An Individual Treatment Plan
After your initial visit, I create a treatment plan specific to your needs. A treatment plan is created for every client, from a child to the elderly, very fit or struggling. The aim is to improve your health and manage any long term conditions.
Part of the solution is understanding the root cause of your discomfort and knowing what to do to put things right. It is important you understand and agree to your treatment plan, so always ask questions.
What to expect at a first visit
If you are travelling from further afield, eg Arrochar, Dumbarton, Balloch, Balmaha, please allow plenty of time for your journey, or check the traffic situation before you set out.
At your first visit I will take a full case history. This will include information about your present complaint, but I will also ask questions about your general health, lifestyle and any relevant past medical history. You will then undergo a physical examination which may require you to remove some clothing depending on the condition. This allows me to arrive at a diagnosis and recommend your individual treatment plan.
What happens during treatment?
Everyone is different and your treatment will be specific to you. In simple terms, osteopathy treats disorders of muscles and bones. However, as these are are interconnected, treatment can influence a wide range of structures in the body. Treatment may involve manipulation, massage and stretching techniques. Methods such as ultrasound therapy and western acupuncture (dry needling) may also be used to facilitate release of the tissue. The treatment will be a positive experience and I will always tell you what I am doing and why I am doing it, and will seek your feedback and consent as I progress. There may be some discomfort during treatment but this will never be more than you are comfortable with. There may also be some aching after, particularly if your condition has been around a while or is more severe.
Pain control is also an important part of treatment and I can give guidance on simple methods to use at home such as:
dietary advice; postural and ergonomic advice; relaxation techniques; stretching and strengthening exercises; use of hot and cold packs.
How long do osteopathy sessions last?
Your initial consultation usually takes 50 minutes, but allow for up to an hour. It is important to be thorough. Subsequent visits are much shorter as we only need to have a quick update and then follow the agreed treatment plan. Your follow-up visits should last around 30 minutes.
Obviously if your condition is more severe, or your plan needs to be adjusted because something happened between visits (like a fall), then sometimes more time is needed.
If you have any questions, then please get in touch. Also lots of information can be found in our FAQs section.
