What to Expect during your first visit
Medical History
You will be required to complete a Medical Intake Form before your first office visit. Filling out the intake form before visiting will allow you to complete the form in the comfort of your own home and save 15-20 minutes of your appointment time that can be used for treatment.
This is a very important first step that allows your osteopath to review your health history prior to providing treatment. Your medical history should include a list of all medications including over the counter medications, supplements, and topical creams used.
A review of your medical history will confirm if osteopathic treatment is safe and appropriate for your presenting health concerns and help determine what course your osteopathic treatment will take.
Assessment
After a consultation of your medical history, a physical assessment of your current condition or injury will take place.
This assessment may include a variety of special tests to measure pain, degree of injury, range of motion, neurological function, body mechanics, musculoskeletal pathologies or asymmetries.
The physical assessment is for your osteopath to determine the best treatment options that will provide the best fit solution for your condition or injury.
Treatment
Upon completion of the assessment, your osteopath will provide some hands-on, or manual, therapy.
During treatment, patients may be in seated, prone (laying on the stomach), or supine (laying on the back) positions. Osteopathy treatments are not painful and if a patient feels pain, she/he is encouraged to notify their osteopathy at the time pain is experienced.
Your osteopath will support and encourage you to be actively involved in all aspects of your assessments, treatment, and follow up care. Typically, a more moderate approach is taken during the first visit to assess your body's overall response to treatment before proceeding further.
Recommendation
Towards the end of your session, your osteopath will discuss findings and recommendations which may include patient education and self-care exercises.
Your care is a collaborative effort between yourself and your osteopath. Working together, you can expect the best results for a long term solution to your condition or injury.
Arrival Time
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to come in, wash your hands, and be ready to start as soon as your appointment time begins.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak with your osteopath. Your sense of comfort and understanding are of the utmost importance.