Have Any Questions?
If you have any questions about the clinic, the services provided or anything else, please CONTACT us.
Below are some of the more common and frequently asked questions by patients.
General FAQ's
"What are the opening hours at the OHC?"
We are open 6days a week. Mon – Thurs 8am – 8pm, Fri 8am – 6pm and Sat 8am – 1pm. Consultation by appointment on self-referral or by your GP. Our receptionist are available from 8.00am for all your enquires including private medical insurance claims.
"Will my medical insurance pay for the treatment?"
Most medical insurance do pay out for alternative therapy, but we do ask you to check with your insurance company before booking an appointment. Please tell the receptionist that you will be claiming through medical insurance when booking an appointment.
"Is Osteopathic treatment painful?"
The treatments are structured for the needs of individual patients. Whilst on occasions it maybe necessary to palpate and treat tender areas, which may produce a degree of mild discomfort.
"How do I know that an Osteopath is properly qualified?"
In 1993 – Osteopaths became the first complementary health care professionals to achieve recognition under the 1993 Osteopaths' Act. It is a criminal offence to describe oneself as an Osteopath unless registered with General Osteopathic Council. All the Osteopaths at The Old Hall Clinic are registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
"How many treatments will I need?"
The number of treatments required depends on the individual, how long the patient has had the problem, the general health of the patient and whether there are any underlying problems which may slow down improvement. These will be discussed by your practitioner throughout the course of your treatment.
"What is the difference between cranial osteopathy and traditional osteopathy?"
Cranial osteopathy is the gentle application of minimal pressure to plates of bone in the skull and spine. Here the palpating hand of the physician will be receiving information from the bodies own natural movements from within. These movements will be directed and guided to effect a release in any areas where there is a blockage or lack of movement. Traditional Osteopathy treatment is the application of the physician's hand external to the body applying a gentle pressure to access and treat lack of flexibility.
"What sort of conditions can a cranial osteopath treat?"
Cranial osteopath can be applied to any condition requiring physical treatment and can have a very relaxing effect. Conditions that indicate cranial osteopathy rather than the traditional osteopathy include the following: - Difficult births for babies, the crying sleepless baby, childhood asthma, children with poor concentration or stress related problems, menstrual pain, sciatica, jaw mal alignment, certain digestive disorders and abnormal pain from arthritis – to name but a few.
"Who can benefit from it?"
All ages can benefit from cranial osteopathic treatment provided there is something to treat. As the treatment is very gentle it plays a special role to the newborn infant and the frail/elderly.
"What is Homeopathy?"
Homeopathy is a system of treatment, which has been used for over 200 years and is practiced by doctors throughout the world. In France for example, homeopathic medicines are used by approximately one third of general practitioners. Diagnosis and investigation of the illness are just as important for doctors treating homeopathically as it is for those treating by orthodox medicine.
"Who can be treated Homeopathically?"
The answer is anyone including babies, children, pregnant women and the elderly.
"Are there any side effects with Homeopathy?"
There are no true side effects as the amounts of remedy used are too tiny to cause any toxic effects. But it is quite common to find at the start of treatment that the symptoms may, for a short time, become slightly worse before improving.
"Do I have to stop my usual tablets?"
Definitely not! Tablets prescribed by your doctor should not be stopped without the GP' s knowledge. Homeopathic treatment can run alongside most orthodox drugs. These of course can often be stopped with your doctors' agreement once they are no longer needed.
"Self Payers – How do I pay for my treatment?"
After seeing the therapist you will be asked to make another appointment if necessary and to make a payment. Payments can be made by cash, cheque or credit card, (we do not accept AMEX). The Old Hall Clinic has a discount scheme, by if you pay on the day of your treatment you will receive a £5 discount on the full fee.
