FAQ's

This list contains the answers to the most common questions people ask us. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to call and we will be happy discuss these with you.
What should I expect from my first visit to The Cole Practice?
On your first visit a thorough case history will be taken. You will be asked questions relating to your specific complaint, plus other more general health questions to ensure that it is safe and appropriate to treat you using osteopathic techniques. If you wish, you may have a friend or relative present during the consultation.

All patients under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The consultation will help the osteopath to gain a better understanding of you as an individual. You will be asked to undress to your underwear for a full postural assessment to be carried out. You will then be asked to perform some movements to help the osteopath reach a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.

Sometimes other tests are also carried out such as taking blood pressure or checking reflexes. If we are concerned that there may be a more serious underlying condition that is not due to a musculo-skeletal cause then we will refer you to your GP or hospital for further investigations.

What should I wear?
In order to assess posture fully it is probable that you will be asked to remove some items of clothing or dress down to your underwear.

Should you wish to you can bring some shorts or leggings and a vest top for your comfort although this is not essential.

Will it hurt?
Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle hands on techniques that focus on releasing tension, stretching muscles and mobilising joints. They should not cause any pain, however if you do experience any pain or discomfort during the treatment you should let the osteopath know so that they can adapt the treatment to make it more comfortable.

Following treatment you may experience mild discomfort but in most cases this will resolve within 24 hours and is part of the normal healing process.

It is not advisable to partake in strenuous exercise for 1-2 days post treatment to give the tissues time to settle down.

How many treatments will I need?
This will depend on the particular problem and how long you have been experiencing the symptoms. In most cases, after a couple of treatments the osteopath will have been able to settle the symptoms to a manageable level. On some occasions you may require several visits to ensure that optimum function is restored. If this is the case the osteopath will explain the likely prognosis for your particular problem.

It is also advisable to undertake “maintenance” visits every 3-6 months to enable us to ensure that the previous problem is contained and prevented from returning. After all prevention is better than cure!

"I have used the Cole Practice a few times now with excellent results on resolving my back problems. Steve is very experienced within his profession and I am confident when visiting his practice that he will resolve my back problem, that’s why I will certainly be using him again and making an appointment online is easy."

Mark Harding, Wallington, Surrey

"Absolutely brilliant is Steve. After my first visit I felt so much better and improved in myself.
Steve is brilliant at what he does and I am so glad I found him. If you have a back that needs sorting….. he’s your man. All I can say is I am staying with his clinic."

Pamela King, Carshalton Beeches, Surrey

"Would highly recommend Steve. He is great at what he does & very professional. He has helped treat both my shoulder and lumbar pain successfully. Thank you Steve."

Alex Valentine, Sutton, Surrey

"Someone recommended Steve to me a few years ago and he is now my ‘go to’ osteopath. I always feel so much better after treatment with Steve - he really does have the ‘magic’ touch. Really genuine, kind and caring which make the whole experience so much better. Highly recommend you give Steve a call should you need an osteopath."

Louisa V, Sutton, Surrey

"I have been referring to Steve for 15 years and have always had good feedback from my patients. He has a holistic approach and gives me feedback."

Dr Anthony Ditri GP, Carshalton, Surrey

“I had been suffering with lower back problems for about 10 years or so before finally seeking help from Steve. He was recommended to me by my wife who was using him to help with associated pain from a wrist disorder that she suffers with. He was very professional and thorough, he spent time with me talking about my problem and assessing the best course of action. I can honestly say that ever since that first visit, I have had almost no lower back pain! Something I thought was never going to happen. I was always a little sceptical about using an osteopath but other treatments and my GP were doing nothing for me. All my worries and concerns however have been completely eradicated. Steve has been brilliant, I can’t recommend him highly enough!” Ben Goodridge, Sutton, Surrey

“My husband and I have been patients of Steve’s for a good few years now. We always find his manner to be friendly, advisory and very professional at all times. We feel that the advice given with regard to any ailment, and the possible after care that we can administer ourselves to maintain the treatment he gives, is always that of someone who genuinely understands and cares for his patients. We would recommend Steve at all times and have done in the past. His due care and attention to detail is second to none and his prices are respectfully competitive. We feel well looked after and thanks for easing the pains Steve!” Carole and Robert Horstead, South Norwood, London

“I have seen a total of 5 osteopaths but Steve is by far the best. Osteopathy gives me a new lease of life and relieves me from my chronic back pain! Worth every penny!” Stella Greenslade, Warlingham, Surrey

“For many years, I have suffered with lower back pain and stiffness in my hip. However, it took a severe lower back pain to finally make me seek treatment. Steve removed all back pain at the first treatment after diagnosing a sacro-iliac joint problem. I have continued to see him regularly over the past 5 years for my hip/back problem as well as seeking his professional help with sports injuries. I leave his treatment room feeling able to continue with everyday life without pain and mobility restrictions. At all times, he is a true professional. His calm, respectful manner means that I always feel at ease. The treatment does not end with the clinic session. I have been given exercises to increase the mobility of my shoulder and lower back, and feel confident that I can contact him any time between treatments for advice. I have no hesitation in recommending Steve – I only wish I had found him years ago!” Adri Tempest, Carshalton, Surrey

“I heard about Steve through a friend and he really has made a big difference to my overall fitness, posture and belief in my freedom of movement. I would 100% recommend him to my friends as he has the perfect balance of being affordable, professional and a nice person to talk to” Jake Hewett, Beddington, Surrey

