So What Should I Expect?

On your first appointment a full case history will be taken. As you would expect this will include full details about your 'presenting complaint': why you came in, in the first place. However, what some patients do not expect, is that a thorough health history will also be discussed. The reason for this is that we must ensure that the symptoms you are experiencing are really musculoskeletal in nature.

Following on from this, a complete musculoskeletal examination is undertaken, even if you have just come in with a 'sore knee'. Why is this? The first principle of osteopathy is that 'the body is a unit' meaning all parts are totally interconnected and cannot be considered separately.

The examination leads on to a diagnosis of the problem and subsequent treatment, using gentle 'hands-on' techniques. Often the treatment regimen will include advice on posture and prevention, as well as a tailored exercise prescription to best rehabilitate the injured area.

This first appointment will last about an hour with subsequent visits lasting thirty minutes, as the case history does not usually need to be repeated.

What problems can be treated? This is an extremely extensive list the best way to consider this is any pain or dysfunction arising from the musculoskeletal system- bones, joints, muscles, ligaments or fascia. However to name a few:-

Arthritis, muscle spasm, neck ache, fibromyalgia, rheumatic pain, whiplash, backache, circulatory problems, digestive problems, lumbago, neuralgia, sciatica, inability to relax, minor sports injuries, aches and pains, back pain, cramp, joint pain.