What To Expect from Treatment
As a patient you can expect your osteopath to:
- Treat you with consideration and dignity.
- Explain your diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Seek permission to start treatment.
- Maintain respect and discretion while protecting your confidential information at all times.
- Provide you with a patient centered treatment plan.
Osteopathy is a patient-centered system of healthcare.
A first appointment generally lasts longer than subsequent appointments, to allow the osteopath adequate time to:
- Listen and ask questions about your presenting condition, your general health and other medical care you are receiving. The information you provide will be confidential.
- Correctly perform a physical examination. Osteopathy is a form of hands-on healthcare which requires the osteopath to perform physical examination and treatment. Your osteopath will advise you on suitable clothing to wear for your treatment. On occasion they may require you to remove some items of clothing, if this makes you feel uncomfortable feel free to discuss this with your osteopath.
- Ask you to make simple movements and stretches, to observe your posture and mobility in order to identify if the pain or stiffness you are experiencing in one area, may be linked to an issue elsewhere.
- Check for signs of other conditions they cannot treat and advise you to see your GP or other appropriate health care professional.
- Explain their findings and agree a patient centered treatment plan with you. This plan will include the number of expected treatments (more than one may be necessary), likely effects of treatment and any potential risks or reactions you could expect. This plan will be reviewed with you at each visit.
- Perform a Hands-on treatment, with your consent, and explain what they are doing during that treatment. Ask any questions at any time if you are unsure or if you have any concerns. Your osteopath may also recommend individual exercises and self-help measures to assist your recovery.
- Osteopathic treatment includes techniques such as stretching and mobilisation for general treatment of the soft tissues, along with manipulation of the musculoskeletal system, connective tissues and organs. Some osteopaths practise a form of treatment called cranial osteopathy which is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment. The therapist uses gentle techniques to release stresses throughout the body.