An osteopath aims to improve a person’s overall health and wellness by treating the whole person, not just a single condition or area. If you’ve heard about the benefits of osteopathy but are unsure what to expect at your first appointment, we’re here to help. Here are the answers to some of the common questions from new patients about what to expect at the initial appointment.
How long will my consultation take?
The length of your first appointment will vary, but most initial consultations will last from 45 minutes to an hour. Subsequent visits are generally a little bit shorter, taking approximately 30 minutes, depending on the treatment required.
What happens during the first appointment?
During your first visit, we will listen and ask questions about your general health and the problem and symptoms you are experiencing. We may ask questions about any major illnesses you have experienced or chronic conditions you have, details of medications you are taking, past surgeries, lifestyle questions e.g. diet and exercise, sleep, stress levels, and work routine. The information you provide will be treated as confidential.
We will then conduct a physical examination, which may require you to remove some of your clothing (with your consent!) depending on your symptoms. For instance, if you are experiencing shoulder pain, we will need to see and feel what is happening with your shoulder, as well as surrounding areas like your neck and back. You will never be asked to remove all your clothes and be naked. We provide gowns or towels to keep you covered up if you are feeling uncomfortable stripping down to your underwear.
You may be asked to perform simple movements or stretches to allow us to assess your posture and mobility. This will help to determine the cause of the problem and develop an appropriate plan for treatment.
Treatment plan and goals
We take all the information from your health history and the physical examination to diagnose your condition. As osteos, we are trained to identify when you need to be referred to your GP for further tests to help diagnose the problem.
We then work to restore your body to its normal function and help the body to heal itself.
Some of the common techniques we may use during your consultation include:
- Massage to resolve muscle stiffness
- Articulation and mobilisation of the joints and muscles
- Spinal manipulation
- Exercises and muscle energy techniques
- Lifestyle advice.
Got questions before your first appointment? Give us a call on +61 430 062 099, or email us at info@activeosteopathy.com.au and we’ll give you all the answers you’re after to alleviate your concerns before you arrive.
