Your practitioner will take a detailed case history. This will include information about your symptoms and medical background. You may feel some of this is irrelevant to your problem but the more your practitioner knows the easier it is for them to help.
After the case history, if for example there is a back problem, you may be asked to undress/uncover as far as underwear, so that your practitioner can see your back and posture. The examination will involve asking you to do some movements so that any limitations can be noted. This will help the practitioner make a more accurate diagnosis.
Please remember that undressing is not compulsory. From our point of view, being able to see the problem area is a great help, e.g. if you have an elbow problem it is useful for us to see the shoulder/neck as well since the symptoms may be referred. If you feel uncomfortable about undressing please discuss this with your practitioner.
When the postural examination is finished, your practitioner may also carry out a number of medical tests, such as reflexes.
After the examination your practitioner will make a diagnosis. They will explain to you what they think is causing your problem and the type of treatment they feel will help to decrease your symptoms.They will create a treatment plan with you.
In some instances your practitioner may be unable to make a diagnosis or offer assistance. You may then be referred to another agency for further investigations such as X-ray.
If at any time during treatment you are unhappy with what is happening, for example you find any of the techniques uncomfortable, please don't hesitate to tell your practitioner.
After treatment it is possible that you may experience transient discomfort or an aggravation of your symptoms. This is a normal part of your body's reaction to the treatment. If you are at all concerned about your reaction, please phone your practitioner. If you have questions at any time, please ask.
We reserve 30 minutes for a regular appointment, divided up to cover assessment, treatment, discussion, advice and administration. First consultations and some conditions or treatment approaches may require longer. This will be discussed at the time the appointment is made. If you are under a time constraint please let your practitioner know so that they can adjust what they do to try and meet your needs. Please note that we need to balance the time available against what needs to be done. We largely succeed in running on time and appreciate punctuality from our patients. If a patient arrives too late for an appointment we prefer to defer the appointment and rearrange it for another time, rather than deliver a rushed treatment or compromise other patient's appointment times.
Yes you can, but if the pregnancy is not yet obvious you must make your Osteopath aware of this so they can treat you appropriately.
No. The Clinic is the best place to address the problems that we treat. If you have concerns please ring the Clinic so that we can advise you.
The frequency and number of treatments needed depends on the person and on the problem being treated. Our aim is to identify and resolve your problem as quickly as possible and without unnecessary treatment. A treatment plan will be worked out with you and this will include how your progress will be measured and options for referral if progress does not fit the plan.
Osteopathy has a very good safety record. Patient safety is at the forefront of training and regulation of Osteopaths in New Zealand. It is as important to know when not to treat as to identify when treatment is appropriate.
The idea is to keep the whole treatment experience under everyone's pain threshold. If you have any fears or concerns tell us so that we can find a way to ensure treatment is comfortable. If your condition is too painful for treatment, we may suggest a period of rest or referral to your GP for effective pain-relief before reassessing you and commencing treatment.
It is our belief that you can take an active part in your recovery and wewill work with you to achieve that. This can include a range of things that you can do to promote the best possible outcome. This might include advice on general exercise, specific exercises and how to adapt work tasks and daily activities for healthier outcomes or reduced risk. Alternatively it might include instructions to do nothing. This can be surprisingly difficult to achieve sometimes!
Osteopathic treatment is available for anyone, provided the condition to be treated falls within our scope of practice, treatment is appropriate and you give informed consent. It might follow from a consultation that we cannot help you or feel that another kind of treatment would be better for you. In which case we will discuss this with you and refer you on to to an appropriate practitioner.
Why would you come and see us if you feel OK and are managing your health effectively? Some of our patients choose to have regular treatments because it is part of their way of maintaining their optimal function, they find it is helpful. We do not pressure you to adopt this though. Your health is your responsibility, we are here to help if you need it.
Yes, both Tim and Judy have to hold an Annual Practicing Certificate issued by the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand, which regulate the practice of osteopathy in New Zealand. They are also members of the Osteopathic Society of New Zealand the professional organization representing osteopaths.
