Your First Visit
Not sure what happens at an osteopathy appointment? Here is exactly what to expect on your first visit — from what to bring and wear, to what we do and why.
GOsC Registered
Registered Osteopath in Kent
A Calm, Unhurried Start
Your first appointment lasts up to 55 minutes. It is longer than a follow-up because getting the full picture matters: a thorough first visit is what makes the rest of your treatment effective. There is no rush, and no jargon — just a proper conversation, a careful assessment, and, in most cases, treatment on the day.
Before You Come
- No GP referral is needed — you can book directly with us.
- Bring a list of any medications you take, and details of relevant scans or medical history if you have them.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to undress to your underwear so the area can be assessed — always within your comfort, and a chaperone is welcome.
- Allow a few minutes to arrive and settle. Both clinics have easy parking.
If you are booking for a child or during pregnancy, everything is adapted accordingly — see our paediatric and pregnancy pages.
What Happens in Your Appointment
A full case history
We start by talking. We ask about your symptoms, how they started, and how they affect your day — as well as your general health, medications, past injuries, work, and activity. This builds the picture that guides everything else.
A physical examination
We look at how you move, stand, and hold yourself, and use hands-on assessment to find the joints, muscles, and tissues that are contributing to the problem. We may ask you to undress to your underwear so the area can be assessed properly — only ever within your comfort.
An explanation of what we find
We tell you what we think is going on in plain language, what is driving it, and whether osteopathy is the right approach. If we do not think we can help, or you would be better seen elsewhere, we will say so and point you in the right direction.
Treatment, where appropriate
In most cases we treat in the same appointment. Techniques are matched to you and to how irritable the problem is — soft-tissue work, gentle joint movement, and, where suitable and with your consent, manipulation. Nothing happens without your agreement.
A plan to take away
You leave knowing what we found, a realistic idea of how many sessions you may need, and simple advice or exercises to help between appointments. Recovery is a partnership, not something done to you.
How Many Sessions?
It depends on the problem and how long you have had it. Many straightforward issues improve in two to four sessions; longer-standing problems may need a longer plan. You will get an honest estimate after your first visit, and we never recommend more appointments than are helping.
Payment & Cancellations
An initial osteopathy consultation is £68 and follow-ups are £52. Payment is taken at the appointment. Many private health insurers cover osteopathy — please check with your provider.
See full pricing & book →Ready When You Are
New patients are always welcome at both our Ashford and Charing clinics. If you have a question before booking, give us a call — we are happy to tell you whether osteopathy is a sensible first step.
Book Your First Appointment