Cranial Osteopath | conditions we can treat

Headaches

There are several reasons for headaches. Most are not serious and once the cause is established treatment from an osteopath may help. Gentle massage to the tight muscles and manipulation to loosen the joints of the neck, thorax and back can relieve the build-up of muscular tension that may lead to headaches. Osteopaths can also advise on exercise and lifestyle changes and offer guidance on simple changes to your posture when at work or driving which may help. The number of treatments required to resolve your problem will depend on how long you have had the condition. Recent research has shown that osteopathy can be effective in managing long term chronic migraines. (Source: Institute of Osteopathy)  

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition which causes pain, swelling and inflammation and often stiffness in the joints of the body. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis but there are many other types including ankylosing spondylitis, gout, psoriatic arthritis and reactive arthritis. Certain types of arthritis can also affect children. Osteoarthritis is a result of wear and tear of the joints in the body. It is common in people over 50 and most commonly affects the joints of the knees, hips, neck and back, base of the toes and hands. The gentle manipulative and massage techniques from osteopaths can help some arthritis sufferers. By gently moving and stretching an arthritic joint and massaging surrounding muscles and tissues some of the discomfort can be eased. Sometimes an osteopath may work on general mobility of the other joints and muscles in the body to help the mechanics of the body work better. (Source: Institute of Osteopathy)  

Neck Pain

Neck pain is common in people of all ages and is often caused by how we use our necks. Working all day bent over a computer, driving long distances, poor posture while standing or sitting, stress and tiredness are all factors that can cause the muscles in the neck and upper back to become tight and the joints to become stiff which can contribute to ongoing neck pain. Sometimes a nerve in your neck can become irritated or “trapped” and cause pain in the arm going down into your shoulder or the hand, and may be accompanied by pins and needles and numbness. Some headaches can be the result of tension or stiffness in the neck and upper back. Osteoarthritis or age-related wear and tear in the neck can also cause muscular pain from the neck into the shoulder as well as some stiffness in moving the neck. (Source: Institute of Osteopathy)  

Low back pain

Back pain can affect anyone at any age, and can often be the result of a sprain or a strain of the structures of the back such as the muscles, ligaments, joints or damage to the discs. Osteoarthritis or wear and tear in the back can also be a reason.

Most of us know that back pain can be painful and inconvenient, but it’s not usually serious and will often resolve on its own within a few weeks. However, many people seek osteopathic treatment to address it quickly and osteopaths are skilled at helping prevent back pain from becoming a chronic, long-term condition.

There is good quality evidence supporting the beneficial effects of manipulation for back pain and the National Institutes for Clinical Excellence recommends osteopathy for sub-acute and chronic low back pain. Osteopaths may gently massage the soft tissues of your back or rhythmically “rock” the joints to release tension and sometimes we may gently manipulate the back to loosen the joints and you may hear a “click”. (Source: Institute of Osteopathy)

Low Limb Pain

Low limb pain: There is fair evidence to support the use of manipulative therapy, combined with exercise therapy for knee osteoarthritis, pain from the knee cap joint and ankle sprains. (Source: Institute of Osteopathy)  

Shoulder

There is a fair level of evidence for manipulative therapy combined with exercise therapy for rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder. (Source: Institute of Osteopathy)

Elbow, Arm and Hand Pain

Elbow, arm and hand pain are frequent reasons for patients visiting osteopaths. Elbow pain may be caused by common conditions such as tennis elbow which affects the outer side of your arm producing pain locally around that area of your elbow as well as pain down the forearm. Pain around the inside of your arm is frequently called golfers elbow. Other conditions affecting the arm might be repetitive strain injury or RSI. This tends to affect the ligaments and tendons in the arm producing pain on hand and finger movement. Pain in the hand itself, frequently around the base of the thumb can be caused by early degenerative changes or arthritis. (Source: Institute of Osteopathy)

Foot and Ankle Pain

Pain can occur in the foot and ankles for a number of reasons. The foot and ankle is made up of a number of small bones interconnected by ligaments, muscles and fascia all working together to give the strength, stability and flexibility the foot and ankle needs to function properly. Common conditions of the foot, ankle and areas which can give rise to pain include: acquired flat foot, plantar fasciitis, achilles pain and sprained ankles. (Source: Institute of Osteopathy)