Your first visit to Orwell Osteopaths will start with a detailed case history. This will include: questions about your complaint, your lifestyle, the nature of your work and the environment you live and work in. This will allow me to build a comprehensive and holistic picture of your problem.
I will then begin a thorough examination. Depending on the nature and location of your complaint it may be necessary to ask you to remove some items of clothing. You will be asked to do some simple movements as I assess your posture and mobility. The assessment is completed with you seated or lying down and involves palpation (touch) of the affected tissues and movement of joints to establish any restrictions in function to work towards a diagnosis. I may also undertake some simple clinical tests if the case history or examination indicates the need.
Osteopathic treatment is hands on in nature and will commonly involve gentle yet focused massage, rhythmic movement of joints and, if appropriate, a manipulation may be incorporated. Osteopathic manipulation is a rapid but small movement focused on one joint. I may also suggest the use of Acupuncture. Osteopaths have an extensive repertoire of treatment options which allows us to adjust what we do to fit your needs and wishes.
I will explain what I am doing as the treatment progresses and I value feedback from my patients. If you are uncomfortable or don’t understand anything, I am happy to stop what I am doing and address your concerns. You’re very welcome to bring a friend or family member with you into the consulting room.
By the end of the consultation we will have discussed my findings and diagnosis. With this information we will plan a way forward together. I will give you an idea of how many treatments will be needed and over what sort of timescale. Some patients may only need one visit, the average is four to six while others will attend perhaps two or three times a year on a maintenance basis. I may also recommend some adjustments in lifestyle or prescribe some self-help exercises. It may be that further medical investigations are required, if that proves to be the case I will refer you to the appropriate department or back to your GP.
You may experience some discomfort after your treatment, perhaps lasting up to a couple of days. This is common and nothing to worry about and is often a sign of a healthy response. I will advise you on the best way to help this, should it occur, at the end of the consultation.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.
