What to expect at your appointment
Firstly, you'll be listened to, and at your first appointment we will take time to talk about the problem you would like help with. In order to make an accurate diagnosis and suggest the most appropriate treatment, you may be asked questions about your symptoms, general health, activities and lifestyle. Your posture will be assessed and you may be asked to perform some simple movements in order to evaluate your mobility. The areas of your body causing you discomfort will be examined by feeling for changes and problems in your muscles and joints. Sometimes the cause of your problem may be in a different area of your body to where you feel the pain, so other areas may also be examined.
In order for me to make a full assessment you may be asked to undress to your underwear, so please wear something in which you are comfortable. Some people prefer, for instance, to wear loose fitting sports shorts for treatment. If you wish, you are very welcome to be accompanied by a friend or relative during your consultation and treatment.
Usually treatment will start at your first appointment, however on rare occasions osteopathy may not be appropriate and you may be referred to your GP or another specialist.
Proposed treatment techniques will be discussed and agreed with you and will be appropriate to your age, fitness and diagnosis. Treatment is individually tailored for each patient and may alter between appointments depending upon your progress. Techniques may include soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise your joints. During some manipulation techniques you may hear a ‘click’. This is quite normal, and similar to the click when people crack their own knuckles. At Long Lane Osteopathy I may also suggest that medical acupuncture could be beneficial.
All treatment is undertaken with your consent and can be discontinued at any point if you wish. You should feel free to ask as many questions as you want. There are many techniques in the osteopathic 'toolbox' so if there is any procedure that you dislike or or with which you are uncomfortable, then I can usually find an alternative approach.
Osteopaths have a holistic approach and believe that your whole body will function best when it is in the best possible structural balance. Because of this your treatment may not always be in the area causing you pain, but may be targeted on other parts of your body that have caused your symptoms.
Some patients may feel stiff or sore for a day or so after being treated: this is a normal, healthy response as your body adjusts and rebalances. Some people also feel tired and sleepy after their appointment, especially if acupuncture has been one of the techniques used. If this happens, and you are able, it can be helpful to have a short nap when you get home from your treatment.
Your initial consultation is likely to take longer than any follow-up appointments: you should allow up to 60 minutes for your first appointment, and around 45 minutes for any subsequent treatments.
You can find out more about how clinic is operating during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic on the COVID-19 page.