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Who can it help?
Osteopaths treat people, diagnosing and treating the
cause rather than just the symptoms themselves. Here are just a few of the many
conditions that patients seek treatment for.
Backache
Affecting four out of five people at some time in their lives, backache (often
referred to as Lumbago) is the most common complaint treated by osteopaths. In
most cases, backache is caused by over-straining the structural components in
the back. Most cases, whilst painful, are not serious if seen to promptly.
Headache
Neck and shoulder tension caused by stress or by activities such as sitting at a
VDU all day, normally responds well to osteopathic treatment.
Joint and muscle strain
Osteopaths are often associated with treating back pain. However osteopaths can
treat joint and muscle strain in any part of the body including the hips, legs,
knees, ankles, feet, wrist, elbows, shoulders arms and ribs.
Sports injuries
Osteopathic treatment can benefit sports men and women at all levels. If you are
eager to get back to your sport quickly after injury, or have a problem which is
preventing you from performing at your best, osteopathic treatment can help you
reach your peak level of fitness.
Pregnancy
Responsible for a great change in posture, pregnancy can cause back and
discomfort. Many women find gentle osteopathic treatment can bring great relief.
Although most osteopaths are not against using medication, osteopathic treatment
can help avoid the use of drugs altogether.
After surgery
Osteopaths can help patients, particularly those whose movement has been
affected by surgery.
Sciatica
This refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve that supplies the leg. However it
is often used to describe any pain in the leg, whatever the cause, whether the
it is related to circulation, pain referred from a back injury, trauma or nerve
irritation. The most common causes of sciatica can usually be successfully
treated by an osteopath.
Arthritis
Normal wear and tear of the joint surface can result in arthritis or
osteoarthritis. This kind of damage is not to be confused with some cases of
arthritis that are caused by a disease affecting the joint surface.
Osteoarthritis is a normal process associated with ageing. Usually the symptoms
do not start until much later in life, if at all, and normally lead to some
restriction in movement of the joints, plus some muscular aches and pains often
referred to as rheumatism. Osteopathic treatment cannot reverse the wear and
tear of the joint surface, but in most cases, can offer advice on other factors,
such as lifestyle, which may help with long term relief from the symptoms
associated with arthritis.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Also known as RSI, this condition is commonly associated with people who work
with computer keyboards for prolonged periods of time, but also includes
injuries such as 'tennis elbow' and 'shin splints'. Osteopathic treatment can
benefit these conditions, particularly when treated early.
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