Not just backs! - What is Osteopathy?

Chart Clinic Osteopath, Francesca offers her insights on what Osteopathy is in her following introductory article.

Hello everyone!
My name is Francesca, I’m Italian. My first approach to the osteopathic world started 5 years ago with the beginning of my studies.

Before that, I was sceptical as most of the people in my country (well, now it’s hopefully getting better!) It’s a common belief that the osteopath heals bones and, to be honest, I thought that as well, at least once in my life!

Let us think about the etimology of the word: -osteo, from Greek osteon (that means "bone") and -pathy, from Greek patheia (that means “disease”).

However, in this case, the suffix –pathy derives from the english word “path” as to say that the osteopath acts through the musculoskeletal system (-osteo) in order to promote structural integrity and restore/preserve health.

In the UK the figure of the osteopath is much more well received. However I feel the need to make a step forward, dispelling a myth: osteopathy is not just about backs – it’s even more than that!

Recent research has showed that osteopathic treatments are effective in treating low back pain, whose life-time incidence has been estimated to be of 51% to 84%.

The question we need to answer is: what is causing the symptomatology right there? A type of pain so common, in fact, can mistakenly target toward hasty diagnosis and it is interesting to note that two patients that have symptoms apparently identical, have totally different etiology.

Apart from strained ligaments, nerve root’s compression or inflamed facet joints etc., the low back pain could also be caused by altered function of the gastrointestinal system: recent studies pointed out improvements in the quality of life of patients affected by the irritable bowel syndrome, following osteopathic treatments.

This is just one of the several conditions that could be managed by the osteopath, in association with a medical support where it is deemed necessary, thanks to a functional rebalancement between the neurological and vascular support between back and digestive organs.

Every body has its own innate capacity to heal itself: it could be impaired because of trauma or functional overload and overuse – our role is to find out what is causing the issue, and to activate that physiological healing flux once again.

FRANCESCA CAVALLARO

D.O. M.Ost. RQ (UK)

Francesca completed a 5-year course at the International College of Osteopathic Medicine in Turin, Italy. 

Her post-graduate experience includes studying at the Surrey Institute of Osteopathic Medicine (NESCOT), where she achieved a Master’s Degree in Osteopathy, internationally recognized as the highest academic achievement obtainable. 

Francesca works in Reigate at our Osteopathic Clinic on Tuesday and Thursday.

Call 01737 248 023 or book an appointment online at our website

60% of Adults in the UK may suffer from Back Pain at some point in their life. Osteopathy can help...

Back problems are extremely common. Research has shown that back pain and related problems may affect in excess of 60% of people in the UK at some point in their lives. This is largely due to the fact that the lower back supports most of your body’s weight.

It is possible to suffer with a variety of symptoms. This may be a tingling or burning sensation, dull ache or sharp pain.

Back trouble does not necessarily make just your back hurt, you may get symptoms in more distant areas like your hip, buttocks, groin or legs (commonly referred to as sciatica).

Problems with your spine and neck can also cause symptoms, for example dizziness, headaches, pain in the arm or shoulder, pins and needle and much more!

It is not always the case that one sudden event causes your back pain. This can be a result of strain over a longer period of time. If you are doing things improperly, for example, standing or sitting for a long time with bad posture. It is then that unexpectedly one straightforward movement like reaching or bending for something that triggers your pain.

There are generally two types of back pain, acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term, continuous, ongoing). Acute low back pain is more common and it usually last for 1 month and can occur any number of times, whereas long-term back pain tends to last for longer than 3 months. Acute back pain can be resolved quite quickly especially with manual therapies and exercise, with good advice from a health professional you can take action to prevent a recurrence.

Osteopathy and Back Pain

Osteopaths are professionally trained individuals who are skilled in diagnosing problems, as well as those that may need further investigation if required.

Around 30,000 people currently consult osteopaths every working day with more than 7 million consultations carried out every year (General Osteopathic Council). NICE (the National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidelines recommend manipulative therapies including osteopathy for the treatment of low back pain.

Treatment with an Osteopath

Osteopaths use a wide variety of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, health and diagnosis. Treatment is different for each patient but typically includes techniques such as different soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help ease pain and mobilise your joints. Occasionally, when we move joints you may hear a ‘click’. This is just like the click people get when they crack their knuckles.

