How Osteopaths in Croydon Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis tests patience like few foot problems do. It starts as a nagging heel ache on first steps out of bed, then flares after a long commute or a run in Lloyd Park, and settles into a cycle that chips away at training plans, workdays, even simple walks to the tram stop. In Croydon clinics, osteopaths see this pattern every week. The best results come Croydon osteo from treating more than the fascia. Gait mechanics, calf strength, hip control, daily loading habits, shoes, even stress levels can push the heel over the edge. Address those, and the heel tends to calm down.

I have treated hundreds of Croydon residents with plantar heel pain over the past decade, from hospitality workers standing 10 hours a day in Centrale to club runners sharpening for the Croydon Half. The thread that runs through successful cases is methodical assessment, a plan that respects biology’s pace, and practical adjustments that the person can actually live with. Below is what that process looks like when handled by an experienced osteopath in Croydon, what to expect session to session, and the self-care that speeds results between visits.

What plantar fasciitis really is

Plantar fasciitis is a mechanical overload injury to the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue that spans from the heel bone to the toes and supports the foot arch. The tissue behaves a bit like a suspension bridge cable, storing and releasing energy with each step. When repetitive strain outpaces the tissue’s capacity to adapt, microscopic damage accumulates at the heel attachment, particularly on the inner side of the calcaneus. Most contemporary studies point to a degenerative tendinopathy-like process rather than a classic inflammatory condition, which is why short, sharp anti-inflammatory measures alone rarely fix the issue.

Typical signs include sharp heel pain on first steps in the morning or after sitting, tenderness at the anteromedial heel, and a pattern where pain eases as you warm up then returns after prolonged loading. Tight calves, reduced ankle dorsiflexion, relative hip weakness, and stiff big-toe extension are common companions. Flat feet can play a role, but so can high rigid arches. Speed, not shape, often tells the story: how fast you changed mileage, how quickly you switched footwear or surface, how abruptly a standing job ramped up.

Why Croydon osteopaths take a whole-chain view

If you stand on the platforms at East Croydon and watch commuters’ feet as they rush for the 08:12, you will see every variation of gait available to humans. Some roll in, some stay rigid and bounce, some collapse the midfoot then whip the toes off the ground. Those patterns are not just style; they dictate how load travels from hip to heel. An osteopath in Croydon, trained to read movement across regions, will often find that the sore heel is the last link in a chain that starts higher up.

A stiff thoracic spine can shift the center of mass backward, increasing forefoot loading and toe-off strain. Limited hip extension can steal ankle dorsiflexion mid-stance, leaving the plantar fascia to do extra work. A previous ankle sprain that never fully regained proprioception can nudge the subtalar joint into a pronation strategy your fascia does not tolerate well. This is why Croydon osteopathy focuses on the person in front of us rather than the diagnosis alone. Two people can have the same heel pain label and vastly different causes.

First appointment at a Croydon osteopath clinic: what happens and why

New patients are often surprised by how much of the first session is conversation and testing, not hands-on work. That up-front investment saves weeks.

History that matters: When did symptoms start, what changed in the two to six weeks before onset, what jobs or sports load the foot, what shoes rotate through your week, what morning pain scale do you use, what self-care has helped or flared it, any numbness or unusual swelling. We ask about lower back or hip issues because they commonly cohabit. Functional exam: Gait analysis in bare feet and in your usual shoes, single-leg stance with eyes open and closed, heel raises double and single, squat depth and symmetry, step-down control. We look at cadence, stride length, foot strike, tibial progression, and pelvic stability. Regional tests: Ankle dorsiflexion both with knee straight and bent to differentiate gastrocnemius from soleus restriction. Big-toe extension range and midfoot mobility. Palpation of the plantar fascia attachment and along the medial band, calcaneal squeeze to rule out stress injury, windlass test for fascial engagement. Neural tension testing if symptoms suggest a nerve component. Red flags and differentials: Osteopaths Croydon-wide screen carefully for stress fractures, tarsal tunnel syndrome, fat pad atrophy, inflammatory arthropathy, or referred pain from the lumbar spine. If something does not add up, we refer for imaging or to your GP or a specialist.

Patients usually leave that first visit with an explanation that fits their specific pattern. When a story aligns with the tests, adherence goes up, and pain often starts coming down osteopath Croydon within days.

