What happens first?
When you first visit an osteopath they will spend some time taking a medical history. This will include questions about your general health and lifestyle as well as asking you about the symptoms or injuries that you are seeking help with. With your consent they will then perform a physical examination which is likely to involve the osteopath touching areas of your body where you are experiencing pain and asking you to move around. They may also look at test results, x-rays and scan reports if these are available.
It may be necessary for the osteopath to ask you to remove some clothing, so that they can see and touch the areas of the body causing concern. If you are uncomfortable undressing to your underwear the osteopath may be able to suggest clothing, such as shorts and a t shirt, or close fitting garment, that will enable them to work effectively without making you feel uncomfortable, so please feel free to discuss this. You are welcome to bring someone with you into the examination room if this puts you at ease.
How I work...
First, I will make a diagnosis and discuss the suitable course of treatment with you. This may involve visiting myself a few times for manual therapy, combined with some exercises that you can do by yourself and some lifestyle changes. If I believe that your condition would not be improved with osteopathic treatment then I will refer you to your GP or another suitably qualified professional.
In every case, I will discuss the likely cost of the treatment and ask for your consent to begin treatment.