Your initial consultation includes a conversation about why you are seeking out treatment and what is in your medical history. This may be a virtual consultation or in person.
The benefit of a virtual initial consultation is that we can set out some goals and implement some exercises and/or other strategies straight away. Then, when you have your in person consultation we can focus on examination and osteopathic treatment.
If the initial consultation is in person, your history and examination must be done before we can start with treatment, which usually leaves 10-15 minutes for treatment.
Osteopathic examination may include some medical examination, although I am not able to diagnose any conditions. More commonly, you will be asked to move your body in specific ways, such as “look to your left and right.” Osteopathy uses touch to assess the body for signs of tension and restriction, as well as assessing for healthy regulatory processes, such as breath and pulse rate. Cathy will ask your consent before she assesses you or your child, and will explain as much as possible to make sure that you feel comfortable.
If you are bringing your baby or child for assessment, it will be different depending on the age and comfort of the child. Sometimes we spend some time playing, while I observe and use strategies to help your child’s nervous system regulate through play and communication. Sometimes, a child may not want me to be close to them or making eye contact with them until they give cues, which are often non-verbal. Your child may not allow me to touch them, especially on the head, and so I find areas where they may accept touch.
Osteopathic treatment is usually gentle and relaxing, as it takes the body to where it is more comfortable, away from the pain barrier. It often seems counter-intuitive, as we are used the concept “no pain, no gain,” which is sometimes, but not always, true. Because there are passive changes happening, you may feel discomfort, light-headedness and sometimes achy pain immediately and for a few days after a treatment. A child may be more tired, hungry or “fussy” after a treatment.
Any therapy can be used as a catalyst to help you make changes, but it is not the be all and end all. It is often recommended that you address the issue from different perspectives so that you can make quicker and more effective changes. For example, you might combine osteopathy and physiotherapy for a sporting injury. We will also give you simple and manageable strategies to help you manage your own pain and lifestyle between appointments. It is so important for you to be involved, and at the centre of your own health!
Generally speaking, osteopathy works best over a number of treatments. If your condition is simple it may take up to three appointments to make a change and integrate that change in the body. If your condition is more complex it may take six or more appointments to see a significant response. I also encourage you to consider healthcare as a preventative tool rather than something to be used when something goes wrong. And I will always give you the option of a management plan that may be checking in every 2-3 months, depending on your needs. Ideally, you will eventually be letting us know when you need a treatment, so you can take charge of your own healthcare and also have a good awareness of when your body needs support.
Cathy Clark Osteopathy. B. AppSci, M. Ost, DPO, PYT 