what to expect

What to expect from osteopathy

your expectations

We know that it can be unsettling seeing a health professional for the first time when you do not know what to expect.

We will help you to understand everything and give you time to raise any questions or concerns.

The first consultation may take 45 -60 minutes and subsequent visits up to 30 minutes depending on your individual needs.

On your first visit we will:

Take a detailed case and medical history. We will take time to listen to you and ask questions to help our diagnosis.
Examine your posture. We will ask you to remove some clothing in private and provide a gown for your comfort. We will then examine your posture and see how you are able to move and find out what causes discomfort.
Examine you in more detail. Using light touch (we call this palpation which takes years to develop) we may also find areas which are sensitive or tight and this helps us learn more about the problem. Depending on circumstances we may carry out medical tests such as examining reflexes and nerve and muscle function.

Make a diagnosis. We will advise and discuss our diagnosis and treatment plan tailor made for you. If it is something that is not appropriate for osteopathy we may refer to a GP or specialist.
Provide treatment. We have a wide range of gentle techniques to call upon. What we use depends on our diagnosis and your preferences, age, and fitness. Treatment is different for every patient but may include soft tissue stretching and joint movement to release tension, improve movement and help relieve pain. With some techniques you may hear a ‘click’ such as that when some people move their knuckles. This is not painful but if I this worries let us know and we will adjust the treatment used.
Give you post care advice such as exercises and stretches

The treatment is gentle but because your body may already be irritated it is not unusual for some patients to feel a little sore after treatment for a day or so. We will give advice on how to maximise your comfort and be available by ‘phone should you need advice.