Hands-on techniques and what they achieve

Osteopathic treatment in Croydon for plantar fasciitis varies with the person’s irritability and stage of recovery. The aim is to reduce nociception from the overloaded area, improve the way load transfers through the foot and up the chain, and prepare the tissue to handle progressive exercise.

Soft-tissue and myofascial work around the calf complex: Gentle to moderate pressure on the gastrocnemius and soleus, often with the ankle moved through range, reduces protective muscle tone and improves dorsiflexion. The fascial connections between calf and plantar structures are real and clinically relevant. When calf stiffness eases by even 5 to 10 degrees of dorsiflexion, morning steps usually improve.

Myofascial release of the plantar intrinsic muscles: Rather than digging painfully into an inflamed attachment, experienced Croydon osteopaths will work more proximally along the plantar fascia and into the interossei and lumbricals to restore glide. Direct pressure at the exact heel origin is applied carefully, and usually later in the rehab once irritability settles.

Joint mobilisations: Talocrural joint mobilisations for dorsiflexion, subtalar and midfoot mobilisations for pronation-supination balance, and first metatarsophalangeal mobilisations for toe extension. Even a small gain in big-toe dorsiflexion changes how your foot rolls off. For runners, that can be the difference between a wincing final mile down Addiscombe Road and a smooth finish.

High-velocity, low-amplitude techniques where appropriate: If the midfoot or ankle is rigid and non-irritable, a quick, precise mobilisation can restore a chunk of lost range. HVLA is not for everyone and not for every session. When used well, it unlocks the groundwork for exercises to take hold.

Neuromuscular techniques to the posterior chain: Hamstrings, glutes, and even thoracolumbar fascia are common contributors. When hip extension is limited, the foot often pays. Croydon osteopathy often includes release and activation pairings so that mobility gains translate into control.

Kinesiology taping: Short-term offloading at the medial arch or heel pad can be helpful for high-irritability phases or long standing days. It is not a cure, but it buys comfort while the deeper work continues.

Patients sometimes ask about dry needling. Some Croydon osteopaths use it judiciously for calf trigger points, especially in stubborn cases. Results vary. It is an adjunct, not a mainstay.

Exercise therapy: the spine of recovery

No manual technique replaces a well-dosed loading plan. The plantar fascia responds to progressive mechanical stimulus, the same way a tendon does. A Croydon osteopath will typically build an exercise ladder that begins with pain-modulated isometrics and ends with plyometric readiness for those who need it.

Isometrics for pain modulation: Early on, we often start with long-lever calf isometrics. Stand facing a wall, one leg back, heel down, both knees straight. Lean forward until the back calf engages strongly but the heel discomfort remains tolerable. Hold 30 to 45 seconds, repeat 4 to 5 times, one to two sessions per day. If morning pain is high, do a round before your first steps.

Seated calf raises to tolerance: With a dumbbell or backpack on the knee, raise the heel slowly for 3 seconds, hold 1 to 2 seconds at the top, lower for 3 seconds. Start with 3 sets of 8 to 12 within mild discomfort that settles within minutes. Progress load weekly. This targets the soleus, key for endurance standing and walking.

Standing single-leg calf raises through as much pain-free range as possible: Control the down phase. We vary knee position to bias gastrocnemius or soleus and add tempo changes to challenge the tendon-fascia complex.

Toe extension and intrinsic strength: Simple towel scrunches are fine, but I prefer short-foot drills that cue the arch without clawing. Stand, gently draw the ball of the big toe toward the heel to lift the arch while keeping toes long. Hold five slow breaths, relax, repeat 8 to 10 times. Pair with big-toe extension stretches, especially if hallux range is limited.

Hip and trunk lines: Lateral hip strength and pelvic control change foot loading. Side-lying hip abduction with strict form, step-downs from a 10 to 15 cm step, and split squats with attention to knee tracking are staples. Runners eventually add single-leg deadlifts and hops to prepare for elastic loading.

Return-to-run or return-to-shift progressions are built on time and symptom response, not calendar promises. A common metric is morning pain and the 24-hour rule: if the heel is meaningfully worse the next morning or lingers beyond 24 hours after a session, we drop the load by 10 to 20 percent and try again.

Load management that patients can keep

Most flare-ups trace back to one or two modifiable drivers. Life dictates some of them. We focus on the ones you can change without quitting your job or your sport.

