Generally an osteopathic consultation will consist of:

 

(1) Introduction
Upon meeting you your osteopath will initially provide you with an opportunity to ask some general questions that you may have prior to the commencement of the Past Medical History.

 

 

(2) Past Medical History

A past medical history will typically included the following topics:

 

• Current work status and nature of your role (may also go into employment history)

• Lifestyle & Family

• Exercise history and current exercise status

• Family Health history

• Medication Status and history

• Injuries and musculo-skeletal history

• Surgical History

• Systemic Disease History

• Systems History (Heart, Lung, Gastrointestinal tract, Genitourinary, Reproductive, Endocrine, Neurological)

• Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat History

• Lifestyle History (Diet, Alcohol, Smoking, Psychological)

• Review of any imaging (X,Rays, MRI, Ultrasound, CT Scan) or any other test results.

• Review of any referral letters or other pertinent information regarding your health history

 

 

(3) Questioning on why have you come to the osteopathic clinicYour osteopath will then go into detail on your presenting complaint. You will typically be asked the following questions

 

• When did the injury occur or how did your pain develop?

• Where is the pain and what is the nature and type of pain you are feeling?

• What is the daily/weekly/monthly pattern of the pain?

• Are there any other side affects or any other symptoms?

• What is making the pain/discomfort worse and what is making it better?

• Have you had this problem before and what was the history of the previous episodes?

• Review of any imaging (X,Rays, MRI, Ultrasound, CT Scan) or any other test results.

• Review of any referral letters or other pertinent information regarding your presenting complaint

 

 

(4) Detailed Examination

Your osteopath will then perform an examination to further investigate your presenting complaint and have a general look at the body as a whole. Osteopaths pride themselves on their understanding of physiology, anatomy and biomechanics to analyse how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit to find clues as to the appropriate diagnosis and treatment method.

 

The aim of the osteopath is to identify the cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms.Osteopaths in Australia complete 5 years of university training. They are registered as primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise various conditions in all areas of the body and not just musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. diseases of the heart, lungs, digestive tract, vascular and nervous system etc.).

 

 

(5) Treatment customised according to your problem (your osteopath will not use techniques you are not comfortable with)

Most osteopaths apply a dynamic approach to their treatment method and approach. The type of treatment (including the technique and amount of pressure applied) depends on patient need and consent. Your osteopath will ask for feedback on treatment methods to ensure comfort and technique effectiveness.Osteopaths use various techniques including soft tissue massage and stretching, muscle energy technique, joint mobilisation, joint manipulation, visceral technique, biodynamic, and cranial osteopathy.

 

 

(6) After CareYour Osteopath will provide you with some helpful advice on how to manage your injury/condition yourself.

This may include:

 

• Detailed information on the diagnosis, nature and prognosis, and management plan

• Pain management tools (e.g. icing, heat, medication advice/referral, ergonomical, positional/anatomical relief, stretching, resting)

• General lifestyle and ergonomic advice (things you can and can't do at home, during exercise, or in general)

• Rehabilitation/Exercise prescription

• Workplace ergonomic advice

• Dietary Advice

• Letter to workplace for time off or alternate duties

 

(7) Referral (if required)

Osteopaths are primary care practitioners and are traine to recognise conditions that may require further investigation and referral to specialists and other health professionals