How to make an
appointment to
see an osteopath?

During the initial consultation, the osteopath will listen to you to hear about your health problems or concerns, ask you questions about your lifestyle and take case notes.

First things first, they will ask you about your problem and symptoms. This will include your medical history, any illnesses, medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. They will advise you what they may treat or whether you need to be referred to another health professional.

Once an osteopath understands your health concerns and needs, they will need to carry out a physical examination. Depending on where your injury or pain is, you may need to remove some outer clothing for a proper examination. Patient privacy will be respected at all times during this process. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear and clothing.

Your osteopath may carry out some clinical tests. These may include diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, or movement and postural assessments, which will help them to determine how best to manage your condition.

The examination may include passive and active movements. The osteopath may lift your arms or legs and you may be asked to bend over, or be asked to perform an activity. Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach to assessment and clinical management, so your osteopath may look at the area that is troubling you, as well as other parts of your body. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

During this examination, you may be asked to carry out simple stretches or movements to allow the osteopath to analyse your posture and mobility, and assess your injury or pain. The osteo will check the health of your joints, ligaments and soft tissues by touching the area of concern – this is known as palpation.

Your osteo will then suggest a treatment plan to meet your needs, which will be designed specifically for you. This may be carried out over a number of sessions, depending on your response to treatment.

Osteopathy also involves education and advice, so the osteopath might suggest some dietary changes, home exercise programs and lifestyle adjustments.

Any manipulation or hands-on therapy will be gentle but may leave you feeling sore for the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment. If your pain is acute, treatment may be painful at certain points, but your osteopath will ask you to let them know if this happens.