What to expect

At your initial consultation, which will last for up to 1 hour, the osteopath will ask in detail about various aspects of your symptoms and general health. The osteopath will then carry out an assessment of your general posture and the affected area. The osteopath may look at you standing, moving and will then gently assess body movements with you sitting or lying down. Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort, although assessment and treatment may require the handling of painful areas. Most people find treatment relaxing. Some patients experience soreness after treatment, this is perfectly normal and is similar to that felt after unaccustomed exercise. This usually lasts no more than 24 - 48 hours.

It may be necessary for the osteopath to carry out simple examination procedures such as taking blood pressure or testing reflexes. Most patients come to an osteopath without having first consulted their doctor. Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners who are trained in diagnosis, to ensure that no serious problems are overlooked, and will refer patients back to their GP or to another more appropriate health care provider if a problem is not suitable for osteopathic treatment.