FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you've ever wanted to ask about Osteopathy and Physiotherapy
We want you to feel listened to and cared for every step of the way during your appointment at Guy Gold's. If you've never been to an Osteopath or Physiotherapist before, or it's your first time coming to see us, read on: we've put together all of the most common questions about Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and the way we work.
Osteopathy FAQ
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of musculoskeletal therapy that looks at the muscles and bones and how they work together in a patient's body. It's a non-invasive, drug-free treatment, so it's safe for people of all ages.​
What can Osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths can provide help with a range of conditions, including:
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Pain management
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Joint pain including frozen shoulder, shoulder, neck, hip and knee pain
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Headaches that arise from the neck
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Lumbago
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Neuralgia
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Minor sports injuries
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Fibromyalgia
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Cramp
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Circulatory problems
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Digestive issues
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Arthritic pain
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Disc injuries
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Sciatica
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Plantar fasciitis
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Tendinopathy or tendonitis
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Osteopaths are trained to care for babies, toddlers, children, teenagers, adults, pregnant women and elderly patients.
What conditions cannot be treated with Osteopathy?
Osteopaths are trained to screen for and recognise medical conditions. If you are dealing with an issue that cannot be treated with Osteopathy or requires medical attention, your Osteopath will advise you to see a health professional, such as a doctor or a midwife.
Do you offer online appointments?
We are currently offering online appointments for Osteopathy, with Andrew Hudson and Anna Aydinc, and Movement with Andrew Hudson and Michelle Smith. You can find out more about online consultations here.
What should I expect when I go to see an Osteopath?
For your first appointment (60 minutes), your Osteopath will spend some time asking you questions about your symptoms and how we can help you, whether you're experiencing pain, dealing with an injury, or looking for help with postural or joint problems. Your Osteopath will then carry out a physical assessment, and might ask you to perform some movements. They'll then talk you through your treatment options. In a follow-up appointment, your Osteopath will spend 30 minutes working on different parts of your body. To read more about your appointment, visit our Treatment page.
Is Osteopathy painful?
Some of the Osteopathic techniques used during your appointment may cause some mild discomfort, but not pain. Your Osteopath will be in communication with you for the duration of your appointment and will ensure that you are comfortable at all times. Patients occasionally experience some soreness the day after an Osteopathic appointment but this should last no longer than 24 hours.
Do I have to take my clothes off?
You'll never have to take your clothes off if you don't feel comfortable. Often, your Osteopath will ask you to remove some of your clothing so that they can work directly on the skin; however, if you'd prefer not to, just let your Osteopath know at any point during your appointment. We take extra care to ensure our patients feel safe and looked-after at all times when they are in our care: if at any point you'd like to pause the appointment, or have your Osteopath explain part of your treatment, just ask.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me to my appointment?
You are welcome to bring someone along to your appointment with you, if it would make you feel more comfortable.
How do I book an appointment?
If you're booking your first appointment, please call Reception on 02070187180 to book. To book a follow-up appointment, you can book online using our online booking system. If you'd prefer to book over the phone, you are welcome to use the phone number above.
Do I need to see a GP to be referred to an Osteopath?
In most cases it is not necessary to be referred by your GP; the majority of our patients self-refer. If during your appointment your Osteopath becomes aware of a condition that cannot be treated with Osteopathy, they will direct you to the appropriate medical professional.
How many Osteopathy appointments will I need?
Your Osteopath will asses you during your initial consultation, and let you know the recommended course of treatment. Some conditions can be treated in as little as one session, whereas others will require a series of appointments. We will always be clear with you about what kind of treatment we recommend, and will never advise you to attend more appointments than you need.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my appointment?
You should bring details of any medication or prescriptions you are taking to your appointment, as well as any orthotics, braces or supports you are using. If you have copies of any relevant medical reports, scans or X-rays it would be useful to bring those along as well.
Is Osteopathy covered by my insurance?
Osteopathy appointments, including online video appointments, are covered by most major healthcare insurance providers. If you are unsure about whether your insurance provider will cover your treatment please contact them directly.
