During your appointment
Before any treatment you will be asked some questions about yourself.
Your practitioner needs to know about your health, past and present, and you will be asked more detailed questions about your symptoms and their history, your medical history (including operations and illnesses) and any medication you are taking (both prescribed and "over the counter"). Although some questions may seem unnecessary all this information is important and helps your practitioner to make a diagnosis and develop a suitable treatment plan for you. All case histories are completely confidential and will not be released without your consent. This also applies to any conversations that take placeduring treatment. As a professional courtesy, we will inform your GP that you have sought osteopathic treatment unless you ask us not to do so.
In order to do a full examination you will normally be asked to undress to your underwear so your practitioner can see not only the area which is causing problems, but also other areas which may be related to your condition. You may be asked to perform certain movements and certain tests may be carried out (i.e. reflexes, blood pressure) in order to help your practitioner understand and assess your condition.
Your practitioner will discuss their assessment with you, and in most cases some treatment will be given. If the practitioner does not think you will benefit from their particular treatment they will explain this to you and may recommend the next course of action.
Advice may be given to you to support the treatment. Prevention may also be discussed relating to posture and lifestyle.
At the end of your first appointment you will be given a copy of our 8-page booklet "What you need to know".
If your practitioner believes that your GP should be given information about your health, or your practitioner requires further details of your medical history, your consent must be given before your practitioner can contact your GP.