📄 Informed Consent to Treatment

Please read this document carefully before your appointment. You will have the opportunity to ask questions on the day. This information is provided to help you give informed consent to your treating practitioner.

Purpose of Treatment

Osteopathic care aims to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support your overall health through manual therapy techniques, advice, and, where appropriate, adjunct therapies. Treatment will always be tailored to your individual needs.

Osteopathic Treatment – Possible Risks

Osteopathic treatment is generally considered safe. However, as with all healthcare interventions, there are possible risks and adverse reactions, which include but are not limited to:

• Temporary muscle or joint soreness
• Muscle strains or joint sprains
• Allergic reactions to massage oils or lotions
• Temporary pain or discomfort during or after treatment
• Bruising or swelling
• Rare but more serious risks, including: fractures, disc injuries, nerve injuries, stroke or stroke-like episodes, bleeding, infection, or nerve shock

Procedures to Reduce Risk

Case History & Examination

To minimise risk, I will take a full case history, including your medical background and details of your complaint. A physical examination will also be performed where necessary to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate.

Spinal Manipulation Safety Protocol

Before any spinal or joint manipulation, I will:

• Take a detailed medical history
• Ask safety-screening questions
• Perform orthopaedic or neurological tests where indicated
• Explain my findings and proposed treatment plan
• Ask for your verbal consent immediately before treatment

You may decline or withdraw your consent to spinal manipulation at any time.

Dry Needling Therapy (DNT) / Acupuncture – Possible Risks

Serious but Rare Adverse Events (~0.04%)

• Pneumothorax
• Cardiac tamponade
• Organ damage

Mild to Moderate Adverse Effects

• Bruising (7.55%)
• Minor bleeding (4.65%)
• Pain during treatment (3.01%)
• Pain after treatment (2.19%)

Uncommon Effects

• Temporary aggravation of symptoms (0.88%)
• Drowsiness (0.26%)
• Headache (0.14%)
• Nausea (0.13%)

Rare Effects (0.01–0.04%)

• Fatigue
• Emotional release
• Shaking or light-headedness
• Itching or skin irritation
• Claustrophobia
• Temporary numbness

Source: Brady, S. et al. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 2013.

Safety Measures for Dry Needling

• Only sterile, single-use, high-quality needles are used
• Prior verbal permission will always be obtained before beginning
• You may withdraw consent to Dry Needling at any time

Patient Rights to Privacy & Modesty

Your dignity will always be respected. Some assessment and treatment methods may require partial removal of clothing. Where necessary, you will be asked only to remove what is essential, and appropriate draping or a gown will be provided. Please raise any concerns about modesty at any point.

Treatment of Patients Under 18

• Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the initial consultation.
• It is strongly recommended that a guardian also attends follow-up appointments.
• If a guardian cannot attend, they must read and sign this consent form in advance.

Alternatives to Treatment

You have the right to request alternative treatment options, decline any procedure, or stop treatment at any time. Where appropriate, you may be referred to another healthcare professional for further investigation or care.

Confidentiality and Record-Keeping

All personal and medical information will be kept strictly confidential in line with UK GDPR and professional standards. Records are stored securely and may only be shared where legally required (e.g. safeguarding or court order).

Your Rights

• Ask questions at any time
• Decline or withdraw from any part of treatment
• Stop treatment immediately if you feel uncomfortable
• Request access to your clinical records
• Receive clear explanations before any procedure is carried out

Last updated: September 2025