What to expect on your first visit
I know how important it is to make patients feel at ease from the outset and I always try to explain my procedures carefully. I will fully explain my diagnosis and the available options prior to starting any treatment. Please feel free to ask questions if you have any concerns, at any stage during your visit.
On your first visit, before any examination begins, I will discuss and record your medical history in detail. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. By palpating (feeling different areas) and observing your movement, I will identify points of weakness or excessive strain in your body. If required, I may also use diagnostic procedures commonly found in conventional medicine to reach an accurate conclusion. This will allow a full diagnosis of the problem and because Osteopathy is patient centred, this means the treatment is geared to you as an individual. Sometimes, further investigations may be appropriate and might include an x-ray, MRI or blood test, and I can arrange these for you.
Osteopathic techniques are usually painless. Commonly treatment starts with relaxing muscles and stretching out stiff joints using gentle massage techniques, rhythmic joint movements and muscle releasing methods. I may also carry out joint manipulation techniques to spinal and other joints as well as other techniques as appropriate (see therapies page for other techniques commonly used in my clinics).
After treatment, you may be given some advice including home exercises, cold/warm therapy and how to modify your posture and environment, such as your work station, so as to gain the maximum benefit from your visit.
Many patients ask me how many treatment sessions are required. Obviously this varies according to individual problem, but I am usually able to give an approximate number.
Most musculoskeletal problems respond well to treatment but if I think that Osteopathy is not suitable for you, I can refer you to whichever healthcare practitioner will be best able to help you. This may be done through your doctor and always with your prior permission.
