Postural Disorders
Postural disorders are a broad term used to describe anything that is outside of the standard anatomical posture. Examples of disorders are, but not limited to:
- Spinal curvatures (scoliosis, hyper-kyphosis, hyper-lordosis, etc)
- Pokey chin posture (forward head position)
- Knees that point inwards, outwards or may be hyperextended
- Excessive rotation of limbs (particularly seen at the hips leading to the feet pointing inwards)
- Flat foot or disorders of the foot arch.
Many people can live with these conditions without any outward signs of issues. However, many postural disorders coincide with postural asymmetry, postural compensations or poor balance due to alterations in the centre of gravity and base of support. Even minimal postural disorders can be a marker for weak or imbalanced muscles groups.
Your osteopathy at the London Osteopath clinic will use stretching, massage, physical manipulation and articulation to relieve tension, mobilise joints and enhance blood and nerve flow to tissues, to assist the body’s own healing mechanisms. Although a lot of conditions such as spinal curvatures can not be fully corrected, osteopath treatment may assist to alleviate symptoms whilst perhaps also slowing the progression of these conditions. Increasing postural strength and control can increase your capabilities to move more efficiently in space, therefore, preserving energy and reducing muscle fatigue.
If suitable, your osteopath may encourage you to participate in the gentle Pilates classes which are available in the London Osteopathy clinics. Taking into account your abilities and goals the Pilates classes can help to build up a good foundation of flexibility and strength. The classes aim to allow for strengthening within the ‘normal’ planes of movement, therefore not exacerbating symptoms associated with your postural disorder. The classes are as much about education as they are about exercise which will allow you to learn and understand correct movement and mobility, and the impact these positive actions can have on your issues.
The London Osteopathy clinic has three bases, Holborn, Beckenham and central London. Each clinic is able to offer professional, friendly assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of postural disorders. As with all conditions your lifestyle, diet, exercise regime will be discussed in order to provide accurate advice to further improve your functioning and quality of life caused by your postural disorder.
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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