Osteopathic treatment What to expect.

Your first visit to the Osteopath

The Osteopath will want to discuss your problem in depth. He or she will want to know how it started and progressed, when it is at its best and worst, and any associated symptoms. He will also ask about any other symptoms that, although not obviously connected, might be related to the problem.

General health information and medical history will be needed, such as fractures, operations, illnesses, investigations, and any medications, including sprays, creams and inhalers. Events such as falls and car crashes may be important, even from a long time ago.

Because the consultation is so in-depth, the first appointment will take anything up to an hour, typically. This level of understanding of the patient is one of the hallmarks of osteopathy, and is generally appreciated by patients.

Physical examination

You may be asked to undress as far as the underwear, so please wear suitable underclothes. If you are uncomfortable with undressing, please say, and the Osteopath will find a way to accommodate your concerns. If you wish, you may have a witness or advocate present.

Assessment

The diagnosis will include identification of the tissues that are symptomatic, a description of what has happened, and - often most importantly - an explanation as to why. It may be necessary to conduct further tests, such as taking blood-pressure and reflexes, or refer you elsewhere for investigation, before arriving at a diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment may include a range of techniques, such as massage, muscle stretching, articulation of joints, and manipulation (moving joints, when a 'click' can sometimes be heard). Mostly the aim is to create freedom where there is restriction and balance where there is imbalance. The treatment should not be particularly painful, and is often very pleasant. Therefore you should tell your Osteopath if you are uncomfortable or unhappy during treatment.

Homework

Treatment will usually include advice on your lifestyle, such as changes to your diet and occupational habits, or gentle exercises, all with relevance to your problem. These will probably not be especially challenging, and are important for obtaining the best possible recovery. You should be an active participant in your own health!

Prognosis

Osteopathy is not a 'quick fix'. Whilst relief from symptoms can often be achieved quickly, most patients require more than one treatment, and many require a course of treatment, in order to really get 'behind the problem'. For some, periodic maintenance is required to prevent relapse or deterioration. You should be able to obtain an idea of how long the problem will last, how many treatments will be required, and how well you will recover. Please be aware that any kind of health assessment is an imprecise science. Therefore the evaluation will be reviewed with each consultation, according to how the situation changes.

Unexpected reactions to treatment do occur. These are often part of the healing process, and a sign that the treatment is working. Therefore we would ask you to call if any unexpected developments take place, good or bad, even if they appear at first unrelated to your treatment. Often they are related, and your Osteopath needs to know in order to interpret what is happening and advise on how to proceed. Health is a complex subject and the meaning of symptoms is seldom obvious.