What to expect
The aim of the first session is to understand what’s going on, how it may be affecting you, and how osteopathy might help.
You don’t need to prepare anything specific beforehand — we’ll go through everything together when you come in.
Talking things through
We will typically spend the first 15-20 minutes talking so we can get to the bottom of what’s bothering you. I’ll ask about your current symptoms and your health history so I can start to build a picture of what may have contributed to the problem.
The clearer you are about your symptoms, the easier it will be to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Please take note of what you’re experiencing and any triggers or pattern to when it occurs. We will go through this in detail when you come in.
I’m particularly interested in any accidents, injuries, illnesses or other traumatic events you have experienced, even if they happened a long time ago. Please have a think about anything that might be relevant.
Assessment
I’ll look at your posture and may ask you to perform some simple movements so I can assess how your body is functioning as a whole. I’ll then invite you to lie down so I can examine things in more detail.
I may ask you to undress to your underwear so I can get a clearer picture of what’s going on, though this is often not necessary. You’re welcome to bring shorts or comfortable clothing to change into if you prefer. I will never ask you to remove your underwear, and I’m always happy to work with you fully clothed if that feels more comfortable.
Once any relevant assessments are complete, you’ll be able to get dressed before we move on to treatment.
Treatment
Treatment is usually gentle and hands-on, with the aim of helping your body relax and rebalance. I’ll use light touch and supportive holds, working with what your body feels ready for on the day.
The way your body responds during treatment is an important part of the process, so it’s not always possible to predict which areas I’ll work on. Some people notice changes as the treatment unfolds, while others simply find it deeply relaxing.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, please let me know — I can adjust my approach or help you find a more comfortable position.
Evaluation and plan
After the treatment, I’ll explain what I’ve found and how it may be contributing to your symptoms. We’ll talk about what you can do to support things between appointments and whether further osteopathic treatment is likely to be helpful.
If appropriate, I may recommend exercises, self-care strategies, or further investigations, and we’ll agree a plan together. Follow-up appointments can be booked if needed.
After your appointment
Many people feel more comfortable after a treatment, though longer-standing or more acute issues often take a few sessions to respond.
Some people notice a temporary flare-up of symptoms for a day or two as the body adjusts. This usually settles and is often followed by improvement.
Very rarely, symptoms can feel worse or unsettled after treatment. If something doesn’t feel right or hasn’t settled after a couple of days, please get in touch so we can discuss it.
Infection control
Some of my patients are clinically vulnerable. If you have symptoms of an infectious illness, please contact me before your appointment so we can decide together whether it’s appropriate to attend or to reschedule.
Contact and communication
I’ll use your contact details to send appointment confirmations, reminders, and information related to your osteopathic care.
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