What to expect at your appointment
At the initial consultation the osteopath will take a detailed case history of your current symptoms and medical background as well as an examination to inform the diagnosis and treatment plan. All information will be treated as confidential.
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Treatment usually starts at the initial consultation, however there are occasions when it is appropriate to refer for further investigations or to seek advice from your GP before commencing treatment.
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The assessment
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As part of your consultation your osteopath will examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort and may undertake tests such as taking your blood pressure or testing your reflexes.
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Examination and treatment requires visual assessment as well as palpation (a highly developed sense of touch), and as such it is often useful for you to move or remove a top or trousers. You will never be asked to undress fully and you are welcome to wear comfortable loose fitting clothes, including leggings or shorts, which can be moved easily.
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Your osteopath will feel for changes in your muscles and joints and examine these areas to identify problems. They may also assess your posture and the way you move. Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, so they may examine your whole body.
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Your treatment
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Osteopathic care is based on the individual needs of the patient and so varies depending on your fitness levels and diagnosis. Osteopaths use a wide range of hands on techniques that focus on releasing tension, stretching muscles and mobilising joints.
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These are often used together with exercise and helpful advice designed to help you relieve or manage your pain, keep active and maintain the best of health.
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Most people who have Osteopathic treatment feel more comfortable afterwards, however occasionally treatment can cause a short term increase in pain or discomfort, which may last for 24-48 hours. If this occurs and you feel concerned, it is important that you speak to the practitioner to seek advice.
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Research has shown that manual therapy such as that used by osteopaths, can have beneficial effects especially for back pain, helping you to return to ordinary movement and activity.
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After care
Your osteopath may suggest changes to habits and provide you with specific exercises to practice at home to improve your mobility or strength. Follow up appointments are useful to monitor change and manage treatment plans. The number will depend on whether you suffer with an acute injury or a chronic condition.
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