What should I expect at my first appointment?
- At your first visit Rachel will listen to your story about the pain you are experiencing and what concerns you have. She will ask some questions to find out more about specific details. This will include questions on past history, work, lifestyle and exercise. This allows Rachel to form a complete picture of your overall health, it helps to determine if there are any underlying conditions and aids in formulating a correct working diagnosis. This will help you to achieve your treatment aims. If you have any relevant X-ray or MRI reports please bring them with you. If you take any medications (prescription or over the counter) or supplements please bring a list of these along too.
- After the case history Rachel will do an examination to check muscle tone, joint movements and posture. She may also do orthopaedic or neurological tests. These are usually painless and help with a more accurate diagnosis. For the examination and treatment we recommend you wear something comfortable and that allows movement. This can be your underwear or if you would feel more at ease, shorts/leggings or loose trousers and a vest. This will allow Rachel to get a full picture of what is going on, the cause of the problem may not be in the same area as your pain or discomfort. A towel will also be available if you would like some extra cover, please don’t hesitate to ask.
- Once Rachel has a clear understanding of what is going on. She will explain these findings to you and outline your treatment plan. This will include initial advice to take away to help your recovery to start immediately. If Rachel feels that Osteopathy is not suitable or feels more investigations are needed prior to treatment, then she will refer you where appropriate, usually to your GP or other health care professional.
- The case history and examination may take up the majority of your first visit, however there is usually time for some treatment unless your case history is very long or complex.
- If you have any questions at any time please do not hesitate to ask.
- You are very welcome to bring someone with you if you would feel more comfortable.
Treatment
Treatment is hands on and likely to involve some soft tissue manipulation and stretches, joint mobilisations and where appropriate joint manipulation. Treatment may also involve dry needling techniques which is the use of tiny acupuncture needles to release trigger points in the muscle. Rachel will talk you through the treatment, if there is anything you are uncertain about or uncomfortable with, then please do not hesitate to say.
Post Treatment
Most patients feel some relief directly after treatment however, it is quite normal to have some soreness, tenderness, stiffness or increase in symptoms 12-48 hours after treatments; this may be in the presenting area or another area of the body. Your body has to process and work through any changes. The strongest reaction is usually after the first session (although not always), it is similar to going back to exercise for the first time in a while or doing some unusual physical activity. Rachel will give you some advice on how to handle any soreness and what to do and not do post treatment. If you are at all concerned about any reaction then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Appointment Duration and Fees
Your first visit will take 45 minutes to 1 hour and subsequent visits approximately 30 – 40 minutes. This is only a guide and appointment times can vary.
Consultation: £60
Follow-up appointment: £50