What to expect

Osteopathy – what to expect at your appointment

The first Osteopathy consultation takes 45 minutes to an hour with each subsequent treatment taking about 30 minutes.

At the first visit, you will be asked to sign a consent form and agree to the terms and conditions of the clinic privacy notice which can be read here. 

Next, a full and in depth case history will be taken to assess the nature of your discomfort. Very specific questions will be asked about the nature of your pain. 

Your past medical history including previous illnesses, operations and injuries will also be explored with you.

Following this a standing examination will take place where you will be asked to perform movements and where tests of the injured area will be carried out.

For this you will be asked to undress the area of the body injured no further than your underclothes. For example, you may be asked to undress your top half if you have neck, shoulder or upper back pain and your lower half if you have lower back or hip pain.

If you feel more comfortable, clothing such as shorts, string vests, baggy leggings or gym gear may be worn for examination and treatment. There is a bathroom at the clinic where you may change in privacy before your appointment begins or you may ask your Osteopath to leave the room as you change also.

You may also request to remain entirely dressed if you are uncomfortable undressing and do not have appropriate clothing on the day.

Your Osteopath will usually observe you first standing, asking you to perform guided movements to assess the injured area and related areas. 

After this, the injured area will be examined more closely on the treatment table.

The Osteopath will then explain their evaluation of the problem and will discuss a treatment plan.

Treatment will begin once the problem and proposed treatment plan is fully understood by the patient. 

Osteopathic treatment involves skillful manipulation of the joints and muscles by the Osteopath using their hands in order to restore movement and blood flow to the injured area, allowing the body to heal.

At the end of the treatment, a management plan will be discussed with the patient and there will be time for any further questions by the patient.