Osteopathy Online: A New Telehealth Service

About Osteopathy Online…

With the current uncertainty and lockdown, many services have had to rethink how they are doing things. It’s a time of change and innovation! We have now found a way to provide our high quality care to you in the comfort of your own home! ‘Osteopathy Online’ is our a new remote, video, telehealth system.

Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions…

“Osteopathy is a hands on treatment. How can a remote online treatment like Osteopathy Online help me?”

Using video sessions your Osteopath will be able to:

1. Take your case history…

This is exactly like your clinic experience. We will ask you series of questions about your injury, lifestyle, general health so we can build an accurate picture of what the issue may be.

2. Assess and diagnose your injury…

The Osteopath will then guide you through a series of movements and tests so as to be able to determine what the issue is and what areas need to be loosened, strengthened, stretched etc.

3. Treat you…

Although we won’t be able to do the more familiar hands on treatment we can still help you restore body balance, alignment and reduce pain in other ways. We will…

• Take you through a series of stretches and movements to release restrictions and tightness in the muscles and joints.
• Guide you through some self massage techniques and help you work on trigger points using your hands, massage balls, a strap, foam rollers.
• If relevant your Osteopath can also show you taping techniques you can replicate at home to support joints and promote quicker recovery.
• Teach you breathing exercises to calm and restore balance to your nervous system.

4. Advise you…

Your Osteopath will then empower you with expert knowledge and advice such as …

• Answering any questions or concerns you may have regarding your recovery.
• What you could be doing to speed up your recovery or what you should avoid.
• Is hot or cold best for you to be using.
• Postural advice regarding the best ways to sit, work or sleep etc.
• Provide you with a copy of a bespoke home practice of remedial exercise tailored just for you from our brand new online exercise software. This can be used for your recovery and as a preventative means also.

At The Backbone clinics our goal is to help you connect with your body so you can work together in harmony whilst providing you with reassurance & professional support as you already have enough to deal with!

“How do I book an appointment?”

You can either call the clinics directly or book an appointment online at our website or by clicking here…

“How long are the appointments?”

The sessions are 20 minutes for an initial session/ consultation or 30mins for a follow up. You can even book the two together! You can lengthen the time of your appointment if you wish.

“How much are the appointments?”

Consultation 20mins: £20

Follow-ups 30mins: £30.

Both types of sessions can be extended to longer: +10mins = +£10

“What’s the difference between a consultation and follow-up?”

In a consultation appointment your Osteopath will determine a diagnosis and provide immediate advice. This session will also allow your Osteopath to establish the level of movement you have and space and experience you have in order to start creating a remedial exercise program for you.

In a follow-up appointment, your Osteopath will be more familiar with you, your condition and movement abilities and can demonstrate exercises and guide you with your remedial exercise plan accordingly.

“How will my data be handled?”

Our clinics are fully GDPR certified and the information will never be shared to any third parties without your permission. The video calls will take place on a secure, GDPR compliant platform and the information will be recorded on our GDPR compliant Clinic Diary system as they would in a traditional face to face appointment.

“I’ve booked my appointment, now what?”

You will automatically receive a confirmation email once you book and reminder text 2 days before your appointment and a consent form to complete before your appointment. For the treatment you will need…

• Wifi
• A laptop or device with camera and speaker.
• Appropriate clothing to move and stretch in.
• Space to move in. Floor space or a chair
• Any props you may have such as a foam roller, strap etc. Your Osteopath maybe in touch to check what props you have available and advise regarding this.

You will be emailed a link for the treatment 30mins before your appointment which will connect you to your session. There are many benefits to hands on Osteopathy treatments however we hope this new system will help empower you, build your confidence and self awareness so that you can play a bigger role in your recovery. You can download our preparing for Osteopathy Online PDF here…

“How will I pay?”

If booked online your payment will be taken before the appointment. If booked over the phone, you will be emailed a link to follow and pay for your session prior to your appointment.

“Is Online Osteopathy covered by my private Health Insurance?”

We advise that you check with your insurance provider first. Our Osteopaths are covered by most insurance providers including Bupa, Axa, Vitality, Aviva and most of these insurers will cover Online Osteopathy.

Our rainbow after the storm…

It has taken this unfortunate current climate to inspire and create this new service. Yet, moving forwards I honestly believe this could be the solution for providing our high quality care, far beyond our North London based clinics. This service will be useful for patients travelling abroad or those living in a remote location.  This new system of treatment can also be ideal for those of you who simply don’t have time for traffic, parking and waiting rooms.

Ultimately, we have introduced a new system in which we hope to encourage you all to learn new skills to take care of you even better and to work in more harmony with that wonderful body of yours. This understanding and connection with your body is so important as it is, after all, the longest relationship you will ever have!

I encourage you not to delay a treatment due to circumstance. There is no need to suffer pain and discomfort when you have this useful and safe treatment opportunity. If you have any other questions regarding the Online Osteopathy services we are offering please email: info@thebackbone.co.uk and I will organise a free phone call to discuss this new service.