Osteoarthritis & Osteoporosis
Pain from osteoarthritis or wear and tear in the joints (especially hips and knees) is common. Osteopaths can’t cure the arthritis and it depends on the severity of the wear and tear but treatment and advice from an osteopath can often help ease the symptoms. Osteopaths can look at the patient as a whole, assess the way the hip moves, strengthen and stretch the muscles, gently massage the hip muscles and stretch the hip joint to reduce tension and improve the mobility of the joint and work on the secondary problems like backache.
X-rays, scans and other tests are sometimes required to make a diagnosis and your osteopath may refer to your GP or a specialist for any additional investigations or treatment (institute of osteopathy)
There is a lot you can do to prevent the risk of osteoporosis, and to reduce your chance of breaking a bone if you do get it. Osteopaths are often seen by the general public as experts in the field of bone health, and as such, they are well placed to screen patients for this condition and offer practical advice on risk factors, prevention and treatment.
IBS and Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) Disorders
Gastrointestional tract disorders refer to diseases involving the digestive system, which includes a range of viral organs including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum, and other organs connected to the gastrointestinal tract such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Some of the common GIT disorders include:
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Gallstones
Osteopathy and medical acupuncture may help in the treatment of GI tract disorders, including by reducing inflammation, promoting the release of vascular and immonomodulatory factors, inhibiting gastric motility by activating sympathetic nerves via spinal reflexes, and increasting motility in the vagus nerve and supraspinal reflexes (Chang, 2001; Noguchi, 2008; Zijlstra, 2003).
Stress, Anxiety, Inability to Relax
Research has shown that Osteopathy can be highly effective in treating stress-related conditions by helping to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems to relieve symptoms of prolonged stress.
Osteopathic manual techniques, such as soft tissue manipulation and myofascial release, can help relax tense muscles. This in turn can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety symptoms. Cranial osteopathy can also be used with the aim of alleviating symptoms related to stress and anxiety.
TMJ Pain and Oral Lateral Pterygoid Release
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can result from various causes, including tension, injury, teeth grinding, or joint dysfunction. This discomfort often affects the jaw, face, head, neck, and even shoulders. Osteopathy can play an important role in managing TMJ pain, offering targeted treatments to help reduce tension and improve joint function.
Osteopaths take a holistic approach, considering how the jaw works alongside the rest of the body. Treatment may include gentle soft tissue work and mobilisations to release tension in the jaw and surrounding areas, including the neck and shoulders. Specifically, an oral lateral pterygoid release can help target deep muscles inside the jaw that are commonly associated with TMJ dysfunction. This precise technique can alleviate pain, reduce clicking or locking of the jaw, and restore balance in the joint.
In addition, osteopaths can provide practical advice on habits that may aggravate TMJ issues, such as teeth grinding or poor posture. If necessary, we may recommend referrals for imaging, dental assessments, or other specialist care to fully address the condition.
Whether your TMJ pain is mild or significantly affecting your daily life, osteopathic care can offer relief by treating the root causes and associated symptoms to improve your overall wellbeing.