What to expect
It is not unusual to be nervous about visiting an osteopath but we try to do our best to put you at ease. If you have any questions or worries please feel free to bring them up and we will try to answer them fully
When visiting an osteopath, you will be asked questions about your problem and how it started and if there is anything that makes it worse or better. We will need to know about your general health and past medical history and whether you are taking any medication. Please bring a list of any medications you are taking. We also ask you to fill in a few forms with basic information about yourself – so don’t forget to bring your glasses if you need them!
We will also need to do an examination. As osteopaths, we are interested not only in the affected area but also in how this relates to the body as a whole. To help us in this assessment you will be asked to undress to your underclothes. If you are particularly uncomfortable with this a gown is available – please ask.
We will be looking at your posture and the movements of the area and some specialist tests may be done at this stage.
By the end of this assessment we will know how best to help you and we will try to explain both the problem as osteopaths see it and the way we can help. If we do not think your problem can be helped this too will be explained and appropriate action or referral to another practitioner given. If further medical treatment is needed, we may need, with your permission, to contact your doctor.
We will agree a recommended action plan and it is important that you stick to this in order for you to have the best chance of getting better.
We will always try to make you feel at ease and tell you what is happening throughout your consultation
After a treatment you might be asked to do some simple stretching or strengthening exercises or maybe use some local applications of heat or ice. This is in order to speed up your recovery or reduce any reaction to the treatment.
Some discomfort or stiffness after the treatment is common but does not generally last long. Like any medical treatment more serious reaction are possible but very rare and osteopathy has an excellent safety record.
Chaperones
Please tell us if you feel the need to be accompanied in the treatment room.
Minors
We expect minors to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.