Osteopathy

What to expect

A detailed case history will be taken during the initial consultation. You will firstly be asked about your present symptoms, followed by questions regarding your medical and injury history and your lifestyle - occupation, exercise, diet and stress levels.

A thorough examination is necessary before a diagnosis can be made. The overall condition of he body is skilfully assessed using touch ("palpation") and movement. It may also be necessary for further tests to be performed. However, time is always taken to explain findings and answer any questions that you may have.

The treatment itself uses a wide variety of non-invasive manual techniques and each treatment is individually tailored to the patient. This means that techniques range from specific to general and from firm to gentle. Where appropriate, advice is given in order to maximise treatment. This can be in the form of recommended stretches, exercises, postural or lifestyle advice.

Although osteopathic and treatment normally occur with the patient dressed down to their underwear, this is not compulsory and you are under no obligation to do so.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of treatments needed depends on the diagnosis and may vary from a single session to a course of treatments.

Prevention is often better than cure and more and more people visit an osteopath for a spinal check up. Like an MOT for the body, such a visit can identify areas of tensions or restrictions in the body, that if left alone, may lead to more painful or serious problems later on.