Your first session includes a detailed consultation, where we’ll discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and lifestyle factors. This is followed by a physical assessment, which includes checking posture, joint mobility, and muscle tension, and usually some gentle hands-on treatment. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on and a tailored plan for recovery.

Yes, in most cases you’ll receive treatment during your first visit — unless further tests or referrals are needed first. The session is always tailored to your comfort and needs.

You’ll get simple aftercare advice — such as stretches, posture tips, or lifestyle tweaks — to help your body recover and stay balanced between sessions.

Most reactions to treatments are mild. However, like all medical interventions, you may experience mild to moderate post-treatment soreness which can last up to a few days. For most people, it is a workout sort of feeling that usually lasts around 24-48 hours. This, of course, varies from person to person.

No. Most osteopaths work within private clinics, and you can self-refer yourself to osteopathic clinics. Some osteopaths however work within the NHS and are available in certain areas (this, you will need to inquire about with your GP).

Never hesitate to call or email if you are wondering if osteopathy is the right choice for you and we will be happy to guide you.

You can book online through our website or call/text the clinic directly. If you need to reschedule, please give at least 24 hours’ notice where possible.

Yes — many private health insurance providers cover osteopathic treatment. Coverage varies depending on your insurer and policy, so it’s best to check directly with your provider before booking.

Note: We can provide a receipt or treatment invoice with all the details your insurer needs to process your claim.

We are. We are under the regulation of the General Osteopathic Council (GoSC), which regulates osteopaths across the UK. All the practitioners at Valerian Osteopathy are registered with them and therefore have their license to practice in the UK. For more information, here is the link to their website: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/home/

Yes — osteopathy can be very helpful in managing arthritis symptoms. While it doesn’t reverse joint changes, it can reduce pain, stiffness, and muscle tension, helping your joints move more freely. Gentle techniques also improve circulation and mobility, making daily activities easier and more comfortable.

We do not treat expectant mothers in their first trimester. This is usually in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. We would be happy to treat you after the first 12 weeks have passed and your scans are all clear.

This depends on your presentation, its severity, and the length of time you have had symptoms. With most presenting complaints, we aim to make a significant difference within the first 3-6 treatments. In some cases, patients may not need that many. Other people however will need a few more. No two presentations are the same. Therefore, the treatment plan may change. There are so many lifestyle differences that change certain outcomes. With this in mind, we tailor your care plan to your individual needs. We will always do our best to get you better as soon as possible. If we see that things do not progress as originally expected (a rare occasion), we will do our best to refer you or find an alternative care plan for you.

Most of the time it does not. This depends on your presentation and if you are acute (meaning that the pain is really new and movement is really painful and restricted). What will happen is that movement on the couch when asked to change position might be slightly tender (often more than the treatment itself). We will of course, never push your boundaries and work with your pain threshold and make the experience as pain-free as possible.

Usually, anything that is stretchy and comfortable to wear, leggings, sportswear like a sports bra, vest, or shorts. You will not have to dress down to your underwear at any point if you do not want to. If you wear comfortable and stretchy trousers, only the top will sometimes be asked to be removed. Of course, you do not have to underdress if you do not feel comfortable.

Osteopaths have a holistic way of looking at the body, we believe that everything is connected and therefore that the location of the pain is not necessarily the source of it. For example, an old ankle injury might be the source of your back, shoulder, or neck pain, or even your headache.

Technique-wise, in general, osteopaths use a wider range of techniques that range from soft (like cranial/functional osteopath, which is a branch that is mainly used by osteopaths) to more direct, like manipulations of the spine, which chiropractors mainly use.

Because of the wide array of techniques, osteopaths can treat and can specialise in a lot of areas like sports, women's and men's health, paediatric, headaches, etc.

Chiropractors mainly use manipulation in order to adjust the joint positioning within the spine and joint in order to facilitate healing. They believe that most issues stem from the spine and the associated disturbances this may cause to the nervous system.

It is a different way to look at things.

Physiotherapists mainly use an exercise-based approach in order to treat an injury. Some physiotherapists use a hands-on treatment like massage, and dry needling along with their exercise program and some physiotherapists do not do the hands-on treatment at all during their consultation, but may still conduct an assessment.

Wearing masks by practitioners/patients is now a personal choice.

National Infection prevention and control guidance does not require the use of PPE unless there is a known COVID infection.