The key difference between osteopaths and chiropractors is that chiropractors focus mainly on the alignment of the spine using joint adjustments whereas osteopaths treat the body as a whole, using a combination of different techniques which is beneficial in a broader range of conditions.

Osteopath’s work to treat the body as a whole and 90% of the treatment is hands on whereas physiotherapists oversee the improvements of specific muscle groups or parts of the body to restore movement and function with 60% of their work being hands on whilst also focusing on developing exercise programmes with their patients.

Osteopaths who use a combination of traditional osteopathy and Craniosacral therapy can manage a range of conditions including low general aches and pains, including Fibromyalgia pain, joint pain including arthritis pain, pelvis, hip and leg problems, general, acute and chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines, shoulder or elbow pain including frozen shoulder and tennis elbow, muscle spasms, minor sporting injuries, disc injuries, postural injuries and neuralgia including sciatica.

Patient’s usually begin osteopathy treatment to restore balance, health and wellbeing in their body because all stressors, traumas and tensions leave their mark on the body and can affect the musculo-skeletal system. This could be stressors as a result from physical injury or postural problems, infection, environmental factors, chronic disease,emotional factors such as stress, anxiety or psychological trauma or usually a combination of any of these which leads to a reduction in health and quality of life.

This is very much dependent on the individual. A recent or acute injury may be treated in just a few sessions but complex chronic injuries or medical conditions generally need treatment for much longer. Once a problem is resolved a patient needs to book in for occasional maintenance treatment. A treatment plan will be outlined during your initial consultation. Many patients see drastic improvements in their health and significant improvements in their quality of life. Some make full recoveries even from long term, complex, chronic health conditions becoming entirely symptom free.

Yes, manipulations are a set of hands on techniques used by osteopaths to diagnose, treat and prevent illness.

Manipulations do not hurt but due to the nature of the gentle physical work being carried out it’s not unusual to feel sore or stiff for the first few days after treatment especially if you are having treatment for a particular injury

Osteopathy is generally regarded as a safe treatment, although you may experience some mild side effects after your treatment including temporary worsening of current symptoms. This is a normal part of the practice as the body heals and is nothing to be concerned about but if you do have concerns your practitioner will be able to advise you.

Osteopathy is compatible with other treatments, there is no reason why you should stop other treatments whilst doing osteopathy. During your initial consultation your health care will be discussed in detail, including symptoms, any medication you’re taking and current treatment you are having to ensure full disclosure to your osteopath so they can help manage your condition in the best way possible.

It’s important to continue to take all of your medications your doctors have prescribed you whilst having osteopathy treatment. The treatment will not interfere with your medications. In many cases the treatment assists patients to come off medications for pain relief.

Osteopathy is safe to have during all stages of pregnancy. It can assist during pregnancy to help with lower back pain, pelvic pain and may help to reduce the need for medications during childbirth. It can also be beneficial post-natal to help with recovery from the birth.

Osteopathy is suitable for anyone and can help with a wide range of medical conditions. Aging can make the body weaker as well as encouraging the development of conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and general aches and pains so osteopathy can help the elderly by increasing the mobility of joints, relieving muscle tension, easing stiffness and helping the body to compensate for these natural changes.

For The Perrin Technique the initial consultation is 90 minutes long whereas initial consultations for Craniosacral Therapy and Traditional / Structural osteopathy are 60 minutes. The consultations involve taking a full case history including previous diagnosis if applicable, symptoms, medications and how your condition impacts your life. A full physical examination will be completed and then a diagnosis will be given if necessary. There will be a discussion about how the treatment works, research evidence to support the treatment as well as a prognosis and an outline of ​a​ follow-up treatment plan. You will also receive 30 minutes of treatment during the consultation.

Generally, follow up appointments are 30 minutes long and involve the manual osteopathy treatment but they can be longer if required. There will also be a brief discussion of your overall health and how the treatment is impacting you and your life during the follow up appointments. Your osteopath will also be able to answer any questions that you may have.

Our clinics are located in Marylebone in central London or Buckinghamshire. We can also offer home visits. Please contact us for further information. At the end of each page the clinic locations are incorrect. They are still showing 58 South Molton St and Mill Hill. Please amend to CuraRooms and Stanmore as they are shown on the CFS side of the website.

Although most osteopaths will often treat patients that have been referred to them by a GP, a referral by a GP to an osteopath is not necessary. Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners, which means they are qualified to treat patients without a referral. Patients are easily able to self-refer and book an appointment with an osteopath for treatment.

Most private health insurance providers cover osteopathic treatment. ​​It’s important to check in advance with your medical insurance before seeking osteopathic treatment. Receipts can be provided to help you claim back some of the costs of your treatment

Osteopaths train to a degree level and hold either a Bachelor’s (BSc) or Masters of Science (MSc). Osteopathic students undertake a course that typically lasts 4 to 5 years and includes a combination of academic, research and over 1000 hours of hands-on clinical practice with patients. In order to be registered as an osteopath you must have completed a course of training that is recognised by the General Osteopathic Council.

Osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopaths are required to renew their registration each year and are provided with an annual license to practice. This ensures that patients can be confident about the qualifications held by their osteopath practitioners and their standards of practice.

The GDPR policy is an EU wide law, set out to govern, regulate and standardise the way osteopaths protect and respect their patient’s privacy. It determines how osteopaths can collect personal data, how they store it and under what special circumstances they can disclose it to third parties.

Please bring details of any prescribed medications or supplements you are currently taking as well as any recent test results, scans or medical reports you have had that are relevant. Also any orthotics, braces or devices you are using. During COVID-19 we are asking patients to also bring their own towels to cover themselves during their treatment to adhere to the government guidelines.

It’s important to feel comfortable during your osteopathy appointments so wearing loose fitting garments like shorts and a t-shirt is appropriate in order for the practitioner to be able to work on you effectively. It may be necessary for your osteopath to remove some clothing during your appointment so they can observe and work on areas of your body which are contributing to your health conditions. Your privacy will be respected at all times. You can bring a friend or family member along to your appointment if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Rakhee Mediratta has a waiting list of patients so please consider this when moving or cancelling your session. Please let your osteopath know if you wish to cancel or re-arrange your appointment with more than 24 hours-notice of your appointment so the slot can be made available for another patient. If you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, we reserve the right to charge the full fee. Appointments cancelled earlier than 24 hours-notice will not be charged.

To read reviews from some of our patients you can find them on our, ‘Reviews’ Page.