When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full medical history will be taken and you will be given an examination.
You will normally be asked to perform a simple series of movements so that the mobility of your body can be evaluated. Any points of weakness, excessive strain or specific injury will be identified.
This musculo-skeletal assessment will be considered alongside your lifestyle – your work and leisure activities – to enable a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be determined which is specific to you.
Remember
- Osteopaths are skilled practitioners
- Osteopaths deal with pain every day
- Osteopaths can help you both with treatment and self help
- Osteopaths treat acute pain
- Osteopaths treat chronic pain
Osteopathic treatment
Treatment is aimed at improving mobility and reducing inflammatory processes by using gentle, manual osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments.
You will be given positive advice related to your lifestyle about how you use your body. Age is no barrier to osteopathy since each patient is considered individually.
Exercises to do at home may also be prescribed to improve the way joints work, even though they may be worn, and to reduce muscle spasm.
Exercise in warm water or salt baths may also be recommended.
Osteopathy is not a cure-all and there are times when surgery may be necessary – such as hip replacement when you will be referred to a specialist via your GP. However osteopathy can help with rehabilitation after surgery.
Osteopathic treatment involves manual techniques including soft tissue stretching and massage, combined with mobilisation and manipulation of the joints. The treatment is effective and conducted with the patient’s assistance.
By designing an appropriate course of treatments, your osteopath will also provide an ongoing management programme, to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
Because Osteopaths look at the ‘whole’ picture of human functioning, they also use a variety of techniques which acknowledges the many factors contributing to balance and health. To this end, Osteopaths provide advice on diet, exercise, posture and many other aspects of daily life.
This caring and comprehensive approach to care and treatment complement the body’s natural functions, helping you achieve the highest possible level of health and happiness.