What does the consultation & examination involve ?

What does the consultation & examination involve ?

Your initial examination involves a series of simple movements which test your muscles, nerves, ligaments and bones to see how well they are all functioning together. From these tests your Osteopath uses their expert knowledge and experience to diagnose exactly what your specific issues are. Your pain may be because muscles are in spasm, nerves are trapped or bones are out of alignment, or any combination of theses issues.

An individual report of findings will be clearly explained and what treatment you receive will be tailored to your needs. Osteopaths are skilled in using their hands in various different techniques to release muscle tension and realign bones. Other techniques such as medical acupuncture and electric massage machines are also very effective at reducing muscle tension and may be used as part of your treatment at no extra charge.

How many treatments will I need ?

It’s a very difficult question as it depends on many individual factors including: the severity of the initial complaint; how long the problem has been present; your age, general health and occupation. Your Osteopath will devise a treatment plan that is designed specifically for you and will only ever recommend treatment when it is necessary. By giving you advice on specific stretches, exercises and posture this will all help to speed up recovery and reduce the number of treatment sessions required.

Many problems respond to just a handful of sessions and (based on national research) clients require an average of 4-6 treatments to successfully resolve the initial pain. This may be less if you respond well or if you have a chronic problem,  it may take more initial treatments plus additional maintenance treatments once every 3-6 months to prevent recurrence.

What shall I wear ?

In order to properly examine you and diagnose your issue, your Osteopath will need access to your back. Our general advice is to wear loose comfortable clothing such as that you would exercise in.  Avoid anything bulky like jeans or cords. You are welcome to bring items to change into or wear suitable layers underneath your everyday clothes.

 Many of our female patients wear stretchy leggings or loose shorts and then a strappy camisole type top. 

After the initial examination session you may not need to undress for further treatments. Your Osteopath will advise you on what to wear for any follow up treatments and it also depends on the part of the body you are receiving treatment for.