Your first visit to an osteopath is an unfamiliar experience and therefore can feel slightly daunting. Osteopathy is a holistic, hands-on approach to treating pain, tension, and mobility issues of the musculoskeletal system. As an osteopath, I want you to feel comfortable and informed, knowing that we’re working together to find relief and support your health goals.

What Happens During Your First Visit?

When you arrive, we’ll start with a thorough conversation to get to know you and understand what’s brought you here. I’ll ask about your current symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle—your job, physical activities, and even stress levels all help create a complete picture. This initial chat is a crucial part of the visit; it helps us determine any underlying factors contributing to your discomfort.

Next, I’ll conduct a physical assessment. Don’t worry; this isn’t invasive, and I’ll guide you through each step. I may ask you to stand, walk, or perform specific movements to observe your posture, balance, and range of motion. By examining your spine, joints, and muscles, I can identify areas of tension or restriction that may be causing discomfort. During this examination, I may request that you disrobe, if you are comfortable to do so, so it’s preferable to wear loose fitting, easily maneuverable clothing where possible.

Treatment Tailored to You

Once the assessment is complete, we’ll discuss a personalized treatment plan. Osteopathy treatments can include soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, stretching, and other manual techniques to relieve tension and improve circulation. I may also use additional therapies, such as dry needling, shockwave or laser therapy, if they could benefit your condition. To learn more about these therapies or, please click on the links here:

Dry Needling
Shockwave therapy
Laser therapy

During treatment, I’ll keep communication open so you understand each technique and feel comfortable. Some patients may experience mild soreness afterward, similar to the feeling after a good workout. This is normal and usually eases within a day or so

What Comes After?

After your session, I’ll offer guidance on posture, stretches, or lifestyle adjustments to help you feel better and maintain the benefits of treatment. Osteopathy is a collaborative approach, meaning you’re an active part of your healing process. Together, we’ll discuss a treatment plan that fits your needs, whether it’s follow-up visits or at-home exercises.

Taking the first step toward treatment can feel daunting, but I’m here to make the journey comfortable and empowering. My goal is to not only ease your pain but also equip you with tools to improve your overall well-being. Your health journey is unique, and each visit is a step toward a healthier, more balanced you. If you have an questions about Osteopathy or whether an injury or condition is well-suited to Osteopathy, please send me an email ammar@pakenhamosteopathy.com.au or call the clinic on 5941-4157 to have a chat with our friendly reception team. You can also book an appointment online here.