Going for your first local osteopath session is the first step to fixing some long-standing aches or pains. However, do you know what to expect from your session? Most people aren’t sure, and this can leave them unprepared for the appointment. We want to help get you ready, so here’s a look at what to expect.
Preparing For Your Appointment
Part of what you can expect from your appointment is knowing how to prepare properly. The first thing you should do before your appointment is check to see if your osteopath has the proper registration. You’ll want to check that they are signed up with the General Osteopathic Council through their register.
As the majority of osteopath visits are self-referred (without a doctor), you’ll need to vet your chosen osteopathy clinic before you visit.
A Patient-Driven Approach
It’s important to understand that osteopathy is a patient-driven healthcare experience. Therefore, in a typical session, there isn’t a set method for what the practitioner will do.
A typical appointment can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. This gives the osteopath time to perform whatever tasks they feel are appropriate for you. The exact details of what will happen can vary but generally speaking, it’ll play out like this:
- The first thing your osteopath will do is have a conversation with you about your health and what type of medical care you’ve been getting. They’ll also ask what medication you’re on (if any) and build or add to your file. All information will be confidential.
- Your osteopath will examine you to see what kind of health you are in. They will usually perform a quick physical examination at the start of each session to ensure that you’re in good health. You should ensure that you are comfortable with this process throughout the examination.
- The osteopath will ask you to make a series of simple movements and stretches which are designed to observe your mobility and posture. Because of how your body is structured, any pain or stiffness you experience in one area can be linked to a problem somewhere else in the body.
- Your osteopath will take a look at your joints and ligaments, examining them physically to spot any serious problems.
Your osteopath will also take a look for any signs of problems they can’t fix. They might suggest you go to your doctor if you’ve got a recurring problem. They will write a letter for your GP if they do this.
Providing Treatment
Osteopathy is all about diagnosing, managing and treating/preventing problems in the skeleton and other areas. The osteopath will tell you about what they find in their examination, and talk to you about a treatment plan.
You’ll be told all about the risks and potential issues of the treatment, and also the benefits. Obviously, they’ll have to touch you to perform the treatment – you’ll need to consent to this.
Closing Thoughts
That’s really all you need to know! The more times you visit an osteopath, the more confident you’ll feel. Sessions are usually very spontaneous and focus on whatever you’re feeling at the time.
