Your First Osteopathy Visit: What to Expect (and Why You’ll Probably Wish You’d Come Sooner!)

If you’ve booked your first Osteopathy appointment (maybe for back pain, pelvic discomfort after baby, headaches, or just feeling “stuck” everywhere), you’re probably wondering: “What actually happens? Will it hurt? Do I need to get undressed?

If you have recent scans or reports, bring them with you or send them in advance by email.

Let’s take the mystery out of it, here’s exactly what to expect.



1. Arrival & the chat (10–15 minutes)

You’ll sit down with your osteopathic practitioner and talk. This is the most important part!

We’ll ask:

• What brings you here today?
• When did it start and what makes it better/worse?
• Any pregnancies, surgeries, accidents, or stress going on?
• What would you love to be able to do again without pain?

Be honest, even the “small” things matter. This helps us understand the whole picture.



2. Assessment (standing, sitting, lying down)

You’ll usually stay in your comfortable clothes (leggings/shorts and a T-shirt or tank top are perfect). We’ll watch how you stand, walk, and move. Then we’ll gently check:

• How your spine, pelvis, ribs, and limbs move
• Where things feel tight, restricted, or out of balance
• Muscle tone, old strains, or areas that are working too hard

No sudden twists or cracks unless it’s needed and you’re happy with it.



3. Hands-on treatment (30-40 minutes)

Completely tailored to you and what your body needs that day. Common techniques:

• Gentle soft-tissue massage and stretching
• Mobilising stiff joints (you’ll feel smooth, rhythmic movements)
• Cranial Osteopathy (super-light touch, brilliant for everyone: headaches,
• babies, or pelvic floor recovery)
• Re-aligning the pelvis or releasing tension in the diaphragm, neck, etc.



4. Exercises, advice & plan

Before you leave, you’ll usually get:

• Exercises or movements to do at home
• Practical tips (posture, breathing, when to use heat/ice, etc.)



After the session

Most people feel looser and lighter straight away. Some feel a bit tired or achy the next day (your body is waking up!). Drink water, move gently, and avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours.



Bottom line

Your first visit is about listening to your story, finding the root of the problem, and starting to help your body move and feel better, naturally and gently.

You’ll leave knowing exactly what’s going on and with a clear plan to get you back to doing the things you love, pain-free.

Ready when you are!

See you soon. 🙌