FAQs

At the first consultation, the osteopath will compile a full case history of your symptoms, as well as asking for information about your lifestyle and diet. The osteopath may also observe you making some simple movements to help them make a diagnosis. You will usually be asked to remove some clothing near the area of the body to be examined.

Osteopaths are trained to examine areas of the body using a highly-developed sense of touch, known as palpation, to determine conditions and identify the body’s points of weakness or excessive strain. Osteopathy is a ‘package’ of care that includes skilled mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise.

The osteopath will discuss with you the most appropriate treatment plan, estimating the likely number of sessions needed to treat your condition effectively. If the osteopath thinks that your condition is unlikely to respond to osteopathic treatment, you will be advised about how to seek further care. Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.

Osteopaths’ patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, repetitive strain injury, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries. Osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders without the use of drugs or surgery.

Common problems osteopaths treat include:
• Back and neck pain
• Muscle tension and pain
• Disc injuries
• Sciatica
• Sports injuries
• Post traumatic injuries including whiplash
• Shoulder conditions including rotator cuff syndrome
• Arthritic pain and joint stiffness
• Treatment and rehabilitation after minor injuries
• Postural and tension headaches

All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). It is against the law for anyone to call themselves an osteopath unless they are registered with the GOsC, which sets and promotes high standards of competency, conduct and safety.

All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council.

Most patients ‘self refer’ to an osteopath for treatment. Although referral by a GP is not necessary, patients are encouraged to keep both their GP and osteopath fully informed, so that their medical records are current and complete and the patient receives the best possible care from both healthcare practitioners.

Park Road: Yes, free parking outside the clinic (except 10am -12noon paid parking meter)

Myddelton: Yes, free parking outside the clinic and 90 min free parking at Sainsbury’s

8am- 6pm Monday to Friday. Saturday 8am- 12noon

Park Road Clinic: Highgate (Northern line) or Finsbury Park (Victoria/ Piccadilly Line)

Myddelton Road Clinic: Hornsey (Overground) Turnpike Lane (Piccadilly Line)

Yes, Full disabled access at Myddelton Road Clinic and there is partial access with one step leading up to the Park Road Clinic.

As with any medical examination, you will probably be asked to undress to your underwear, so please wear something you are comfortable in.

Yes – if you wish, you can have someone present throughout your consultation and treatment

Yes, we now accept Debit cards, cash or cheque. (exluding American Express)

We are covered by several insurance companies but it is always best to check with your provider first as there are differences in insurance policies.

The Personal Data We Process and What We Do with It
We record and use the following categories of personal data: name, address, telephone numbers, email address, date of birth and your medical history. We use this in the normal course of booking appointments, sending appointment reminders etc. We occasionally send out practice news, invitations to exhibitions and seasonal greetings, education materials and special offers. We will always include an unsubscribe link in these messages should you wish to stop receiving them. 

Sharing Your Personal Data
We do not share personal data with third parties unless you require further medical tests. To request medical investigations on your behalf we require your consent to share your personal data. 

Retaining Your Personal Data
Whilst you are patient of ours, we will continue to store and use your personal data for a minimum of 8 years after your last appointment. If your child is a patient we are required by law to retain their personal data until they reach their 25th birthday.

Limited information will be retained within our clinic diary and our accounts systems for an indefinite period to maintain the integrity of these systems

Your Rights
As we process your personal data, you have certain rights. These are a right of access, a right of rectification, a right of erasure and a right to restrict processing.

You may request a copy of your data at any time. Please make such a request in writing or by email to us, at the address, telephone number, email address and details of the information you require.
If you believe any of the personal data we hold on you is inaccurate or incomplete, please contact us directly and any necessary corrections to your data will be made without undue delay.
If you believe we should erase your data, please contact us, at the address shown above.
If you wish us to stop storing or using your data, please contact us, at the address shown above.
Where you have provided explicit consent for us to use your data you have a right to withdraw this consent at any time.

Data Storage
Where third parties are used by us to store your personal data, we ensure they are compliant with the data protection law and any such data is not stored outside of the EU.

Data Breaches
Should your personal data that we control be lost, stolen or otherwise breached, where this constitutes a high risk to your rights and freedoms, we will contact you without delay. We will give you the contact details of the person who is dealing with the breach, explain to you the nature of the breach and the steps we are taking to deal with it.

We aim to ensure your experience at our clinic is helpful and professional. If you feel unhappy in any way regarding your visit, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can try and rectify the issue. If you prefer to speak with an alternative practitioner, then simply make this clear when you call or email. We aim to deal with all concerns as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, if your concern is not dealt with to your satisfaction by the clinic, the next port of call is to contact the General Osteopathic Council, which is the statutory regulator of all osteopaths in the UK. www.osteopathy.org.uk, 0207 357 6655.