Osteopathy is a highly versatile manual therapy used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting all parts of the body, not just the back!
We commonly treat: Spinal Pain: Lower back pain, sciatica, disc issues, and neck pain. Joint and Muscle Pain: Shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle problems, including arthritis-related pain. Headaches: Tension headaches and migraines often associated with neck stiffness. Sports Injuries: Muscle strains, tendon injuries, and ligament sprains. Pregnancy & Postpartum Issues: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP), back pain during pregnancy, and postural changes post-birth. You can find out more about Ben Posen’s specialist interests here.
Our clinic is situated in the heart of West Hampstead, located on Broadhurst Gardens, just a one-minute walk from West Hampstead Station. This prime location makes us easily accessible to patients across North London and North West London. We regularly see patients from nearby postcodes and neighbourhoods including Belsize Park (NW3), Swiss Cottage (NW3), Finchley Road (NW3/NW11), Highgate (N6), Primrose Hill (NW1), and Camden
(NW1). Our convenient central location and excellent transport links ensure that high-quality, expert osteopathic care is never far away.
No, a GP referral is generally not required to book a consultation and receive treatment at Hampstead Osteopathy. Most of our patients “self-refer” simply by using our “Book Online” service.
Insurance Exception: If you plan to claim treatment costs through your private health insurance provider (such as BUPA or AXA PPP), you must check your policy first. Some insurers require you to obtain a GP or specialist referral before starting treatment.
We are committed to providing the highest standard of expert osteopathic care combined with a clear focus on results, ensuring you get the most out of every session.
- Initial Consultation & Treatment: £75 (45 minutes)
- Continuation (Follow-up) Sessions: £70 (30 minutes)
- Double Continuation (Follow-up) Sessions: £135 (60 minutes)
- 5 continuation sessions paid for in advance: £315 (5 x 30 minutes)
With over 17 years of clinical experience, our fee structure is designed to offer exceptional value in North London.
This is such a common question I’ve written a whole separate blog about it which you can read here.
All three professions share the common goal of improving musculoskeletal well-being through manual therapy, but they differ in their core approach and techniques. Osteopathy focuses on a holistic, hands-on approach, addressing the body’s overall structure and function to resolve underlying issues. Osteopaths combine soft tissue therapy (massage) with manipulative therapy (adjustments), exercise prescription, and postural advice, aiming for a highly integrated treatment plan.
Chiropractic care historically centers on the spine and its relationship with the nervous system, with spinal manipulation (adjustments) often being the primary treatment tool. Sessions tend to be shorter and more frequent, focusing heavily on improving spinal alignment. Physiotherapy typically relys more on exercise-based rehabilitation and functional recovery. Physiotherapists use customized exercise programs, manual therapy, and occasionally modalities like ultrasound to help patients regain strength and mobility after an injury or surgery.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and the nature of your injury. All three professions are highly regulated in the UK (by the GOsC, GCC, and HCPC, respectively) and can effectively treat common issues like back pain, sciatica, and headaches. We recommend that you choose the practitioner whose approach—holistic (Osteopath), manipulation-focused (Chiropractor), or exercise-based (Physiotherapist)—best aligns with your needs.
Your first appointment, known as the Initial Consultation, will last approximately 45 minutes and is split into three main parts:
1. Case History: We will discuss your symptoms in detail, along with your medical history, work, and lifestyle, to build a complete picture of your health.
2. Examination: This involves a full physical assessment, including posture checks and simple movements, to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. We will clearly explain your diagnosis and treatment plan to you.
3. Treatment: If appropriate, your session will conclude with a bespoke treatment plan using a blend of hands-on techniques such as massage, manipulation, and stretching. We will also provide initial advice on exercises, posture, and self-care.
Your osteopathic treatment session should be a positive and comfortable experience, even if you are in pain.
For your examination and treatment, we may need to access specific areas to accurately assess your posture, observe any imbalances, and see how your joints and muscles move.
To ensure a smooth process, please consider wearing loose-fitting clothing or bringing shorts and a vest top. We will always respect your privacy and comfort; we use towels to cover you so you should never feel uncomfortable or exposed while you are on the treatment couch.
The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of your condition, how long you’ve had it, and your overall health. After your initial consultation, we will provide you with a clear, honest estimate of the total number of sessions recommended. As a guideline: Acute (New) Pain often requires between 2 and 4 sessions. Chronic (Long-standing) Pain may require 4 to 6 sessions, followed by occasional maintenance appointments if necessary. Our goal is always to reduce your pain quickly and empower you with the knowledge to manage your health in the long term, so you rely less on us.
