Before your first appointment there’s a couple of things we need to confirm.
First, safety!
If you have symptoms of covid, OR are unwell for any other reason, let us know as soon as possible. Keeping you and our other patients safe is our main priority. We won’t charge you for a cancellation if you are unwell.
We are happy to rearrange your treatment for when you are feeling better. If you booked online, we can refund you, or apply the credit to your account.
Second, access.
We are in the Millbank Tower, on Millbank next to the Tate Britain. The easiest way in is to go through the main foyer at 21-24 Millbank. You can give your name to the reception (or security if it is before 9 or after 5:30) and they will send you in.
Take the lift to the first floor, then turn left and head along the mezzanine to the Citibase entrance. The reception there will direct you to the clinic around to the left.
If you get stuck, just give your therapist a call, and they should be able to find you! All our contact details are on this site here.
When you get here
You do not need the referral of a doctor to be seen by an osteopath, although some patients do come to us following GP advice.
During your first appointment your osteopath will talk through a full case history with you. They may then ask you to change into shorts or your underwear depending what you want them to look at. Rest assured, it is also possible to stay fully clothed, or however you will feel comfortable. They will examine you, tell you what they think is happening, and then do some treatment, as well as usually giving some exercises to do at home.
Osteopathic treatment is very varied, and can include massage and joint articulation, (or even joint clicking!), or stretching, dry needling, or gentle cranial treatments. We always have different ways of getting to an outcome, so don’t worry if a certain treatment doesn’t appeal.
For children, we will check all your child’s developmental milestones related to their age. For babies, this examination will involve undressing your baby to their nappy, with the nappy being removed to assess hip mobility and muscle tone for a short period. For older children, it is important to check their physical development and posture, which may involve them undressing to their underwear. Teenagers may prefer to wear a strap top.
Your osteopath will then talk to you about what they think is causing the problem. They will also talk to you about possible treatment options, ensuring to keep you informed about any benefits or potential side effects. If a referral is indicated, and normally only with your permission, we may need to write to your GP or other healthcare practitioners.
Your first consultation may take up to an hour, and (depending upon many factors) may not always result in treatment. If this is the case (and it is appropriate) then you will be re-booked for a further appointment as soon as possible.
The price for an initial consultation which will last between forty-five minutes and an hour is £85 , with all future consultations lasting 30 minutes and costing £65.