What to Expect from Your First Osteopathy Consultation

Osteopathy is already quite a niche practice, and not all osteopaths work in the same way. Whether it's your first or twentieth time seeing an osteopath, the initial consultation is essential for establishing trust and building a strong relationship between the patient and practitioner.

First consultations typically take longer than follow-up sessions for several reasons. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation and Medical History

• Detailed Discussion: The osteopath will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and any specific issues you’re experiencing, such as pain, stiffness, or discomfort.

• Lifestyle Factors: Expect questions about your daily routine, including work habits, exercise, posture, and any previous injuries or surgeries.

• Health Concerns: You’ll discuss any current symptoms, and the osteopath may inquire about your overall health and medical conditions to get a complete picture.

  
  

2. Physical Examination

• Posture and Movement Assessment: The osteopath will observe your posture and movement patterns to identify any misalignments or imbalances.

• What to Wear: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to undress so the osteopath can properly assess your body.

• Palpation: The osteopath will use their hands to feel your muscles, joints, and tissues, checking for tenderness, tightness, or stiffness.

• Orthopaedic Tests: You’ll be asked to move your arms, legs, neck, and back so the osteopath can assess your flexibility and identify any restrictions in movement.

  
  

3. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

• Osteopathic Diagnosis: Based on your medical history and physical exam, the osteopath will provide a diagnosis and explain the potential underlying causes of your symptoms.

• Treatment Options: They will discuss different treatment techniques, which may include gentle stretching, joint mobilisations, and soft tissue manipulation to address pain or dysfunction.

  
  

4. Hands-on Treatment

• Techniques: Osteopathic treatment is non-invasive. The osteopath may use techniques such as massage, mobilisations, or joint manipulation (sometimes referred to as "cracking techniques") to improve joint mobility and relieve muscle tension.

• Comfort Level: You’ll be encouraged to relax during the treatment. While some discomfort may occur as tension is released, the treatment should never be painful.

  
  

5. Post-Treatment Guidance

• Treatment Reaction: It is normal to experience some post-treatment effects, such as feeling more tired than usual or mild episodes of pain and discomfort in the next 24-48 hours.

• Follow-up Plan: Depending on your condition, the osteopath may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Your first osteopathy session is a crucial step in understanding your body and addressing any discomfort or mobility issues. The osteopath’s goal is to support your overall well-being and help you move more freely. If you're considering osteopathy or have any questions, don't hesitate to book a consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.