Nicky Newson Osteopathy
Appointments
Whether you are new or a returning patient, click the button below to book your osteopathy appointment today!
What to expect from your treatment?
Osteopathy is all about putting you at the centre of your care, taking time to really understand what you need to feel better. During our first session together, we’ll have a bit of extra time so I can get a clear picture of your health and create a plan that suits you best.
Here’s what you can expect:
I’ll start by asking you some questions about the problem you’re experiencing, your overall health, and any other treatments or medications you might be on. Everything you share will stay confidential and help me provide the best care.
1
I might need you to remove some clothing to get a better look at how your body is moving and where you may have restrictions. I’ll make sure you have privacy to undress, and I can provide a towel if that feels more comfortable for you. Ideal clothing would be leggings or shorts and a vest top that doesn’t cover the spine, or running shorts for men. Feel free to bring along a friend or family member for extra support if you’d like.
2
I’ll probably ask you to do some simple movements to help me understand how your posture and mobility are affecting your body. Sometimes, an issue in one area can be connected to pain or stiffness somewhere else, so I’ll look for any links.
3
I’ll use my hands to gently examine the health of your joints, muscles, and other tissues. Osteopaths develop a refined sense of touch, called palpation, that helps us detect subtle differences in your tissues.
4
If I notice anything that needs further investigation, I’ll recommend that you check in with your GP or visit the hospital, and I can provide a referral letter if necessary.
5
After the exam, I’ll share with you what I’ve found and explain a treatment plan that’s tailored to you. We’ll discuss what the treatment can achieve, any benefits and risks, and I’ll give you an idea of how many sessions you might need to see real improvement. If lifestyle changes could help, we can talk about those too.
During treatment, which is hands-on, I may use gentle manipulation techniques for the spine and joints or soft tissue massage. I can also use gentle cranial techniques or a form of acupuncture called western acupuncture. I’ll explain each step and make sure you’re comfortable with what I’m doing. Your consent is essential, so please feel free to ask questions anytime if anything is unclear or if you have concerns.
To help you keep feeling better, I might recommend some exercises or self-care tips that you can do at home. These can be great for your recovery and may help prevent future discomfort.
Understanding Dry Needling
Dry needling is a technique I use to help relieve pain, release tight muscles, and improve movement, especially if you’re dealing with those deep knots or "trigger points" that just won’t seem to let go. During a dry needling session, I’ll insert a very thin, solid needle into specific spots within your muscles where tension has built up. These are often those tender, tight areas that feel like knots, and they can sometimes send pain to other parts of your body.
The goal with dry needling is to help those tense muscles relax, reduce pain, and give you back some ease of movement. It’s called “dry” needling because the needles don’t inject any medication; they simply stimulate your body’s natural ability to release tension. When these tight areas are relaxed, you might feel immediate relief, or it may take a day or two to feel the full effects as your muscles start to soften and recover.
Dry needling can be especially helpful if you’re managing things like:
- Muscle pain or soreness in areas like the shoulders, neck, or lower back
- Stiffness and limited movement that’s making everyday tasks or activities harder
- Sports injuries or tension from repetitive strain that hasn’t improved with other treatments
I’ll always make sure you feel comfortable throughout the process and explain each step so you know what to expect. Dry needling can feel a bit strange, and sometimes it might cause a twitch in the muscle, which is actually a good sign that it’s releasing tension. If at any point you have questions or need a break, just let me know—my goal is to make sure you feel as relaxed and informed as possible.
By addressing these trigger points and reducing tightness, dry needling can be a powerful tool to help your body heal and get you feeling back to yourself again.