What should I expect from the consultation?
At the consultation, the Osteopath will take a detailed case history. This will include specific questions about your symptoms, your general health, lifestyle, occupation, activities and diet. Some questions may seem unrelated to your current condition, but needs to be asked in order to get a better picture of what has happened and why. As Osteopaths, we don’t just look at the area of your symptoms, but identify and deal with the root cause of it to prevent/minimise further injury.
You may be asked to undress down to your underwear. A musculo-skeletal examination is conducted, where a series of observations and biomechnical assessments are performed to diagnose your problem, and decide whether you are suitable for Osteopathic treatment.
Once the diagnosis is made and discussed with you, the Osteopath will formulate an appropriate treatment plan with you. Osteopathic treatment is only given, if indicated. You will be given advice after the treatment to help speed up your recovery.
If there is an underlying health condition that requires further investigation, the Osteopath will refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional. For example, your GP.
Please feel free to ask the Osteopath any questions, at anytime if you need anything clarified.
Do I have to get undress?
You may be asked to undress down to your underwear during the initial consultation. As Osteopaths, we need to assess the whole body and not just the symptomatic area. You can choose to wear sport shorts/leggings during the assessment and treatment. Please feel free to bring someone with you to act as a chaperone at any point of time.
Does treatment Hurt?
Osteopathic treatment should not be painful and is often relaxing. However, while treating a certain joint/muscle, there may be tenderness. At Reading OsteoCare, we do not believe in the saying ‘no pain, no gain.’
You may feel achy/sore up to 48 hours after the treatment, as your body adjusts to the changes. This is quite normal and part of the healing response. However, please contact the Osteopath if this does not subside after 48 hours of the treatment.
Do I have to be referred by my GP?
No, you do not need a referral from you GP to see an Osteopath. The majority of our patients are self-referred to the practice. Osteopaths undergo a wide-range of medical and clinical training, and if Osteopathic treatment is contra-indicated in your case, then they will refer you to the appropriate healthcare practitioner.
How many treatments will I need?
At Reading OsteoCare, we aim to get you better and fully functioning as soon as possible. After the detailed assessment, a diagnosis is made. The Osteopath can estimate how many sessions you require over a certain period of time. However, nothing is set in stone. Each person responds differently, even if the symptoms are the same. The number of sessions required depends on a number of factors such as your age, general health and the severity of the problem.
Is Osteopathy safe/regulated?
Osteopathy is safe and it is regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopaths undergo a four or five year honours degree program, which is underpinned by extensive clinical training. Upon graduation from the Osteopathic college, Osteopaths are required to register with the General Osteopathic Council. Maintainence on the register requires continuing compliance with strict guidelines of ethnics, competency and continued professional development laid by the GOsC.
In 1993, Osteopathy became regulated and the title ‘Osteopath’ is protected by statute law. This means that it is a criminal offence for oneself to be called an Osteopath in the UK, unless registered with GOsC.