Osteopathy FAQs

If  you’re thinking about booking an osteopathy appointment, you may have a few questions about what to expect.  Here you’ll find the answers to some of the questions I’m most often asked about appointments, assessment and treatment.

Your first appointment starts with a conversation. I’ll ask about what has brought you in, how your symptoms are affecting you, your general health and medical history, and what you’d like help getting back to doing.
 
I’ll then carry out an appropriate physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, this may include looking at how you move and carrying out relevant muscle, joint, neurological or other clinical tests.
 
I’ll explain what I’m doing as we go, and once we’ve completed the assessment, I’ll talk you through what I think may be contributing to your symptoms and we’ll discuss the options together.
 
If osteopathic treatment is appropriate, there will usually be time to begin treatment during your first appointment.

Wear something you feel comfortable moving in. Depending on the area being assessed, shorts, leggings, loose trousers or a vest can be useful.

You may sometimes be asked whether you’re comfortable removing an item of clothing to help with the examination, but this is entirely your choice. The assessment can be adapted if you’d prefer not to.

Yes. You’re very welcome to bring a friend, family member or chaperone with you if you’d feel more comfortable having someone there.

I’ll explain any examination or treatment I’m suggesting and ask for your consent before we proceed. You’re always in control and can ask questions, decline a particular examination or treatment technique, or change your mind at any time.

Usually, yes. If osteopathic treatment is appropriate, there will normally be time to begin treatment during your first appointment.
 
Occasionally, your assessment may suggest that treatment isn’t the right option at that stage, or that further investigation or assessment by another healthcare professional would be helpful. If that’s the case, I’ll explain why and discuss the appropriate next steps with you.
 
Treatment will vary depending on your symptoms, your goals and your preferences. It may include hands-on osteopathic treatment, movement or exercise, advice and strategies to help you manage your symptoms.
 
There isn’t a set treatment that everyone receives. I’ll explain the options and we’ll decide together what feels appropriate and useful for you.
 
You are always in control of your treatment and can ask questions, change your mind or choose not to have a particular technique at any time.
No. Joint manipulation is one of a number of techniques that may be used in osteopathic treatment, but it isn’t necessary or appropriate for everyone.
 
If I think a particular technique may be helpful, I’ll explain what it involves and why I’m suggesting it. We’ll decide together whether it’s something you’re comfortable with, and there are always other options if you’d prefer not to have it.
Joint manipulation is a quick, controlled movement applied to a joint. It can sometimes produce a clicking or popping sound, but the sound isn’t your bones moving back into place.
 
The sound is thought to occur because of a rapid change in pressure within the joint, which causes a gas cavity to form in the joint fluid — a process known as cavitation.
 
The presence or absence of a click doesn’t tell us whether the treatment has “worked”, and producing a click isn’t the aim of treatment.

People respond to treatment differently. Some notice a change straight away, while others may notice little difference immediately.

It’s also possible to experience some temporary soreness or discomfort after hands-on treatment or unfamiliar exercise. If there’s anything specific I’d like you to do following your appointment, I’ll discuss this with you before you leave.

If you’re concerned about how you’re feeling following your appointment, or have any questions about your treatment or advice you’ve been given, please get in touch.

I’d much rather you contact me if you’re unsure or worried about something. I can talk through what you’re experiencing and advise you on the most appropriate next step.

There isn’t a set number of appointments. How much support you need will depend on your individual situation, your goals and preferences, and how things progress.
 
We’ll review how you’re getting on as we go and discuss together whether further appointments are likely to be useful. I don’t routinely recommend predetermined courses of treatment or ongoing appointments if they’re not needed.
No. You can book an appointment with an osteopath directly without a referral from your GP.
 
If you’re using private health insurance, your insurer may have its own requirements, so it’s worth checking your policy before booking.
 
If, following your assessment, I think you would benefit from seeing your GP or another healthcare professional, I’ll discuss this with you.

Usually not. You don’t need to arrange an X-ray, MRI or other scan before seeing me unless another healthcare professional has already recommended one.

If you’ve already had relevant imaging or investigations, please bring any reports you have with you or send them to me before your appointment.

If your assessment suggests that further investigation may be appropriate, I’ll explain why and discuss the next steps with you.

There isn’t usually anything specific you need to bring with you. Before your first appointment, you’ll be sent a new patient form to complete, which includes questions about your health, medical history and any medication you take.

If you have any relevant scan results, reports or letters from other healthcare professionals, you’re welcome to bring these with you or send them to me beforehand, but don’t worry if you don’t have them.

Part of my role is to consider whether osteopathic care is appropriate for you.

If your assessment suggests that your symptoms need further investigation, medical assessment or input from another healthcare professional, I’ll explain my concerns and discuss the most appropriate next steps with you.

Where appropriate, and with your consent, I can also communicate with your GP or another healthcare professional involved in your care.

Still have a question?

If there’s something you’re unsure about before booking an appointment, please feel free to get in touch.

You can call or WhatsApp me on 01270 291945, or book an appointment online.

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