From Recovery to Peak Performance

What to Expect at Your First Osteopathy Appointment

If you’ve booked your first appointment with an osteopath in Ringwood, you might be wondering what actually happens during the session. At Summit Osteo & Performance, our goal is to help you understand your body, address the cause of your pain, and set a clear plan for recovery — whether that’s improving mobility, reducing ten

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Osteopathy Insights

About Bayley Forbes | Summit Osteo & Performance

Bayley Forbes is an osteopath and strength & conditioning coach based in Ringwood, Victoria. He founded Summit Osteo & Performance to help people bridge the gap between treatment and performance — combining hands-on care with tailored movement and strength programs to support long-term recovery and better performance.

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What to Expect at Your First Osteopathy Appointment

If you’ve booked your first appointment with an osteopath in Ringwood, you might be wondering what actually happens during the session.
At Summit Osteo & Performance, our goal is to help you understand your body, address the cause of your pain, and set a clear plan for recovery — whether that’s improving mobility, reducing tension, or getting back to sport and activity with confidence.

Understanding Osteopathy

Osteopathy focuses on how your body’s structure and movement influence overall function.


Your osteopath looks at how your joints, muscles, and nervous system work together — rather than just the painful area.

During your first appointment, we’ll take the time to:

  • Discuss your symptoms and medical history
  • Examine posture, joint range, and muscle tension
  • Identify movement restrictions or areas of imbalance


This helps us build a clear picture of why pain or stiffness is occurring — not just where it hurts.

What Happens During the Appointment

A typical first appointment at Summit Osteo & Performance runs for around 45–60 minutes.
Here’s what you can expect step-by-step:

1. Thorough Assessment

We start by discussing your main concerns, injury history, and lifestyle factors such as work, training, or posture habits.
This helps us understand the “why” behind your pain, not just the “what.”

2. Movement Testing

We’ll guide you through simple movements to assess flexibility, strength, and control.
This can include bending, squatting, or arm and leg movements to help identify restrictions.

3. Hands-On Treatment

Your osteopathic treatment in Ringwood may include a combination of:

  • Soft-tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension
  • Joint mobilisation to improve motion
  • Gentle stretching or muscle energy techniques
  • Guidance on load management and exercise

4. Individualised Recovery Plan

Before you leave, your osteopath will explain what’s contributing to your symptoms and outline a treatment plan to help you recover effectively.
This plan may include simple exercises or posture advice to support your progress between sessions.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

To make the most of your first visit:

Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement

Bring any relevant scans, reports, or referrals

Arrive a few minutes early to complete forms if needed

You don’t need a referral to see an osteopath — simply book directly.
Private health rebates, WorkCover, and TAC claims are accepted.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

Every person and condition is different.
Some people notice improvement after one or two sessions, while others benefit from a structured plan over several weeks.

At Summit Osteo & Performance, we’ll discuss your goals and outline a clear timeline — ensuring your treatment is tailored, measurable, and focused on long-term results.

When to Book a Follow-Up Appointment

If your pain or stiffness affects your ability to move, train, or work comfortably, an osteopath can help assess and guide your recovery.
Early management prevents small issues from becoming ongoing problems.

> Book an Appointment
Or learn more about our approach on the Osteopathy in Ringwood page.

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Osteopathy in Ringwood

Sports Rehabilitation in Ringwood

WorkCover & TAC Rehabilitation in Ringwood

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, please consult your healthcare professional or osteopath for assessment.

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