What to expect at your first visit
Overview of Treatment at A1 Bodyworks Clinic
This section provides an overview of what to expect during your course of treatment at A1 Bodyworks Clinic, how we manage your data, and our clinic policies.
How we handle your data
When you book your initial consultation, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a New Patient Details and Consent Form. Please read and sign it before your appointment. It asks for:
Name
Date of Birth
Gender
Contact Details
Occupation
Medical and Health-Related History
GP Details
We use this information to assess your needs, plan your care, and provide you with the most appropriate treatment.
Our Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store and protect your information.
We kindly ask you to arrive at your scheduled time and complete the registration steps prior to your appointment. If you anticipate being late, please contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an evidence-based type of manual therapy allowing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a significant number of health problems. Osteopathic care uses over 100 techniques broadly grouped into soft tissue and massage techniques, myofascial release, muscle energy, joint articulation, manipulations (adjustments), lymphatic drainage, cranial and craniosacral techniques. These techniques are selected based on each individual’s presentation and symptoms; they aim to reduce pain, improve movement and encourage blood flow to promote healing.
What to expect during a consultation
Once registration is complete, you will be guided to a treatment room where a complete case history will be taken. This includes your past medical history, medication scripts, imaging and test results. You may be asked to dress down to your underwear if you are comfortable. Otherwise, you are encouraged to bring a pair of shorts and a tank top. You are welcome to bring a chaperone if you wish. A full examination will be performed including standing examination, active movements, palpation and appropriate tests. This will help to provide a working diagnosis that will be explained to you. We will explain whether and how osteopathy can help, treatment alternatives with their benefits and potential risks to help you make an informed decision. If you are happy with the proposed treatment plan, you will then be given hands-on treatment and advice to take home to optimise your recovery. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns; we are happy to clarify any point.
Your treatment may include hands-on techniques, exercise and advice and, where suitable, acupuncture or dry needling. We’ll explain each technique before we use it and ask for your consent. You’re free to say no to any technique you’re not comfortable with, and we’ll happily offer an alternative.
Treatment Response
Osteopathy is not usually painful, although some people experience some tiredness, soreness or stiffness in the first few days after treatment, particularly if you are having treatment for a painful or inflamed injury. We will explain whether you are likely to have any reactions and give you advice on targeted exercise and self-management.
After acupuncture or dry needling, some people notice mild soreness, a small bruise or tiredness. This usually settles within a day or two.
Licensing
We are registered and insured osteopaths who base our practice on the osteopathic practice standards (OPS) set out by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to offer safe, effective and ethical treatment to maintain high standards. Every year, we undertake a minimum of 30 hours of continuing professional development activities to keep our knowledge up to date with the latest evidence and offer high-quality care. We are also members of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO) and the Northern Counties Society of Osteopaths (NCSO).
Cancellation Policy
At A1 Bodyworks Clinic, we understand that life can sometimes interrupt even the best-made plans. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice so we can offer the time to another patient.
Initial consultations require a 50% deposit to secure your booking.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a 50% late cancellation fee.
Missed (no-show) appointments will be charged the full session fee.
We always aim to be flexible and understanding, and we appreciate your help in communicating any delays or cancellations.
Consultation details and prices
If this is your first visit, or if your last consultation was over 12 months ago, the appointment can last up to 1 hour and costs £65. The follow-up appointments after that last 20-30 minutes and cost £45 per session. The number of sessions needed will be discussed with you during the initial consultation and will be updated according to your progress if needed.