Stress
Matters concerning mental health have been at the forefront of many recent news stories. The negative effects of stress are well researched and documented; chronic stress can ultimately lead to a shorter life span. The correlation between stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke are strengthening, meaning it has never been a better time to address and manage any stress-related issues you may be experiencing.
Stress can manifest itself in the form of several symptoms:
- Headaches or dizziness
- Muscle tensions, pains and stiffnesses
- Memory and concentration difficulties
- Digestive and stomach problems
- Chest pains or episodes of a faster heart rate
- Irritability and agitation
- Sleep problems, including insomnia
- Substances abuse to manage symptoms (drinking or smoking to ‘wind down after a stressful day’)
- Social withdrawal affecting relationships and overall well being
None of these symptoms are pleasant to live with and can begin to affect your career, hobbies and relationships with others. There are several ways your osteopath can help you to treat and manage stress.
Massage, available in all three London Osteopath locations (Beckenham, central London and Holborn clinics) is a well-known antidote to stress. A massage can help to reduce symptoms of stress by not only encouraging relaxation with the release of powerful endorphins but also increasing muscle temperature promoting circulation and healing. A calm, serene setting will allow full relaxation whilst your osteopath gently works on any troublesome muscles or joints, leading to a decrease in feelings of anxiety, nervousness, stress and tensions. An added benefit of massage is the release of sleep-inducing hormones, triggered by the deep pressure of a massage, allowing for improved sleep patterns which in turn relieve stress and minimise the negative impact of stress.
Aside from massage at the London Osteopath clinic, physical osteopathy sessions are a great tool to promote relaxation through stretching, massage or strengthening of muscles. Due to the gentle nature of the sessions, the nervous system is not overstimulated as not to exacerbate your symptoms further. Any conditions or symptoms of pain which could be contributing to your stress can be dealt with during the sessions with a focus on a completely holistic approach of musculoskeletal, neurological and vascular systems to provide optimal health and restore correct biomechanics which may otherwise by interfering with your holistic health.
Your osteopath will be able to provide friendly support, guidance and advice to identify and change harmful lifestyle choices that may harm your quality of life.
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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