Your medical history
Before I start to treat you, I will make a full medical assessment. I will take time to listen to you and ask questions to make sure I understand your medical history and your day-to-day routine. I will ask you about things like diet, exercise and what is happening in your life, as these may give clues to help our diagnosis.
I may feel your pulse and check your reflexes. I may also take your blood pressure and refer you for clinical tests, such as x-rays, if I think you need them.
Your posture
I usually look at your posture and how you move your body. I may also assess what happens when I move it for you and see what hurts, where and when.
Trouble areas
Using touch, I may also find the areas which are sensitive or tight and this helps me to identify what’s going on.
When I have done this, I can diagnose your condition. I may sometimes feel that osteopathy is not appropriate for you and refer you to your GP or another specialist such as an orthopaedic surgeon.
Your treatment
Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis.
Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise your joints.
Sometimes we might consider a technique/manipulation that may also produce this “clicking” side effect. This is only ever done with clearly explained clinical reasoning and with your consent.
I may discuss exercises that you can do to improve your posture and movement in your workplace and everyday life.
This first appointment will normally take 1 hour.
