“I Don’t Know What’s Going to Happen” — That’s Completely Normal
If you’ve never been to an osteopath before, you probably have questions. What exactly happens during a session? Will it hurt? How is it different from massage, chiropractic, or physiotherapy?
This page walks you through what actually takes place at Kyoto Osteopathy Center OQ — step by step, in plain language, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Your First Session — Four Steps, About 60 Minutes
Here’s an overview of how a first visit works at OQ. The whole session takes about 60 minutes.
Step 1: Conversation — Your Story Comes First
This is the most important part of the first visit.
We’ll ask about your current concern, how long it’s been going on, any injuries or surgeries in the past, and what your daily life looks like. A sprained ankle from ten years ago may be relevant to your shoulder pain today. What you tell us shapes everything that follows.
You don’t need to explain perfectly. Just tell us what you feel, in your own words. If you’d prefer to communicate in English, that’s completely fine — Yusuke Sakata is fluent in English.
Step 2: Assessment — Reading the Body by Hand
We’ll check your body in standing, sitting, and lying positions. Not through machines or scans, but through touch — feeling for areas of tension, restricted movement, asymmetry, and the quality of breathing.
If you come in for lower back pain, we might start by looking at your pelvis, your diaphragm, or even your feet. The reason we often work somewhere other than where it hurts is explained in detail on this page.
Step 3: Treatment — Quiet, Precise, Gentle
This is the part that surprises most first-time visitors. Osteopathy at OQ is quiet work.
The vast majority of the work — around 95% — involves soft tissue release, gentle articulation, cranial osteopathy (working with the subtle movements of the skull and sacrum), and visceral osteopathy (addressing tension in and around the internal organs). Yusuke Sakata may use thrust techniques (HVLA) when appropriate — typically on just one or two areas per session — but always in a way that is painless. If you’d rather he didn’t, just say so; your preference is always respected. Sota Omura does not currently use thrust techniques and works entirely with gentle approaches. We do not perform spinal manipulation on request for entertainment or because it “looks good on social media.” Thrust is a precise clinical tool, used only when it serves the body — not as a performance.
People often describe the experience in different ways: “I didn’t feel much, but afterwards my body felt completely different.” “My stomach started gurgling even though you were touching my head.” “I nearly fell asleep.”
These are all signs that the body’s self-regulating mechanisms are responding. The osteopath doesn’t force change — the work creates the conditions for the body to begin resolving things on its own.
Step 4: Explanation — Honest, Not Scripted
After treatment, we’ll talk about what we found, what the body responded to, and what makes sense going forward.
“How many sessions will I need?” — the honest answer is: it depends. For acute issues, 1–3 sessions often make a noticeable difference. For chronic or systemic conditions, a longer process is more realistic. We don’t keep people coming indefinitely without a clear reason. If we think osteopathy isn’t the right approach for your situation, we’ll tell you.
Common Questions from First-Time Visitors
Does it hurt?
No. Around 95% of OQ’s approach is gentle — soft tissue work, cranial techniques, and visceral osteopathy. Yusuke Sakata may occasionally use a thrust technique (HVLA) on one or two areas when clinically appropriate, but it is always painless. If you prefer no thrust, just let him know. Sota Omura works entirely with gentle techniques. You may feel a deep, spreading warmth or a “settling” sensation in areas of tension, but it shouldn’t be painful. If anything feels uncomfortable, let us know — we adjust immediately.
What should I wear?
We provide a change of clothes at OQ. Come as you are — no need to bring anything special.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. If you’re currently under medical care, please continue that care and let us know at your first visit.
Will I feel anything after the session?
Some people feel lighter immediately. Others may feel temporarily tired, slightly sore, or experience a mild headache for a day or two. This is the body recalibrating — a normal response. Stay hydrated, rest if you need to, and contact us if anything concerns you.
Can osteopathy help with everything?
Osteopathy works well for a wide range of conditions, but it has limits. Fractures, acute infections, or conditions requiring surgery are beyond our scope. If we think you need a different kind of care, we’ll tell you honestly and help you find the right provider.
Practical Information
Duration: First session is approximately 60 minutes.
Cost: See pricing details on our English page, or book online.
Clothing: Provided at OQ. No need to bring anything.
Location: Yusuke Sakata’s treatment room is on the ground floor.
Access: 2-minute walk from Omiya Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line).
Address: 466 Shichikencho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8366 (Google Maps)
Important: A similarly-named clinic exists nearby. OQ is the original Kyoto Osteopathy Center, established February 2007. Please verify the address before you visit.
Your Osteopath
Yusuke Sakata, BSc(Ost) — Director of OQ. Graduated from a BSc in Osteopathy programme at Swansea University, Wales, UK. Completed postgraduate training at EVOST (Belgium). Member of M.I.C.O. (England). Over 25 years of clinical experience.
Sota Omura, PT, MSc — Co-Director. Specialises in post-stroke rehabilitation, gait analysis, and lower limb conditions.
OQ has been welcoming patients since February 2007.
A first osteopathy session is an unfamiliar experience. Not knowing what to expect is completely natural.
The body is more capable than most people realise. Our work is about removing the obstacles that prevent it from doing what it already knows how to do.
If you have any questions before booking, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Related: Why This Osteopath Stopped Pressing Muscles · Why We Work Where It Doesn’t Hurt · What Is Osteopathy?