What to Expect With Osteopathy
Your Osteopathy Visit
Your initial visit will take 1 to 1 ½ hours and follow up visits will last 30 to 45 minutes.
We will obtain a full history, review relevant labs and radiology studies, perform a physical exam, and an osteopathic structural examination.
Osteopathic treatment usually involves the patient lying on their back, however sometimes we will treat the patient in a seated or side lying position.
We always try to have the patient as comfortable as possible.
The practitioner will place their hands on various areas of the body, usually including the area of injury or pain.
During a treatment, it is normal for patients to feel a variety of sensations, and usually patients feel very relaxed. Sometimes, patients feel nothing at all.
It is very rare to feel increased pain during an osteopathic treatment.
What to Wear
Please wear comfortable, loose clothing. Please do not smoke just before your appointment, drink highly caffeinated beverages, or wear strong perfumes or colognes, as some of our patients are sensitive to chemicals and strong smells.
What to Expect After Treatment
What patients feel very relaxed after an osteopathic treatment. After an osteopathic treatment, the body is integrating the changes made during the treatment. Occasionally some patients will have a treatment reaction, and may feel sore for 1-2 days afterwards. Following an osteopathic treatment, for 2-3 days, it is helpful to:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Rest
- Avoid rigorous exercise for 12 – 24 hours
- Avoid physical therapy, massage, PT, OT, homeopathy, acupuncture, etc. for 1 – 2 days
It generally takes more than one treatment to see improvement, and we usually suggest weekly appointments for at least 4-6 treatments. More chronic conditions generally take more time, more acute conditions less time, but this can vary from individual to individual. We will assess your progress at each treatment. You can expect your osteopath to collaborate where appropriate with other healthcare professionals. Your osteopath may make referrals to other physicians, and may suggest other adjunctive treatments, such as nutritional and dietary changes, homeopathy, physical therapy, acupuncture and therapeutic exercises.