What happens in the Treatment Room?
What to expect at your first Osteopathic appointment!
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Have you seen an Osteopath before?
Have you been thinking about booking yourself in for an Osteopathic treatment, but you’re a bit unsure about what actually happens in the room? This blog is here to give you an idea of what to expect at your first Osteopathic Consultation.
Do I need a referral to see an Osteopath?
Whilst patients are often referred to Osteopaths for treatment by a wide range of healthcare providers, Osteopaths are primary care practitioners and you can make an appointment to see them without a referral.
What do I bring to a treatment?
You may bring along any relevant scans or medical reports that you have to your appointment.
What do I wear?
We can work around most items of clothing, but for your comfort, try to wear some loose/stretchy clothing so that its easy for you to move around on the treatment table. You may also be asked to undress to your underwear for treatment or examination, so wear what makes you comfortable in that situation. Alternatively you can bring a change of clothes to change into or your Osteopath will provide you with a gown. Your comfort is of the upmost importance to us, so if you would like to bring a friend or family member along with you to your treatment, feel free. Also, children must have an adult accompany them to a treatment.
When you arrive:
- Try to arrive a few minutes early to your initial consultation, as there are a few forms you will need to fill out before treatment starts
- When your Osteopath takes you through to the treatment room, they will ask you some questions about your medical history in general, and more specifically about why you’re coming in for treatment. As Osteopaths view the body as a whole, they will often ask questions that may not seem directly related to the symptoms you’re presenting with on that day. However it is important for them to gain an understanding of how your body is functioning overall so that they can properly address your complaint.
Once your Osteopath has taken a thorough history, they will then conduct a full Osteopathic Examination to further ascertain what the cause of your symptoms are. They may look at:
- Your posture (what position you’re body is in whilst you are sitting/standing/lying down)
- Your range of motion (how well you move or don’t move). They can do this by asking you to do particular movements, but they may also assess this passively where the Osteopath moves your body around for you
- What muscles are tight and/or weak
- Orthopaedic and/or neurological tests and diagnostic tests.
- As mentioned above, because Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, your Osteopath may examine other parts of your body as well as the area of the body that is troubling you.
After your Osteopath has taken your history and performed a thorough examination, if clinically indicated, your Osteopath will provide a treatment to address the cause of your symptoms. This may involve techniques such as: Soft tissue massage, Counter-strain, Myofascial release, Muscle energy techniques (stretching), Articulation, High velocity low amplitude manipulation, Balanced ligamentous tension and Dry needling
Your Osteopath may also advise you on:
What you can expect to feel like after a treatment,
Some relevant stretches, mobility drills and strengthening exercises for your condition and
Ergonomic advice to help you better manage your complaint between appointments.
If you have any further questions, feel free to call our clinic on (03) 9570 9061 and speak to one of our lovely receptionists or Osteopaths.
Call or book online today.
You do not need a referral to see one of our friendly Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy. We have a very good relationship with many surrounding doctors, other health practitioners and personal trainers in the local community of Bentleigh East , Bentleigh, Ormond, McKinnon, Oakleigh, Carnegie, Caulfield, Moorabbin, Murrumbeena, Brighton, Clayton and Clarinda.
Valued Health Osteopathy offers Osteopathy, Clinical Pilates, Exercise Rehabilitation and Strength & Conditioning. Valued Health Osteopathy is open 6 days a week with early morning and evening appointments. Move better with Osteopathy!
Valued Health Osteopathy | Osteopathy Australia
