Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is osteopathy and what can it help with?

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Osteopathic care is a safe, effective approach to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of health concerns.

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Osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialise in the musculoskeletal system—joints, muscles, and related tissues—and understand how it interacts with the rest of the body to support your overall health and wellbeing.

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They take the time to understand your unique history, lifestyle, and physiology, creating a tailored plan to help you feel and function at your best.

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Osteopaths are skilled in diagnosing a variety of health issues and, where appropriate, can identify when further investigation or referral to another healthcare professional is needed to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.

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Treatment often involves a range of gentle, hands-on techniques designed to release tension, improve mobility, and enhance your body’s natural function. Osteopaths also offer helpful advice on health, posture, and exercise to support your recovery and long-term wellbeing.

You do not need a referral from your GP to see an osteopath, though you’re welcome to speak with your doctor first if you prefer.

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All practising osteopaths in the UK must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), which ensures high standards of care are maintained through ongoing professional development and regulatory oversight.

What is Osteopathy?

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Osteopathy is a safe, effective approach to preventing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of health concerns—helping you move better, feel better, and live better.

Osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals who focus on the musculoskeletal system (your muscles, joints, and soft tissues) and how it affects your overall health. They look at your whole body—not just the symptoms—to understand the root cause of your issue.

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Personalised Care That Puts You First

Your osteopath will take the time to understand your individual history, lifestyle, and needs. This allows them to create a personalised treatment plan that supports your recovery and helps you stay well in the long term.

They use a variety of gentle, hands-on techniques to release tension, improve mobility, and restore balance in the body. You may also receive tailored advice on posture, exercise, and general wellbeing to complement your treatment.

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Trusted Professionals

Osteopaths are trained to identify when further investigation or referral is needed, and they work closely with other healthcare providers when appropriate—so you’re always in safe hands.

You don’t need a referral from your GP to book an appointment with an osteopath.

All UK osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), which ensures they meet strict professional standards and continue to develop their skills through ongoing education.

What can osteopathy treat?

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The most commonly treated conditions are:

- Back pain

- Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain

- Sciatica/disc problems

- Arthritic pain

- Rheumatic pain

- Hip and knee osteoarthritis (with exercises)

- Joint pains/generalised aches and pains

- Cervicogenic headache arising from the neck

- Migraine prevention

- Frozen shoulder associated with neck/back problems

- Minor sports injuries and tensions

- Tennis/golfers elbow associated with neck/back problems

- Fibromyalgia

What to expect at your initial osteopathy appointment?

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Visiting an osteopath for the first time? It’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect. Maïté, The Family Osteopath, is here to guide you every step of the way and make you feel as comfortable and informed as possible. Below is a brief overview of what happens during your first visit. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to get in touch before your appointment.

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Your Consultation

During your initial appointment, Maïté will take the time to get to know you and understand your concerns in detail. This includes taking a full medical history, asking about your lifestyle, and exploring the symptoms you’re experiencing. This helps to build a complete picture of your health and is essential for making an accurate diagnosis and planning effective treatment.

All information shared is recorded confidentially in line with the General Osteopathic Council’s standards and the Data Protection Act.

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Physical Examination

Maïté will carry out a physical assessment, which may include examining areas beyond where you're feeling pain, as discomfort can sometimes originate elsewhere in the body (for example, arm pain may stem from the neck). She will gently assess your muscles, joints, and movement to identify any tension or restrictions, explaining everything clearly as she goes.

You’re always in control—if at any point you feel uncomfortable, you can ask to pause or stop the session. Your comfort and trust are paramount.

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What to Wear?

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As with many types of physical healthcare, you may be asked to remove some clothing so Maïté can assess and treat the relevant areas effectively. If you’d prefer, feel free to bring shorts and a t-shirt or wear close-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and assessment. Your comfort is always respected.

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Your Treatment

After the assessment, Maïté will discuss her findings with you and propose a tailored treatment plan. This may include hands-on techniques such as gentle stretching, mobilising joints, or releasing muscle tension. You’ll also receive practical advice and exercises to support your recovery and help manage symptoms at home.

In most cases, treatment will begin during your first appointment. However, if your medical history is more complex, Maïté may start treatment at your follow-up visit. If she identifies an issue that requires further medical attention, she will refer you to your GP or another appropriate specialist.

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Is Treatment Painful?

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Osteopathic treatment is typically gentle and designed to be as comfortable as possible. Maïté will always inform you if a technique might cause some temporary discomfort and will stop immediately if anything feels too intense.

It is common to experience mild soreness for up to 48 hours after treatment, similar to what you might feel after exercise. This is completely normal. If you experience anything unusual, Maïté is just a call away.

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Training & Professional Standards

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You can feel confident knowing that Maïté is a fully qualified osteopath with extensive training and clinical experience. All osteopaths in the UK must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council and complete a four-year degree with over 1,000 hours of clinical practice and are required a minimum of 30 hours of professional development each year.

As a recognised Allied Health Professional, Maïté is committed to delivering safe, effective care tailored to your individual needs—helping you get back to doing the things you love.