For your first time at an osteopath appointment, understanding what to expect before and after is key to having realistic expectations about what a single session might do for you. After an osteopath session, some people leave feeling good, while others might be a little sore and require rest. It does vary from person to person. You should learn the basics of what someone can expect and what to do before and after osteopath work to maximize results.
Here are some best practices when visiting an osteopath.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Loose-fitting clothes are best for an osteopath session. Don’t wear jeans, for example, or anything that will prevent movement. The body has to be able to move freely for your osteopath appointment.
Eat Light and Drink Water
Most generally prefer to eat light to not impede body movement and to feel more comfortable in their skin. Avoid heavy meals right before your appointment.
Be properly hydrated before visiting an osteopath. Hydration can help with blood flow and will reduce muscle tension.
Be Ready to Be Honest About Your Health
An osteopath is likely to ask many questions about your medical history, including past surgeries and medications you’re taking. Be ready to be as honest as you can be about your health background.
Be Ready With Questions If You Have Any
If this is your first osteopath appointment, don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any to ask. It’s better to be clear about expectations and concerns and be open about your mindset.
Relax
If you’re nervous about an osteopath appointment, don’t be! Get to know your osteopath, look up their website or social media, and let us reassure you that you shouldn’t expect to feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment. At no point is your body being put at risk.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
Your osteopath may give you verbal or written directions and advice on following up with treatment at home. To benefit most from your osteopath session, follow all aftercare instructions.
Don’t Be Discouraged
Some people feel symptoms become worse before they get better. This is only temporary. Don’t be discouraged if you feel like you’re in more pain or are sore and tired. These symptoms will get better, and hopefully, after that initial period of discomfort passes, there’s an overall improvement in your condition.
Note Any Changes To Your Health
To gauge whether osteopathy is working for you, note any changes in the week after. Positive or negative, pay attention to what your body’s going through. This applies to emotions and mental health as well.
Stay Hydrated
As you’ve probably had your body moved in ways it normally wouldn’t, make sure to drink lots of water to flush out any toxins that have been released. Hydration will also generally help you feel better after a session.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can make a person feel sluggish. For the day of your osteopath treatment and also the day after, it’s best to avoid alcohol.
Apply Ice or Heat
Suppose the osteopath allows you to, don’t hesitate to use ice or heat on the affected area to reduce inflammation, pain, and discomfort. If you’re particularly sore after your first session and are naturally quite sensitive to pain, ice or heat can work wonders at bringing down the discomfort to more tolerable levels.
Try Some Stretching
Another source of pain relief is gentle stretching. This can reduce muscle tension and improve circulation in the body. If your osteopath gives you specific stretches to do, follow those instructions.
Rest for 24 Hours
Avoid strenuous activity for at least the day after your osteopath treatment. Rest is what’s needed to help the body recover. Especially if you’re sore, don’t overdo it with any physical activity that will push you too far.
Get a Full Night’s Sleep
Give your body its best chance to recover within 24 hours by sleeping a full night. That’s at least eight hours if it’s manageable.
Eat a Healthy Diet
This can also apply before an osteopath appointment, but in terms of after, eat healthy meals. Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins will help your body recuperate and re-energize. Healing does not happen during the osteopathy session, remember. It happens after. A properly hydrated body with a solid range of nutrients and minerals can minimize the primary recovery period.
Make Your Follow-Up Appointments
Lastly, osteopathy does not work in a single appointment. It can take weeks. How many will depend on your health condition, lifestyle, age, activity level, and other factors. The bottom line is to not miss those important follow-up appointments and keep at it.