For shift workers who stand in retail or healthcare: Rotate between two pairs of supportive shoes with different midsole densities, change every 3 to 4 hours where possible. Use a small step or foot rail at the till or nurses’ station so you can alternate resting one foot, which subtly unloads the fascia. Micro-breaks help far more than a single long lunch break.

For runners: Keep cadence modestly higher, often 165 to 180 steps per minute for most adult heights, which reduces overstride and heel impact. Avoid sudden long downhill runs, which spike eccentric calf work. Add distance in 10 percent chunks only after two consecutive weeks without morning pain spikes. Rotate shoes between a cushioned daily trainer and a slightly firmer pair to vary stimulus. Racing flats and carbon plates are best reserved for symptom-free phases.

For walkers and commuters: If you carry a heavy bag, alternate shoulders or choose a backpack that sits high and close. Uneven loads can tip your pelvis and tweak foot mechanics in subtle but real ways. Try to break up long tram or train waits with gentle ankle pumps and calf squeezes.

For those with rigid high arches: Cushion and mild rocker shoes often help. For flexible flat feet with poor control, more structured footwear or an off-the-shelf orthotic may reduce strain in the short term while you build strength.

Footwear and orthotics: nuanced choices, not absolutes

At an osteopath clinic Croydon residents will often bring a pile of shoes to the second appointment. That is useful. We look for the wear pattern, midsole collapse, forefoot stiffness, and heel counter integrity.

Supportive trainers with a stable midfoot and slight rocker toe help many. Ultra-soft maximalist shoes sometimes feel great at first but can increase forefoot work if the forefoot is very flexible. Flat, thin shoes amplify ground reaction forces the heel may not like during a flare. Boots without a cushioned insole can be harsh for long standing.

Off-the-shelf orthoses can bridge a sensitive phase. Prefabricated devices with slight medial arch support and heel cushioning generally do well. Custom orthotics are useful for a minority, especially where there are significant deformities, leg length issues, or long-standing recurrent cases that fail simple measures. Even then, we pair orthotics with progressive exercise and periodic reassessment. The goal is not dependency; it is to create a calm, load-sharing environment so tissue can rebuild capacity.

Shockwave therapy and adjuncts: when and how Croydon clinics use them

Some Croydon osteopathy practices offer extracorporeal shockwave therapy. It can help persistently painful plantar fasciitis that has not responded after several months of diligent rehab. The protocol typically involves 3 to 6 sessions at weekly intervals. Patients feel transient discomfort during application and may experience a short flare that settles within 48 hours. The evidence suggests improved pain and function in the medium term when combined with a structured loading plan, not as a stand-alone.

Night splints can reduce the morning step shock by holding the foot in gentle dorsiflexion and toe extension. Compliance varies because they are clunky to sleep in. If your morning pain is the worst feature, a 2 to 4 week trial often answers whether it is worth continuing.

Topical and oral anti-inflammatories may take the edge off, especially early on, but they are not a solution by themselves for a degenerative condition. Corticosteroid injections can provide strong short-term relief, particularly for very irritable cases, but carry risks including plantar fascia rupture and fat pad atrophy. In my experience, injections should be reserved for select cases, planned alongside load reduction, and delivered by clinicians who do a lot of them, with ultrasound guidance preferred.

How long recovery takes and what influences the timeline

Uncomplicated plantar fasciitis, caught within the first three months and addressed with a sensible plan, often improves meaningfully in 4 to 8 weeks and returns to near-normal in 8 to 16 weeks. Chronic cases, particularly those beyond six months with multiple failed interventions, can take 3 to 9 months to settle. Expectations matter. We map progress on three tracks:

Morning pain severity and duration on first steps. Functional tolerance thresholds, like minutes of walking or number of shift hours before symptoms nudge above mild. Strength and range measures, such as single-leg calf raise repetitions with good form and big-toe extension degrees.

A Croydon osteopath will also factor in work realities, commute time, family demands, and stress. Tissue healing follows biology, but people recover at the speed of their life.

A real-world case from a Croydon clinic

A 44-year-old primary school teacher from South Croydon presented with four months of right heel pain. Worse in the morning, flared after assemblies, eased on weekends. She had taken up brisk walking during the summer break, 6 to 8 km around South Norwood Country Park three to four times a week, then kept the habit into term time while moving classrooms, which added standing and carrying.

