Treatments

Initial and subsequent visits

Case history

Your first consultation will normally last for approximately one hour. During this time an in depth history of the problem is noted. Past medical history is also noted, followed by a physical examination.

Physical assessment

Patients will normally be asked to disrobe down to their underwear for the examination to take place. Patients who are uncomfortable with this are advised to wear loose fitting clothing as an alternative. During the examination, the Osteopath will assess the state of the tissues of the body through observation and the use of touch (a technique termed palpation), and then lead the patient through a series of movements in order to assess the mobility of the body. Specific tests termed orthopaedic tests may be employed in order to see which tissues are implicated in the cause of the patient's problem. At this point a diagnosis is formulated followed by treatment.

Treatment and advice

During your initial visit your osteopath will inform you of your treatment plan, and provide you with self help advice such as exercises, postural correction, hydrotherapy to name but a few. Treatment of a condition may vary from person to person and the osteopath may treat areas that are not necessarily those that hurt. Treatment usually involves both muscle and joint manipulation, this will help restore physiological and biomechanical function.  Lifestyle is also an important component to recovery, and your osteopath will advise you on this.

Follow up treatment/referral

Any subsequent treatment will be approximately half an hour in length. In some cases your osteopath may refer you back to your G.P or specialist for further investigation before treatment continues.