WHAT to EXPECT IN An osteopathy appointment

At Integrated Sports and Spinal Clinic in Burleigh Waters, your osteopathy consultation is designed to understand your symptoms, identify contributing factors and provide appropriate treatment options based on your needs.

Most people attend for issues such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, sporting injuries or general stiffness and mobility problems.

1. Your Initial Assessment

Your consultation begins with a detailed discussion about your health history and current symptoms.

This may include:

• Your main concern and how it started

• Previous injuries or relevant medical history

• Your work, lifestyle and training load

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care

This helps us understand not just what hurts, but why it may be happening.

2. Movement and Physical Examination

We then assess how your body moves.

This may include posture, joint mobility, muscle function and specific movement tests related to your condition.

These tests are always tailored to your comfort and your presenting issue.

The aim is to identify patterns that may be contributing to pain, restriction or overload.

3. Explanation and Treatment Options

Once we have assessed you, your osteopath will explain:

• What we have found

• What may be contributing to your symptoms

• What are your treatment options

If osteopathy is appropriate for your presentation, treatment may be provided during the same session.

4. Hands-On Treatment (If Appropriate)

Treatment is individualised and may include a combination of techniques such as:

• Soft tissue therapy (myofascial release/massage)

• Joint mobilisation ("adjustments")

• Stretching techniques

• Joint articulation

• More indirect osteopathic techniques where appropriate

All treatment is explained as we go, and nothing is done without your consent.

If you prefer not to use a particular technique, such as joint manipulation or dry needling, we simply adapt the approach to suit you.

5. Advice and Management Plan

Before you leave, we will usually provide advice and guidance to support your recovery.

This may include:

• movement or activity modification

• simple exercises

• load or training advice

• strategies for work or daily life

The goal is to help you understand your condition and what you can do to support recovery between sessions.

6. A Collaborative Process

Your care is always a two-way process.

We encourage questions at any time during your consultation so you feel informed and involved in your care decisions.

If your presentation requires input from other healthcare providers, we can also refer you to the appropriate providers and work collaboratively as part of your broader healthcare team.

7. Clear Communication and Consent

Nothing in your treatment should come as a surprise.

We explain what we are doing before and during treatment, and always work with your consent.

Your comfort and preferences guide the treatment approach at every stage.

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We Look Forward to Seeing You

If this approach sounds suitable for you, you can book online or contact our clinic on 0425 876 929.