Your Medical History

One your initial consultation a detailed medical history is taken.  Gemma takes time to listen to you and asks you questions so she can gvain a full understanding of your medical history.  This includes how you think your pain may have happened.  The case history will also include details of any previous or present medical history, and whether you are currently recieving any medication or treatment for any anything.

You are then usually asked to undress to your underwear so that your spine or problem areas can be observed moving.  If a patient is uneasy about this, than it can be discussed and ways can be found to avoid this.

 During the examination Gemma may take your blood pressure, reflexes and perform any orthopeadic tests relivent to the case to assess what is causing your pain.  Occasionally you may be refered back to your GP or a medical specialist for further tests, if there is any doubt about the cause of your symptoms.

Treatment

 Treatment usually follows the examination.  Osteopaths use many techniques to help to achive better joint mobility and function. This includes:

Manipulations

Mobilizations

Soft tissue work

Lympathic work

Cranial osteopathy.

The osteopath will talk you through why they think you are experiencing pain and what could be causing it and then explain the proposed treatment plan.  You will be able to ask questions and be informed about what to expect from the techniques.  If you do not like a particular techniques it is not a problem, and different approach can be used. 

Post Treatment

It is common to experience some soreness and discomfort after treatment.  This is a normal reaction which usually sub-sides after 24-48 hours. 

Every one is different and depending on the condition and patient you can expect a couse of treatment to take between 2-3 treatments.  Patients can then spread out maintainance treatments to once monthly or longer depending on how they can managed their condition.