Move better. Feel better. Live better.

You’re not alone. We see hundreds of people with issues just like yours, but we’re all individuals that need a personalised plan to recovery since we all react differently to treatment.

At #NIHPDurham we’ve brought together a team of self-employed, very experienced and qualified practitioners who are here solely to support and guide you as you get your life back from pain, injury or emotional/ psychological issues.

What happens next…

If you know what treatment you want, or have used before, skip straight to Step 2 below.

Step 1: Free Consultation

We realise however that not everybody knows which treatment they need to “fix” the problem they have, and with so many options it can be confusing. You may also have questions or concerns about your symptoms or getting private treatment for the first time.

That’s why our friendly bunch of practitioners are always happy to have a personal 1-to-1 informal chat in person here at the clinic, or over the ‘phone in the comfort of your own home/office.

It’s a FREE 15-minute consultation so that you can discuss what’s going wrong, any worries or concerns that you have, and what’s important in your life so that we can get you back to doing that the best way possible.

Step 2: Book Appointment

When you’re ready to start your treatment so that you can get your life back on track, you can get your first appointment booked in.

We’ve all got busy lives these days so we’ve made it easy to book your treatment via:

• Telephone
• Email
• Secure online booking
• Facebook Messenger
• WhatsApp Message

Step 3: Coming For Treatment

We understand it can be a daunting feeling coming for private treatment for the first time, but don’t worry, we’ve all been there and you’ll soon be like one of the family!

If you need help finding us there are directions and maps you can view here, or just give us a call and we’ll do our best to help direct you.

Another concern that may have crossed your mind is do you need to take your clothes off? Well breathe easy because most treatments do not require you to remove any clothing! However, as many common injury points are located on the back, lower arms and legs, it is helpful to wear casual/loose clothing that allows easy access to these areas via rolling up sleeves/legs etc.

For massage treatments you will only be asked to remove items of clothing in the areas to be massaged. If you have a Biomechanical appointment bring a sample of shoes that you wear often.

Try not to go for treatment on an empty stomach or straight after a heavy meal, and avoid stimulating drinks that contain sugar or caffeine. We recommend you eat at least 2 hours before your appointment.

If you need to cancel, or re-arrange your appointment, we will need at least 24 hours notice or you will still be charged.

Your first visit

Give yourself an extra 5 minutes before your first appointment as you will need to complete a registration form

During your first visit your practitioner needs to gain a thorough understanding of any injuries and your general health/lifestyle. This involves asking questions about your current symptoms and your medical history, as well as such things as sleeping patterns, your appetite/digestion, or your emotional wellbeing. Women may also asked about their menstrual cycle and any past pregnancies/childbirth.

You might feel that some questions appear unrelated to your condition but the information you give helps your practitioner to form a more complete picture of your health and lifestyle because almost everything is connected. However, if you do not feel comfortable giving any answers then that’s fine.

Your main health concerns

When talking about your main concerns, your practitioner might ask you to describe in your own words what the symptoms feel like and how severe they are. You may also be asked how long you have been having the symptoms, whether they are constant or intermittent and how frequent they are.

You should mention any medication that you are taking and whether you have tried any other therapies.

You have plenty of time to ask as many questions as you like.

Treatment plan and treatments

Your practitioner will put together a treatment plan based on all the information you have given. Practitioners cannot make a medical diagnosis as they are not trained to do so; always seek advice from your GP before using complementary services.

Your practitioner will let you know what your treatment will involve and how many sessions you are likely to need.

You may feel a little tired or sleepy after some treatments and you should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use heavy machinery straight after your treatment.

You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and, ideally, give yourself a little time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for a couple of hours after treatment.

Most treatments have very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting.

Payment for your treatment is normally taken at reception via card or cash, or if you have used the secure online booking service you may have been asked to pay in advance.

Privacy and Data Protection

Your information will be held by Northern Integrative Health Practice (NIHP Durham). Our employees and your self-employed practitioner are personally responsible for maintaining customer confidentiality.

You will be asked for permission to contact you via email, telephone or text message. Your personal contact information will be held securely in our electronic booking system and in your personal (paper) file. Treatment notes by your practitioner will be stored in your personal (paper) file only.

You are entitled to ask for a copy of your information, and to ask for any inaccurate information to be rectified at any time.

Your information is retained solely for the management of your appointments/ treatment plan and is a record of your treatment/ health history so that you can stop and re-start at any time. We will retain your details for 10 years after your last appointment, at which point they will be securely destroyed. However, you are entitled to ask that your information be erased/destroyed at any time.

Your information is not subject to automated decision-making, transferred outside the UK or processed for any other reason. Your information will never be shared with a third party, unless requested by you, or we are required to do so by law.

Step 4: After-Care & Support

Your treatment plan doesn’t start and end with the service or practitioner. It’s a two-way thing and as such you may be required to carry out exercises or routines at home between treatments to get the most benefits.

Please do not hesitate to contact your practitioner if you have any queries or concerns following your treatment, or if you need encouragement/ advice on your self-care exercises at home.

We are here to help and support you all the way… even when your treatment has stopped!