Your Consultation

Your first appointment will begin with a discussion about your presenting problem and symptoms, in order to establish how we can help. This includes questions about your medical history, lifestyle, stress factors, any medications you may be taking, and may explore some of your beliefs and expectations about your own health and wellbeing. 

 

It’s important to note, that some questions may not appear to be directly related, but your Osteopath will want to explore all the factors which may be relevant to your unique health story.

 

Your Osteopath will then conduct a physical examination and if necessary, some clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or movements, which will help determine how best to manage your condition.

 

As Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you, as sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain (For example, pain in your lower arm may be linked to the nerves in your neck).

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What to Wear

As with any healthcare appointment, it may be necessary for your Osteopath to ask you to remove some clothing, potentially to your underwear if required. Please talk with your Osteopath if you have any concerns about this, as it’s important for you to feel safe and comfortable at all times. You may wish to bring along a pair of sports or gym shorts to wear. Towel techniques can also provide appropriate cover if needed.

 

A note for female patients: A clasp bra is actually better than a one-piece sports bra, as it can be kept on at all times and simply un-clipped whilst lying on your front to treat the mid-back or shoulders, and easily done up again following treatment to that area. 

 

You are welcome to have a friend or relative accompany you and be present throughout your appointment. It is also our clinic policy that a parent or guardian accompanies any patient under the age of 16.

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Your Treatment

Your Osteopath will discuss their examination findings with you, and agree on an appropriate treatment plan to address the cause of the problem. 

 

Treatment will include a range of hands-on techniques, including mobilisation, stretching, targeted soft-tissue massage, and manipulation of muscles and joints. Cranial techniques may be included where appropriate, and particularly if a very gentle, non-intrusive approach is required.

 

Your Osteopath will explain the process as they go, in order to ensure you understand what they are doing and why. You are encouraged to ask any questions throughout.

 

Most Osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause high levels of discomfort. At times, hands on treatment of painful or tender areas will be necessary, and in these cases your Osteopath will take care to make you as comfortable as possible, work within your tolerance limits, and adjust their treatment approach where needed.

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Post Treatment Advice

Following treatment you may experience some soreness in the area that was treated as your body responds and adapts to the treatment. This is a normal response and should subside within 24-48 hours. If you experience serious or unusual symptoms after treatment, please contact your Osteopath to discuss straight away.

 

Your Osteopath may also provide education and/or exercise advice to support your recovery, and to
aid your self-management outside of the clinic.