What happens on my first visit?

Your first appointment will last about 1 hour. You will be asked in detail about your current symptoms as well as previous relevant medical history to help build up a picture of you as an individual. I will then need to examine the appropriate area of your body as well as your overall structure. Common problems like low back pain may be due to a remote issue such as an old ankle injury for example, so it is important to find the underlying cause of your symptoms as well as treating those directly.

What happens during Osteopathic treatment?

I use a wide range of techniques. From gentle guiding movements, known as Cranial Osteopathy, through more active approaches such as massage and rhythmic rocking, to the specific adjustment of joints. I also use Western Medical Acupuncture to help relieve muscle spasms and chronic pain. My choice of approach will be the most appropriate for you based on your presenting symptoms, medical history and my clinical experience.

Treatment is not painful and many people describe it as relaxing. You may be given exercises to perform to help maximise the treatment effects and be given advice on posture and correct function. You may also be advised on diet and stress reduction.

What shall I wear?

It is easier for me to see and feel how your body functions when you are undressed to your underwear or wearing light stretchy clothing. Jeans, heavy jumpers or restrictive clothing are not appropriate for examination or treatment. You can bring a change of clothes if you wish and there is a changing area. I can supply a gown if necessary.

How many treatments will I need?

As each person is assessed as an individual it is difficult to predict a recovery time until you have been for your first visit. Usually you should feel relief after one session and quite often be well on the road to recovery after four, however more complex problems may take longer and I will inform you if this is the case.