New Patient Appointments
Personal history – Examination – Diagnosis – Treatment – Rehabilitation.
Personal History
During your first visit we take a detailed personal case history which includes, questions surrounding your presenting complaint, medical history, lifestyle and general health. Your personal information and medical records are fully confidential and are safely stored in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines.
Examination
Each new patient is given a postural assessment; this allows us to consider how your structure may have influenced your presenting complaint. Further examinations may incorporate; joint movements, palpation of soft tissues and orthopaedic tests. Your personal history and the results from your examination form a diagnosis, which is explained, allowing you to gain an understanding of your condition.
Treatment
Each person and their condition are unique. Treatment plans are personalised and consider each patient’s medical history, diagnosis, posture, mobility and level of pain. Treatments can consist of several different types of techniques.
Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments last between 30-40 minutes. Questions focus upon your progression following the previous treatment.
From this discussion, your examinations and treatment is reviewed, discussed and administered, alongside an evaluation of your rehabilitation programme.
Treatment Techniques
Soft Tissue Manipulation
Our anatomical knowledge allows us to apply soft tissue massage techniques in a targeted method, directed at specific muscles and their fibre alignment, aiming to break down knots, improve blood flow and normalise muscle tension.
Muscle Energy Techniques
These techniques require the practitioner and patient to work together engaging and stretching specific muscle groups. Aiming to stimulate muscle relaxation, reduce pain and improve range of movement.
Articulation
This technique targets specific joints and its surrounding tissues. Each joint is rhythmically moved, aiming to promote the circulation and drainage of blood, inflammatory waste and synovial fluid, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Joint Manipulation
Refined, specific techniques which momentarily open and close joint surfaces, changing joint pressure, which can make a clicking sound. This technique effects the nervous system, reducing pain and muscle tension.
Rehabilitation
A home bespoke exercise rehabilitation plan which may include healthcare and postural advice are often incorporated within each appointment. This allows you to take control of your healthcare and can speed up the healing process.
Safety
On rare occasions, patients can present with non-musculoskeletal causes of their symptoms. Osteopaths are trained to recognise such presentations and in these circumstances, the appointment may not include an examination or treatment. On such occasions, we often refer to a GP or to another specialist for additional investigation or treatment.
