Osteopaths use a variety of techniques including stretching, massage and manipulation, to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own natural healing mechanisms. We also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring. Before your appointment we will ask you to read and sign a consent form. We will also take some basic contact details from you. You will then be introduced to your practitioner and they will begin to take a full account of your medical history. During this case history we take time to listen to you and ask questions to make sure we understand your current problem and your day-to-day routine. We’ll ask you about things like diet, exercise and what is happening in your life, as these may give clues to help our diagnosis. Once we are happy that we understand your history we will perform an examination. During this we may perform muscle testing and check your reflexes. We may also take your blood pressure and we will refer you back to your GP for clinical tests, such as x-rays, if we think you need them.
