Osteopathy FAQs – Weston-super-Mare

An Osteopath is a regulated healthcare professional who assesses and treats problems with muscles, joints and movement. Osteopaths use hands-on techniques alongside exercise and advice to help people move more comfortably. All Osteopaths in the UK must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

Yes. Both Chris and Sophie Parker hold a Master’s in Osteopathy (MOst) and are fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council. “Osteopath” is a protected title in the UK, so only registered practitioners can use it. Learn more about our Osteopaths here

All three treat muscle and joint problems, but they differ in training and approach. Osteopaths tend to look at the body as a whole and use a wide range of hands-on techniques alongside exercise and advice.

Osteopathy is generally very safe. Your Osteopath will take a full medical history and assess you before treatment, and will explain any techniques and check you’re comfortable before using them. Some people feel a little sore for a day or two after treatment, similar to after exercise.

Treatment shouldn’t be painful. Some techniques may feel firm or mildly uncomfortable on sore areas, but your Osteopath will check in with you throughout and adjust to what feels right for you.

No. While back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit, Osteopaths also help with neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, sports injuries, and joint and muscle pain throughout the body, including hips, knees and elbows.

No, you can book directly with us without a GP referral. If you’re unsure whether Osteopathy is right for your symptoms, call the clinic and we’ll be happy to talk it through.

An initial consultation costs £68 and follow-up appointments cost £55. See our full price list and discounts available here.

Yes, many health insurers cover osteopathy. We don’t bill insurers directly, but we can provide a receipt so you can claim back the cost if your policy covers osteopathy.

You can book online at any time, or call us on 01934 752122.

Mondays – Thursdays 8am-7pm
Fridays – 8am-5pm
Saturdays – 8am-2.30pm

We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or move your appointment. You can rearrange online or by calling 01934 752122. Late cancellations may be charged 50% of the appointment fee.

Your first appointment starts with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle, followed by an assessment of how you move. Your Osteopath will explain what they’ve found and, if appropriate, start treatment. You’ll leave with a plan and practical advice.

Initial consultations last around 60 minutes and follow-ups around 30 minutes.

Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Your Osteopath may need to see the area being treated, so you may be asked to remove some clothing down to your underwear, but you can wear shorts or a vest top if you prefer. You’ll always be kept covered and comfortable.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a friend or family member to your appointment. Patients under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

It depends on your symptoms, how long you’ve had them and your goals. Some people feel better after one or two sessions, while others benefit from a longer course. Your Osteopath will discuss this with you after your assessment.

We’re at the rear of 141 High Street, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 6HQ. Find out more about our clinic, where to park, and where we are here.

Yes, back pain is one of the most common reasons people see an Osteopath. We combine hands-on treatment with exercise and practical advice tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle. Read more about back pain treatment in Weston-super-Mare

Yes, Osteopaths regularly help people with sciatica. We’ll assess what may be contributing to your leg and back pain, then use hands-on treatment, exercise and advice to help you move more comfortably. Read more about sciatica treatment in Weston-super-Mare.

Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve from the lower back into the buttock and leg. It’s often linked to irritation of the nerve in the lower back, such as from a disc bulge, but muscle tension, joint stiffness and long periods of sitting can also play a part.

Long periods of sitting in one position can contribute to back pain and stiffness. Regular movement breaks and a well set up workstation often help, and your Osteopath can give you practical advice for your own work setup.

For most back pain, staying gently active is better than bed rest. Your Osteopath can advise you on what movements and activities are right for you while your symptoms settle.

Seek urgent medical help (call 111 or go to A&E) if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or genitals, sciatica in both legs, or worsening weakness in your legs. These can be signs of a serious condition that needs immediate attention.

Yes. We help runners, footballers, gym-goers and people of all activity levels with strains, sprains and overuse injuries. Treatment combines hands-on care with a rehab plan to help you get back to your sport. Read more about sports injury treatment in Weston-super-Mare.

Not at all. Whether you play competitively, run at the weekend or picked up an injury in the garden or gym, we’re happy to help. Treatment is tailored to your activity level and goals.

If your pain isn’t improving after a week or two, keeps returning when you train, or is affecting your performance, it’s worth getting it assessed. Early advice can help you manage your training and avoid the injury getting worse.

It depends on the injury. Training through pain can make some injuries worse, but complete rest isn’t always the answer either. Your Osteopath can help you adapt your training so you stay as active as possible while you recover.

It depends on the injury and your sport. Going back too soon is one of the most common reasons injuries return, so your Osteopath will guide you on when and how to build back up safely.

Yes. Rehabilitation is a key part of recovering from a sports injury, so we’ll give you a progressive exercise plan to rebuild strength, mobility and control, tailored to the demands of your sport.

Yes. We help with stiff joints, muscle tension, neck and shoulder aches, and general aches and pains. Read more about joint and muscle pain treatment in Weston-super-Mare.

Yes, neck and shoulder tension is very common, especially with desk work and stress. We use hands-on treatment, exercises and practical advice on things like your workstation to help ease stiffness and discomfort.

Yes. We’ll assess how your hips, knees and the surrounding muscles are moving, then combine hands-on treatment with exercises to help improve strength, mobility and comfort.

Yes, stress can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders and upper back. Hands-on treatment, movement and practical advice can help you manage tension and feel more comfortable.

Joints and muscles often feel stiff after long periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting, and usually loosen up as you move. If stiffness lasts a long time each morning or comes with swelling, it’s worth getting it checked by your GP or an Osteopath.

Heat often helps ease muscle tension and stiffness, while ice can help with a fresh injury that’s swollen or inflamed. If you’re unsure which is right for you, your Osteopath can advise based on your symptoms.