The Osteopath will take a full case history, including what you are coming to see us about? How the symptoms have evolved? What makes it better or worse? You will also be asked about your general health. Some questions may seem irrelevant, but we can then include or exclude them in our evaluation of your problem. Then if we find any information that may be clinically relevant we will expand our questioning. This will allow the Osteopath to begin to evaluate what your problem maybe (diagnosis) and how we may proceed. We will also be considering what might happen in the future (prognosis).

If treatment / examination is applicable we will then ask you to undress to your underwear. (So good sensible underwear is helpful) Then we look at your mechanics and explain what we are finding and how it many be effecting the presenting symptom/s. Then we perform active movements, which are movements of the areas which are affected or associated. E.g. flexing your head forward, backwards, sideways and rotating your head. Then we will perform any tests to clarify the diagnosis (what the problem is) and prognosis (what may happen in the future). Then we can get on with palpating your muscles and joints. At this stage if we are happy with the diagnosis and it is safe to proceed we will continue with treatment. We can use our highly developed sense of touch called ‘palpation’ to identify any points of weakness or strain you may be experiencing. We use our hands not machines to carry out a variety of treatment techniques which include:

• Soft Tissue. (Like Massage)
• High Velocity Thrust. (Increases the movement of the joints, Cracks and Pops)
• Other Muscle and joint mobility techniques. (Functional, Counterstrain, Muscle energy, PNF)
• Cranial (Very gentle movement of the cranial bones)

These techniques improve the function of the body, reduce inflammation and the pain / aching from muscles and joints. They also calm the nervous system. By the end of the consultation the Osteopath will explain what he / she thinks is causing your symptoms and give you a probable diagnosis and prognosis. Which is what is causing your problem and what may happen in the future. They will also explain other viable options for treatment. Some of these may involve other practitioners like your GP or specialist. They will also explain as they go any precipitating and maintaining factors for your problem. This is  why you have your problem and why it may be continuing to be an issue.