Duration of Appointment
Your first appointment will normally last 45 minutes. This allows time for a full case history, physical examination, diagnosis and treatment to be carried out.
Case History
You will be asked questions about your general health, past medical history, and aspects of your work and lifestyle which may be relevant to your current complaint. The case history helps the osteopath to screen you for any symptoms that may need to be referred to your doctor. The information you provide will be kept confidential.
Physical Examination
You will be asked to perform some simple movements. Then the osteopath will examine the affected part of your body with you either sitting or lying down and he may do some physical tests. Depending on where your symptoms are, this may involve you undressing to your underwear so a thorough investigation of the problem area can be carried out. Please bring loose shorts and a t-shirt / vest to change into if this would make you feel more comfortable.
Diagnosis
The osteopath will make a clinical diagnosis based on your case history and the findings of your physical examination. You will be given an explanation of the cause of your problem and an idea of how long it will take to improve.
Treatment
The osteopath 
will discuss the proposed treatment plan (which will be adapted to your particular symptoms and preferences). You will be given an opportunity to ask all questions you might have about the proposed treatment before agreeing a way forward that you are happy with.
Osteopathic treatment can involve a wide range of manual techniques, including massage, stretching, mobilisation, and joint manipulation. You may experience mild soreness for a day or two following osteopathic treatment, which is a normal part of the healing process. The osteopath will explain any possible risks and side-effects of the proposed treatment.
After care
The osteopath can offer advice on exercises and how to manage your condition at home to speed up your recovery and prevent recurrence or worsening of your symptoms.
Follow up appointments
Follow up appointments usually last 30 minutes. You will be asked about the effects of your previous treatment and for a brief update on your case history. The osteopath will then examine you before continuing with any treatment.