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Not sure if we’re the right fit for your needs? If you’re recovering from an injury, have questions before booking, or simply prefer to speak to someone first — we’re happy to help. Send us a message via WhatsApp/SMS and we’ll call you back promptly.

  • Monday: 8am-7pm
    Tuesday: 8am-7pm
    Wednesday: 8am-12pm
    Friday: 8am-7pm
    Saturday: 9am-2pm.
    Out of hours by arrangement by direct calling/WhatsApp message.

Heathervale practice FAQs

Common Questions About Osteopathy

We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions about osteopathy and our practice. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Please see our online booking page to see the latest prices at The Heathervale Practice.

Osteopathy is a regulated, patient-centered approach to healthcare. A discipline that works with your whole body to restore balance and enhance natural function of your structure and your internal systems. Whether you are a child, an adult, or in your later years, osteopathy can be tailored to your specific needs.

We take the time to listen to you because we understand that your health isn’t just about physical symptoms—it’s about your whole life. If something in your body’s structure isn’t quite right, it can affect how you function; likewise, something in your lifestyle that isn’t best suiting you currently needs to be identified to enable you to make changes. Our role is to determine what’s causing the issue and combine the use of gentle, effective techniques with exercise and lifestyle guidance to help you feel and move better.

Osteopathy is not just about treating joint pain, sports injuries, or nerve pain like sciatica – although we do that rather well! We can also help with conditions like headaches, digestive issues, circulatory problems, muscular stiffness (such as fibromyalgia), and even stress – one of the most pervasive modern health challenges. By improving how your body works—enhancing blood flow, nerve function, and the effects on the performance of your internal organs—we aim to support your overall well-being.

As part of a regulated profession, we’re highly trained to use diagnostic techniques similar to those your GP might use, alongside our own specialist methods. You can trust that you’re in safe hands with us. Let’s work together to help your body feel its best and get you back to living the life you love.

Osteopaths take a holistic approach to the whole body, and as such, we can help with a very wide range of issues.

Most people can benefit from osteopathic care, whether for pain relief, injury recovery, or overall health and well-being. We also provide lifestyle, exercise, and wellness advice to support your long-term health and help prevent future issues. If you’re unsure whether osteopathy is right for you, just ask—we’re happy to help.

The number of sessions you will need depends on your condition, your goals, your medical history, and how your body responds to treatment. During your first consultation, we will take the time to assess your situation and create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

If your issue is new (acute), you might need around 3-6 sessions over a few weeks to see good progress. However, if you are dealing with something more long-term or chronic—whether it’s been bothering you for 3 months or even 30 years—it may take longer to reach your goals. That said, our priority is always to help you feel better and get you out of pain as quickly as possible.

For babies, the number of sessions is usually less—often just 1-4 appointments, depending on why they’re being treated and their overall health.

No matter your situation, we’ll work with you every step of the way to help you feel your best.

Your first visit will take about an hour. We will start by going over the online form you will have already filled out to get a clear understanding of your situation and what’s been bothering you. You will have plenty of time to tell us more about your story, ask us any questions, and tell us what you are hoping to achieve.

Then, we will do a clinical examination, including checks on your current posture, mobility, and any necessary tests, like nerve function. For this, you will usually need to undress to your underwear, but if you would prefer, you can wear lightweight, loose-fitting shorts and a vest top. We will also use drapes on the couch to keep you comfortable and maintain your privacy.

After the examination comes the diagnosis where we will explain what is going on and, in partnership with you, come up with a personalised treatment plan. This might include our expert hands-on treatment, exercises, or health management advice to help with your recovery. If we think you need more investigation, we will recommend the right healthcare professional colleague, such as your GP for blood tests for example.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask—your comfort and understanding are important to us!

Osteopathic treatment should not in itself feel painful and can often feel relaxing. However, if certain areas are especially overstrained, you might notice some tenderness during the session, so do let your Osteopath know at the time. Osteopathy is not “no pain, no gain”!

It’s also normal to feel a bit achy or sore for a day or two afterward as your body adjusts to the changes encouraged, and some people feel a little tired following treatment.

During your first appointment, we will explain what you can expect based on your specific situation. If you ever have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

It’s simple! You can book online through our website—just choose a date and time that works for you, and our system will guide you through the rest.

If you’d prefer to speak to someone, feel free to give us a call. We’ll happily help you find a convenient time and answer any questions you might have. Whatever works best for you, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free!

If arriving by car: You can either park directly on the driveway, or use the village car park, which is a 4–5-minute walk to the practice. (Please note: no parking is allowed in The Meadows itself.)

Walking directions from the village centre car park:

  1. Head from the far-right corner of the long-stay car park through the walkway under the mews house arch in Dearing Close.
  2. At the end of the road, turn left onto Great Mead and then immediately right into The Meadows.
  3. Take the second left (still The Meadows), follow to the end of the cul-de-sac, and number 53 is on the left, third from last with the open 5-bar gate.

If arriving by bicycle: You will be able to park your bike directly next to the practice itself.

No, you don’t! Osteopaths are primary care practitioners, so you can come straight to us without waiting for a referral.

If needed, and with your consent, we’re happy to share a report about your condition and treatment with your GP to keep them informed and ensure continuity of care.

Yes, most health insurance providers do cover osteopathy, but the details depend on your specific policy. We recommend checking with your insurer to confirm what is covered.

We no longer accept direct claims with insurers and so, after you have made your payment, we will provide you with a receipt, so you can submit it to your insurer for reimbursement.

Unfortunately, we do not have suitable access for wheelchair users.

For other visitors with mobility issues please not that our access route to the practice building from the driveway involves passing through a gate, with 2 individual steps on the path, and then 4 steps to reach the door. Our toilet facilities are in a separate building involving 2 more steps, two sharp 90 degree turns and a narrow doorway.

A home visit may be possible for those unable to access the practice, or alternatively a referral to another more suitable practice.

If you’re unsure about accessibility, please don’t hesitate to call us. We will do everything we can to assist you in getting the treatment you need.