What to expect from treatment?

You will be seen by a fully qualified and registered osteopath with valid liability insurance.

Your first session will last up to one hour.

Your osteopath will take a thorough case history including details of your complaint, your health past and present, family medical history, medications, supplements used and about your general lifestyle.

The osteopath will carry out a careful physical examination sometimes incorporating medical equiptment to help with diagnosis.

Your osteopath will normally ask you  to remove some of your clothing, possibly to your underwear and carry out a simple series of movements. (If, for modesty or cultural reasons you are concerned about this, please speak to your osteopath and something can be worked out to help you feel at ease.)

If you choose you may have a friend or relative present during the appointment.

Your osteopath will use touch to identify  points of weakness or strain in your body. You will normally be treated lying on a treatment couch.

Every treatment is tailormade to your  individual requirements using only the most appropriate techniques. The practitioners will always discuss any treatment plans with you to ensure you fully understand and feel comfortable with the session before proceeding.

 Osteopaths usually start treatment by relaxing muscles and gently stretching stiff joints, using various massage strokes, rhythmic joint movements and muscle release techniques. They may also carry out spinal manipulations. These are short, quick movements to joints which help restore normal joint function and mobility.

Your osteopath may suggest and demonstrate exercises for you to do at home. They may also advise on ways to improve posture.

The number of sessions you require will depend on your condition and how you respond to treatment. For acute pain, one or two sessions may be enough. Chronic problems may need several treatments.  Long term, degenerative conditions may need regular maintenance sessions. The osteopath will discuss this with you.

After an osteopathic treatment, you may feel stiff or sore for a few hours, it may even last till the following day. It has been likened to the discomfort after exercise.

Feel free to ring and talk with your osteopath if you have any concerns.