FAQs

What precautions are you taking to minimise the spread of COVID-19?

At The Salisbury Clinic, the health and safety of our patients and staff is of paramount importance.  In line with current government guidelines, we are taking every possible precaution to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

• All new patients will be sent an electronic COVID screening document or asked to fill one out by hand before their consultation.
• By law, as of 24th July 2020, face coverings or face masks should be worn in enclosed public spaces where social distancing is difficult. If you do not have one, we are happy to provide appropriate face masks on request.
• Please aim to arrive for your appointment no earlier than 10 minutes before your allotted time. If you arrive earlier than this you will be asked to wait outside the clinic.
• Your temperature will be taken on arrival. If it is 37.5°c or over you will not be treated and be advised to follow the government guidance.
• You will be required to use the designated hand sanitiser on arrival and when exiting the clinic.
• You will be asked to wait in the socially distanced waiting area until you are called upon by a member of staff.
• All surfaces and high frequency touch-points in the clinic will be sanitized between each patient.
• All practitioners will be wearing appropriate PPE throughout your entire treatment.
• Where possible, please pay via contactless card or contactless payment method.
• We would also ask that you stay aware of your surroundings at all times and be considerate of others when visiting the clinic.

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Who do you treat?

Anyone can have osteopathic treatment from young to old, your consultation will be tailored to your individual needs

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What should I wear to my appointment?

Osteopaths need to see the area that they are treating so you may be asked to undress during your consultation.  Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.  Shorts are ideal, and for women a strappy top can be helpful.

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Does it hurt? Are there any side-effects?

Some of the techniques used can feel tender during your treatment, please don’t be afraid to communicate this to your osteopath and they will adjust accordingly.  Side effects are rare, however it is common to feel sore for up to 48 hours post treatment. This will depend on your tissue sensitivity and reaction to treatment. 

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How many sessions do I need?

This varies from patient to patient and depends on many factors including but not exclusively: your presenting complaint, your medical history, general health and occupation.  We aim to see some positive changes within 3 to 4 sessions and for a lot of people we recommend periodic maintenance every few months.  If you are not responding to treatment we will either arrange the appropriate imaging, refer you to your GP or recommend another healthcare professional.

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What qualifications do you need to become an osteopath?

To become an osteopath you must have completed a four year full time degree or five year part-time, combining in-depth anatomical, physiological academia and over 200 hours of clinical experience.

Once graduated, all osteopaths must register with their governing body, the General Osteopathic Council.  They are responsible for regulation and maintaining professional standards.  As part of the registration, all osteopaths must complete at least 30 hours of continued professional development annually.  

The title “Osteopath” is protected by law under the Osteopaths Act 1993. Unregistered practice is a criminal offence in the UK.

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What’s the difference between an osteopath, chiropractor and physiotherapist?

There is a lot of overlap with these three professions and all have the same overall goal.  The important thing is that your chosen professional has your best interests at heart.  Classically osteopaths and chiropractors are more similar, with physios being less hands on.  Chiropractors tend to stick with manipulation only therefore spending less time with patients.  Physios tend to focus on rehabilitation and exercise prescription.

Osteopaths use a wider range of treatments and tend to spend more time with patients therefore less treatments are generally needed.

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