Sawbridgeworth Osteopathic Clinic
© Sawbridgeworth Osteopathic Clinic 2020

The consultation

When you attend for the first time, we will outline the process of the initial consultation and answer any questions you may have about what will happen. At this point we will ask for your basic contact details and ask for consent to contact you via the various routes such as phone, SMS and email. We will then take a detailed account of your current complaint, previous history, general health and past medical history . This enables us to ascertain the most relevant areas for physical examination, or whether there may be a need to refer you elsewhere. The next stage is the osteopathic physical examination. For most patients this will commence with a postural assessment looking at the structure and mobility of the spine or other areas under investigation. You will be asked to stand, or move in various actions which we record in your case notes. We then move onto  what we call the ‘passive’ examination, which is where we usually ask you to lie down on the examination couch while we observe and feel how the tissues move while you are at rest. We may also at this stage perform some clinical tests such as taking reflexes, testing power and sensation, or more specialised examinations of the respiratory, cardiovascular or organ systems.  After completing the history and examination, we will advise you of our conclusions, whether osteopathy is likely to help, and give an indication of the expected time span and number of treatment sessions. We will discuss any risks associated with the proposed treatment and any alternative courses of action that may be applicable. You are encouraged to ask questions at any point in the consultation, but especially during the explanation of our diagnosis and treatment plan.

First Consultation

Follow-up treatment sessions

Treatment usually consists of gentle stretching of the muscles and joints and mobilisation of the various joints and muscles of the body which contribute to your overall problem. It is quite common that treatment is applied to areas that are not part of the painful region, as stiffer areas can cause overloading to the region that has been injured. Sometimes a more forcible "High Velocity Thrust" may be employed to ease stiffer joints of the body, but this is always explained beforehand, and only carried out with consent. You may be given exercises, or advised on exercise classes to help your recovery, and in some cases you may be advised to return for a more regular treatment session to maintain your progress. If your condition is of such a nature as to require further investigation, you will be referred back to your GP or a specialist, or for tests such as MRI scanning as appropriate. We can arrange private MRI scanning if required.

Modesty

Osteopathic examination and treatment usually requires us to look at and treat areas of the body generally hidden by clothing. For this reason it is often necessary, especially during the first consultation to request that patients undress sufficiently to allow this to take place. We are fully aware that this can feel daunting and in some cases embarrasing for patients. Rest assured that we will only ask you to undress as far as needed. We can offer disposable gowns should you require one, or we might suggest that you wear a lightweight tee shirt and shorts. We will ALWAYS respect your concerns about modesty and are happy if you would prefer to bring a relative or companion to examination or treatment session.  This practice does have a private changing cubicle accessed from the consulting room.
Sawbridgeworth Osteopathic Clinic
© Sawbridgeworth Osteopaths 2020
When you attend for the first time, we will outline the process of the initial consultation and answer any questions you may have about what will happen. At this point we will ask for your basic contact details and ask for consent to contact you via the various routes such as phone, SMS and email. We will then take a detailed account of your current complaint, previous history, general health and past medical history . This enables us to ascertain the most relevant areas for physical examination, or whether there may be a need to refer you elsewhere. The next stage is the osteopathic physical examination. For most patients this will commence with a postural assessment looking at the structure and mobility of the spine or other areas under investigation. You will be asked to stand, or move in various actions which we record in your case notes. We then move onto  what we call the ‘passive’ examination, which is where we usually ask you to lie down on the examination couch while we observe and feel how the tissues move while you are at rest. We may also at this stage perform some clinical tests such as taking reflexes, testing power and sensation, or more specialised examinations of the respiratory, cardiovascular or organ systems.  After completing the history and examination, we will advise you of our conclusions, whether osteopathy is likely to help, and give an indication of the expected time span and number of treatment sessions. We will discuss any risks associated with the proposed treatment and any alternative courses of action that may be applicable. You are encouraged to ask questions at any point in the consultation, but especially during the explanation of our diagnosis and treatment plan.

First Consultation

The consultation

Follow-up treatment sessions

Treatment usually consists of gentle stretching of the muscles and joints and mobilisation of the various joints and muscles of the body which contribute to your overall problem. It is quite common that treatment is applied to areas that are not part of the painful region, as stiffer areas can cause overloading to the region that has been injured. Sometimes a more forcible "High Velocity Thrust" may be employed to ease stiffer joints of the body, but this is always explained beforehand, and only carried out with consent. You may be given exercises, or advised on exercise classes to help your recovery, and in some cases you may be advised to return for a more regular treatment session to maintain your progress. If your condition is of such a nature as to require further investigation, you will be referred back to your GP or a specialist, or for tests such as MRI scanning as appropriate. We can arrange private MRI scanning if required.