What to Expect from your Osteopathic Treatment

Before you come:

• Arrive a few minutes early to fill out forms.
• Ensure you (or your child) have had some water and a snack before your treatment.
• Bring relevant x-rays (CT, MRI) if appropriate.

During the treatment:

• Your practitioner will take a full medical history, followed by relevant physical, neurological and osteopathic examinations.
• Please bring comfortable clothing such as shorts, sports bra, tank top etc. to allow the practitioner to properly assess posture, gait, motion of your joints, and to be able to see any tensions in your body.
• Your practitioner will explain her findings and preliminary diagnosis before treatment.
• The treatment is usually very gentle and relaxing.

Afterwards:

• You may feel tired and need to rest or sleep more.
• Avoid vigorous activity (e.g., sports, gym).
• You should notice some relief; however, you may experience an increase in pain for 24 to 48 hours - this occurs because the body sometimes continues to adjust itself to the realignment that has occurred during treatment. The process of change involves increased blood supply to joints and soft tissues and the improved regulation of nerve impulses to affected areas.
• Increase your intake of water and liquids (avoid alcohol and coffee). This will allow your body to get the maximum benefit from the healing process.
• Finally, if in any doubt you may choose to speak to your practitioner and/or move your follow-up visit forward by contacting your practitioner.