Structural Osteopathy

Structural osteopathy is primarily focused on the tissues and structures that make up the body, including the muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons. These structures work together to allow the body to move and function effectively during everyday activities such as walking, running, working and participating in sport.

When pain, stiffness, injury or restricted movement affects these structures, it can have an impact on how you move and carry out your normal activities. Structural osteopathy aims to assess these areas and provide treatment that is tailored to your individual needs.

What to expect at my first structural osteopathic session

Consultation

At the beginning of your first appointment, your osteopath will ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle, symptoms and any previous injuries or treatment.

This information is an important part of your assessment and will help your osteopath understand your symptoms, identify any factors that may be contributing to the problem and determine the most appropriate course of action.

It is completely natural to have questions or concerns about what may be causing your symptoms. Your osteopath will discuss these with you and give you the opportunity to ask any questions throughout your appointment.

The information you provide will be recorded in your clinical notes and treated confidentially in accordance with professional standards and applicable data protection legislation.

You are welcome to bring a chaperone, friend or family member to your appointment if you would feel more comfortable doing so.

Examination

Your osteopath will then carry out a physical examination of the area or areas causing you discomfort.

Sometimes the source of a problem may be in a different area from where you feel the pain. For example, symptoms in the arm may sometimes be associated with structures or nerves in the neck. For this reason, your osteopath may need to assess other areas of your body as part of your examination.

You may be asked to stand and perform some simple movements while your osteopath observes how your body is moving. You may then be asked to sit or lie on the treatment table so your osteopath can assess areas such as your muscles, joints and other soft tissues.

Your osteopath may use their hands to assess areas of muscle tension, joint stiffness or restricted movement. They will explain what they are doing throughout the examination.

If you feel uncomfortable at any point, please let your osteopath know. You are always entitled to ask for an examination or technique to stop or be modified.

Where appropriate, your osteopath may also carry out further neurological or orthopaedic tests as part of your assessment.

Once your examination is complete, your osteopath will explain their findings and discuss the available treatment options with you. Together, you can agree on an appropriate treatment plan that you feel comfortable with.

You are encouraged to ask as many questions as you need throughout your appointment.

Treatment

Following your assessment, your osteopath will discuss their findings with you and explain the treatment options that may be appropriate.

Osteopathic treatment is based on the individual needs of each patient, so treatment can vary depending on factors such as your symptoms, age, activity levels, medical history and diagnosis.

Your treatment will therefore be tailored specifically to you. Depending on your individual needs, your osteopath may use a range of hands-on techniques, including techniques designed to:

• Release muscle tension
• Improve soft tissue mobility
• Stretch muscles and other tissues
• Mobilise joints
• Improve movement and function

Occasionally, osteopathic techniques can result in an audible “click” or “pop”. Your osteopath will explain any techniques they are planning to use and answer any questions you may have.

At East Sussex Osteopaths, we also offer additional treatment approaches including cranial osteopathy, dry needling and laser therapy, where appropriate.

Osteopathic treatment is generally well tolerated, although some techniques may cause temporary discomfort or soreness. If you have any concerns about a particular treatment technique, your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.

What if I need further investigation?

Most patients can begin treatment during their first appointment where appropriate. However, sometimes further investigation may be required before treatment can safely proceed.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, this may include investigations such as blood tests, X-rays or scans.

If further investigation or medical assessment is required, your osteopath may recommend that you speak with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

Your safety always comes first.

Advice and Exercise

Osteopathic treatment is not just about what happens during your appointment.

At the end of your treatment, your osteopath may provide advice about how to manage your symptoms and support your recovery at home.

This may include:

• Specific exercises
• Stretching and mobility exercises
• Advice about activity and exercise
• Guidance on returning to work or sport
• Advice on managing pain and symptoms
• Recommendations to help maintain your progress

The aim is to help you become more confident in managing your symptoms, returning to your normal activities and maintaining your health and mobility.

Can I bring a friend/partner?

Yes. You are more than welcome to bring a chaperone, friend or family member with you to your appointment.

Please be aware that anyone accompanying you will hear what is discussed during your consultation, which may include details about your medical history.

If you would prefer to have a chaperone present, please let your osteopath know.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of osteopathy treatments required varies from person to person and depends on your individual symptoms, diagnosis, medical history and how you respond to treatment.

Some patients may only require a small number of appointments, while longer-standing or more complex problems may require a longer course of treatment.

Your osteopath will discuss your likely recovery time and treatment plan with you and review your progress throughout your care.

At East Sussex Osteopaths, we aim to space your appointments further apart as you improve, rather than continuing treatment unnecessarily.

Some people with recurring or long-term problems may choose to have occasional maintenance appointments. This can be discussed with your osteopath depending on your individual needs.

Do I have to undress?

As with any healthcare appointment, your osteopath may need you to remove some clothing so they can properly assess or treat the area causing your symptoms.

However, you should always feel comfortable and in control of what you wear during your appointment.

You may prefer to wear loose-fitting clothing, such as jogging bottoms, shorts, leggings, T-shirts or vest tops, which can often make examination and treatment easier while allowing you to remain comfortable. You will never be asked to remove more clothing than is necessary for your examination or treatment.

If you would feel more comfortable being treated by an osteopath of a particular gender, please mention this when booking your appointment and we will do our best to accommodate your preference, subject to availability.

You are also welcome to have a friend, family member or chaperone present during your appointment.

Does structural osteopathy hurt?

Osteopathic treatment is generally a gentle process, although some techniques may cause mild discomfort during treatment.

Your osteopath will explain what they are doing and will always take your comfort into consideration. If a technique is uncomfortable or you feel that you have had enough, let your osteopath know and they can stop or modify the treatment.

Following treatment, some people experience mild soreness, tenderness or aching in the areas that have been treated. This is usually temporary and should settle within a few days.

If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms following treatment, please contact your osteopath for advice.

Your comfort and safety are important throughout your osteopathic treatment.

What can structural osteopathy treat?

• Generalised aches & pains
• Joint pain
• Arthritic pain
• Headaches arising from the neck
• Migraine prevention
• Frozen shoulders
• Shoulder and elbow pains
• Lumbago
• Fibromyalgia
• Sciatica
• Muscle spasms
• Neuralgia
• Minor sports injuries and tensions
• Cramp
• Rheumatic pain
• Circulatory problems
• Digestion problems