What can I expect at an osteopathic treatment?

• Do I need a referral from my GP?
• What do I need to bring?
• Do I need to arrive early?
• What happens at the first consultation?
• Is osteopathic treatment painful?
• How long will my treatment take?
• Will I need any additional investigations or treatments?

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Do I need a referral from my GP? 

Many patients are referred to osteopaths by their doctors, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as osteopaths are primary care practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.

What do I need to bring?

Bring along any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have.
Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It’s important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts to change into.

Do I need to arrive early?

It’s advisable to arrive a little early for your first appointment, as you will need to fill out additional or initial paperwork.
Under the law, an osteopath needs to obtain your approval to treat you, so you will probably be asked to sign an ‘informed consent’ form.

What happens at the first consultation?

Your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask questions about your medical history, any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes during the course of your osteopathic treatment, you should tell your osteopath.

Next, your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and, if necessary, clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, which will help determine how best to manage your condition. The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs.

As part of the examination, you may also be asked to bend over or stand in your underwear. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear.

As osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back. Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

Is osteopathic treatment painful?

Osteopathy is a manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort.

If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible. Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

How long will my treatment take?

Your initial consultation may last up to one hour. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, examine and treat you.

Follow-up treatments are usually shorter. Depending on your condition, they can take up to 30-40 minutes.

Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment.

If you have any concerns, your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.

Will I need any additional investigations or treatments?

Following treatment, your osteopath may decide that additional investigations, such as X-ray, scans or blood tests are required.

This will enable them to make a more exact diagnosis and develop a suitable treatment plan for you. If necessary, your osteopath may refer you on to another health professional.