Osteopathy FAQs

Your first appointment lasts around 40 minutes. We’ll begin with a detailed case history, talking about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, occupation and any previous injuries or healthcare you’ve received.We’ll then carry out a physical examination, looking at your posture, movement and relevant functional tests, as well as joint mobility and muscle tension.Once we’ve completed the assessment, your osteopath will explain their findings and discuss how osteopathy may be able to help. Then we will begin the osteopathic treatment plan using gentle, effective osteopathic techniques to address our findings.Your appointment will finish with a discussion about your osteopathic plan and any appropriate advice or exercises to support you between appointments.You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what we’ve found and what to expect going forward.

Initial appointments are 40 minutes. This gives enough time to take a detailed case history, carry out an examination, explain our findings and begin your osteopathic plan.Follow-up appointments are usually around 30 minutes. These allow time to review your progress, continue with appropriate osteopathic techniques and discuss exercises or other advice where helpful.

There isn’t a set number of appointments. Recommendations depend on the nature and duration of your problem, your goals and how you respond.For a recent or acute problem, often 2 – 4 appointments may be enough. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms for a longer period, you may need several more sessions.Your osteopath will discuss a proposed plan with you at your first appointment. Your progress will then be reviewed at each visit, and your plan adjusted where appropriate. We’ll always discuss any changes with you and seek your consent before proceeding.If you’d like to discuss your symptoms or your osteopathic plan with one of our friendly, professional team, please get in touch here.

The osteopathic techniques used at The Courtyard Osteopaths are generally gentle and do not involve forcing the body to move. We do not routinely use manipulations that make joints crack or click.You may occasionally experience some discomfort during an appointment. If you do, please tell your osteopath. We can adapt what we’re doing to help you feel as comfortable as possible.

Osteopathic techniques involve physical contact and movement, so some people may feel temporarily stiff, sore or achy afterwards. This can sometimes feel similar to post-exercise soreness and usually settles within a few days.It’s sensible to avoid anything particularly strenuous for around 24 hours after your appointment. This might include heavy lifting, strenuous sport, intensive gardening or excessive housework.Your osteopath will explain anything you might reasonably expect following your appointment and will give you any relevant advice.If you have concerns afterwards, please contact us here.

Your osteopath can learn a lot by observing your posture and how your body moves. For some examinations and techniques, we may ask you to remove some clothing, often down to your underwear.Please wear something you feel comfortable in. Shorts and a vest top, for example, can be a good option if you would prefer not to undress further.If you feel anxious or uncomfortable about undressing, please let us know. We’ll always aim to respect your privacy and make you feel at ease. You’re also welcome to have a friend or relative with you during your appointment.

Loose, comfortable clothing makes it easier for your osteopath to assess your movement and work with you. Comfortable trousers or shorts and a top are usually ideal.Heavy, tight jeans, thick belts or restrictive clothing can make an examination less comfortable.

Yes. You’re welcome to bring another adult with you for all or part of your appointment.Children under 16 should always be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

There is full wheelchair access throughout the ground floor, including access to the downstairs toilet.The toilet is not a fully accessible disabled toilet, but it is spacious, has good access and includes grab rails.If you have particular access requirements, please contact reception before your appointment and we’ll be happy to discuss them with you.

No. You don’t need a GP referral to see an osteopath.Osteopaths are regulated primary healthcare professionals registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). They are trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal problems and can refer you to your GP, another healthcare practitioner or a specialist when appropriate.If you have been referred by your GP or another healthcare professional, we’re happy to communicate relevant findings with them, with your consent.Keeping your GP informed about your healthcare can also help ensure that your medical records remain complete and up to date.

If you’re running late, please call reception at the Centre for Whole Health as soon as possible on 0117 923 1138.If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, please give us as much notice as possible. We ask for a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, may still be charged at the usual fee because there may not be enough time to offer the appointment to someone else.If you need to rearrange an appointment, please contact the friendly reception team at The Centre for Whole Health, Bedminster, Bristol on 0117 923 1138.