Osteopathy FAQs
Finding the right appointment can feel easier when the practical details are clear. AB Osteopathy aims to make every patient feel listened to, informed and comfortable, with care shaped around the individual rather than a fixed process.
The answers here cover common questions about osteopathy, first appointments, treatment, consent, payment, insurance, cancellation terms and when medical advice may be needed before booking.
Booking and Appointments
Do I Need a GP Referral to Book?
In most cases, you can book directly without a GP referral. Patients using health insurance should check with their provider first, as some policies may need a referral or authorisation before treatment.
How Do I Book an Appointment?
Appointments can be booked online, with options to choose a clinic, practitioner and appointment time. Anyone unsure which appointment type is most suitable can send a short enquiry first.
Can I Choose Which Clinic to Attend?
Yes. AB Osteopathy offers appointments at New Town Edinburgh and Trinity Edinburgh. Our booking system allows patients to choose a clinic, practitioner and time.
Can I Choose Which Practitioner I See?
Yes. Patients can choose a practitioner when booking online, subject to appointment availability. Practitioner profiles help patients learn more about each person’s background, approach and areas of interest.
How Do I Know Which Practitioner to Choose?
The team profiles can help patients understand each practitioner’s experience, interests and clinic availability. Anyone unsure who to book with can send a short enquiry before choosing an appointment.
What If I Am Not Sure Which Appointment Type to Choose?
A short enquiry can help if you are unsure whether osteopathy, massage therapy or another route is most suitable. The team will guide you before you book.
First Osteopathy Appointments
What Happens at a First Osteopathy Appointment?
A first appointment usually includes a consultation, physical assessment and treatment where appropriate. Your osteopath will ask about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, previous injuries, health conditions, daily activities and movement patterns.
How Long Does a First Appointment Last?
A first osteopathy appointment usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. This gives enough time for your osteopath to listen, assess, explain findings and provide treatment where suitable.
Will I Receive Treatment at My First Appointment?
In most cases, yes. Treatment depends on your assessment, health history and whether treatment is suitable on the day. Treatment may be delayed if further information, medical advice or investigation is needed first.
What Should I Wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, ideally something that allows you to move easily. Depending on the area being assessed, your osteopath may ask you to remove some outer clothing so posture and movement can be assessed properly.
Should I Bring Anything With Me?
Relevant scan reports, test results or a list of current medications can be helpful. A patient consent form is usually sent by email or text before the appointment and should be completed before arriving.
Treatment and Individual Patient Care
What Does an Osteopath Do?
An osteopath assesses how the body is moving, asks about symptoms and health history, then discusses what may be contributing to the problem. Treatment may include hands-on techniques, advice and exercises, depending on what is suitable for the individual patient.
Is Osteopathy Only for Back Pain?
No. Back pain is a common reason people visit an osteopath, but osteopathy may also support people with neck pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, headaches, , jaw pain and other muscle or joint concerns.
Do You Treat Babies and Children?
Yes. AB Osteopathy offers appointments for babies and children, with care adapted to their age, needs and comfort. Appointments are shaped around the individual child, with time for parents or carers to ask questions.
Can Osteopathy Support Pregnancy or Postnatal Aches?
Osteopathy may be considered during pregnancy and after birth for aches, stiffness and movement-related concerns. Care is adapted to the individual patient, their stage of pregnancy or recovery and what feels comfortable.
What Is the Difference Between Osteopathy and Massage Therapy?
Osteopathy is usually more assessment-led, looking at symptoms, movement, health history and possible contributing factors before treatment. Massage therapy focuses more directly on soft tissue tension, muscular discomfort, sports massage and relaxation.
Will Treatment Hurt?
Osteopathic treatment is usually adapted to the patient’s comfort level. Some techniques may feel unusual or briefly tender, especially around sensitive areas, but your osteopath will explain what they are doing and check in with you throughout.
Will I Get Exercises or Advice?
Yes, where helpful. Your osteopath may suggest exercises, stretches, posture advice, activity changes, workplace adjustments or self-management guidance to support your progress outside the clinic.
How Many Appointments Will I Need?
The number of appointments depends on the person, symptoms, health history and how the body responds to treatment. Your osteopath will discuss a plan with you, review progress and avoid recommending unnecessary appointments.
Is Osteopathy Suitable for Older Adults?
Osteopathy can be adapted for people at different stages of life. AB Osteopathy supports adults, older patients, families and people staying active through work, sport or everyday life.
Consent, Comfort and Safety
How Is Consent Handled?
Consent is an ongoing part of assessment and treatment. Your osteopath will explain each stage before proceeding, with time for questions or concerns. You are always free to pause, decline or stop any examination or treatment.
What If Osteopathy Is Not Suitable for Me?
Safety and wellbeing always come first. If osteopathy is not suitable, your osteopath will explain why and may recommend contacting your GP, consultant or another healthcare professional. Further investigation may sometimes be advised before treatment can begin.
When Should I Seek Medical Advice Before Booking?
Medical advice should be sought before booking if you are experiencing severe or sudden unexplained pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness or weakness in both legs, sudden dizziness, fainting, difficulty speaking, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, recent significant trauma, suspected fracture, rapidly worsening pain, signs of infection or new symptoms after surgery or medical treatment.
Can I Ask Questions During My Appointment?
Yes. Questions are welcome at any stage. Individual patient care means taking time to explain what is happening, why a treatment approach may be suggested and what choices are available.
Fees, Payment and Insurance
How Much Does an Osteopathy Appointment Cost?
Osteopathy fees vary depending on whether the appointment is a first consultation, follow-up appointment or children’s appointment. Full pricing is listed in Osteopathy Fees and Appointments.
Do I Pay When Booking?
First appointments booked online require payment at the time of booking. Follow-up appointments and directly arranged appointments are usually paid in clinic by card or cash.
Is There a Student Discount?
A 10% student discount is available for eligible students.
Can I Use Health Insurance?
Patients using health insurance should check cover with their provider before booking. AB Osteopathy should also be made aware if insurance is being used, especially where authorisation, details or paperwork are needed.
What Is the Cancellation Policy?
AB Osteopathy has a 24-hour cancellation policy. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged in full.
Clinics and Access
Where Are the Edinburgh Clinics?
AB Osteopathy has clinics in New Town Edinburghand Trinity Edinburgh. Each clinic has its own location details, access information, parking notes and opening hours.
Is Parking Available?
Parking details vary by clinic. New Town has pay and display parking on Saint Colme Street. Trinity has free on-street parking on Granton Road and Fraser Avenue.
Are the Clinics Accessible?
New Town has ramp access into the building and lift access. Trinity has a small step on entry and no disabled toilet facilities. Clinic-specific access notes are included on each location page.
Is There Public Transport Nearby?
Yes. New Town is close to the West End of Princes Street and Queensferry Street, with good bus links nearby. Trinity has bus links close to the clinic, including services to Fraser Avenue, St James Church and Wardie Road.
Ask Before Booking
A short enquiry can help if you are unsure about symptoms, appointment type, clinic choice, practitioner availability, insurance or whether osteopathy is suitable. The team will help guide you before you book.
Send an Enquiry
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