Osteopathy is a manual therapy that works to diagnose and treat a multitude of musculoskeletal conditions. It is not simply focused on treating the site of pain, but looks at the body as a functional unit, in order to determine and treat the underlying cause of dysfunction. It does this by using a variety of hands on techniques including soft tissue massage, muscle energy techniques, joint articulations, manipulations as well as prescribing rehabilitative and strength based exercises.
YOUR FIRST VISIT
First visits generally last for one hour, this allows the Osteopath time to take a comprehensive case history, which will investigate your current complaint as well as any relevant previous medical history. They will then assess you in different planes of motion, looking for both quality and range of movement
available, to determine where function may be compromised. This assessment may also include some orthopaedic as well as neurological examinations. Once these have been carried out the Osteopath will then explain their findings and what they believe to be the contributing factors. If the patient is then happy to proceed and it is medically safe to do so the Osteopath will continue with treatment, all the time explaining each technique and reason for it. Quite often follow up appointments will be needed, the reason for which would again be explained.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL YOU NEED
As a general rule a patient would expect to gain notable relief within 3-6 treatments, after which in some cases a maintenance schedule may be advised, in order to maintain improved function.
WHAT TO WEAR
Due to the nature of the consultation it is recommended that you wear loose comfortable clothing to enable a thorough investigation of joint mobility as well as easy access to problematic areas.
CHOOSE YOUR THERAPIST
Jack Peeling