Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a hands-on, physical treatment, providing manual therapy for musculoskeletal conditions. Osteopathic treatment techniques relax muscles, stretch tight joints and manipulate restricted joints, so your body moves freely as it should. At Avenue Health, we also combine it with G5 massage machines and Shockwave Therapy.

What’s the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor?

Both osteopaths and chiropractors train for an equal amount of time.  Osteopaths believe that you need to treat the muscles as well as the joints and bones, and take a holistic approach, whereas chiropractors concentrate on bones and the nervous system.

What conditions can osteopathy help with?

Osteopaths can help with many different conditions. The most frequent ones are back pain, neck pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, shoulder injuries (frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injuries), as well as sports injuries, joint and nerve pain. See our What We Treat section to find out more.

Do I need a referral?

No, you do not. If you have had any tests or scans, please bring them along to your appointment or email them beforehand.

Does the treatment hurt?

Osteopathy and G5 massage treatment are rarely painful, but Shockwave Therapy can cause discomfort at the time of use. We always work within the patient’s tolerance. We ensure good communication between the osteopath and patient throughout the whole session, so we can adapt or adjust any treatment we are providing.

How will I feel after a session?

Most people feel improvement in their condition after their first session, but sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. Some people experience a little soreness, but this will only be temporary.

What happens at your first visit?

Our osteopaths will start by asking about the symptoms you are experiencing, then they will ask about your medical history. They will proceed to do a physical examination and perform relevant movements and tests. They will explain their diagnosis and provide you with a treatment plan. If treatment is recommended, you can start it straight away; if not, then we will refer you to your GP or other health professional.

Is osteopathy safe?

Yes, it is safe when performed by a qualified and registered osteopath. All of our practitioners have been trained to use a variety of techniques to suit each individual and are taught to recognise conditions where certain techniques are not safe to use. We always ask your permission before performing any technique. Statistically, you are safer seeing an osteopath than taking aspirin.

What should I wear?

As we treat your muscles and joints, we need to access different areas of your body. We provide gowns for modesty and will ask you to only remove relevant items of clothing with your permission to treat those areas. We recommend you wear appropriate underwear, and sometimes, when treating your back, for females, to wear a bra that can be undone rather than a sports bra.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, you can. Children under 16 years old will need a parent or guardian with them.

How long will my appointment be?

We reserve 1 hour for your first appointment. The new patient assessment lasts 30-minutes, and if treatment is appropriate and you decide to start it, it will be for a further 30-minutes. We offer 30-minute and 1-hour appointments thereafter.

What is your cancellation policy?

We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. New Patient assessment deposits are non-refundable, but they can be transferred if the cancellation is within the 24-hour period.

Do you accept private health insurance?

No, we do not work directly with insurance companies. We provide patients with invoices and any relevant details they require to claim the treatment costs back. Please check before booking your new patient assessment if your insurance company will accept this process.

Do you treat babies or children?

We do not treat babies or children under the age of 8.

How to get to us

Worcester Park Practice – 2 Station Approach, Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 7NB.
Working Hours – 8am to 8pm (Earlier and later appointments are available at the discretion of the practitioner).
Travel and Transport
– Buses – 131, 151, 213, 613, 627, 868, E16, S3 and SL7 stop outside.
– The practice is situated in the Worcester Park Station foreground on the London-bound side.
– Parking – pay at the machine in the Station car park, or park on the surrounding roads in the allocated areas. Alternatively, you have 2 hours of free parking in the car park behind Iceland where Waitrose is situated along Central Road / Worcester Park High Street.

Cheam Practice – 51 Wickham Avenue, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 8DX (side entrance)
Working Hours – 8am to 8pm (Earlier and later appointments are available at the discretion of the practitioner).
Travel and Transport
– Buses – 151, 213 & 293 stop at the end of our road.
– We offer free parking on the driveway or street.
– Only a 20-minute walk from Cheam Station.

Here is more information for you.