Your First Appointment

This will normally last from 45 minutes to 1 hour and involve taking a full case history including details of your present problem, your past medical history and health in general.  This will then be followed by an examination and treatment.

The Examination

Osteopathy is a “hands on” treatment.  The Osteopath will first assess your posture and ask you to perform a gentle series of movements to identify any areas of dysfunction.  The Osteopath will then assess your muscles and joints to identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.  Other tests such as neurological testing, blood pressure, X-Ray or MRI investigations may be carried out or arranged if necessary.

The assessment will be considered alongside lifestyle factors such as work and leisure to enable a full diagnosis and treatment plan to be developed.

Once the examination has been completed and any relevant clinical tests carried out, the osteopath will explain their findings and, with your agreement, formulate a treatment plan.

The Treatment

Treatment will normally begin on the first visit.  Osteopathic techniques are gentle and generally pain-free.  If you are in a lot of discomfort, the Osteopath will attempt at all cost to avoid aggravating the problem.  Osteopaths use a combination of techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint articulation, stretching  and joint manipulation, which quickly moves the joint and may produce a painless “click” or “pop”.

Following treatment, the Osteopath will discuss with you any appropriate changes to your daily routine which will aim to minimise the risk of further injury.  Relevant stretches or exercises may also be given. There is often a lot you can do to help yourself and you will be encouraged to be as proactive as possible. The Osteopath will give you an indication of how many further treatments will be necessary.

After Treatment

Every patient is unique and will react differently to treatment. Generally there is an improvement in function but the discomfort may last for a few days. You may feel a little sore or even worse for a few days afterwards. This is perfectly normal as the body adjusts to the treatment – symptoms often get worse before they get better. You will be given advice on how to ease this at home through the use of ice or warmth or gentle movements and stretching where appropriate. If symptoms have not calmed after a couple of days or you have any concerns, it is always recommended to call the Osteopath for advice.

What to Wear

In most cases you will be asked to undress down to your underwear to allow a thorough examination to be carried out. We therefore recommend that you wear comfortable underwear or sports kit, and we can also provide a paper gown. Friends or family members are always welcome to sit in during the treatment. Adult supervision is required when children under the age of 16 are treated.