On your arrival you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire and sign a consent form
Your first appointment (which can last up to an hour) we will take a full case history. The Osteopath will ask general details such as name, address, date of birth, occupation , hobbies, activities and GP contact information. We need this information to assess how your life style might be putting stress and strain on your body.
then we ascertain the nature of your problem-when it started, how it has progressed, what makes your symptoms better or worse, what you have tried to do about it, what (if any)tests have been carried out by your GP or consultant,any prescribed medications.
we then go through past medical history including operations, serious illnesses, car crashes, accidents, broken bones you may have suffered from in the past. It is surprising how these factors (even though many years ago) have an impact on the present and the future.We will ask about other systems such as gynaecological health,bowel function,breathing-please do not be offended or embarrassed as these are often pointers as to why your symptoms present as they do!

TREATMENT

For the next stage Patients are asked to undress to their underwear so that the joints, muscles and mobility patterns can be assessed. You may wish to bring a light pair of shorts and T-shirt if this would help you feel more relaxed. If you would prefer to have someone with you then please tell the Osteopath or Reception when you make your appointment.

Active and passive movements are then carried out and any neurological tests as are deemed necessary.At this point your Osteopath will tell you what they think the problem might be (with the help of anatomical models and charts) and then outline the treatment which may help.You must be aware that your Osteopath may feel that she cannot help you and will inform you of this at this point. She may well refer you on to the best placed professional who may be in a position to help you.

If you are happy and your questions have been answered then your Osteopath will probably undertake a short treatment and then suggest any self-help measures and exercises so that you might help yourself.

You will be provided with a self-help/advice sheet at the end of the session as we are aware that all we say will not be remembered!

Second and subsequent treatments last approx 30 minutes.

If you have not attended the clinic for 4 years or more then we will request that you make a slightly longer booking (45 minutes) so we can cover changes in your situation and do a re-examination.

If you have not attended clinic in over eight years then we will request that you book in as a new patient again as much may have changed with regards to your health and although we may have retained your notes, we need the time to fully assess this.