Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any other questions about our services, or the clinic please get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
What can osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths treat a wide range of injuries that affect; muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons to name but a few. These injuries can be from anywhere from the head down to the toes with most other areas covered in between.
We can also treat patients who require cranial and visceral osteopathic techniques.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Osteopaths are all trained professionals who have spent at least 4 years at university studying. Upon arrival, your osteopath will complete a detailed case history that will cover not only the problem you are presenting with but also cover a broader medical history of things related to the current issue but also things which might not initially seem relevant but are essential to make sure you are safe to treat.
We will then do some passive and active examination of the structures in question. We will then often do special testing such as orthopaedic tests, neurological examinations etc to come up with a diagnosis which is backed up by observations, examinations and measurements. We will then try to explain this to you in a way you can understand.
Our treatment will then start involving massage, stretches, manipulation and exercise prescription which will continue at home.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. We treat some patients who are fully clothed.
That being said, it is easier if we can see the area we are treating and move the joints to assess them. With this in mind, wearing loose fitting clothing can help this such as gym clothing or vests with thin straps. Do not wear very tight jeans or leggings if you are coming in for treatment on the lower body.
At what age can you treat patients?
Patients for The Surrey Osteopaths have ranged from 2 days old to 94 years old.
However, most of all we tend to see men and women in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s – it seems the combination of work, family life and the need to keep fit makes us mid-age-ish folk quite vulnerable to aches and pains.
What is the difference between osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors?
We have a lot in common with other manual therapists such as chiropractors and physiotherapists. We all tend to look after patients who suffer with musculoskeletal problems – i.e. joint and muscle pains or injuries. We have all studied at degree level for 4 years for osteopaths and chiropractors and 3 years for physiotherapists.
The way osteopaths approach these problems may differ. Osteopaths will always assess and treat the whole body and the whole person. We believe no muscle, joint or organ works in isolation, they’re all part of the incredible machine that is the human body.
By assessing and improving movement, function and strength throughout the body, as well as discussing your general health and wellbeing, we aim to help the problem area recover quicker and stay better for longer.
Our appointments are usually longer than other healthcare professionals, which allows us time to listen to you and assess everything in detail, identify the root cause of your symptoms and any potential contributing factors, and still have sufficient time for hands-on treatment, giving you the long-lasting care you need.
Check out ‘what we treat’ from our website’s home page or main menu to find out the long list of areas we treat and how we approach each of them individually.
What is parking and access like at your clinics?
Both the Carshalton and Woking practices are based in large leisure centres which have free parking (up to 2 hours at Woking) and are fully accessible via ramps outside the leisure centres and lifts inside the leisure centre.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours notice to cancel or change an appointment and if this need is not met then the full treatment fee will be charged.
We run a very busy clinic with a waiting list for patients who are in need of treatment so if you cannot make your appointment please let us know so we can try to help out another patient who needs a treatment with one of our osteopaths.