Findings: Limited ankle dorsiflexion at 5 degrees with knee straight, 12 with knee bent. Big-toe extension 40 degrees on the right, 55 left. Single-leg calf raises right 9, left 18. Tenderness at medial calcaneal tubercle, positive windlass, normal calcaneal squeeze, no neural signs. Gait showed prolonged midstance and a quick toe-off with knee staying slightly flexed.

Plan: Two weeks of pain-modulated isometrics and seated calf raises, short-foot drills, big-toe mobilisations, night splint trial, and footwear swap from worn flats to a supportive trainer with mild rocker. At school, she rotated shoes at lunch and used a low step under the desk to vary foot position while marking.

Progress: Within 10 days, morning pain fell from 7 out of 10 to 4, and she could manage assemblies with one brief sit-down break. We introduced standing calf raises and step-downs, then single-leg deadlifts with a light kettlebell. At week five, she managed a Saturday 8 km without a flare, and by week nine she was pain-free on daily activities with just a faint twinge after a parents’ evening. The night splint went back in the wardrobe at week four. Maintenance became twice weekly calf strength and a habit of swapping shoes mid-shift.

The lesson was not the brand of shoes or the specific stretch, but the combination of modest, sustainable changes that collectively shifted load away from the irritated tissue and built capacity where she needed it.

The Croydon context: pavements, parks, and practicalities

Treatment plans must fit the ground under your feet. Croydon pavements are hard, often cambered, and winter brings long, cold mornings when tissues are stiff. Trams and trains add stop-start walking. The borough also offers friendly terrain for rehab: gentle loops in Lloyd Park, softer paths in Coombe Wood, and the grass of Duppas Hill. A Croydon osteopath who knows these options will suggest routes and surfaces at each stage. Early on, softer trails and short, flat loops allow you to bail out if symptoms spark. Later, a controlled reintroduction of hills hardens the system without surprise spikes.

When imaging or referral makes sense

Most plantar fasciitis cases do not need imaging. Ultrasound can show thickening of the plantar fascia and confirm the diagnosis, but thickness does not correlate perfectly with symptoms. We consider imaging if pain is severe and unresponsive after 8 to 12 weeks of good care, if there are atypical features like night pain at rest, diffuse swelling, or neurological signs, or if a stress fracture is on the table after a rapid training increase. In those cases, a Croydon osteopath will coordinate with your GP for ultrasound or MRI and referral to a podiatrist or sports physician if indicated.

Self-care habits that make the biggest difference

This is the short list I give most patients because it stacks the highest yield behaviours.

Before getting out of bed, gently pull the toes back with a towel for 10 slow breaths, then write the alphabet with the ankle. Two minutes cuts that brutal first-step shock. Keep a simple log of morning pain and daily loading. Patterns emerge quickly and steer adjustments better than memory. Strength beats stretch for long-term change. Do your calf work two to three times per week at a challenging but manageable load. Vary footwear through the week and bin shoes that are visibly collapsed at the heel or midsole. If work allows, rotate at midday. Respect the 24-hour rule. If today’s activity spikes tomorrow morning’s pain, step back 10 to 20 percent and try again for another week.

How Croydon osteopathy coordinates with other professionals

The best outcomes often involve a small team. Osteopaths in Croydon commonly collaborate with podiatrists for orthotic decisions, physiotherapists for return-to-sport testing, GPs for medication or imaging, and coaches where training plans need revision. Communication keeps the load consistent rather than tugging the heel in different directions.

For endurance athletes, we liaise about periodisation so deload weeks match tissue tolerance. For retail and hospitality workers, a brief note to managers about the value of alternating tasks or permitting seated intervals can make weeks of difference. The aim is not letters for the file, but small environmental changes that lower the daily heel tax.

When it is not plantar fasciitis

Not every painful heel is a fascia story. Here are the main detours we see:

Calcaneal stress fracture: Insidious onset with persistent point tenderness, pain that increases with activity and lingers after, often in runners who ramped quickly or have low energy availability. A positive calcaneal squeeze test, history of sharp increases in volume, and night pain raise suspicion. Imaging needed.

Baxter’s nerve entrapment: Medial plantar heel pain with burning or tingling, sometimes worse after long standing rather than first steps. Tinel’s sign near the medial calcaneus can reproduce symptoms. Neural glides and addressing local compression help, and sometimes referral is needed.

