What to Expect at Your First Strength & Conditioning Consult
If you’re booked in for your first Strength & Conditioning consult at Principle Four Osteopathy, this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect — from your initial assessment through to how your program is designed and progressed.
Whether your goal is to build strength safely, return to training after injury, improve performance, or simply move with more confidence, our Strength & Conditioning consults are designed to meet you where you’re at.
What Is Strength & Conditioning?
Strength & Conditioning focuses on improving strength, control, movement capacity and physical resilience through structured, progressive exercise.
At Principle Four Osteopathy, Strength & Conditioning is often used to:
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Support recovery from injury
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Build strength safely around pain or limitations
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Improve performance for sport or gym training
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Reduce recurring injuries or flare-ups
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Develop long-term movement confidence
Programs are tailored to your body, your history and your goals — not generic workouts.
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How Is Strength & Conditioning Different From General Gym Training?
Unlike general gym programs, Strength & Conditioning at Principle Four Osteopathy is clinically informed and movement-focused.
Your program is designed with consideration of:
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Injury history and current symptoms
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Movement quality and control
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Load tolerance and recovery capacity
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Work, sport and lifestyle demands
This approach ensures strength is built safely and sustainably, particularly if you’ve had pain, injuries or setbacks in the past.
Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare
To prepare for your first Strength & Conditioning consult:
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Wear comfortable clothing suitable for exercise
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Bring any relevant imaging or medical reports, if applicable
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Be ready to discuss:
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Your injury or pain history
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Current training or activity levels
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Previous gym or exercise experience
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Your goals (rehab, strength, performance, general health)
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You don’t need to “be fit” beforehand — the session is scaled to your current ability.
What Happens During Your First Strength & Conditioning Consult?
1. Initial Discussion & Goal Setting
Your osteopath will start by discussing:
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Current symptoms or injuries
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Previous training experience
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What has or hasn’t worked in the past
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Short- and long-term goals
This ensures your program is relevant, realistic and achievable.
2. Movement & Strength Assessment
Before prescribing exercises, your practitioner will assess how you currently move. This may include:
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Fundamental movement patterns
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Joint mobility and control
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Strength capacity and endurance
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Stability and coordination
This step helps identify where strength needs to be built and where control needs to improve first.
3. Exercise Selection & Technique Coaching
You’ll be guided through key exercises relevant to your goals. This may include:
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Bodyweight exercises
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Resistance training
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Stability and control drills
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Functional strength movements
Your osteopath will coach technique carefully to ensure movements are performed safely and effectively.
4. Program Design & Education
You’ll receive a structured strength program tailored to you. This may include:
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Exercise selection and progression
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Load and volume guidance
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Frequency recommendations
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Modifications for pain or flare-ups
You’ll also understand why each exercise has been chosen — empowering you to train with confidence.
5. Progression Planning
Strength & Conditioning is not a one-off session. Your osteopath will outline:
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How your program will progress
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When loads or complexity should increase
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When reassessment is recommended
This ensures your training continues to match your capacity as you improve.
Who Is Strength & Conditioning Best Suited For?
Strength & Conditioning is ideal for people who:
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Are returning to exercise after injury
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Experience pain when lifting or training
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Want to build strength safely
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Have recurring injuries or setbacks
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Want guidance beyond generic gym programs
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Are preparing for sport or increased activity
It’s suitable for beginners through to experienced trainees.
Can Strength & Conditioning Help With Pain or Injury?
Yes. Strength & Conditioning is commonly used alongside osteopathy treatment to:
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Improve load tolerance
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Support tissue recovery
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Reduce stress on vulnerable areas
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Build resilience and confidence
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a Strength & Conditioning consult take?
Initial Strength & Conditioning consults typically run for 45–60 minutes, allowing time for assessment, coaching and program design.
Do I need to be pain-free before starting?
No. Programs are designed to work around pain where appropriate and build tolerance gradually.
Is this the same as personal training?
No. Strength & Conditioning at Principle Four Osteopathy is guided by osteopaths and informed by injury history, movement assessment and clinical reasoning.
Will I be given exercises to do at home or the gym?
Yes. You’ll receive clear exercise guidance that you can perform independently, with progressions outlined.
Can this be combined with hands-on osteopathy treatment?
Absolutely. Many people combine Strength & Conditioning with osteopathy care for optimal outcomes.
How often should I attend Strength & Conditioning sessions?
This depends on your goals, experience and injury history. Your osteopath will guide frequency and progression.
Summary
Your first Strength & Conditioning consult at Principle Four Osteopathy is designed to give you clarity, confidence and direction in your training.
Rather than guessing or pushing through discomfort, you’ll receive a structured, personalised approach to building strength that supports long-term movement health and performance.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to begin Strength & Conditioning or want help deciding if it’s right for you: