You will be seen by a fully qualified and registered osteopath.
If you choose, you may have a friend or relative present during the appointment.
On your first visit to the clinic, you will be asked about your medical, social and occupational history. You will be asked detailed questions about your complaint, general health and any medication you may be taking.
An examination will be carried out. This normally involves your osteopath asking you to remove some of your clothing (typically down to your underwear) and performing a simple series of movements.
The osteopath will use touch to identify points of weakness or excessive strain in your body.
The osteopath will carry out a careful physical examination sometimes incorporating medical equipment, e.g. a stethoscope, to help with their diagnosis.
The diagnosis will be discussed with you. If osteopathic treatment is suitable it will be offered to you along with an explanation of what the treatment is hoping to achieve.
You will usually be treated lying on a treatment couch. Subsequent treatments will involve re-examination and assessment of your progress.
The number of treatments needed depends on your condition. If you have chronic low back pain for example, you may need several treatments. For acute pain, one or two treatments may be enough.
After an osteopathic treatment, you may feel stiff or sore for a few hours. This can feel similar to post-exercise soreness. Feel free to ring and talk with your osteopath if you have any concerns.