Heel fat pad syndrome: Central heel pain worse on firm surfaces, improved with cushioning, less morning stiffness. Taping or heel cups help more than arch support.

Inflammatory arthropathy: Bilateral heel pain with other joint symptoms, morning stiffness lasting more than 45 minutes, family history. Requires medical workup.

If a Croydon osteopath suspects any of these, the plan shifts immediately and we involve the right people.

Preventing recurrence once you are better

Relapses are frustrating and common if changes stop the day pain ends. The fascia remodels over months, not days. The simplest prevention plan looks like this for the next 6 to 12 months: keep one to two calf-strength sessions per week, continue short-foot practice in warm-ups, rotate footwear and surfaces, and add changes in training volume in 10 percent bites with a recovery week every fourth week. For work, keep the midday shoe swap and micro-break habit. These habits are light lifts once embedded and pay off every time the calendar throws a busy patch at you.

How to choose a Croydon osteopath for heel pain

Credentials and rapport both matter. Look for an osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council, with clear experience in lower-limb and running or occupational injuries if that fits your case. A good Croydon osteopath will take time with assessment, explain your plan in plain language, give you two to three targeted exercises rather than a booklet you will not use, and set measurable check-ins. If you feel rushed or handed a one-size-fits-all sheet, keep looking. The right match accelerates recovery because you will trust the process enough to stick with it.

Local familiarity helps too. Someone who knows the pull of parkrun at Lloyd and the realities of 12-hour hospital shifts at Croydon University Hospital will tailor advice you can apply the same day. Small touches like advising a route that starts flat from your doorstep or a store in Centrale that stocks the shoe model that suits your foot type add efficiency you can feel.

The role of patient mindset

The psychology of persistent pain is not fluff. Hopelessness amplifies symptoms and reduces adherence. Confidence, built on small wins, has the opposite effect. We set goals like walking to East Croydon without a pause, standing through a staff meeting with only a gentle ache, or running two laps of Park Hill without a flare. Each win rewrites the brain’s prediction from danger to safety. Croydon osteopathy thrives on this steady progress. It is not bravado; it is the nervous system recalibrating as tissues recover.

Bringing it together

Plantar fasciitis yields to a plan that respects both tissue biology and daily reality. Osteopaths Croydon-wide tackle it by cleaning up the mechanics above and below the heel, applying targeted hands-on care to reduce irritability, and building strength and control that hold up in real life. We pair that with shoe strategy, smart load management, and, when indicated, tools like shockwave or night splints. Most people turn the corner within weeks and feel truly robust within a few months.

If your heel has been calling the shots, know that you are not stuck. A Croydon osteopath can map a path that fits your calendar, your commute, and your sport, then walk you through it step by step. The first clear sign you are on track is not a magic day without pain but a morning where you notice the second step hurts less than the first, and the third less than the second. That is the fascia telling you it is ready to work with you again. From there, it is a matter of steady, thoughtful loading and a few smart choices you will hardly notice after a while.

