If you’re living with ongoing back pain, neck stiffness, joint discomfort or general tension that disrupts daily life, an appointment at Hands on Health Osteopathy can help you move more comfortably and confidently. Our practitioners provide tailored, hands-on osteopathic care for people of all ages, using a whole-body approach to relieve pain, restore mobility and support long-term wellbeing.

This guide walks you through what happens before, during and after your appointment so you feel fully prepared and confident.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your appointment begins with a relaxed, in-depth conversation about your symptoms, your lifestyle and your medical history. We take the time to understand how your body works, what may be contributing to your discomfort, and how your symptoms affect your day-to-day life.

You can expect your osteopath to ask about:

• When your symptoms started and how they have changed

• Activities, movements or positions that worsen or relieve your discomfort

• Any previous injuries, surgeries or long-term conditions

• Your work habits, posture and stress levels

Following this discussion, your osteopath will carry out a physical examination. This may include observing your posture, gently testing your joint mobility, assessing muscle tension and performing simple orthopaedic tests when needed. You may be asked to move in certain ways or remove outer layers of clothing so that we can accurately assess the affected area.

Once the examination is complete, your osteopath will explain their findings and outline a clear plan for your treatment. In most cases, you will receive your first hands-on treatment in the same session so that you can begin experiencing relief straight away.

How to Book Your Appointment

Booking your visit to Hands on Health Osteopathy is simple and flexible.

Many patients choose to book online through our website. This allows you to:

• View real-time appointment availability

• Choose your preferred practitioner

• Complete any forms ahead of time

• Receive instant confirmation

If you prefer, you can also call the clinic directly. This option is especially helpful if you’d like guidance on which service is right for you or if you have specific questions about your appointment. 

Treatment Techniques You May Experience

Your treatment will depend on your condition and comfort level, but osteopathy typically involves a combination of gentle manual techniques. These may include:

• Soft tissue work, such as massage and myofascial release, to ease tension and improve circulation

• Joint mobilisation to restore natural movement and reduce stiffness

• Manipulation, where appropriate, involving a small, quick movement that may produce a clicking sound

• Cranial Osteopathy, a very gentle approach often used for babies, children and sensitive adults

Hands on Health Osteopathy also offers specialist services including:

• Osteopathy for Children

• The Marlow Baby Clinic

• Infant Feeding Clinic

These services provide additional support for families, babies and young children with issues such as feeding difficulties, unsettled behaviour, tension patterns and growing-body concerns.

Conditions We Commonly Treat

People come to us for help with a wide range of concerns, including:

• Back and neck pain

• Sciatica

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Headaches with a musculoskeletal cause

• Postural problems

• Minor sports injuries

• Tension related to stress or lifestyle

Your osteopath will tailor treatment specifically to your needs, goals and comfort level.

After Your Appointment

It’s normal to feel a little tender or tired for a day or two following treatment. This is simply your body adjusting to changes in movement and tension. Staying hydrated, taking a short walk and avoiding strenuous activity immediately afterward can help support your recovery.

Your osteopath may also give you simple home exercises to reinforce the benefits of the treatment. These might include:

• Gentle stretches

• Strengthening exercises

• Breathing techniques

• Postural advice

Follow-up appointments are usually recommended based on your progress. Acute issues may resolve in a couple of sessions, while longer-standing conditions sometimes require a short course of treatment.