On your first visit, and before examination begins, the osteopath will discuss and record your medical history in detail. In the case of children details of the mother’s pregnancy, labour and delivery are essential.
As in all medical treatments, diagnosis is the prerequisite of successful treatment. It is not difficult to learn the manual skills needed for treatment. When, where or whether to apply treatment at all are the crucial factors, the case history is vital for this.
You will then normally be asked to remove some of your clothing so that a series of observations and mechanical assessments can be made. As osteopaths work holistically we often need to assess or treat areas of the body away from the site of pain.
The osteopath will then use their highly developed sense of touch to identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.
Treatment is carried out using a variety of manipulative techniques. These may include muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements or high velocity thrusts to improve the range of movement of a joint. Gentle release techniques are often used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients.
Your osteopath should make you feel at ease and tell you what is happening throughout the consultation. You should ask questions if you have any concerns. If further medical treatments/investigations are needed the osteopath may contact your doctor, with your permission.
Many patients who have been treated for a painful condition benefit from a check up every now and then. This allows the osteopath to pick up potential problems before they develop.