(L) Stella Arden and Associates Louth

Your osteopath will want to take notes about your health history, both specific to your reason for visiting, and more generally over your lifetime. Some questions may seem obvious, others may seem less so, but this is all part of the consultation. Your osteopath will observe the way that your body moves, asking you to perform some general movements and then link this to the information you provided earlier. You may be asked to undress, particularly on the first occasion you are seen by the osteopath, so that they can gather as much understanding of how you move. You are welcome to bring a large towel and/or shorts and a vest for your comfort. |~| (1 hr - 3 hrs)

A Follow-Up appointment will offer the osteopath a chance to observe the way in which your body has responded to the previous treatment. Any exercises prescribed by the osteopath can be reassessed and reviewed at each appointment, and they will be interested to hear how you have been between appointments. |~| (30 mins - 2 hrs, 30 mins)

These appointments are suitable for children aged three years and older. The first appointment can be daunting for a child, and we strive to offer a welcoming environment so that they can feel at ease. It is helpful to bring a story book (or several) or toys which the child might be interested in so that they can be occupied during the periods when the adults need to talk. Sometimes bringing their favourite snuggly bedtime toy/blanket can be soothing for a child, so they can settle quietly while the osteopath can gently work with their hands to help release any areas of tension. Osteopaths can only treat children when full consent has been given by the child's parent/guardian/carer, and a responsible adult must accompany the child throughout the appointment. |~| (1 hr - 1 hr, 55 mins)

Your child will be observed again by the osteopath, both moving and resting, with some similar and some different actions. It is helpful to bring a story book (or several) or toys which the child might be interested in so that they can be occupied during the periods when the adults need to talk. Sometimes bringing their favourite snuggly bedtime toy/blanket can be soothing for a child, so they can settle quietly while the osteopath can gently work with their hands to help release any areas of tension. Osteopaths can only treat children when full consent has been given by the child's parent/guardian/carer, and a responsible adult must accompany the child throughout the appointment. |~| (30 mins - 1 hr, 45 mins)

This category includes babies from new-born (or premature but breathing independently) up to the age of 4. The osteopath will ask questions about the pregnancy, delivery and post-natal life of the baby, as well as any procedures undergone. Observations made by the family about the baby are often helpful ("he always only feeds on one side", or "she curls up when unhappy", etc). It is helpful to bring the red baby records book so that any details like growth charts or midwife's observations can be shared. The osteopath will gently hold the baby/infant after having moved them around a bit, but if your baby is asleep, they will try to assess and treat the baby without waking them! It is helpful to make sure that you have food for the infant, or snacks and their favourite snuggly sleep toys for comfort/to settle. Osteopaths can only treat infants when full consent has been given by the parent/guardian/carer, and a responsible adult must accompany the infant throughout the appointment. |~| (1 hr - 1 hr, 55 mins)

At a Follow-Up appointment, you will share how your child has been since their last appointment. The osteopath will again gently hold the baby/infant after having moved them around a bit, but if your baby is asleep, they will try to re-assess and treat the baby without waking them! It is helpful to make sure that you have food for the infant, or snacks and their favourite snuggly sleep toys for comfort/to settle. Osteopaths can only treat infants when full consent has been given by the parent/guardian/carer, and a responsible adult must accompany the infant throughout the appointment. |~| (30 mins - 1 hr, 30 mins)

These double appointments, of 1 hour's duration, are offered with our associate osteopaths, typically at their recommendation, when it is considered beneficial to have a longer follow-up appointment than is usually available. This may be for a number of reasons, however your osteopath will discuss them with you prior to the booking of a double appointment. |~| (1 hr)

This is a session where you lie on the Mobiliser couch, clothed except for shoes, belts etc, and allow the magic to happen! Suitable for all ages, this wonderful machine allows you to regain and maintain your flexibility between osteopathy appointments. You are gently pummelled by the Mobiliser, so that the vertebrae and soft tissues are moved and stretched in a rhythmic way which can feel uncomfortable at first if you are very stiff, but gradually (after a few minutes), most people find it soothing and some even drop off to sleep! Regular use of the Mobiliser can have great benefits, including the improvement of lymphatic drainage. It is relied upon by dressage riders, gardeners, and sedentary workers to keep them fit and flexible for their leisure activities as well as their workplace. Book a package of six sessions for the price of five. Our staff are trained in the safe use of the Mobiliser and are waiting to help you at the Louth practice when you call to make an appointment. |~| (30 mins)

This is a free, bookable opportunity to have an open discussion with one of our osteopaths so you can ask any questions about osteopathy and whether it might be beneficial for you. By booking one of these calls, you are agreeing to being contacted by one of our osteopaths by phone at the appointed time. Please note, our osteopaths will not provide medical advice over the phone unless a full Initial Appointment has already taken place. |~| (15 mins)