Frequently Asked Questions - Hands on Health Osteopathy Clinic, Marlow

What happens in the first appointment?

Your first session begins with a friendly, thorough discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and how your pain affects your daily life. This helps us understand your goals and what you’d like to get out of treatment.

We’ll then carry out a gentle standing and lying-down examination to see how your body moves. With your consent, treatment can begin straight away.

Treatment typically includes a combination of deep tissue massage, stretching, and gentle joint techniques which are designed to ease tension, improve movement, and leave you feeling more comfortable.

Before you leave, we’ll explain what we’ve found, what’s been done, and outline a tailored plan for your recovery, including personalised advice on posture, stretches and self-care at home.

You’re welcome to ask questions at any point during your appointment.

Where should I park?

When visiting Hands on Health (278 Marlow Bottom, SL7 3PT) please park in the driveway infront of the consullting rooms. If you would prefer not to reverse out of the drive you can park on the road immediately in front of the house.

What should I wear?

Comfort is key. Light, flexible clothing such as a vest or shorts works well and helps us easily assess the area being treated. If you’re comfortable doing so, undressing to your underwear - either top or bottom half depending on where you need treatment - can also be helpful.

Lightweight shorts are ideal for hip or knee treatments, while it’s best to avoid racer-back sports bras for upper back or neck work as they can make certain techniques more difficult.

Whatever you choose, we’ll always make sure you feel comfortable and appropriately covered throughout your appointment.

Will the treatment be painful?

On the whole treatment is very pleasant – so much so that occasionally people fall asleep! When we work on particularly problematic ‘knots’ of muscle there may be some discomfort, but a lot of people like the sensation because it reassures them that we have found the problem and the manipulation feels really effective. We can make the treatment more gentle if necessary.

Are you going to click my back/neck?

Osteopaths sometimes perform manipulations of joints that make them click. If done on the correct joints in the correct way this can bring instant relief and make joints move more freely. We use these manipulations very selectively and are happy to avoid them all together if you prefer.

How will I feel afterwards?

At the end of an appointment most people feel an instant benefit from the treatment they have just received. Occasionally there is some soreness in the muscles and joints that have been manipulated but this can be a normal part of the healing process and rarely lasts more than 24 hours.