If you’re considering osteopathic treatment but are not quite sure what to expect during your first appointment, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the whole body, not just isolated symptoms. Whether you’ve sustained an acute injury, seeking relief from chronic pain, or simply aiming to improve your overall well-being, your first osteopathy appointment will be a collaborative experience aimed at understanding your body and your health goals.
Here’s what you can expect during your first visit:
1. Initial Consultation and Health History
Your osteopath will start by taking a detailed case history. This includes detailed questions about your primary complaint and the current symptoms you are experiencing, whilst also investigating your medical history. This will include questions about any existing health conditions, previous injuries, surgeries and lifestyle habits. It’s important to be honest and thorough during this part of the consultation as it helps your osteopath build a complete picture of your health.
Be prepared to discuss your day-to-day activities, hobbies, exercise routines, and even sleep habits. These factors all contribute to musculoskeletal health, and understanding them can help your osteopath tailor their approach to your specific needs.
2. Physical Assessment
After taking your history, your osteopath will move on to a physical assessment. Your osteopath will assess your posture, range of movement, strength and pain levels by getting you to perform a series of movements, special tests and by applying pressure over different regions. These tests will enable your osteopath to identify any imbalances, restrictions, weaknesses and areas of pain which will guide their diagnosis and form the basis of the treatment plan.
Depending on your condition, your osteopath might ask you to change into comfortable clothing (such as shorts and a t-shirt) to fully assess your body mechanics.
3. Osteopathic Treatment
Once the assessment is complete, your osteopath will discuss their findings with you and explain a treatment plan. If osteopathic treatment is appropriate for your condition, they will begin using a combination of hands-on techniques, such as soft tissue massage, stretching, joint manipulations and mobilisations. The goal is to improve movement/flexibility, reduce pain, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Depending on the condition, treatment can range from gentle relaxation techniques to others which are more intense. Your osteopath may advise that you may have some soreness the following day or two post treatment, this is perfectly normal and is part of the healing process. However, if anything feels too uncomfortable during your consult, never hesitate to communicate with your osteopath—they will adjust their approach accordingly to ensure your comfort.
4. Advice and Exercise rehabilitation
At the end of your session, your osteopath will likely provide advice on exercises, stretches, or lifestyle modifications to help you maintain progress between visits. They may also offer suggestions on posture, workplace ergonomics, or activity modifications that can reduce strain on your body.
5. Follow-up Appointments
In most cases, osteopathy is not a one-time treatment. Depending on your condition, your osteopath may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust your treatment plan. Osteopathic care is about long-term health and prevention, so your treatment may evolve over time as your body responds to therapy.
Overall, your first osteopathy appointment is all about assessing your overall health, addressing any pain or dysfunction, and beginning a personalised treatment plan that suits your needs. The Osteopaths at Blackburn Allied Health Group are dedicated to helping you feel confident and strong in your body and promoting overall health.
If you have any questions before your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to the clinic on 9878 3122 for more information.
