Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can affect people of all ages at any time in their lives, caused by several reasons, symptoms can range from mild to severe pain which may radiate to different locations in the body. It is a leading cause of sick days lost in the workplace and can lead to a poor quality of life however there are many things you can do to help ease a painful lower back.
It is always important to have a full check-up and discussion with your GP to ensure your back pain is not caused by a serious illness or disease. Once this has been done your osteopath will be happy to provide a full subjective and objective assessment, taking into consideration your specific needs, preferences and capabilities. This information will be used to create an appropriate treatment package to be carried out at one of the three London Osteopathy clinics. Treatments are offered at bases in central London, Beckenham and Holborn.
If you are experiencing episodes of lower back pain, manual therapies offered by an osteopath may be worth trying to ease the pain and discomfort that are interrupting your normal life. By looking at the body as a whole your osteopath will focus on manual therapies to attempt to get your body in a state of balance, identifying any potential issues which may be contributing towards your pain.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), reports that manual therapy (spinal manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques such as massage) can be used to manage low back pain, alongside a treatment package which including exercise. The NHS website reports that it is vital to keep active as spells of inactive can exaggerate symptoms. The NHS recommends exercises such as Pilates to combat back pain. Pilates is available at the London Osteopath clinics, your suitability can be discussed with your osteopath clinician before attending a class, where you be guided through a series of gentle exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles.
Your osteopath will offer advice and information on how to improve your posture and, as the NICE guidelines advised, a range of exercises will be formulated for you to carry out at home to improve your symptoms and potentially prevent them from reoccurring.
Osteopathy for Arthritis
The goal of osteopathy treatment in relation to arthritis is to reduce any imbalances that may be contributing to the condition. Following a thorough assessment at one of the three London Osteopathy clinics, your treatment will be tailor-made to your individual requirements. This may include a variety of gentle movements, stretching, massage and manipulation of the affected joints.
These techniques aim to relieve muscle tension and pain whilst working to improve joint flexibility. Work may be done on surrounding joints to take the stress and strain off the affected area, ensuring that loading of the joints through activities such as walking is as equal as possible.
The increased blood and lymph supply to the treated area can optimise healing to the joint and surrounding tissues, following several session you may notice a reduction in pain and an overall improvement of function in your everyday activities. With the reduction in symptoms, many patients can increase general fitness through activity and lifestyle changes which can further improve health and therefore breaking the cycle of inactivity and pain avoidance.
Your osteopath will be able to provide home exercises and positive, friendly advice in regards to posture, balance and nutrition to enable you to self manage your condition confidently and effectively.
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