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We often get asked questions about our therapies and what
happens during a consultation. We've answered some of the
most common ones that we receive below:
Q1: Do I need to see my GP first?
A1: There is no need to consult you G before attending an
Osteopath. Most osteopaths these days work co-operatively
with their local GP's and it is the policy at Gillingham Clinic
that when a person attends for Osteopath treatment then the
GP is notified, by letter as a matter or courtesy.
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Q2: Does osteopathic treatment hurt?
A2: The truth is that osteopathy, whilst it is usually painless,
may be a little uncomfortable. This is because movement is
being restored to joints and sometime patients find this a
little uncomfortable and that discomfort may last for a few
hours.
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Q3: What happens at the first consultation?
A3: At the initial consultation irrespective of the modality,
a case history will be taken. This means asking a great number
of questions some of which initially may not seem relevant.
This is because Osteopathic, Naturopathic and Homeopathic
medicine events that happened many years in the past may still
be having an effect of the body today. This particularly relates
to falls, accidents and other traumas that affect the physical
body, likewise, past illnesses will affect the way the body
functions today. With homeopathic medicine other factors such
as heat, cold, colours and even time of day may influence
the remedy that is required.
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Q4: Can I receive treatment on the NHS?
A4: Unfortunately, most complementary therapies are not available
on the NHS but an increasing number of health insurance companies
and welfare organizations will now cover the major therapies
such as Osteopath, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Acupuncture.
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Q5: How do I know I am seeing a qualified
practitioner?
A5: With the exception of Osteopathy and Chiropractic, complementary
medical practitioners are still regulated by voluntary organizations.
The General Osteopathic Council and the General Chiropractic
Council regulate osteopathy and Chiropractic in the United
Kingdom. Some other therapies are in the process of being
statutorily regulated but like all things this takes time.
All the practitioners working at the Gillingham Clinic are
regulated by the lead bodies of the appropriate professional
organization.
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Q6: May patients be seen by more than
one practitioner?
A6: Part of the ethos of the Gillingham Clinic is that patients
may be internally referred when necessary. There is close
co-operation between the various practitioners and when necessary
case conferences are held so if a patient is being seen by
more than one practitioner, then everyone is kept up to date.
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