Physiotherapy FAQ
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury or illness in the future. It takes a holistic approach that involves the patient directly in their own care.
When is Physiotherapy used?
Physiotherapy can be helpful for people of all ages with a wide range of health conditions, including problems affecting the bones, joints and soft tissue – such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and sports injuries.
Physiotherapy can improve your physical activity while helping you to prevent further injuries.
What do Physiotherapists do?
Physiotherapists are specially consider the body as a whole, rather than just focusing on the individual aspects of an injury or illness. Some of the main approaches used by physiotherapists include:
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Education and advice – physiotherapists can give advice about things that can affect your daily life, such as posture and correct lifting or carrying techniques to help prevent injuries
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Movement, tailored exercise and physical activity advice – exercises may be recommended to improve your general health and mobility, and to strengthen specific parts of your body. Our physiotherapist has special training in Pilates, and draws on this approach to inform treatment plans.
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Manual therapy – where the physiotherapist uses their hands to help relieve pain and stiffness, and to encourage better movement of the body
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Dry-needling – similar to acupuncture, our physiotherapist has additional training in dry-needling, and will offer this as part of a treatment plan where it can provide additional benefits.
Do you offer online appointments?
We are currently offering online appointments for Physiotherapy with Michelle Lewis.
What should I expect when I go to see a Physiotherapist?
For your first appointment (60 minutes), your Physiotherapist will spend some time asking you questions about your symptoms and how we can help you, whether you're experiencing pain, dealing with an injury, or looking for help with postural or joint problems. Your Physiotherapist will then carry out a physical assessment, and might ask you to perform some movements. They'll then talk you through your treatment options. In a 30-minute follow-up appointment, your Physiotherapist may use a combination of direct body-work, creating a stretching and exercise programme for you, and giving advice on ways to support your body. Direct work might include dry-needling if they feel this well help and you are comfortable with this.
Is Physiotherapy painful?
Some of the Physiotherapy techniques used during your appointment may cause some mild discomfort, but not pain. Your Physiotherapist will be in communication with you for the duration of your appointment and will ensure that you are comfortable at all times. Patients occasionally experience some soreness the day after a Physiotherapy appointment but this should last no longer than 24 hours.
Do I have to take my clothes off?
You'll never have to take your clothes off if you don't feel comfortable. Your Physiotherapist may ask you to remove some of your clothing so that they can work directly on the skin; however, if you'd prefer not to, just let your Physiotherapist know at any point during your appointment. We take extra care to ensure our patients feel safe and looked-after at all times when they are in our care: if at any point you'd like to pause the appointment, or have your Physiotherapist explain part of your treatment, just ask.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me to my appointment?
You are welcome to bring someone along to your appointment with you, if it would make you feel more comfortable.
How do I book a Physiotherapy appointment?
If you're booking your first appointment, please call Reception on 02070187180 to book. To book a follow-up appointment, you can book online using our online booking system. If you'd prefer to book over the phone, you are welcome to use the phone number above.
Do I need to see a GP to be referred to a Physiotherapist?
In most cases it is not necessary to be referred by your GP; the majority of our patients self-refer. If during your appointment your Physiotherapist becomes aware of a condition that cannot be treated with Physiotherapy, they will direct you to the appropriate medical professional.
How many Physiotherapy appointments will I need?
Your Physiotherapist will asses you during your initial consultation, and let you know the recommended course of treatment. Some conditions can be treated in as little as one session, whereas others will require a series of appointments. We will always be clear with you about what kind of treatment we recommend, and will never advise you to attend more appointments than you need.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my Physiotherapy appointment?
You should bring details of any medication or prescriptions you are taking to your appointment, as well as any orthotics, braces or supports you are using. If you have copies of any relevant medical reports, scans or X-rays it would be useful to bring those along as well.
Is Physiotherapy covered by my insurance?
Physiotherapy appointments, including online video appointments, are covered by most major healthcare insurance providers. If you are unsure about whether your insurance provider will cover your treatment please contact them directly.