What to Expect from Your Osteopathic Treatment
Your first appointment is for one hour which allows time for your comprehensive medical history, thorough assessment, explanation of our findings and treatment. Your treatment plan goals and home care instructions will be developed with your input. Follow up appointments are 30-40 minutes and are usually once a week and reduce in frequency as you improve.
If you have had an injury, you do not need to see your GP first, you can come to us directly, fill in an ACC form and receive treatment. Our osteopaths are able to refer you for private X-rays or ultrasound scans when necessary and ACC will contribute to the cost of these if your injury is accepted by ACC.
We have Osteopaths who are very skilled in gentle (cranial or biodynamic) osteopathy and osteopaths who are very skilled in structural (more physical ) techniques including gentle manipulation (clicking). There is more detail you can see on our web page here about which osteopath to see for specific conditions. Please let our reception staff know if you have a preference so they can help you book in with the right practitioner for you.
If you have had an injury, you do not need to see your GP first, you can come to us directly, fill in an ACC form and receive treatment. Our osteopaths are able to refer you for private X-rays or ultrasound scans when necessary and ACC will contribute to the cost of these if your injury is accepted by ACC.
We have Osteopaths who are very skilled in gentle (cranial or biodynamic) osteopathy and osteopaths who are very skilled in structural (more physical ) techniques including gentle manipulation (clicking). There is more detail you can see on our web page here about which osteopath to see for specific conditions. Please let our reception staff know if you have a preference so they can help you book in with the right practitioner for you.
Before you come:
- Make your first appointment on a day when you will not have a lot of activity
- 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-ray reports, blood test results, medications you are on, Plunket book, ACC forms, if appropriate.
During the treatment:
- A full medical history will be taken by your practitioner followed by relevant physical, neurological and osteopathic examination.
- Your osteopath will explain their 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, i.e.; 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 osteopath and/or move your follow up visit forward by contacting your Osteopath on (04) 4991439
