What to Expect on Your First Visit to Queer Osteo

Welcome to Queer Osteo! Seeking healthcare can sometimes be daunting, especially if you're unsure what to expect. Queer Osteo strives to create a welcoming, safe and affirming environment for all clients. Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare for your first visit.

A Warm Welcome

From the moment you step through the door, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome. My goal is to ensure you feel comfortable and respected throughout your entire visit. I understand the importance of creating an inclusive space where you can be your authentic self. 

Accessibility: If you’re visiting me in Forest Hill, the clinic is on the ground floor and fully wheelchair accessible, and there is also parking on site. In London Bridge, the clinic is situated on the first floor without lift access. If you need assistance walking up a set of stairs, please contact me first and I will ensure there is time before/after your appointment to greet you at the building door and to provide help with the stairs. Both clinics have gender neutral toilet facilities. The temperature and lighting in all rooms can also be adjusted to create an environment that is comfortable for you. 

If you have any questions about the accessibility of the clinics before booking, please email me to discuss these further at hello@queerosteo.com 

Initial Consultation

Your first visit will begin with an initial consultation. This is a chance for us to get to know each other and for me to understand your specific health concerns and goals. I’ll ask about what has brought you in, and we can explore your symptoms together. You'll be asked about how you use your body day-to-day, as well as your wider medical health, for example if you have any illnesses or conditions, take any medications etc. This part of the consultation will usually take about 15-20 minutes, and I'll ensure there is plenty of time for you to tell your story. You will never be rushed, and your symptoms will not be dismissed. This conversation is confidential and aimed at tailoring the treatment to your unique needs.

Personalised Assessment

Next, a physical assessment will be conducted to gain a better understanding of your body’s current condition. This may involve observing your posture, movement and any areas of discomfort. An osteopath uses their hands as an important tool to understand the body, therefore during this part of the appointment, I will place my hands on your body to feel any areas of concern. You’ll be asked to give consent throughout this process and can withdraw your consent at any point. 

What should you wear?

I advise wearing clothes that are comfortable and allow your body to move freely. There may be times that I ask to see an area of your skin, usually around the symptomatic region, therefore wearing clothing that facilitate visibility of these areas can be helpful. If you are not comfortable with removing any items of your clothing, this is also ok. There will always be blankets available to provide privacy, comfort and warmth. If you are visiting for Manual Lymphatic Drainage in London Bridge, the whole treatment is done over clothes, so comfort is the most important aspect when choosing what to wear.  

Tailored Treatment Plan

Based on the consultation and assessment, I’ll explain what I think may be causing your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan specifically for you. I’ll explain each step of the plan, from short term goals to long-term maintenance, and work with you to make sure it fits into your life! I’ll also answer any questions you may have. 

Hands-On Treatment

Your first session will also include some hands-on treatment. The techniques used are gentle and may aim to improve your mobility, reduce pain and/or increase blood flow… this will all depend on what is going on for you. Some techniques may involve the use of massage oil or wax, however you will always be asked before these are applied if you are happy for them to be used or if you have any allergies to their ingredients. Osteopathic treatment can take place laying on your front, back, side or seated and we will work together to find the most comfortable positions for your body. We can adapt them throughout the treatment based on your feedback. 

Open Communication

I believe in open and honest communication. Throughout your visit, I encourage you to share any concerns or questions you have. Your comfort and understanding are my top priorities and I will obtain ongoing consent throughout each step. 

Follow-Up and Support

After your first visit, I’ll discuss any follow-up appointments and additional support you might need. 

---

I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared for your first visit. If you have any questions beforehand, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at hello@queerosteo.com. 

#queerosteo