?
At our practices, osteopaths and physiotherapists work together as a team so patients receive the treatment and advice that is most appropriate for them.
Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners, now described as Allied Health Professionals. They have the ability to diagnose and treat a number of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Osteopathic treatment sessions may be more gentle and usually involve more treatment of soft tissues, muscles and ligaments with manipulation of joints than chiropractic sessions.
Physiotherapists are Allied Health Professionals too. They tend to be more experienced in working with people who have had operations or need exercise and rehabilitation to restore their normal function. Physiotherapists apply therapeutic techniques and intervention in order to assist recovery of functional limitation and disability following injury and disease.
Specialist physiotherapists have significant training and experience in managing complex conditions eg Hand Therapy
Chiropractic centres on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the spine and musculoskeletal system, often using spinal adjustments or manipulations.