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What to expect on your first visit
Your first consultation should take about an hour. The first half of the session will include taking a detailed history of your health and reason for seeking treatment. Details of how your symptoms began, factors affecting your daily life and the progression of the complaint will be asked.
Your medical history will include questions about previous illnesses, hospitalisations, general trauma/accidents, allergies, medications and family health problems.
Once your history has been noted a physical exam will take place. This may consist of (but limited to) orthopaedic, mechanical, neurological, and circulatory assessment.
An assessment of your posture and range of motion (ROM) of the affected and surrounding joints to identify the quality of movement will be required. Assessing the quality of the tissues such as; muscles, fascia, ligaments, tendons and even skin.
Your muscle strength, balance, general flexibility and, in certain circumstances, cardio-vascular fitness (a 6 min. walk test) will also be assessed. Next we will look at how your whole body works together to perform certain movements. We do this by analysing muscle-fascia chains, how your body uses them, coordinates and stabilizes itself. This structural survey teaches us about how your body has deviated from its natural balancing system and away from its optimal function.
How we assess - techniques used
The majority of Osteopathic diagnosis comes from palpation (touch), and observation of movement. Depending on findings, further investigations may be requested to better diagnose certain conditions, such as; X-ray, CT's, blood or other sample tests.
Treatment methods
Osteopaths work with their hands, but the individuality of each person means there is no one-size-fits-all approach in any treatment. Techniques most often used include; soft-tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point treatment, mobilisation and manipulation of joints.
Additionally, your treatment may include advice on posture, exercise, diet and stress management.
How often will treatments be required
Some patients may benefit from just one treatment whilst others may require a course of therapy and some manage their symptoms with a long-term approach for conditions such as osteoarthritis. Often, the chronicity of a problem may determine the treatment length.
Privacy/Clothing
Your privacy is of the upmost importance. Should you be unhappy with the recommended treatment methods or examination process, we will endeavour to work with you to find the best solution.
In order to fully assess your problem, we may ask you to undress certain areas that are involved. Understand this enables us to provide the best possible diagnosis, but we also recognise that you need to feel comfortable. Please bring shorts, vests, sports bras or something similar where possible to achieve this.
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