What will happen on my first visit?
You benefit from seeing a musculoskeletal specialist and the consultation will be similar to that of any registered medical practitioner. You receive a more personal and thorough treatment in a more relaxing and less stressful environment.
Show video: Osteopathic treatment — example 1
A detailed case history is taken, how your symptoms began, what affects them, health problems, accidents or injuries, medications, surgeries and lifestyle habits. Some appropriate clothing may sometimes be asked to be removed in order to conduct a physical examination. It is a good idea to wear loose fitting clothing for treatment, or bring shorts and a T-shirt to change into. (I have many sizes of shorts and T-shirts here in the clinic, if you forget to bring your own).
Show video: Osteopathic treatment — example 2
Neurological, orthopaedic, cardiovascular etc examinations may also be performed, where relevant. Osteopathic evaluation of your body’s biomechanics (structure, posture and physical movements) would then conclude the examination, leading to a diagnosis. If necessary, further investigations such as X-rays, blood tests, MRI scanning etc may be required for referral. Diagnosis, clinical findings and an appropriate treatment plan with projected recovery will be explained and discussed.
For your first consultation it is helpful if you bring with you any medical reports, X-rays or current medication.
For Medical Imaging from Pacific Radiology (Beyond Radiology, etc) I can ususally log in and see your scans and the reports - if you are OK with this.
For Medical Imaging from Christchurch Hospital, Burwood Hospital, or elsewhere in NZ, I may need to contact them (with your permission, of course) and it might take several days to get the report(s) from your x-rays, MRIs, etc. Hopefully, I would have these by your 2nd appointment (if this was a week later).
However, generally, Medical Imaging does not really change the (Osteopathic) treamtent, and probably not the (Osteopathic) treatment outcome. The orthopaedic and neurological tests I will perform during your initial consulation will (most of the time) give me a pretty good idea of what is going on - and certainly enough to begin treatment.
However, there are probably times, when it could be useful to see any imaging: for example to know if a shoulder problem was from a rotator cuff tear, bursitis, or perhaps a calcific tendinitis or a tendinopathy. Of for a Disc Herniation, perhaps the level of the prolapse (L4/5, L5/S1, etc) and any another anomalies or issues in the lumbar spine and/or pelvis that might also be contributing.
If you would like imaging, and this is appropropriate to your condition or injury, then I can comlete the Imaging appointment form (X-ray or ultrasound. Only your GP or specialist can send you for an MRI scan). This would generally be with Pacific Radiology, Beyond Radiology or a similar imaging center.
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