Treatment & Examination 

Osteopathy is a patient-centred system of healthcare.

A first appointment will last roughly 60 minutes to allow sufficient time for the osteopath to carry out the following:

• Listen and ask questions about your problem, your general health, other medical care or medication you may be receiving and record this in your notes. All information you provide will be confidential.

• Conduct a proper examination. It is likely you will be asked to remove some of your clothing. If you feel uncomfortable about this then please let us know. You will be given privacy to undress. You can bring a vest, loose shorts or equivalent comfortable clothing to change into if you wish. You can also bring a friend or chaperone to accompany you during treatment. 

• You will be asked to make simple movements and stretches, to observe your posture and mobility. Due to the body's structure, pain or stiffness you are experiencing in one area, may be linked to a problem elsewhere.

• Examine the health of the joints, tissues and ligaments using their hands and using a highly developed sense of touch called 'palpation'. Check for signs of other conditions they cannot treat and advise you to see your GP or go to hospital. A letter can be provided explaining what they believe to be the problem. 

Due to the physical nature of the treatment, it is not unusual to sometimes feel sore in the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment, as if you have been exercising harder than usual.

If you have pain in more than one place then it is more likely that you may feel some soreness for a day or two after treatment. Some patients also say that they can feel quite sleepy after a treatment.

The osteopath will explain any likely reactions that you could expect. If you have any concerns it is important to contact the clinic and ask for advice. It may require more than one visit before your problem is resolved. 

Further Consultations

Some patients need only one appointment; others may have a course of therapy or return periodically for the long-term management of a condition. Normally the treatment of a patient is determined according to their progression rather than the prescription of a set number of treatment sessions.