Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Different Services

Osteopathy FAQs

  • Your first time seeing an Osteopath at Body Zest will begin with a consultation and examination process. Before treating you, our Osteopaths will diagnose your problem and develop a treatment plan. If you’re happy with the treatment plan, your Osteopath will begin treatment during your visit.

  • The truth is… it depends! Originally, Osteopathy and Chiropractic are branches off of the same tree. The first ever Osteopath actually taught the first Chiropractor, which is why you can see some core similarities within the two professions. Since then, the two Osteo and Chiro have developed in their own right. The reason I say ‘it depends’ is because it really does depend on the practitioner you see. For example, you could see a Chiropractor and an Osteopath who treat very similarly. You could also see three Osteopaths who are completely different. If I was forced to generalise, I’d say Chiropractors tend to be more spinal manipulation focused than Osteo’s, but please don’t take that as more than it is- a generalisation. Both sets of professions should be able to assess, diagnose and treat the same set of musculoskeletal conditions, whilst assisting with general improvement in wellness, exercise rehab, chronic pain, headaches and other things.

  • Many factors will affect whether an Osteopathy treatment plan is successful or not. However, evidence in controlled trials shows Osteopathy having a positive effect on many conditions, including neck pain, shoulder pain, lower limb injuries a back pain. Best results with an Osteopathy will be most likely for people who adhere to the lifestyle advice and exercises the Osteopathy prescribes.

  • Short answer… No!

    Osteopathy is a treatment system for the whole body. Admittedly, our most common presentations are back and neck pain. However, on a daily basis Osteopaths will be seeing everything from foot and ankle issues, all the way to headaches, wrists and hands.

  • Your Osteopath will set out how many sessions they expect to need before a point of ressassment or discharge. We’ll always do our best to outline what our expectations are and make sure we’re fully transparent.

    For new problems, patients often need much less treatment than more chronic/long-term issues. However, if your new complaint is because of a long standing joint stiffness, your pain will likely go away quickly, but it’ll take longer to fully resolve the root cause.

Sports Therapy FAQs

  • During your first visit to see our Sports Therapist, they will run through a consultation and examination process, before beginning any treatment. This is so they fully understand you and your situation, so they can optimise the treatment for your benefit.

  • Short answer… No!

    Athletes benefit greatly from Sports Therapy, as they are prone to muscle tension and injuries. However, mild/moderate exercisers and even people who do absolutely no exercise, can benefit in exactly the same way. Muscle tension is something which can affect anyone. Whether it’s sitting too much, driving or lifting up your kids. Sports Therapy benefits anyone who’s dealing with muscle related aches and pains.

  • Sports Massage is one of the tools which is used by a Spots Therapist. If you just see a Spots Massage Therapist, the treatment may be limited to that single treatment type. Sports Therapy, however, will likely include other types of treatment to help with longer term management and prevention. These may include: exercise rehab, cupping, dry needling and more.

Children’s Osteopathy FAQs

  • Our Cranial Osteopath Marie will take a full case history, this will include a medical history, details of their birth, and a deep dive into their presenting symptoms.

    Once Marie has gathered all the information she needs, she’ll do a full Cranial examination. This is a very gentle exam, feeling for torsion, points of tension and areas of dysfunction.

    If appropriate, treatment will begin during the first appointment. The treatment will always be gentle and she’ll be fully transparent- making sure you’re happy with your child’s treatment plan.

  • Cranial Osteopathy can be used for a variety of complaints and conditions.
    For babies, it is often used for the treatment of colic, digestive issues and reflux, unsettledness and breastfeeding/latching.

    For children, Cranial Osteopaths will regularly treat growing pains, sprains, headaches and issues with posture.

    These lists are not exhaustive. Please reach out to our team to find out if we can help with anything else.

  • Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle form of Osteo, which is why it lends itself so well to the treatment of babies, children and pre/post natal women.

    Our Osteopath will use gentle touch and gradual pressure to affect the area which is in need of change.

Podiatry/
Chiropody FAQs

  • Upon arrival, our Podiatrist will listen to your symptoms and take a look at your feet. Diagnosis is usually a quick process. If any further investigation is required, your Podiatrist will explain and arrange that for you. If treatment is appropriate, a treatment plan will be explained and delivered during your visit.

  • All conditions related to the feet can be diagnosed by a Podiatrist/Chiropodist. Treatment may be limited to the scope of practice of the individual practitioner. At Body Zest, our Podiatrist will treat all aspects of routine footcare, nails, skin conditions, diabetic foot, nerve issues, mechanics and arches and much more.

  • Podiatry and Chiropody can be interchangeable terms for the skill of treating all conditions related to the feet. However, modern terminology will associate more routine foot care, nails and skin to Chiropody. Whereas treatment to the arches an soft tissues is more often associated with Podiatry.

Acupuncture FAQs

  • Our Acupuncturist will spend some time with you during your first appointment to get to know you and understand your needs. Understanding the deep rooted causes of your symptoms/condition is highly valuable for helping to resolve it.

    Our Acupuncturist- Lu, will then outline her treatment intensions, before beginning some treatment with you on the day.

  • Acupuncture can help with a broad spectrum on conditions. The intension is to restore balance and equilibrium within the body, promoting it’s self-healing mechanisms. For that reason, treatment can targeted to more than just general aches and pains. Chronic fatigue, hypersensitivities, menopause symptoms, stress and anxiety, fertility and much more.

  • Acupuncture is the term used to describe the therapy as a whole. However, there are multiple treatment types used. Talking therapy, aromas, cupping and gua sha are some examples of the other therapies used as an alternative or in conjunction with Acupuncture needles.

    Lu will discuss any issues you have with needles and we promise you’ll still get a great treatment without them.

Got a question we haven’t answered?
Ask us here!

Finding us

We’re proud of our reputation in Banstead for the following professional services: Osteopathy, Sports Therapy Podiatry and Acupuncture.
Here are some of the other local areas we serve:

Sutton, South London, Nork, Tadworth, Epsom, Chipstead, Caterham, Purley, Croydon, Kingswood, Reigate and Redhill.

Our clinic is situated on Banstead High Street, SM7 2NZ.

You’ll receive an email on the day of your appointment with our address and local parking options.