Your first visit
When you visit us for the first time I will explore how osteopathy can help you and what kind of treatment is likely to be most effective. To do this, I need first to understand your symptoms - what they are, when you experience them and why you think they might have occurred. I will then complete the case history, including relevant medical facts, to build a fuller picture of what else may have contributed.
I will give a musculoskeletal assessment of your posture and movements both actively (where you move your joints and muscles) and passively (where we move them for you). This assessment is considered alongside factors such as your work and leisure pursuits and what you need to be able to do. I then will make a diagnosis and agree a treatment plan with you. Before you come for your first session of osteopathy, it is always good to think about what might have led to the symptoms you are experiencing. The more I can know about your health history including accidents, infections, stays in hospitals and any other medical interventions, the more precisely I will be able to piece together what has had a bearing on your present circumstances.
It's important to be as comfortable as possible during treatment. I may ask you to take your clothes off down to your underwear. If you are not comfortable with this, please let me know and I can work with your clothes on. If you would like to bring a partner, friend or family member, you are very welcome.
What should I expect after my first treatment?
There can be mild side effects from treatment which can begin soon after its completion. These might include tiredness or aching in the areas where treatment has been given. They will typically go within one or two days.
How many treatments will I need?
There's no rule of thumb here, but I would expect to be able to gauge the work needed to improve your condition and the likely number of sessions this will take at the first or second consultation. Generally recent injuries can be successfully treated more quickly than chronic conditions, sometimes within one treatment. I recommend rehabilitation and strengthening exercises which can contribute to both the speed and maintenance of recovery.