How osteopathy can help treat your pain
Robyn Phillips, of Parkside Osteopathy, explains how osteopathy can help bring pain relief from a wide range of problems
Osteopathy is personalised healthcare. People seek Osteopathy to overcome pain so that they can continue doing things that they want and need to do. It is best known for helping back pain, but it can help with problems in all parts of the musculoskeletal system.
A favourite case of mine is a man in his late 60s with long-term pain in both feet. He also had pain in other areas including his low back, but the feet were his focus. He loves going to exhibitions and music events but the effort of getting there, and then being on his feet, was becoming prohibitive. Overwhelming family responsibilities meant that he had not been looking after himself and his body had adapted to this.
The initial treatment was mainly focused on his feet. I explained that due to the long-term nature of his pain, as we ‘unpicked’ the problem his symptoms may feel as though they have moved to other areas of the body. And this is exactly what happened. We were both amazed at the change in his feet after just one treatment and have since worked on his hips, mid and low back as well a wrist problem. He is now attending events where he has to stand for long periods and is amazed that he no longer has pain the next day.
How a session works
In the initial session we will talk through your symptoms or concerns. We will discuss how you use your body in terms of activities of daily life, whether you do desk based or active work, what hobbies/sport/movement you do.
We will look at your previous medical history and any current medications or investigations. This will give me a fair idea of what I think I will find when I get you to do some simple movements. After examining you standing, I will get you to lie on the treatment table and take the relevant joints through a range of movements passively. By moving your joints when you are not weight bearing, I can get a clearer idea of any dysfunction. Once I have identified areas that could be treated, I will explain this to you and ask you if you would like to go ahead with treatment.
The number of sessions needed tends to correlate with how long you have had the problem. On average clients find increasing relief in 3-4 sessions over a 6-week period. Some find they need less, and others book themselves in regularly to stay on top of any developing issues.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy uses gentle stretching and manipulation of muscles and joints to help prevent and treat problems. Osteopaths connect with you to restore your body to a state of balance and find your natural movement.
Get walking for health! Robyn runs weekly group walks in Richmond Park, term time. Current walks until 31 March. Find out more on the website.
Robyn Phillips (M.Ost), Registered Osteopath: 07914 821 259
parksideosteopathy.co.uk
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