Osteopathy for Age-related Pain
It can be frustrating to reach a stage of life when you have more time for recreation, only to experience age-related pain and stiffness that may prevent you from enjoying your life to the fullest. Many people believe that pain and stiffness that comes with age is untreatable and just a part of getting older, but this is not necessarily the case.
As we age the body loses its flexibility, which can increase the risk of injury. The body also loses some of its ability to recover from injuries and strains. Some common effects of ageing are:
- Poor balance
- General stiffness and soreness
- Back and neck pain
- Joint pain
- Arthritis and joint swelling
Maintaining your mobility is a key part of enjoying a healthy, independent lifestyle as you age.
Osteopathic techniques aim to maintain your health and mobility by addressing any restrictions and inflammation and providing lifestyle advice to keep you strong and healthy.
Osteopathy for Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that affects the joints and can affect one or more joints. It usually involves inflammation and causes pain and swelling around the joint that can make it stiff and reduce a full range of movement.
While arthritis is commonly associated with increasing age, it can occur at any age. There are many different types of arthritis, however the most common forms are:
- Osteoarthritis – caused by wear and tear on joints, this is more common as we age.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation in joints.
- Gout – caused by a build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream, is influenced by diet and family history.
- Ankylosing spondylitis – inflammation of the spine and pelvis and is more common in men than women.
Osteopathic treatment will usually involve working on the muscles and tissues around the joint to help reduce stiffness and soreness and gentle movement to help reduce fluid around the joint which often is the cause of the swelling and stiffness.
Your Osteopath can work with your GP and other health care providers to ensure an integrated approach is achieved for your healthcare.
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