Visiting an Osteopath

When you visit an Osteopath, what should you expect?

Once your appointment has been made and you attend for your consultation and treatment, the first part consists of a detailed history of whatever the reason is for seeing the Osteopath, including a full medical history. Questions will be asked to develop a picture to base the examination and test procedures on, which will be carried out. Then a series of examination and tests, orthopaedic, neurological, other medical and osteopathic will be performed as is felt necessary. An evaluation of the presenting symptoms will be developed and explained to the patient including a treatment and management plan. A contract is therefore made with the osteopath and the patient to ensure that each is aware of how long the treatment is likely to continue, the type of treatment and what the patient should expect. Further explanation will be provided if anything is unclear or if the patient is uncertain about any aspect of this processes and treatment will only be carried out with the patient's knowledge and awareness. The symptoms will be monitored and adapted as progress is made or if there is no improvement then another choice of treatment or therapy or medical opinion will be discussed and sought. During the examination and treatment the patient will be asked to remove certain clothing, usually down to the underwear to allow the Osteopath to work on the local and distant sites relating to their symptoms, if you are at all uncomfortable with this then a modesty gown can be provided, or patients can wear shorts & top or loose clothing and please do make the osteopath aware of your preference. Examination & treatment is made manually using the hands applied to the patients body, spine, joints & soft tissues. The treatment itself will consist of the different techniques used within osteopathy ranging from soft-tissue massage, passive mobilising and stretching, traction, manipulation, isometric, functional, cranial and visceral techniques as necessary for each and every patient. After the treatment the patient will be given useful advice, nutritional suggestions and often exercises including when they should return.

If for any reason you wish to be seen & treated by a female or male practitioner then please just make that request and we will be happy to follow your wishes.

If at any time during your treatment you feel uncomfortable or simply not happy with any aspect of the treatment or diagnosis, then please speak with your Osteopath, alternatively speak with the principal, Daryl, of the practice and we will endeavour to resolve any issues that you have to ensure a full resolution of whatever the difficulty is and your symptoms. It is our sole desire to provide professional Osteopathic care and treatment.

If you have any questions or you wish to find out more or you want to make an appointment then please call 020-8524-1505 or call into Churchill Medical Centre.

Most Private Health Insurance (PHI) companies now will cover Osteopathic Treatment......