What to expect during your visit to the osteopath

Osteopathy is a patient-centred, system of healthcare. A first appointment generally lasts about 45 minutes to an hour to allow adequate time to:

• listen and ask questions about your symptoms and concerns, your general health, other medical care you are receiving or medication you are taking. The information will be recorded in your case notes and will be completely confidential. Your permission will be asked before any of the information is disclosed to another party outside of the clinic;
• examine you properly. It is likely the osteopath will ask you to remove some of your clothing. Tell your osteopath if you are uncomfortable about this. If you would prefer to wear a pair of shorts or keep your clothes on then tell your osteopath. You can ask a friend or relative to accompany you and be present throughout your treatment;
• ask you to make simple movements and stretches to observe your posture and mobility. Because of the body’s structure, pain or stiffness you are experiencing in one part may be linked to a problem elsewhere so don't be surprised if/when the osteopath examines parts of the body that aren't painful or symptomatic;
• examine the health of the joints, tissues and ligaments using a range of techniques. 

The osteopath will explain their finding to you together with a treatment plan. Treatment will only commence once you have consented to the treatment.