Your First Consultation
Your first consultation will form the basis of your assessment and therefore will last slightly longer than any subsequent treatments to ensure an accurate diagnosis. It should normally last around 45-50 minutes, depending on how complex a medical history and presentation you have and how many tests are needed for a diagnosis to be reached. But please allow up to 60 minutes, in case we need to overrun.
In order to best determine the cause of your problem, the Osteopath will discuss with you your current symptoms and lifestyle demands, as well as taking a detailed medical history to understand the strains your body has been placed under in the past and to ensure that treatment is appropriate.
You MAY be asked to undress to your underwear in order for the Osteopath to assess your posture, muscle tone and mobility. Shorts are also acceptable and if you would be more comfortable to wear a fitted low-backed vest for the majority of the session this is fine, as it can just be temporarily hitched to allow an effective assessment. Where possible, please avoid wearing 'racer-back' sports bras/vests, as these can impede our assessment (and subsequent treatment), particularly of an upper back/neck/shoulder problem. Please also avoid wearing a necklace, if possible.
Before treatment, the Osteopath will explain their findings/your diagnosis to you, so that you are able to understand the condition and your proposed treatment plan.
On rare occasions, treatment may be refused; if testing indicates your symptoms are not musculo-skeletal in nature. In this instance, your Osteopath will explain their concerns fully and you will be referred to your GP for further investigation. Please be aware you are paying for your Osteopath's time and expertise, and that all sessions are chargeable, even if we can't treat you on that occasion.
Follow up appointments will last up to 40 minutes and include a brief review of your symptoms and function, with the main focus on treatment.