What Happens When You Book?

The first appointment usually lasts an hour. The osteopath will ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing, gather general details on your medical history and any previous episodes of musculoskeletal pain.

It is important to record any injuries, times when you have been ill for any reason and medical investigations or treatments that you may have received. The osteopath will also ask questions about what is affecting your life at that particular time as well as details on diet, activities and exercise.

When the patient is a child it is also relevant to know about their birth and also childhood illnesses and accidents. This can be important for some adult patients too.

The osteopath will then ask you to undress to your underwear in order to look at your posture, asymmetry, any areas of increased muscle tone and then, if appropriate ask you to perform some simple movements of the spine and other relevant joints. If you are uncomfortable with this please wear loose clothes, e.g. shorts and T-Shirt.

The combined information will add to what the osteopath then palpates, once the patient lies down.

Following the initial consultation a diagnosis will be explained and a treatment plan outlined, including how many treatments may be necessary. It may be that the osteopath suggests you visit your GP or other health professional.

If you then agree to proceed the treatment will involve using gentle techniques appropriate for the patient. These can include soft tissue massage, articulating, stretching, cranial techniques and mobilising joints. This can involve a click similar to the sound when you crack your fingers. Often you will be advised on posture depending upon your circumstances and some exercises recommended to assist recovery.

Follow up treatments will then last 30 minutes, when your progress will be discussed and if necessary any changes in your treatment plan made. Children under 16 years of age need to be accompanied by their responsible adult.