What to expect
The initial consultation
During the initial consultation a full history will be taken which will include questions about your presenting complaint, your past medical history, and current general health. The case history is taken to help the osteopath understand your complaints, as well as ensuring you are safe to treat and do not require additional medical examinations.
A full assessment will be carried out and will include:
- Active and passive movement of the relevant joint or muscle
- Active and passive movement of any related joint or muscle
- Palpation of the local area in question
- Orthopaedic, Neurological and General medical tests if necessary
A management plan will always be discussed with your osteopath prior to commencing a course of treatment. The treatment plan will be dependent on your presenting complaint, as well as your expectations and wishes.
An osteopath guarantees that your treatment plan is the quickest and most effective way to address your specific condition. This may also mean that they will refer you to a different specialist, such as for surgical examination, or imaging.
What to wear
Please note you may be asked to undress, as is relevant to your presenting complaint, so that the osteopath can fully assess you. You are advised to wear underwear you feel comfortable in, or clothes that allow free movement.
Subsequent treatments
Osteopathic treatment is honed and tailored for the specific needs of the patient, and a treatment plan will be discussed with you when a diagnosis is made. The number of treatments needed depends on your diagnoses, and how many treatments are needed for your particular condition or diagnoses.
The treatment applied will depend on what the osteopath believes to be the best, quickest and safest way to treat your particular problem. Treatment will include osteopathic techniques, as well as specific stretches or exercises for you to do at home.
How many treatments will I need?
Without a full examination and diagnosis, it is difficult to say how many treatments someone needs. Generally, studies show that chronic conditions require more treatments than acute conditions. Conditions such as arthritis may need regular treatment to keep symptoms at bay and help prevent progression of the disease.
There are also different factors that will affect one’s response to treatment such as age, general health, tissue health, sports history, etc. As a general, regular treatment is recommended as a prophylactic – with the aim of avoiding the development of any problem, and of course optimal health.
Whatever your reason for needing treatment, you can be assured that the osteopath will guarantee the fastest and most effective treatment to match your needs and wishes.