FAQs
Do I need a referral for osteopathy from my GP?
Many people are referred to an osteopath by their GP or another healthcare provider. However, as osteopaths are registered primary healthcare practitioners, you can make an appointment with us directly, without a referral.
Are you registered with any healthcare companies?
Yes we are registered with all healthcare companies.
What should I expect from my osteopath?
Find out more about what to expect from your osteopath.
What should I bring for my osteopathic treatment?
It is useful to bring along your current prescription of medication, any x-rays, scans or other test results.
To ensure your comfort, it is recommended that you wear loose clothing or bring a pair of shorts to change into.
Please arrive a few minutes prior to your initial appointment time, as you will need to fill out some paperwork.
Your osteopath needs to obtain your consent to examine and treat you, and you will be asked for your verbal consent after your osteopath has explained the examination which is required and again after making the diagnosis and advising you of the treatment proposed.
You may be required to sign a consent form, dependent on the examination and treatment required.
You are welcome to bring a chaperone. If so, during the pandemic, we require their contact details for pre-screening purposes.
Can I bring a chaperone?
You are welcome to bring a chaperone. If so, during the pandemic, we require their contact details for pre-screening purposes.
How long are the osteopathy appointments?
The initial consultation takes an hour, which provides your osteopath with the opportunity to listen and consider issues that may seem unrelated, but are crucial to a patient’s wellbeing. Subsequent appointments are 30 minutes.
What happens during my osteopathy appointment?
At your first consultation, your osteopath will ask you questions about your symptoms, as well as your lifestyle and medical history, and any medications that you take.
Your osteopath will then conduct a clinical examination, observing your posture and assessing your mobility. You may be asked to remove some clothing for the examination and treatment. Once a diagnosis has been reached, your osteopath will develop a treatment plan with you. Treatment may include gentle techniques, such as soft tissue massage, stretching, manipulation or cranial osteopathy. Your osteopath may also provide advice to help manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or at work
Do osteopaths treat babies and children?
Yes, osteopathy is suitable for babies and children. Your baby’s first visit may take up to an hour, and you will be asked about your pregnancy, the baby’s birth and medical history.
You may need to undress your baby to his or her nappy for the osteopath to make an assessment. Once a diagnosis is made a treatment plan will be made with you.
Subtle, gentle cranial osteopathic techniques are often used for babies.
Very young babies can stay on their parent’s lap and may even be fed during treatment if they are hungry. Some babies are so relaxed during treatment that they fall asleep!
For older babies and children there are plenty of books and toys for them to play with during treatment and the osteopaths are very used to treating toddlers on the move! You might like to bring a favourite toy or snack if you think it might help them to settle.
Older children and teenagers might find the description of an adult treatment more relevant to them. Osteopathic treatment may be helpful during exam studies to relieve muscle aches and joint stiffness as well as to recover from an injury.
Do I have to pay for my initial consultation if osteopathy isn't suitable?
No, you do not have to pay for the initial consultation should your problem be assessed as not suitable for osteopathic treatment.
Book your appointment online
Call us
0131 557 2211
23 Eyre Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5EX
Opening hours
Monday – Wednesday 8.30 am – 7 pm
Thursday & Friday 9 am – 7 pm
Email us
info@eyreplaceosteopath.co.uk