Please bring with you any reports, results of investigations  (such as X-Rays, doctor's reports), even if they are old and do not seem to be related to your present problem - they may be very relevant and helpful. (for instance, reports on your heart or kidney function).

Do not forget the documents that allow you a discount on treatment cost: insurance policies (if they cover osteopathic treatment), community services card, student identity card and so on. It is a good idea to call the clinic/practice in advance and find out costs and discounts.

It would be very nice if you took a shower or at least washed your feet before the visit. The treatment is more pleasant if the skin is clean and the air in the room is fresh.

Be ready to strip off to your underwear (I will explain the reasons below). If you are embarrassed by this, loose shorts or a bathing costume with an open back are acceptable. In some clinics you will be provided with a light garment to cover your front leaving your back open. If you follow strict religious or other rules you'd better book in with an osteopath of similar gender to you so that the issue of undressing will not arise.

If for some reason you can not make your appointment PLEASE call the clinic/practice and cancel as early as possible. Nothing can be worse than not being able to see an acute patient because the day is fully booked and then have somebody who did not turn up.

The time taken for a session will vary - commonly between 20 and 45 minutes. Try to be on time for your appointment otherwise you will shorten your treatment and may create inconvenience for people booked in after you.

In the practice

1. A receptionist (usually) will fill in a card about you, asking your name, address, telephone number. If your osteopath is running late with his previous patient and you are in a hurry you can ask a receptionist to re-schedule your appointment for another suitable time.

2. During the session do not hesitate to ask your osteopath about anything you do not understand in his/her speech or actions.

   The osteopath will ask you about your problem and ask some other questions regarding your general health. It helps if you can put your story into a logical sequence: when and how your problem started, how it progressed, what you have tried to help it already, and what treatment(s) you have received. Do not forget to mention any serious internal diseases and surgical operations - these can be very relevant to your current problem (although this might not be obvious to you).

3. The next stage is the examination. The osteopath will ask you to undress to your underwear and perform several simple movements. Stripping off is important because the osteopath can assess details of your body posture, asymmetry, deviation in the shape and contour. Some osteopaths ask their patients to take off a bra as well, but the majority will leave it on and you may be asked to undo the bra straps while you are lying down if your mid back needs some work on it.

   Not infrequently a patient is a bit puzzled when he is asked to take off his trousers when he came with a neck pain. The reason is that osteopaths look at the whole body, for instance a pelvic tilt and low back dysfunctions may cause headaches and neck pain. Another reason to undress is to enable treatment to be effective.During the next stage the osteopath will perform special techniques to find out the cause of your suffering, followed by treatment techniques (see another page).While the osteopath is treating you you can ask any questions, enjoy a civil chat - or you can simply have a rest.

4. On the following session your osteopath will ask about your progress. Note where you have felt an improvement (less pain, more movement, better sleep at night etc.) or, unexpectedly, what might have become worse.Have a pleasant session!