What to Expect

What to expect from session?

• Each session lasts approximately one hour.
• The first session begins with a detailed case history involving the history of the complaint, medical history and lifestyle.
• A physical examination follows, involving assessment of the problematic area(s), as well as a look at overall posture and mobility.
• The diagnosis will be explained.
• Treatment can consist of acupuncture, osteopathy, or a combination of the two.
• With a mixture of acupuncture and osteopathy, acupuncture is usually carried out first. Needles are usually left in around ten minutes. An infrared heat lamp can be used to help release tension in muscles and relieve pain.
• If osteopathy is being used, bodywork will be carried out at a level appropriate to the client’s requirements. I usually begin with massage to relax muscles, and then stretch and mobilise joints. Cranial osteopathic techniques can also be used to relieve tension and restore balance to the body.
• Finally, advice on exercises and lifestyle to help manage the problem will be suggested. Clients in acute pain will be advised how to reduce inflammation and manage pain in the short term.
• If a client’s needs would be better served by someone offering a different service, the client can be referred to another healthcare professional or exercise coach.

Does the client need to undress?

• For upper body issues, I usually ask men to strip to the waist and women to undress to their bra. For low back and leg problems, the client can either wear shorts or undress to their underwear.
• Towels will always be used to cover the client when they are lying down.
• Some clients feel uncomfortable about undressing. The area being assessed will need to be exposed during assessment but bodywork treatment can sometimes proceed through a light layer of clothes. Acupuncture always requires direct access to the skin where the needles are being used.