A Typical Consultation
If we haven’t seen you before you will be booked in for one hour. This will give us time to take a case-history and to carry out a thorough diagnostic evaluation (you may be asked to undress to your underwear). In most cases, we can then make an assessment and begin appropriate treatment immediately. However, some issues are much more complex and we may need to perform or request further tests and investigations such as urine analysis, X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound, blood tests, and performance assessment (using our fully-equipped gym, swimming pool, etc.) to determine the diagnosis. Osteopathic treatment is not always appropriate and in that case we would refer you to the relevant specialist. We see ourselves as complementary practitioners, rather than alternative, with excellent links to GP’s and experts who can be called upon for a team approach.
Your treatment plan will be explained to you. We use our hands to correct mechanical disturbances and limitations using a variety of techniques including muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements, high-velocity manipulation (‘clicks’ or ‘pops’ from joints as appropriate) or extremely gentle releasing techniques (‘cranial’). We may also give suitable advice about nutritional and lifestyle issues, exercising, ergonomics (at the office, home or when travelling), and relaxation strategies. The prognosis (number of treatment sessions required) will depend on many factors but our practice audits regularly show most people requiring an average of 3 sessions.