What to expect?

We offer a confidential patient-centred system of healthcare.

In brief an appointment will comprise of the following:

• Listening and Examination
• Diagnosis, Consent and Treatment
• Management Plan (Short and Long Term Goals)

Please bring a list of any medications you are currently taking.

Listen and ask questions about your presenting problem, general and past medical history.  After the case history, we will check your blood pressure and then let you undress in private down to your underclothes. Please come suitably clean and dressed wearing underwear or shorts / sports clothing that are loose fitting and provide you with an adequate level of modesty. To be fully effective, Osteopath’s conduct an holistic standing assessment which may involve examining areas not directly related to your presenting condition.

Important

You do not have to undress if you do not wish. If at ANY time you are not comfortable please tell us and a  gown or towel can be provided, you will have complete control and your full consent will be asked for before any treatment occurs. You are also welcome to bring a chaperone during your treatment. (We must insist this is compulsory for under 18’s).

Examination

To observe your posture and mobility you will be asked to make simple movements within your comfort limits. Osteopath’s place a strong emphasis on the biomechanical fact that the structure of the body means that pain or stiffness felt in one area may be linked if not caused by a problem elsewhere. This makes global assessment a very important part of the examination.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Following examination we will provide you with a clear explanation of what we have found (diagnosis) and discuss a suitable treatment plan, explaining any benefits and risks. We will discuss what can reasonably be achieved, likely number of sessions and offer some self-help advice which may include home exercises and lifestyle changes.

Ongoing Care

The physical nature of treatment means it is not unusual to feel sore or stiff in the first 24-48 hours after treatment. However, this is a normal bodily reaction and often the result of your body doing something it has recently being unable to do. Such pain is similar in any many post-exercise situations D.O.M.S Despite this warning, an equal number of patients may feel none of these ill effects and enjoy welcome pain relief directly after treatment.  Your progress will be monitored at each subsequent visit and we will seek your consent over any changes in your treatment plan.