YOUR FIRST VISIT
What to expect
We will start your first appointment by taking a detailed case history. During this, you will be asked some questions about your symptoms, medical history, family medical history, general health and lifestyle so that we can get a complete picture of your presenting problem. As with your GP and other healthcare professionals, all the information you disclose to us will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.
We will then carry out an examination of the painful area. During this, we will assess your posture, soft tissues and joint movements. In some cases further testing such as reflexes or orthopaedic tests may be done.
A diagnosis will then be made and discussed with you alongside appropriate treatment protocols for your personal circumstances before we start on any treatment. If for some reason, we cannot treat you, we will provide an explanation at this time and refer you to your GP or an appropriate medical practitioner.
Full Assessment
We provide a full assessment of your presenting condition and offer a comprehensive patient-centred approach to treatment to get you pain-free as quickly as possible.
Examination
We will then carry out a standing examination and then ask you to make some simple movements to see how your presenting condition is causing you pain.
Start Treatment
We’ll get started on your treatment plan straight away and will also offer advice on long-term rehabilitation to make sure you stay out of pain and don’t relapse. This will usually include recommendations for exercises to do at home.
Full Assessment
We provide a full assessment of your presenting condition and offer a comprehensive patient-centred approach to treatment to get you pain-free as quickly as possible.
Examination
We will then carry out a standing examination and then ask you to make some simple movements to see how your presenting condition is causing you pain.
Start Treatment
We’ll get started on your treatment plan straight away and will also offer advice on long-term rehabilitation to make sure you stay out of pain and don’t relapse. This will usually include recommendations for exercises to do at home.
Will I have to undress? What should I wear?
You will be asked to undress to a certain degree so the osteopath can examine and treat the affected areas.
We want you to be comfortable during your examination and treatment so as long as the osteopath can examine and treat you properly, there isn’t a hard and fast rule as to what you wear. Some patients prefer to undress down to their underwear while others wear loose fitting light clothing, shorts, leggings or a crop top/vest. Tight, restrictive, thick clothing isn’t suitable for examination or treatment.
Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?
We believe it is important for you to feel comfortable throughout your entire treatment and if you want to bring a friend or family member with you, they’re welcome to come along.
Testimonials
Osteopaths undergo an extensive training process usually comprising 4-5 years.
Some osteopathic techniques may be a bit uncomfortable but as there is such a variety (ranging from very gentle soft tissue work to manipulative work) to choose from, there will always be another option to use. Please let your osteopath know if you are in any discomfort during treatment, so they can adapt your treatment.
Some patients can feel some mild aching or a slightly “bruised” feeling for 24-48 hours following treatment. This is a normal reaction from the body and most patients find using an ice or heat pack helpful should they have post treatment soreness.
Manipulation is a type of mobilisation technique commonly used by osteopaths. It can be used on any joint in your body and is carried out by putting a quick movement through the joint to release any restrictions and relax any tension in the surrounding soft tissues.
Sometimes during a manipulation, you will hear a clicking sound. This noise completely normal and is commonly mistaken for two bones rubbing against each other but is actually just caused by a change in pressure of nitrogen dioxide gas which is present in your joint capsules.
Osteopathic manipulation is a very safe technique and is commonly used a treatment modality. If you have any concerns about getting osteopathic manipulation, get in touch with our team for more information.
No, there are lots of osteopathic techniques we can use to treat you so if either manipulation isn’t suitable for you, for example if you have a medical reason like osteoporosis or if you would rather just not have it, we can use an alternate technique.
We want you to be comfortable during your treatment sessions and will always explain what we are going to do and why we want to do it prior to starting any treatment. If there is anything you are unsure of or uncomfortable with, just let us know.
- Generalised aches and pains.
- Muscle spasms and cramp.
- Neck pain and associated headaches.
- Lower back pain.
- Trapped nerves, for example sciatica.
- Neuralgia.
- Joint pain for example pain in your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, feet.
- Arthritic pain and stiffness in both spinal and peripheral joints such as your hip or knee.
- Migraine prevention.
- Minor sports injuries.
- Rheumatic pain.
- Back and joint pain during and post pregnancy.
Yes-osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council-a governing body who administers clinical and ethical guidelines.
Osteopathy is covered by most major insurance companies. Please check your policy documents as a GP referral or an excess payment may be required.
Get in touch
For more information on any of our services or to request an appointment with our team, get in touch today on 01444 441 160 or use the contact form below and a member of the team will get back to you shortly.