A classic consultation
The different stages...
A conscientious osteopath begins the session by listening to you attentively, gathering your medical history, and explaining their working method. He also informs you about the approach he intends to take to solve your problem. He solicits your opinion, answers your questions, and obtains your consent before beginning treatment. Moreover, he carefully selects the techniques best suited to your age, morphology and the area to be treated.
Listening
Examinations
Action-reaction
An attentive ear
A global approach
Long-lasting effects
LISTENING
In practice, it all starts with the anamnesis, i.e. the questioning, a common step in medicine. You share your problem with the osteopath, who asks in-depth questions to clarify its nature.
If you have had medical tests such as blood tests, X-rays, MRI or CT scans, the osteopath examines them carefully, as they provide valuable information.
Next, the osteopath looks for other problems or symptoms which, at first glance, might seem unrelated to your reason for consultation. Osteopaths consider the body as a whole, as the cause and consequence of a problem can sometimes be far apart.
From examination to treatment
The osteopathic diagnostic process begins with a visual examination of posture, a series of mobility tests, and palpatory examinations targeted at the areas that have caught the osteopath’s attention. These gradual steps enable the osteopath to make an osteopathic diagnosis. In addition, exclusion tests are carried out to rule out any underlying problems or organic pathology. In case of doubt, particularly if a pathology is beyond his or her competence, the osteopath will refer you to your GP.
After these investigations and precautions, osteopathic treatment can begin. It is based on a variety of techniques such as tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, impulse mobilization, visceral techniques, cranial techniques and many others, offering a complete range of osteopathic methods.
At the end of the session, the osteopath assesses the immediate results of the treatment by repeating the initial tests. Immediate improvement is often felt, particularly in the mobility of previously restricted structures, posture, and sometimes even pain.
ACTION-REACTION
It is important to note that the effects of osteopathic treatment last for several days after the session. The body gradually integrates the information received during the session. Areas of the body that were not functioning properly gradually regain their functionality, and sometimes the body reacts in a more or less pronounced way.
It’s therefore possible, on occasion, to experience a reappearance or increase in initial pain, to feel tired, or to experience unpleasant sensations after osteopathic treatment. However, it’s important to note that these physiological reactions are considered “normal”, although each individual may experience them differently. In osteopathy, every patient, every problem and every reaction is unique.
Usually, at the end of the session, the osteopath will provide personalized advice, often accompanied by a program of simple exercises to be carried out at home, adapted to the situation. This is because to improve your well-being, you also need to play an active role in your recovery.
After all these procedures and precautions, osteopathic treatment can begin. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, including tissue mobilizations, joint mobilizations, muscle energy techniques, impulse mobilizations, visceral techniques, cranial techniques, and many others.
At the end of the session, the osteopath will usually assess the immediate results of the treatment by repeating the initial tests. You will often feel an immediate improvement, mainly in the mobility of previously restricted structures, in posture, and sometimes even in terms of pain relief.
