How do I see an Osteopath? – Choosing an Osteopath
You don’t need to be referred by a doctor, you can just call us on 07984 007459 and we will book you in for the earliest available appointment, you can also book in here.
What to expect from an Osteopathic consultation
Another thing to bear in mind when you’re choosing an Osteopath, is that here at Baks Osteopathy Ltd we want to make sure that your health is number one priority during your visit. For this reason, we like to spend about one hour with you for your first consultation. This gives us time to take a full case history to gain as accurate a picture of your problem as possible, prior to commencement of the appropriate treatment.
Your medical history
Before we start to treat you, we will ask a series of questions to gain an insight into your health. We take time to listen to you and ask questions, to make sure we understand your medical history and your day-to-day routine. We’ll ask you about things like diet, exercise and what is happening in your life, as these may give clues to help our diagnosis, both in the short & long term management of your problem. We may feel your pulse and check your reflexes. We may also take your blood pressure and refer you for clinical tests, such as x-rays, if we think you need them.
Your posture & body movements
We usually look at your posture and how you move your body. We may also assess what happens when we move it for you and see what hurts, where and when. In order for us to fully examine you for the likely cause of your problem, it is usually necessary for you to undress either partially or fully down to your underwear. This will be dependant on the case history and presenting problem, so please be aware that you will need to dress appropriately for this.
Diagnosis
Using accurate palpation (touch), we may also find the areas which are sensitive, tight or restricted and this helps us to identify what’s going on. When we have done this, we can provide a diagnosis based on the most likely causes of your pain.
We may sometimes feel that Osteopathy is not appropriate for you and refer you to your GP or another specialist such as an orthopaedic surgeon.
These options will be discussed with you at the consultation if necessary.
Treatment
Osteopaths use a wide range of techniques to help relieve your pain. Which ones we use will depend on your age, fitness and the diagnosis reached at consultation.
Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise your joints.
We may discuss exercises that you can do to improve your posture and movement in your workplace and everyday life.
Hot & cold treatments and simple massage creams available from your local chemist may also be useful for those unable to rest from work – these may be advised where necessary.
Remember that your Osteopath at Baks Osteopathy Maidstone is registered with both The General Osteopathic Council and the Institute of Osteopathy