“I have been visiting Steve for treatment on and off for around four years now, for various ailments covering many areas! Steve has always managed to relieve my aches and pains and suggest exercises to help any ongoing problems. He always takes time to talk through the issue and work out which area needs to be focused on before starting the treatment, then will kindly listen to me jabber on about life throughout the rest of the session! Recently we worked together to realise just how many problems I was suffering with and that I was ignoring a lot of pains on a daily basis putting them down to “I’ve always had this pain so ignore it” or “just thinking its what happens as you get older” Steve pointed out this shouldn’t be the case at all and we should work at rectifying as many as we could. Steve definitely has magic hands and I always leave the appointment feeling so much better. Steve will respond to my texts that I may send with any worries or needing that urgent appointment and has just recently treated my 8 year old daughters jaw issue. He dealt with her so well and put her at ease she didn’t show any concern at all, even when he “clicked” her neck for the first time. She told me that night that she was so pleased I’d taken her to see Steve as she felt so much better already. I will always pass on Steve’s contact details to anyone I hear complaining of back problems as I know they will be pleased with the outcome! Thanks Steve!” Jane Taylor, Wallington, Surrey

“I started seeing Steve for treatment after he was recommended to me by a friend. I see him for tightness in my sacro-iliac joint which contributes to lower back pain and discomfort in my hip. Steve’s friendly nature and professionalism quickly puts you at ease during the consultation. As well as treating me, he also recommended lifestyle changes, specifically taking up Pilates which I now do regularly. This has made a real difference along with his treatment. I have recommended Steve to my friends who have also been very pleased with his treatment. What I like about him are his reasonable prices and that there is no pressure about the frequency in which you see him.” Lorraine Harris, Carshalton, Surrey

“I have been treated by Steve over the past 10 years and have recommended him to many friends and family. Whether is has been for a sports-related injury, general wear and tear, or preventative treatment it is rare that the problem has not been fixed after just one treatment. There’s no hard sell with Steve, or encouraging you to come for courses of treatment. Steve has a very kind and professional manner and always tries to accommodate emergency appointments.” Frances Dennington, Sutton, Surrey

“I have been seeing Steve for a number of years now and have found him to be very professional and offer a very good service. I would highly recommend him to any future patients” David Stuckey, Wallington, Surrey

“Steve has miracle hands. When I was at work and bent down and couldn’t become upright again I was petrified! A friend recommended him and I couldn’t be more pleased! Steve was kind and patient and assessed and explained what happened. We worked together, well he worked I followed his instructions and he got me back to myself. Anyone who suffers with back problems knows that you have good days and bad but with his guidance and tools to use at home I am able to manage the relapses. The times I am unable to he has been a phone call away, always accommodating. He treats me with such kindness and respect that even now when I had my baby he works around her to treat me. Sometimes our sessions feel like therapy which is VERY welcomed! You can text Steve for advice or leave a message and he ALWAYS returns the message very promptly! I have moved quite a ways away but I happily make the journey to be treated by Steve, he IS just that good! Thanks again Steve for everything you have done and continue to do for me! God Bless.” Nicole Hunte, Bromley, Kent

“Sitting at a desk all day is possibly the worst thing for my neck and shoulders and they often seize up without warning. I have had this problem for a number of years now and it still amazes me that with gentle manipulation Steve is able to sort out my mobility. As someone who doesn’t like to take painkillers now if ever I have general aches and pains my first thought is to contact Steve for his assistance and he can usually help me. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Steve.” Jennifer Willis, Carshalton, Surrey

“I have been under Steve’s care since 2007. He is an extremely competent osteopath, kind and considerate and I can thoroughly recommend him” Margaret Barker, Wallington, Surrey

“Steve is a brilliant osteopath – he is friendly, honest and very able. After my second child was born 5 years ago, I tried several different osteopaths for a reoccurring problem, but once I found Steve, I haven’t been to anyone else and have recommended him to all my friends and family” Leena Shaw, Carshalton, Surrey

“I never hesitate to recommend Steve to my friends and family whenever they are in need of a talented osteopath” Stuart Aldridge, Epsom, Surrey

“Steve is very professional and takes the time to listen to you. I had multiple treatments with Steve for my ongoing back complaint and found it very helpful in easing my stiffness and making me generally feel much healthier and happier” Jenny Herbert, Sutton, Surrey

“If you live in Surrey I honestly can’t recommend Steve enough. Sorted my back and not expensive!” Ian Royce, Wallington, Surrey

“I have been a patient of Steve’s for about 11 years and have always found him to be pleasant and professional. My regular treatments ease the pain of my arthritis and help keep me mobile. I thoroughly recommend him” Dee Pegrum, Raynes Park

"I have had Scheuermann's disease since my teens but the pain considerably worsened in my lat 30's/early 40's. A good friend of mine recommended Steve and with his expert help and quarterly visits my day-to-day standard of living has helped dramatically. Not only his osteopathy, he has recommended exercises to support my treatment and given advice about how to improve my workstation and general quality of life. He has a great manner, which has enabled a great relationship and made my visits relaxed and informal. I thoroughly recommend Steve to anyone who is considering osteopathy for the first time"

Daniel Joselyn, Biggin Hill, Kent

“Steve has been helping me with my numerous injuries for 12 years now. Steve is very good and gentle, which is why I keep returning and I would say that he has healing hands, as he always makes me feel 10 times better. As I have had a lot of injuries over the years, it helps knowing someone that is good, that I am able to trust” Daisy Warrell, Wallington, Surrey