Visiting an Osteopath
So, you have decided to visit an Osteopath. What do you expect?? Don't expect to be in and out in 10 mins and be cured of the problem you went to see the Osteopath for.
THE INITAL CONSULTATION
Depending on the Osteopath, the inital consultation could be up to one hour long. The reasons why this first visit takes so long are outlined below. After meeting the Osteopath, it's down to business.
First of all, the Osteopath will ask what has brought you to his/her clinic. This means that you will have to explain where the pain is, what makes it better, what makes it worse and how you and when the pain started. You will also have to describe any symptoms you have. Through this, the Osteopath is beginning to gain an idea of what is happening inside your body.
Next, the Osteopath will ask about your health in general, for example, diet, sleeping patterns and any other problems you may have at the time. Also, the Osteopath will take a full medical history. This will include such things any medicationyou are on, previous accidents, previous surgery, trauma or major illness eg diabetes. A medical examination may also be undertaken eg. pulse, blood pressure, eye sight, reflexs etc.
Now for the physical examination. With this examination, you will be required to undress down to your underclothes, to allow the Osteopath to have a good view of the body. You will be offered a gown, open at the back, if you feel more comfortable with that.
The Osteopath will look at the way your body moves when laying down, standing and sitting. Through the use of palpation (the art of touch), the Osteopath will look for 'healthy' and painful areas of tissue. He/she will also look at the your spine, symmetry of the pelvis and level of the shoulders.
At this stage, the Osteopath will discuss with you whether osteopathic treatment is appropriate for your situation. If not, the Osteopath will suggest an appropriate practitioner eg Orthopaedic Surgeon, Physiotherapist, Dentist, Doctor. The Osteopath cannot actually refer you to an Orthopaedic Surgeon but will refer you to your General Practitioner who may then refer you on.
If osteopathic treatment is appropriate, a treatment plan is outlined. There may be no actual treatment during this consultation.
THE RETURN CONSULTATION
When you return to the Osteopath, he/she will ask about the progress since the last treatment. This will affect how the Osteopath will treat you during this consultation. Each time you return to the Osteopath, the treatment plan is revised to fit in with the way the body has responded to previous treatment. The Osteopath is only there, to help the body get to this point quicker and easier.
The return visit to an Osteopath takes about half an hour to three quarters of an hour depending on how the last consultation went.
THE COST OF OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Prices vary from Osteopath to Osteopath but generally range between $30 - $50 for the inital consultation and this is reduced for the return consultation.
Both RMIT and VUT have student teaching clinics, where students provide quality osteopathic treatment at reduced prices. It is a very affordable way to experience what Osteopathy can do for you.
Osteopathic Techniques
The Osteopath will always tell you exactly what they are doing in plain English. During the treatment any one of these techniques could be used, depending on your case. The name of each technique is accompanied by a small description. This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you want to find out more about any of the techniques used, your Osteopath will be more than happy to tell you.
1) "Adjustment" - This is a Chiropractic term. It is commonly called a "manipulation" by the general public. This technique may produce a 'cracking' sound. Firstly, the Osteopath observes how the joint moves and if necessary, the adjustment is made. This is usually painless.
In Osteopathy, this technique is called High Velocity-Low Amplitude or HVLA.
2) Articulation - This involves taking the joint through it normal range of movements and stretching it, if need be.
3) Soft tissue - This is used on muscles and tissue. It is a form of massage.
4) Pumping Techniques - Used to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. This technique is used
5) Traction - A manual technique where the Osteopath pulls and stretches the appropriate area.
6) Functional Technique - This tests how far the joint is able to move. The Osteopath will actually take the problem area(s) into the position of most comfort to treat.
These are only a few of the techniques an Osteopath can use in the treatment of their patients.
Last update: February
4th, 1999
Maintained by Brett
Vaughan