WHAT TO EXPECT ON MY FIRST APPOINTMENT & FAQs

If you have never seen an Osteopath before, or you haven't seen an Osteopath in some time, these commonly asked questions will hopefully provide you with some reassurance and help you understand what to expect before attending an appointment.

Click the image to download a guide to what consider when coming to visit me.

5 Questions I get asked all the time as an Osteopath:

Q. What happens in the first appointment?

A. Once you have booked your appointment you will receive a confirmation email with forms regarding your consent to treatment and assessment and COVID-19.

On arrival, Nathan will greet you, invite you into his treatment room to have a conversation about you, your problem and how it came to be. A medical history is also taken so you may wish to bring your prescribed medicines/repeat prescription and/or recent imaging reports.

Nathan will conduct a physical examination to understand your problem and provide you with a reason for why it is occurring. From here a plan can be formed to resolve the issue, what area(s) may need to be addressed and how long it will take.

Treatment is started in the first session and any questions you may have Nathan will be happy to answer as best as he can.

Q. Will I have to undress?

A. Most likely yes. This is to allow Nathan to effectively exam and treat you. For example for lower back pain, examination and treatment of the pelvis, hips and legs may also be required, so you will be asked to take off top and trousers (keeping underwear on). But Nathan understands how this can be daunting for many people and will only ask you to undress as much as is necessary. Towels can be provided for modesty*.

*During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nathan is unable to provide towels or cushions but you are more than welcome to bring your own if that would make you feel more comfortable.

Q. What should I wear?

A. As discussed above, you are likely to be asked to undress to a certain degree to allow for effective examination and treatment therefore appropriate underwear is essential. However, if you would prefer to remain partially dressed then light vests, sports bras, crop tops, loose shorts, leggings, sports shorts or similar would be appropriate.

Things to avoid wearing include thick jeans and belts, large ear rings, bracelets or jewelry and bras/sports bras that cover a lot of your back. This is to allow for effective treatment/assessment and avoid snagging on loose jewelry!

Q. Will treatment hurt?

A. Nathan's aim is to make your experience a pleasant one. Unfortunately, with certain elements of treatment there will be elements of discomfort. However, Nathan encourages his patients to talk to him and is always asking for feedback to make sure that excessive pain is kept to a absolute minimum.

Q. How many times will I need to come?

A. This will ultimately depend on many factors. Nathan aims to provide you with a reasonable time frame to resolve your problem at the first consultation. Generally speaking, a problem that has been around for longer, takes longer to resolve. So nip it in the bud quick!

Q. What do Osteopaths treat?

A. Osteopaths are trained to treat a variety of musculoskeletal aches and pains including but not limited to:

Lower back pain
Sciatica
Neck and shoulder pain
Headaches originating from the neck
Hip and knee pain
Sports injuries

Q. What is the difference between Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists? Who should I see?

A. See my blog on this very topic: 'Who is the best to see for my pain?'

Q. Do Osteopaths do that 'clicking' technique? Is it safe?

A. Yes we do do this technique. It is called different things by different professionals: HVT (High Velocity Thrust), manipulation, adjustment or Grade 5 mobilisation. There is a certain amount of concern with HVT's especially when it comes to the neck and its adverse effects. For more information on the safety of HVT see my blog 'What's the Craic?' which discusses all things that pop, click and crack!