Respecting you – Your modesty matters
It is important that you feel comfortable during your osteopathic treatment, particularly around matters of modesty and privacy.
At the start of your first session your Osteopath will ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle as well as your symptoms. This is very important as it will help your Osteopath to make an accurate diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment.
This information is kept confidential in conjunction with the Data Protection Act 1998. Your Osteopath will need to examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort.
Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, (for example, a difference in leg length may result in compensations in the upper back which might result in neck pain) so your Osteopath may need to examine your whole body.
Your Osteopath will use their highly trained sense of touch, called palpation skills to identify areas of strain or restriction, palpating for tightness in the muscles and stiffness in the joints and may need to touch these areas to identify problems.
Your Osteopath will explain this as she goes along, but if you are uncomfortable with any part of this then let your Osteopath know, we can discuss this with you or stop if you prefer.
As with a visit to a GP or other medical professional, for your Osteopath to examine you effectively it may be necessary for your Osteopath to ask you to remove some clothing as appropriate for the condition. This may mean dressing down to your underwear. If this is a problem for you then let us know and we will try to make arrangements that make you more comfortable. Ladies are welcome to wear a sports bra and underwear and shorts. Gentlemen are welcome to wear underwear and shorts.
Your Osteopath will endeavour to keep you warm and comfortable throughout your treatment, additionally providing towels and lightweight fleece blankets. You may simply be requested to undress to your underwear for a brief period during the physical examination or for an additional period during Osteopathic treatment as your condition requires specific treatment.
Your Osteopath will fully discuss their approach and aims of treatment with you and ensure your consent and understanding at each stage of consultation, examination and treatment.
If your religious faith and culture request that you wear specific clothing in respect of your modesty and religious faith, please encourage understanding and discuss your needs with your Osteopath who will be happy to accommodate your needs and respect your decisions.
Your Osteopath will be eager to explore with you how to enable you to feel comfortable throughout each Osteopathic appointment and especially during your Osteopathic treatment.
You are also welcome to bring someone with you for all or part of your consultation, and children should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Remember, if you have any questions your Osteopath will be happy to discuss this with you. Your Osteopath is Carolyn McGregor BSc (Ost.)., BA DIv (Hons)., MARH.,
