Your first visit
When visiting an osteopath for the first time, it is natural to feel a little unsure of what to expect. The following information has been developed to explain what happens and answer any questions you may have. If you want any other information not presented here see our FAQ page.
Help us save paper
At Valley Osteopaths we are really trying to reduce our impact on the environment.
To achieve this, we use a paperless system using a secure online system called Cliniko. When you book an appointment you will be sent an email with some forms to complete.
The forms take less than 10 minutes & you can do it in the comfort of your home. This helps us save paper & means your osteopath has more time with you for treatment (which is always a good thing).
Thank you so much in advance helping us.
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Before your appointment
Before coming to your appointment we ask that you read the Valley Osteopaths Patient Information policy. It only take a couple of minutes.
Once you’ve made an appointment, you will be sent a confirmation email. This email will contain all the things you’ll need to know about your appointment time and where to find us.
It will also contain 3 forms for you complete. 1) Patient information & consent 2) New patient registration 3) Medical history. If you clink on these links in your email you can complete the forms online they will automatically be attached to your Valley Osteopaths patient profile ready for your osteopath to go over before your appointment. Completing them before your appointment means that you end up with more time for treatment.
In case it doesn’t work, or you forget or don’t have time. No need to worry. We have the means of filling out the forms at the practice. We just ask that arrive earlier than your appointment start time to give you plenty of time to get them done without feeling rushed.
Consultation & Examination
Your osteopath will look at the forms you have provided. You will then be asked about your medical history, general health and lifestyle, as well as any symptoms you may be experiencing.
After taking your case history, your osteopath will need to examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort. Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, so they may need to examine your whole body. Examination involves observing your posture, feeling for any muscle tightness and stiffness in the joints. They will explain what they are doing as they go along, and you can ask questions at any time. They may also carry out some specific testing, e.g. of the nerves, reflexes, joints etc. This examination helps your osteopath arrive at a diagnosis. They will discuss this with you, along with your treatment plan.
Treatment & what to wear
The aim of osteopathy is to work with the body and tailor treatment that is appropriate to you and what your body needs. To do this, your osteopath will need to see the area requiring treatment and examination. So wear loose flexible clothing and appropriate underwear. Be comfortable in what you are wearing.
Osteopathy is manual therapy so it is a hands-on treatment. You can expect a range of gentle hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, massage, stretching muscles and mobilising joints. Releasing tension in the body, this way, restores normal function and helps to reduce pain and discomfort.