For those looking to start, most osteopath clinics in Croydon offer initial consultations within a week. Bring the shoes you wear most, a brief note of your weekly activities, and an honest picture of your last month of symptoms. The clearer the picture, the faster we can target the real drivers. And if you are weighing options between a Croydon osteo and other providers, remember this is not a turf war. What matters is a clinician who hears you, sees the whole chain, and gives you a plan you believe in. That combination turns a stubborn heel into a solvable problem.

```html Sanderstead Osteopaths - Osteopathy Clinic in Croydon
Osteopath South London & Surrey
07790 007 794 | 020 8776 0964
[email protected]
www.sanderstead-osteopaths.co.uk

Sanderstead Osteopaths provide osteopathy across Croydon, South London and Surrey with a clear, practical approach. If you are searching for an osteopath in Croydon, our clinic focuses on thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and straightforward rehab advice to help you reduce pain and move better. We regularly help patients with back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, joint stiffness, posture-related strain and sports injuries, with treatment plans tailored to what is actually driving your symptoms.

Service Areas and Coverage:
Croydon, CR0 - Osteopath South London & Surrey
New Addington, CR0 - Osteopath South London & Surrey
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Selsdon, CR2 - Osteopath South London & Surrey
Sanderstead, CR2 - Osteopath South London & Surrey
Caterham, CR3 - Caterham Osteopathy Treatment Clinic
Coulsdon, CR5 - Osteopath South London & Surrey
Warlingham, CR6 - Warlingham Osteopathy Treatment Clinic
Hamsey Green, CR6 - Osteopath South London & Surrey
Purley, CR8 - Osteopath South London & Surrey
Kenley, CR8 - Osteopath South London & Surrey

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88b Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead, South Croydon, CR2 9EE

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Sunday: Closed



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❓ Q. What does an osteopath do exactly?

A. An osteopath is a regulated healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal problems using hands-on techniques. This includes stretching, soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and manipulation to reduce pain, improve movement and support overall function. In the UK, osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and must complete a four or five year degree. Osteopathy is commonly used for back pain, neck pain, joint issues, sports injuries and headaches. Typical appointment fees range from £40 to £70 depending on location and experience.

❓ Q. What conditions do osteopaths treat?

A. Osteopaths primarily treat musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder problems, joint pain, headaches, sciatica and sports injuries. Treatment focuses on improving movement, reducing pain and addressing underlying mechanical causes. UK osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council, ensuring professional standards and safe practice. Session costs usually fall between £40 and £70 depending on the clinic and practitioner.

❓ Q. How much do osteopaths charge per session?

A. In the UK, osteopathy sessions typically cost between £40 and £70. Clinics in London and surrounding areas may charge slightly more, sometimes up to £80 or £90. Initial consultations are often longer and may be priced higher. Always check that your osteopath is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and review patient feedback to ensure quality care.

❓ Q. Does the NHS recommend osteopaths?

A. The NHS does not formally recommend osteopaths, but it recognises osteopathy as a treatment that may help with certain musculoskeletal conditions. Patients choosing osteopathy should ensure their practitioner is registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopathy is usually accessed privately, with session costs typically ranging from £40 to £65 across the UK. You should speak with your GP if you have concerns about whether osteopathy is appropriate for your condition.

❓ Q. How can I find a qualified osteopath in Croydon?

A. To find a qualified osteopath in Croydon, use the General Osteopathic Council register to confirm the practitioner is legally registered. Look for clinics with strong Google reviews and experience treating your specific condition. Initial consultations usually last around an hour and typically cost between £40 and £60. Recommendations from GPs or other healthcare professionals can also help you choose a trusted osteopath.

❓ Q. What should I expect during my first osteopathy appointment?

A. Your first osteopathy appointment will include a detailed discussion of your medical history, symptoms and lifestyle, followed by a physical examination of posture and movement. Hands-on treatment may begin during the first session if appropriate. Appointments usually last 45 to 60 minutes and cost between £40 and £70. UK osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council, ensuring safe and professional care throughout your treatment.

❓ Q. Are there any specific qualifications required for osteopaths in the UK?

A. Yes. Osteopaths in the UK must complete a recognised four or five year degree in osteopathy and register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to practice legally. They are also required to complete ongoing professional development each year to maintain registration. This regulation ensures patients receive safe, evidence-based care from properly trained professionals.

❓ Q. How long does an osteopathy treatment session typically last?

A. Osteopathy sessions in the UK usually last between 30 and 60 minutes. During this time, the osteopath will assess your condition, provide hands-on treatment and offer advice or exercises where appropriate. Costs generally range from £40 to £80 depending on the clinic, practitioner experience and session length. Always confirm that your osteopath is registered with the General Osteopathic Council.

❓ Q. Can osteopathy help with sports injuries in Croydon?

A. Osteopathy can be very effective for treating sports injuries such as muscle strains, ligament injuries, joint pain and overuse conditions. Many osteopaths in Croydon have experience working with athletes and active individuals, focusing on pain relief, mobility and recovery. Sessions typically cost between £40 and £70. Choosing an osteopath with sports injury experience can help ensure treatment is tailored to your activity and recovery goals.

❓ Q. What are the potential side effects of osteopathic treatment?

A. Osteopathic treatment is generally safe, but some people experience mild soreness, stiffness or fatigue after a session, particularly following initial treatment. These effects usually settle within 24 to 48 hours. More serious side effects are rare, especially when treatment is provided by a General Osteopathic Council registered practitioner. Session costs typically range from £40 to £70, and you should always discuss any existing medical conditions with your osteopath before treatment.


Local Area Information for Croydon, Surrey