Question 1

Do I need to be referred by my GP?

Accepted Answer

No. An osteopath is clinically trained to professionally assess and treat you, without the need for a GP referral.

However, some insurers will ask you to get a referral as part of approving your claim. Speak to your insurer about this if you are not sure.

Question 2

Can I claim on my health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Tom is registered with most private health insurers that cover osteopathy, either as an individual practitioner or through the clinics he works at. These include BUPA, AXA, Aviva, Vitality and WPA.

Please contact the individual clinics if you're not sure:

Pure Sports Medicine, Chancery Lane
Pure Sports Medicine, Bank

Question 3

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

When visiting an osteopath for the first time, it is natural to feel a little unsure of what to expect. Tom will begin by asking you questions about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and goals, and then assess your posture and movement, as well as looking for any areas of tenderness.
In order to examine and treat effectively, you may be asked to undress to some extent, but this will be kept to the minimum that allows adequate assessment and treatment, and only as far as you are comfortable with. What you might wear to the gym is generally fine, so you have the option to bring something to change into.
Tom may also do additional tests such as taking blood pressure or testing reflexes. All of this helps to formulate a diagnosis and develop the best course of treatment for you. After examination, Tom will explain his findings and discuss a treatment plan.
Usually, treatment begins at the first appointment. Occasionally, however, it may be necessary to refer you to your GP or other health professional for further investigations such as blood tests or scans. Tom will always discuss this with you and get your permission to do so.

Question 4

Will Treatment Hurt?

Accepted Answer

Treatment is generally a pleasant experience and provides relief. However, you may experience some discomfort during or after a session. Particularly with massage techniques, people often describe a "good pain" that feels like it is helping. Tom will check with you on your level of tolerance for this. Please let him know if you feel uncomfortable in any way during treatment. This may be due to the position you are in, or because a certain technique hurts, or you feel worried that treatment may make your symptoms worse, or for any other reason. If you do not feel comfortable with something, just say. Tom will be happy to stop, discuss your concerns and suggest alternatives.
You may just prefer not to have particular techniques or work on certain areas of your body for whatever reason. It is important that you say so, as there are usually alternative ways of treating your symptoms effectively in a manner you feel comfortable with.
Some people experience stiffness, soreness or tiredness for up to 24-48 hours after treatment, but generally this eases fairly soon, and they feel a significant improvement in their overall symptoms after that. Tom will be happy to discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with you before it begins, or at any other point.

Question 5

How often should I come for treatment?

Accepted Answer

For an acute episode of pain, treatments are generally weekly at first, with a longer gap between treatments once symptoms have improved. Tom will give you an idea of the number and frequency of sessions needed after your full examination at the first appointment.
Most simple episodes of pain will feel better within one to four sessions, whereas more complex, multiple or long-standing issues are likely to need more.

Question 6

How do I cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

At Pure Sports Medicine, there is also a 24 hour policy for cancellation or rescheduling. Missed appointments or changes after this time will be charged at the full self-pay appointment rate. Contact booking@puresportsmed.com or call 020 4527 4575.

Question 7

What is your policy on confidentiality and data protection?

Accepted Answer

As registered health practitioners, osteopaths take data protection and confidentiality issues very seriously.

The clinics I work in have their own policy, which you can access by contacting the clinics themselves, or you can download a copy of Pure Sports Medicine's policy from the link below.

Pure Sports Medicine
Email
+44 20 4527 4600
Policy

Question 8

What do I do if I am not happy about something?

Accepted Answer

Please speak to Tom, he has your best interests at heart. He will listen and seek to address your concerns in consultation with you.

If you do not feel comfortable doing this, please contact the relevant clinic in the first instance. They will each have their own policy, but will be happy to listen, take your concerns seriously and do what they can to help address them.

Pure Sports Medicine

The Institute of Osteopathy is the professional body for osteopaths. They have a complaints resolution service, which offers the opportunity to speak to experienced staff who are not directly involved, and are well placed to talk to you about your concerns and give help and advice.

The General Osteopathic Council is the statutory regulator for osteopaths. If you have discussed and sought to resolve your concerns and still feel they have not been satisfactorily addressed, you have the option to make a formal complaint. It will be considered by the Investigating Committee and may then result in a full hearing of the Professional Conduct Committee, at which you are likely to be asked to appear to give testimony.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions