Online Consults | Frequently asked questions

How do I book?

Online clinic appointments both free and paid are booked via our website booking system, online payments are available. [Book online]
Alternatively, you can book your appointment by calling our reception team on 020 7127 8127; after which we’ll contact you by phone or email for payment ahead of your consult.

What’s involved in an online video call?

The online video call is a remote 1-2-1 option to see and speak to a qualified osteopath. It is an opportunity to discuss your issue and take instruction and advice from a professional by way of 2-way conversation. If appropriate we may ask you to complete some simple moves or rudimentary tests to help us evaluate your condition remotely. We recommend you find a quiet and private space in your house and try to avoid being interrupted during your appointment time. We strongly recommend you check your internet connection ahead of your appointment, taking into consideration other possible use of internet bandwidth in your household at the time of your appointment.

What technology do I need?

The online video calls are delivered by our existing booking system, Cliniko through a web browser in a non-technical, easy to follow way. You’ll simply need your smart phone or laptop/computer with access to a web browser. Following the link in your appointment confirmation or reminder will open a large window with an options to chat (top right) and mute sound/video. All browsers are supported. Take a moment to think about your set up, if you have enough light so your osteopath can see you ok, that there is no glare for you, and you can see your screen ok.

What if technology difficulties disrupt the video call?

Where significant technical issues are seen on either side of the call we will try to move to a back up option (Facetime/What’s app video call/Whereby) or reschedule the call. Where the appointment has been paid for and needs to be abandoned, you will be refunded. We strongly recommend you check your internet connection ahead of your appointment, taking into consideration other possible use of internet bandwidth in your household at the time of your appointment. It’s also important to check your volume setting is switched up and headphones are disconnected or connected (as you prefer) to be able to take the video call.

What’s the difference between a check-in and consultation?

Our FREE check-in options offer a brief 10 minute window for a chat. These are intended to support our existing patients, who may want to talk about their progress and ongoing treatment plan. These are also for people seeking help in triaging new or worsening aches and pains. The latter, we hope will take the strain off the NHS at this busy time.

Our longer 30 minute consultations offer a more in-depth experience; more time for discussion, time for functional questioning and testing (where appropriate), demonstrations or sharing of resources whilst online. There is the added benefit of a follow-up after the video call; where a summary of your discussion, your osteopath’s evaluation and exercises (where given) will be sent to you by email.

What conditions are suitable for assessment by online video call?

Our aim is to provide access to a qualified Osteopath to evaluate any existing, ongoing or new symptoms such as pain, restriction, stiffness, spasms, numbness in areas such as the back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee etc. which may indicate a musculoskeletal problem (muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments). We may also be able to help with fatigue, nerve pain as well as tension and posture-related headaches, and the physical elements of circulation problems, digestive or gynaecological conditions.

What to expect?

10min Online Check-in with your osteopath

A professional and private 1-2-1 video call with your osteopath. An opportunity to discuss your progress, concerns, movement issues, advice on self-management, perhaps pregnancy related changes. We aim to offer a helpful discussion and practical advice.

10min Online Check-in | aches and pains

A professional and private 1-2-1 video call with a fully qualified osteopath. An opportunity to discuss recent or worsening aches and pains. We aim to offer a helpful discussion and practical advice, as well instructing you should we feel you need urgent or other medical attention.

30min Online Consult

A professional and private 1-2-1 video call with a fully qualified osteopath. Initial appointments will involve taking a full case history, where you’ll be given the opportunity to discuss your symptoms in full as well as lifestyle, diet, impact of confinement and any existing conditions and medications. As always all information is given in the strictest confidence. We may ask you to carry out some simple movements to make a remote evaluation of your posture and mobility.

We aim to offer functional considerations, useful discussion, a fully explained evaluation with expected prognosis and instruction regards self-management and exercises. If a referral is indicated, we’ll discuss the most appropriate action with you, see below.

What if I need to be referred?

If for any reason your symptoms are considered a medical emergency we will instruct you appropriately. If alternatively, it is not urgent but we feel further medical investigation is warranted for example Xray, MRI or blood test, we will discuss the most appropriate action regards GP or specialist referral with you, taking into consideration of the current pressures and impact on service provision within the NHS at this challenging time.

What to wear?

We recommend you wear comfortable, unrestrictive clothes so you can be relaxed throughout your appointment. Online check-ins and consults will mostly be a verbal exchange. Where demonstration or simple movements are called for, you will need to be comfortable as you move about. You will not be asked to undress, although depending on the area/body part you may want to show areas of redness/bruising for example; this will be at your discretion.

Do you take health insurance?

The Rebalance practitioners are registered with a range of private health insurers. Please contact your insurance provider ahead of booking to check that online consultations are covered. Read our full information.

How do I cancel my appointment?

You can cancel your appointment easily by following the link in your appointment confirmation and/or reminder. You can also cancel your appointment by calling 020 7127 8127, or sending an email direct to your osteopath. Please provide at least 24 hours notice for any cancellations so that we can plan our time effectively and offer the time to others. Missed appointments are not refundable.

Your question not answered here? Send us your question via our contact us form and one of our team will get in touch.