YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
Appointments
I practice to ensure minimum delay in the arrangement of appointments. Diagnosis and treatment is by consultation only, but telephone advice of a general nature can be given as appropriate.
Please note a standard 24 hours notice of appointment cancellation is reasonably required, the patient is otherwise obliged to meet the full fee.
Your First Appointment
David needs to know about your health, past and present and you will be asked detailed questions about your complaint, medical history, general health and any medication you may be taking.
David will carry out a careful physical examination sometimes incorporating medical equipment to help with the diagnosis.
If you choose, you may have a friend or relative present during the appointment.
WHAT TO WEAR
To ensure a thorough detailed examination can be made, whilst maintaining your comfort, it would help if you could attend appointments prepared for a physical examination of yourself whilst wearing your underwear. Modesty towels are available as requested.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED
Every problem and patient are different and the number of treatments (as a plan) will be discussed during the first visit. The number of treatments needed depends on your condition. If you have chronic low back pain for example, you may need several treatments. For acute pain, one or two treatments may be enough.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Private Health Insurance
Most private health insurance policies request that a GP or Specialist refers you to an Osteopath. If you would like your Osteopathic costs to be covered by your private health insurance, this must be clarified between yourself and your insurance company. Please note any treatment, advice or services not reasonably covered by your policy will have to be met by yourself.
My clinics are registered with most major insurance companies.
TREATMENT COSTS
Initial 1 hour consultation is £45*
Follow-up appointments are £45 for 40 minutes*
*Included in the price are the costs of minor consumable items - i.e. tape, massage oil, etc.
Cash or cheque payments are to be made at the time of your appointment.
Please note that credit / debit cards are not accepted at this time.
SELF REFERRAL, MEDICAL REPORTS
I receive referrals from G.P.’s and other health care professionals, however you can make an appointment directly without needing to contact your family doctor.
Medical Reports
We can also prepare Medical Reports at the request, for example, of your doctor or solicitor. These reports are charged separately.
Off-work certificates will be provided where appropriate.
GENERAL ADVICE
Hints & Tips
Occasionally, you may feel some increased tenderness after treatment. This is not unusual and is a result of the changes induced by treatment. Some people liken the feeling to the effects of unaccustomed exercise.
If you are worried or would like any advice please do not hesitate to call David. In the mean time, see the following for some useful tips.
Cold Packs
These are very helpful reducing pain and assisting the inflammatory (healing) process. They are most effective when used as follows:
In the first 24 hours after any injury apply hourly for 5 minutes at a time.
Subsequently apply for 15 minutes every 3 - 4 hours
Never place the ice pack directly on the skin. Cover the area to be treated with a thin cloth. Apply the cold pack (frozen peas, gel pack).
Sitting
If you have low back pain avoid sitting for more than 20 minutes where possible.
If sitting is unavoidable, use an upright chair.
Use a cushion to raise your hips a little above your knees.
Stand up and move around every twenty minutes.
Driving involves sitting and long journeys should be broken up.
Lie
On your back with a pillow under your knees; or,
On your side, knees bent with a pillow between them.
Placing a duvet under your sheet may make a hard bed more comfortable.
A collar or rolled towel around your neck may help relieve neck pain.
Avoid repetitive movements (reaching stretching and twisting, even for small items).