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HALF SUFFER LOW BACK PAIN
Most back pain results from mechanical disturbances of the spine e.g.
postural strains, joint restrictions and spinal disc injuries. Osteopathy is a
particularly successful approach to treatment.
OVER HALF ARE WOMEN
Many women are working mothers and this combination can give rise to many
problems from the perennial headache to muscular ache. Many headaches originate
from stiffness and tension in the neck and osteopathic treatment can often bring
relief. Pregnancy can put a strain on the whole spine and osteopathic treatment
can help the body adapt to the many changes it experiences.
A QUARTER ARE IN THEIR
FORTIES
Many people are losing fitness at this stage in their lives and are more
prone to injury. Osteopaths consider the whole person, examining posture and the
strength and flexibility of muscle, ligaments and tendons.
MANY ARE ELDERLY
Pain-killers are not the only solution for the aches and pains associated
with ageing. Osteopathy can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the less acute
stages of arthritis.
MANY PROBLEMS RELATE TO WORK
Work, whether at a computer or in heavy industry can give rise to muscle,
tendon and joint discomfort, often in the back, hands and arms.. Osteopaths use their hands both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and
to carry out treatment using a variety of manipulative techniques.
These may include muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint
movements or thrust techniques to improve the range of movement of a joint.
Gentle releasing techniques are often used, especially when treating children or
elderly patients. (see cranial osteopathy)
Osteopathy is an established
system of diagnosis and manual
treatment for many conditions and is recognised by the British Medical Association
as a distinct clinical discipline.
G.P. referral is not required as many conventional
diagnostic procedures are used during examination.In May 2000, osteopathy became the first major complementary health care
profession to be afforded statutory recognition under the Osteopaths Act ( 1993
). It is now a criminal offence for anyone to use the title " osteopath " unless
registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
Patients have the same safeguards as when currently they consult a doctor or
dentist.
Most people consult an osteopath because they have back pain, but the
American Doctor who developed the treatment in the late 1800's used it for a far wider range of
symptoms. Osteopaths believe that much of the pain and disability that we suffer
stems from abnormal function of the body structure.
It's main strength, however, lies in the unique way the
patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and
the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the individual needs of the
patient.
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