During your initial consultation with one of our Osteopaths, a full case history of your current symptoms will be taken, including factors such as lifestyle, work demands and diet.  Your Osteopath will also want to know how and when the episode began and what factors make the symptoms better or worse.  You will also be asked questions relating to any previous episodes you have had, as well as information relating to your past medical history. This may not seem relevant to your presenting symptoms but can provide valuable information to your Osteopath, especially in making sure that it is safe to treat you.  Occasionally, your Osteopath may feel that it is necessary to refer you for further investigations such as X-rays, MRI scans or blood tests. You will normally be referred back to your GP if this is required, although it is often possible to continue treatment whilst waiting for these tests.

A full standing examination will be carried out and you will normally be asked to undress to your underwear in order that your Osteopath may see your physique and posture.  You may wish to wear loose fitting clothing or shorts and we can provide gowns if you prefer.  You will be asked to perform a series of movements, depending on your problem, so that your Osteopath can assess your range of movement and any discomfort this produces.

Further tests will usually be carried out on the treatment couch including assessments of the movement of your spine or limbs.  Reflexes will often be examined in order to ascertain if there is any involvement of the peripheral nerves or spinal cord.

Once the case history and examination have been completed,  the nature of the problem will be explained and a diagnosis of your condition will be made.  If your Osteopath feels able to treat you, an explanation of the treatment techniques that will be used will be given and you will be asked to confirm that you wish to receive treatment.

Osteopathic treatment is safe and gentle and will include a variety of techniques. These include soft tissue massage and stretching aimed at reducing muscle tension; articulation and joint mobilisation to improve movement of stiff joints; traction of the neck or low back to reduce pressure on the discs; and spinal nerves and manipulation, where a quick thrust is applied to a joint to improve mobility and reduce muscle spasm.  The overall aims of treatment are to restore proper function to the musculo-skeletal system, thereby reducing inflammation, promoting healing and reducing pain.

Your treatment will often be supplemented by advice on control of inflammation, pain relief, guidance on diet and the prescription of exercises to maximise the benefit of treatment.

If your Osteopath feels that it is important to your recovery for you to refrain from work, incapacity certificates can be issued. These are normally regarded as the same as those issued by your GP for the purpose of claiming sick pay and incapacity benefit.