Online Osteopathy Consultation

How does an online consultation work?

Firstly you need to book an appointment. This can be done via text, email or phone with details on our Contact Us page.

Choose a day and time that suits you, and the preferred method of communication for the consultation. This includes telephone call or video call. Either method will be confidential and safe.

The details of the consultation will depend if you are a returning patient or a new patient. Ultimately the consultation for both will be similar, including:

• • a discussion of symptoms and their onset
  • a review of any change in activity levels/work posture
  • performing simple active movements (where applicable)
  • the formulation of a working diagnosis with explanation
  • providing exercises and advice to reduce pain and improve mobility

New patient consultations will involve a brief past medical history to rule out any underlying issues.

Why choose to have an online consultation?

With the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 virus and the subsequent strict limitations placed on social interactions and businesses nation-wide, osteopathy consultations have become more important than ever.

To minimise the risk of the spread of the disease DW Osteopathy is no longer providing face to face consultations for the foreseeable future, and will instead be offering video or telephone consultations.

As we are all aware, the pressure on the NHS at this time is unprecedented. As well as doing some voluntary work, our staff at DW Osteopathy and many other osteopaths are attempting to lessen the load on the NHS at this time by still providing services to those individuals working from home with muscular and joint pain.

What is the effectiveness of an online consultation?

There has been lots of research conducted over the safety, effectiveness and patient satisfaction of conducting manual therapy via an online consultation. The research shows that patients generally have a positive experience with online consultations, benefitting from:

• reduced travelling times
• fewer travelling and parking expenses
• increased availability in communication
• reduced pain in the comfort of their own home

Whilst at a slightly slower rate, patients will still report feeling a gradual reduction in their pain and increase in their mobility.

With regards to safety, the evidence shows there are no adverse outcomes for chronic aches and pains and other stable conditions through online consultation.