What happens during your Osteopathic assessment and treatment?
Consultation
As a part of your consultation I will examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort and may undertake tests that will look deeper into specific systems within the body.
In order to assess the areas of the body that are causing concern, it may be necessary for me to ask you to remove some items of clothing. If you feel uncomfortable undressing, then you are encouraged to wear clothing such as shorts and t-shirt or close fitting garments, as this will enable me to work effectively.
I will perform an examination, assessing both your posture and the way you move, feeling for any changes in your muscles and joints in order to identify any issues. In some cases the problem area can be in a completely different place, which might cause me to examine your whole body.
I might suggest that you seek further tests and examinations dependant on your case before your first treatment. If this is recommended I suggest that you consult your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional for onward care and treatment plan.
Treatment
Osteopathic care is based on the patient’s individual needs, which depends on your diagnosis, lifestyle and fitness level. A wide range of hands on techniques will be used. This focuses on releasing tension, stretching muscles and mobilising joints. They are often used together with exercise and advice aimed to make your treatment more effective. This is designed to help relieve/manage your pain, keep active and maintain your health.
The risks to health that is associated with having osteopathic treatment are extremely low. If you do have any concerns about your treatment, you are welcomed to share them with me and I will happily discuss them with you further.
Research has shown that manual therapy such as that used by Osteopaths, can have beneficial effects, especially for back pain, helping you to return to ordinary movement and activity.