Before Osteopathy or Sports Massage: What to Expect at Your Session

Your first osteopathy or massage session starts with a proper assessment. Here is what to bring, what to wear and what happens on the day.

In the video, Sam, one of our practitioners, talks you through it: how to get ready, what happens at your appointment, what's normal, and the questions worth asking, whether you come to us or go somewhere else. Everything is written out below so you can come back to it.

Sam appears in real video filmed at our clinic; the voice is AI-generated and lip-synced, made with consent. The treatment footage is real and used with consent.

Getting ready

Before you book

Osteopaths in the UK must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Complete any forms we send before your first visit.

The day before

Make a note of when the problem started, what makes it better or worse, and any scans or reports you have.

On the day

Wear comfortable clothing you can move in; shorts and a vest top are ideal. You may be asked to undress to your underwear for some assessments, and you are welcome to bring someone with you. Eat normally and drink plenty of water. Arrive 10 minutes early, bring a list of any medicines and supplements you take, and wear something comfortable.

Your appointment, step by step

Arriving

When you arrive, we welcome you and you settle in a private treatment room. There's no rush: ask anything you like.

Your consultation

Your consultation comes first. We go through your medical history, medicines and allergies, talk about what you'd like to change and why, and give you an honest view of what's realistic. If a treatment isn't right for you, we'll say so.

Your consent

We explain the benefits, risks, side effects and alternatives, then give you a consent form to read and sign. You can take time to think, and you can change your mind at any point.

The treatment: what you'll see and feel

We ask about your health and the problem, watch how you move, then examine and treat. Treatment may include massage, stretching, joint movement and exercises. Tell us at any point if something is uncomfortable.

Straight after

Straight after, we show you the result, go through your aftercare, and you'll receive a written aftercare email and video. Our 24-hour line is there if anything worries you, and we book your review if you need one.

What's normal

• Some tenderness during hands-on treatment
• Mild soreness or tiredness the next day

Please call us before you come if

• You feel unwell, have a temperature or an infection
• You have a cold sore, spots or broken skin on the area
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding, or might be
• You have started a new medicine, or had a vaccine or dental work in the last two weeks (tell us and we'll advise)

Questions to ask, whichever clinic you choose

• What are your qualifications, and are you on a professional register (NMC, GMC, GDC or GPhC) or a PSA-accredited register such as Save Face or the JCCP?
• How many of these treatments have you done?
• Who is the prescriber, and will I see them face to face before any prescription-only treatment?
• What product will you use, and can I see the box and batch number?
• What are the risks and side effects, and what alternatives are there?
• If something goes wrong, who looks after me, how quickly, and is there an out-of-hours number?
• Do you have insurance for this treatment?
• What do you think is causing my problem?
• How many sessions might I need, and what can I do at home?

Questions before your appointment? Call the clinic on 020 7252 3333, or our 24-hour line on 07414 163998.

Need a doctor or a health check?

Our private GP, Dr Ayaz Tokhi, is on hand for video appointments from £75 (telephone £65), and we offer private blood tests at the clinic from £69.50. See our health services and book.

Already had your treatment? Read our osteopathy and massage aftercare guide, with a video and a day-by-day timeline.

Want to know more first? Read about osteopathy and sports massage at our Brentwood clinic.

This is general information, not personal medical advice. Your clinician will advise you on your own situation at your consultation. Results vary. Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over.