Osteopaths are trained to diagnose and treat the source of pain and/or dysfunction. This is usually due to a complex interaction between muscles, joints and other important structures such as nerves, discs, ligaments and tendons. Traumatic events, everyday stresses and diseases or the aging processes can impact on these structures and how they feel or behave. Osteopaths combine their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics with clinical reasoning and experience to determine the cause of pain, and how this can best be addressed. Initially, your osteopath will listen to your description of your problem and take a case history, and will follow with a clinical and physical examination (assessment of muscles and joints and observation of movements). X-rays, scans and other clinical investigations are sometimes used if required. A diagnosis will be suggested and the various treatment options discussed with you. It is important that your osteopath discusses your problem, the management options and the progress that is taking place all the way through your treatment sessions, to ensure nothing is being missed, or other treatment options might be more helpful.
