When to Come Back
For Your Next Osteopathy Session
“So, when do you want to see me back?”
This is a common question that my clients ask. I usually hesitate to answer, as I consider how to encourage you to figure that out. Our bodies respond best to treatments when our whole self (mind, emotion, body sensations) is involved in the decision to treat. That AND the timing between treatments is best determined by the Pain-Tension Cycle (PTC). (1,2)
Optimal next treatment is scheduled at PTC minus 1 or 2 days.
PTC is the time the body takes to tighten back up after a treatment through the stresses or normal wear and tear of daily life. (3)
Example: A client experienced relief from pain and tension for 2 full weeks. Optimal next treatment occurred 13 days after the 1st session.
It also makes most financial sense to get treatment when it is actually needed rather than a randomly assigned schedule (often prescribed too frequently).
Each person has different stresses and strains which alter the body’s relaxed state. And each injury or condition will present with a different PTC. For these reasons, I want my client to determine when to schedule their next appointment. (4)
Try to map your PTC.
As you come for osteopathy sessions, you will notice the time between sessions will grow. The longer the time between sessions, the closer your body is coming to sustain optimal posture and balance. A more restful state of being!
I will see you, when you notice that you need it.
Myron Bedford
Doctorate of Osteopathy
I graduated with my doctorate of osteopathy from the National University of Medical Sciences – Spain in 2017. I have been developing my manual practice skills for 11 years as a massage therapist and am now adding to my skills. My goal is to improve the lives of all my clients.
Moreover, I am a BC registered massage therapist and a nationally registered sport massage certification candidate. Ultimately, my motto is, “It does not have to hurt to heal”.
References
1. Hunt, E.R., et. al. (2018). Using Massage to Combat Fear-Avoidance and the Pain Tension Cycle. International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training. 24(5), 198-201. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.2018-0097
2. Understanding the Pain-Tension Cycle. Chroniushealth. https://www.chroniushealth.com/thoughts/understanding-the-pain-tension-cycle
3. Aboushaar, N. & Serrano, N. (2024). The mutually reinforcing dynamics between pain and stress: mechanisms, impacts and management strategies. Frontiers in Pain Research. 17(5). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2024.1445280
4. Peters, D. (2022). Integrated medicine: some historical reflections and three cases from primary care. Journal of Holistic Healthcare & Integrative Medicine. 19(2), p.16