Taking your case history
Musculoskeletal problems are common and often painful and debilitating. It is natural to be anxious about your symptoms, and I will always discuss your concerns as part of a routine examination and what your treatment options are. At the start of your first session, I'll take time to listen to you and ask questions about your symptoms such as how long you've had them, if anything you do affects them and what treatments you've already tried. I shall also ask about your general health, activities and lifestyle and your past medical history such as accidents and illnesses. This will help me to make an accurate diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment(s) that you can consider.
The examination and diagnosis
I will then examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort, which might include tests such as testing your reflexes. Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, so I might examine these areas to identify problems. I will also assess your posture and the way you move. In most cases your treatment will start at your first appointment, but sometimes I will suggest that you seek further tests first, for example blood tests or scans.
Occasionally I may suggest that you consult your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional if osteopathy is not suitable for you.
Your treatment
I use a wide range of gentle hands on osteopathic techniques such as soft tissue massage, articulation of joints and stretching of ligaments as well as subtle and gentle 'cranial' techniques. Treatment varies between patients depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis . Before you receive treatment you and I will jointly decide an appropriate and suitable treatment plan. I will also give explanation and advice on how to help yourself, for example, with appropriate exercises.
