What happens during my first osteopathic consultation?
As the first step all patients will be given the time to discuss their issue and medical history in depth. Examination may then involve specific movements, orthopedic tests, sensory assessments and will be followed by hands-on treatment on the table.
Patients of the persistent pain service should know that hands-on examination and treatment happens when appropriate for the individual. This may be during the initial consultation for some, while for others it may not happen until multiple other modalities and form of treatments take place due to high sensitivity to touch. Developing a road map for recovery together, pain education, and pain processing retraining exercises will take a central role in the treatment.
For the examination and treatment, you may be asked if you are comfortable to disrobe to undergarments. You are under no obligation to do so, your comfort comes first.
There are many reasons osteopaths usually treat patients this way:
To be able to identify and avoid putting pressure on unseen bruises, rashes, or varicose veins
To be able to feel better the movement of the connective tissue, muscles and joints
To be able to work directly on skin and use massage creams like antiflam to massage tissues directly
To keep an eye on the health of your skin - we look out for suspicious moles, which may develop in areas you might not be able to see (back)
What is best to wear?
Comfortable shorts are great, we have some you can change into at clinic if you need, especially if I need to look at your hips or knees.
Sports bras are great, except if treatment is needed for the mid back as they sometimes keep that area covered. Most patients wearing a bra wear normal ones that open at the back, that way we can un-clasp it once you are lying face down to work on the spine directly. Your practitioner will always ask permission to do this, so please don’t worry if you prefer to keep bra or top on, we can still work through the fabric.