When you visit an Osteopath, what should you expect?

History & Examination

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.

Your Preferences

In the majority of cases we will work around or through clothing, however, we advise our patients to bring/wear shorts, vests or appropriate undergarments. A modesty gown can also be provided.

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.

Evaluation & Treatment

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 process, and treatment will only be carried out with the patient's knowledge and awareness.

Following your First Appointment

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.

If you are concerned or symptoms last longer than a few days following treatment, be sure to call the osteopath who will have time to chat and discuss with you, offering additional advice, what you can use to help further improve and maybe what you should be avoiding to allow the symptoms to stop.

Please find further details about your osteopath appointment in the questions below.

What can I expect during my treatment?

Examination & treatment is made manually using the hands applied to the patient’s 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, and advised 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 of the practice, Daryl, 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.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required is completely dependent on the individual and the presenting complaint. After your initial appointment, the osteopath will have a good idea of your prognosis.

Symptoms which haven’t been around for a long time can respond very quickly; often a full resolution can be achieved within 1 or 2 appointments.

More complex and chronic symptoms, or those with impacting external factors (disease or physically demanding work/lifestyle), may take a little longer.

Are there any side effects from osteopathic treatment?

In the majority of cases you will experience no discomfort following your treatment, however it is perfectly normal to feel some tenderness in the area that has been worked on, especially if you are new to osteopathy.

Patients who do experience a slight post treatment reaction can expect this to settle down, along with the initial symptoms within a maximum approximately 48 hours. If any discomfort persists, or you are concerned about your symptoms, please call us on 020-8524-1505.

Does osteopathy hurt?

No, osteopathic treatment does not usually hurt. All of the techniques used in osteopathic practice are applied with great care and expertise and are aimed to provide symptomatic relief. However, when an area of the body becomes damaged, inflamed or overused it can become overly sensitized and painful. In some cases, in order to restore function, we may need to work directly with the affected structure e.g. massage to a strained muscle.

Your osteopath will be sensitive to your personal level of discomfort and will work to make sure that your treatment is as comfortable and painless as possible. In the event that the area is simply too painful to apply pressure or movement to, a variety of alternative osteopathic techniques and interventions are available to make your treatment as relaxing and comfortable as possible.

What do I wear?

Wear clothing which you feel comfortable in and that allows your osteopath access to the symptomatic area.

In the majority of cases we will work around or through clothing, however, we advise our patients to bring/wear shorts, vests or appropriate undergarments.

Patients may be asked to remove certain clothing during the examination and treatment, to allow the Osteopath to work on the local and distant sites relating to their symptoms. Depending on the area to be examined and treated, you may be asked to remove outer clothing down to your underwear.

If you are at all uncomfortable with this then a modesty gown can be provided, or patients can wear shorts and top or loose clothing. Please do make the osteopath aware of your preference.

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Yes, your comfort is our priority.

Do I need to consult my GP before visiting an Osteopath?

Osteopaths are known as primary care physicians, this means that it is not necessary to speak with your GP before a consultation.

In the event that your osteopath believes you may benefit from further orthodox management and/or investigations, your permission will be sought to write a letter to your GP. The letter will contain current osteopathic findings, diagnosis and the request for appropriate action.

Will I be worse following Osteopathic Treatment?

Osteopathy & Osteopathic Treatment is a philosophy for Health & Wellbeing by attempting to encourage the normal body systems to function optimally and hence maintain health.

Osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques to treat their patients, including manipulation of the small spinal joints and extremity joints. This is often when these joints are released / relaxed and often a small click or pop can be felt or heard. This should not be painful and mostly not painful afterwards.

However, all hands on therapy can put energy into the joints and the body's system which can occasionally produce an initial increase in symptoms whilst the body is using that energy to settle the problems that were the cause of the patients symptoms.

If you are concerned or symptoms last longer than a few days be sure to call the osteopath who will have time to chat and discuss with you, offering additional advice, what you can use to help further improve and maybe what you should be avoiding to allow the symptoms to stop.

Daryl Herbert is an International Lecturer in Advance Manipulation of the Spine and Extremity Joints and has over thirty 37 years of clinical experience and teaching experience particularly with manipulations. Both Corinne and Alastair trained with Daryl and continue to work closely alongside him.

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