On the first consultation, we will take a full case history. This will be about your present complaint as well as about your past medical history. After, your osteopath will start an examination. This normally involves you standing and doing some movements. Your osteopath will observe these movements and might do additional orthopaedic tests, palpate (feel) muscles and move joints to help make a diagnosis. This diagnosis and treatment plan will be explained to you.
If you are happy, your osteopath will start treatment. Osteopathy is a ‘package’ of care that includes skilled mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on lifestyle and exercise.
At the end of the session your osteopath will estimate the likely number of sessions you need to treat your condition effectively. If your osteopath thinks that your condition is unlikely to respond to osteopathic treatment, you will be advised about how to seek further care. Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.
