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Osteopathy - An Osteopathic approach to Lower Back Pain
contents
What is Osteopathy
What happens when seeing an Osteopath
A typical visit to an Osteopath
Where are our Osteopathic Clinics
What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a long established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment,
with an underlying philosophy that the body has a natural tendency to heal itself but this can be disrupted by imbalances
in the musculoskeletal system, this in basic terms means if the body is used badly the muscles will be out of balance with
uneven pressure onto the joints. This has many implications as injury
can be caused simply by not being fit for purpose or activity, this is very obvious when considering exercise such as weights,
football or hiking, unfortunately the principles of working with our daily activities is not always obvious, such as gardening
for a day or even driving long periods. The better our health, strength, flexibility and overall fitness the quicker recovery
time and rehabilitation, and when considering exercise remember its purpose, if you have a job which requires lifting and
reaching into awkward places such as an electrician, gardener or looking after young children then you need an activity to
improve and maintain flexibility, mobility and strength, this will reduce your chance of injury not just at home, but work
and sport.
What happens when seeing an Osteopath
Registered osteopaths take a consultation and use many orthopaedic assessments which are common to
osteopaths and doctors, a bio-mechanical assessment is performed looking at body function and structure. On completion a specific
treatment plan is followed and regularly reassessed for optimum recovery.
Osteopaths look to restore how the body functions so to reduce/eliminate symptoms
and improve health.
The following is considered with an osteopathic approach
Health past and present
Muscular imbalances
Injury
Posture
Exercise
Osteopaths believe that given the right environment a body will try to heal itself and assist this
process utilising massage, soft tissue techniques and manipulation, with exercise for addressing imbalances and rehabilitation
on a functional basis.
back to the top
A Typical visit to an osteopathic clinic:
The osteopath will have an In depth discussion of presenting symptoms, this confirms which tissues
are involves, muscle, joint, disc or nerves etc. Osteopaths then take a full medical consultation; past which may influence
their present health such as work injuries or back pain from a road traffic accident, and present health to separate any differential
diagnosis which may contra-indicate osteopathic treatment or mimic a muscular-skeletal condition, an example could be kidney
problems which can give a dull ache or pain into the lower back. A physical examination is undertaken by the osteopath to
highlight body movement, function, restrictions and imbalances.
The approach to osteopathic treatment can vary from osteopath to osteopath however it will involve
physical modules such as massage, osteopathic manipulation and soft tissue techniques to improve movement and function. Exercise
programs are prescribed for addressing imbalances and rehabilitation on a functional basis and are a very important aspect
of osteopathic treatment.
If the osteopath is to improve movement and function then we need to keep it moving considering lifestyle
changes such as postural influences which may include work activities like sitting or standing long periods or leaning over
worktops etc, and dietary advice where necessary.
Osteopaths work closely with doctors and other therapists referring when necessary
and are more than happy to write reports for other therapists and doctors informing what they have found, treated and any
recommendations. back to the top
Where are our Osteopathic clinics
Our osteopathic clinics are in Manchester and Bolton, both have male and female osteopaths, and use various treatment approaches and techniques to help conditions such
as sciatica, low back pain, knee pain, foot pain, migraines, sports injuries and repetitive strain injury.
If you are uncertain if osteopathic
treatment is for you please call and speak to one of our osteopaths who will be happy to discuss your needs or treatment.
Bolton: 01204 552 133 Manchester:
0161 855 2358
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