Alfie Birch - Registered Osteopath

1st Consultation
The initial consultation and treatment will last for approximately 45 minutes. Subsequent treatments last for approximately 30 minutes.

Before any treatment you will be asked detailed questions about your condition, medical history including any hospital stays /surgery, illnesses, any medication you are currently prescribed and any changes in your general health.

Depending upon your presenting complaint you may be asked to undress to your underwear, as it is important that the Osteopath sees not only the area that is causing problems but also other areas distant to the problem to see whether there is any involvement, for example - Foot overpronation often causes pain in the knee, hip and low back. In this case a thorough examination is required of all the areas

If you prefer then you may have a friend or family member accompany you into the consulting room.Quite often I ask new patients to bring a pair of shorts to wear to reduce levels of anxiety of undressing

During the examination the Osteopath may carry out tests such as blood pressure, reflexes, joint mobility and muscle strength. You may be asked to perform simple movements to aid in any movement restrictions or painful areas

Your Osteopath will form a diagnosis which will be discussed with you in detail and where appropriate, and with your consent a treatment plan proposed, treatment will then commence. Your condition may require several treatments before resolving. If the Osteopath does not think you would benefit from osteopathic treatment they will explain this to you.

After treatment advice may be given to aid your recovery and comfort.

At any time during your appointment and treatment you can ask your Osteopath to stop treatment and explain anything that you don't understand.