During your first osteopathy session, the osteopath will probably ask you about your symptoms and your general health before carrying out a physical examination.
The osteopath will use their hands to find areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain within your body, particularly the spine. You will probably need to remove some clothing from the area being examined, and you may be asked to perform simple movements.
You should then be able to discuss whether osteopathy can help treat the problem and, if so, what the treatment programme should involve.
Osteopaths can identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP or needs further tests, such as MRI scans or blood tests to help diagnose the problem.
Treatment – manipulation
An osteopath aims to restore the normal function and stability of the joints to help the body heal itself. They use their hands to treat your body in a variety of ways, using a mixture of gentle and forceful techniques. These include:
- massage – to release and relax muscles
- stretching stiff joints
- articulation – where your joints are moved through their natural range of motion
- high-velocity thrusts – quick, forceful movements to the spine
It is claimed that these techniques reduce pain, improve movement and encourage blood flow.
Osteopathy is not usually painful, although there may be some discomfort if you’re having treatment for a painful or inflamed injury. If you feel any pain during treatment, tell your osteopath immediately.
In general, the first appointment lasts about 40 minutes. Further treatments last around half an hour. Your course of treatment will depend on your symptoms. In the case of lower back pain, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that treatment should include up to nine sessions over 12 weeks.
