What to expect from your osteopathic manual practitioner
At the first appointment, your current and past medical history will be discussed, in confidence, including the written results from any diagnostic imaging that you have had completed, such as ultrasounds and x-rays etc. You will be guided through a physical assessment including observation of your posture and gait. Light manual movement testing will be used for assessment of strength, flexibility and tension. A thorough understanding of various aspects of your lifestyle, including hobbies, leisure and recreational habits can help to determine potential areas of influence over your current symptoms.
Based on the initial findings in your assessment, treatment will commence. Initial areas of treatment may not be consistent with your symptoms. Through the interconnectedness of the body, symptoms of pain may be compensatory from other areas of restriction or previous injury. For example, low back pain may be the result of a hip problem, or a digestive issue, or due to menstrual cycles. You will be given a treatment plan going forward and self care suggestions to enable self-management between sessions.
What to wear
In the interest of an accurate assessment, as well as your personal comfort, I recommend that you bring or wear comfortable clothing for the assessment / treatment (no jeans please).