Keeping a healthy spine and joints

When we are young our body is a little more forgiving, easily adapting to the stress and strains it is subjected to. As we grow older the body begins to lose some of the suppleness which gives the body flexibility to get by and adapt. This especially applies to the discs between the vertebra and cartilage. Frequent movement is vital for these structures to allow maximum motion to increase local circulation and nutrition to the nearby fluids and tissues.

The British Osteopathic association suggest the following tips to keep a healthy back:

10 top tips for back care

1. Keep moving and stretching
2. Take regular exercise
3. Take frequent breaks between repetitive tasks and vary the rhythm
4. Change position – avoid ‘computer hump’
5. Pace yourself when the work is heavy e.g. gardening
6. Adjust car seats, and on long journeys, have breaks and stretch
7. Watch children’s posture – don’t let them carry bags on one shoulder
8. Avoid strain when lifting especially when shopping and with small children
9. Is your bed the right bed or is it getting old?
10. Seek osteopathic advice earlier rather than later

Source: osteopathy.org/back-pain 1/2/2012

If you or someone you know is suffering with back pain, why not get in contact with Chart Clinic to see how we can help, we will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Back Care Awarness Week - Is Your Back In Good Shape?

Back Care Awareness week is almost upon us and here at Chart Clinic Osteopathy & Sports Massage we are passionate about helping people maintain a healthy spine!

Back pain, much of the time arises from the modern day sedentary lifestyle. The desk job for example, so many of us spend long hours behind a desk, hunched over our computers or laptops; the human spine is not designed for that. We have evolved from cavemen but seemed to have gone full circle if you look at some of the postures we let ourselves slump into. The bad news is a poor posture causes a lot strain on the spine.

Keeping good physical shape, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight immediately improves spinal health. Making small changes such as adopting a more supportive chair and switching from an old mattress to a new one can help enormously.

Gentle stretching exercises are recommended, at Chart Clinic our patients benefit from receiving personalised advice and exercises, specifically designed to keep each person’s spine in optimal condition. 

Principal Osteopath, James Clapham says “People tend to take better care of their cars than the backs, an annual MOT and service keeps a car in good running condition for 10 years or so, yet our precious bodies we expect to keep going well into our eighties and longer? We neglect the most important possession we have, our physical health!  What will you do if your back wears out, unlike a car; you can’t buy a new spine”.

This Back Care Awareness month of October, Chart Clinic are offering FREE ‘Back Health Checks’, so whether or not you have aches and pains, come along and get a free assessment and advice.

We are also offering a FREE information and advice at our Open Day, Saturday 13^th October 10am-4pm.  Please feel free to come along and drop in to see us, we will be happy to talk to you about Backs, Necks and more.

To make and appointment of for more information, contact us on 01737 248 023 or visit http://www.chartclinic.co.uk/special.htm

60% of Adults in the UK may suffer from Back Pain at some point in their life. Osteopathy can help...

Back problems are extremely common. Research has shown that back pain and related problems may affect in excess of 60% of people in the UK at some point in their lives. This is largely due to the fact that the lower back supports most of your body’s weight.

It is possible to suffer with a variety of symptoms. This may be a tingling or burning sensation, dull ache or sharp pain.

Back trouble does not necessarily make just your back hurt, you may get symptoms in more distant areas like your hip, buttocks, groin or legs (commonly referred to as sciatica).

Problems with your spine and neck can also cause symptoms, for example dizziness, headaches, pain in the arm or shoulder, pins and needle and much more!

It is not always the case that one sudden event causes your back pain. This can be a result of strain over a longer period of time. If you are doing things improperly, for example, standing or sitting for a long time with bad posture. It is then that unexpectedly one straightforward movement like reaching or bending for something that triggers your pain.

There are generally two types of back pain, acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term, continuous, ongoing). Acute low back pain is more common and it usually last for  1 month and can occur any number of times, whereas long-term back pain tends to last for longer than 3 months.  Acute back pain can be resolved quite quickly especially with manual therapies and exercise, with good advice from a health professional you can take action to prevent a recurrence.

Osteopathy and Back Pain

Osteopaths are professionally trained individuals who are skilled in diagnosing problems, as well as those that may need further investigation if required.

Around 30,000 people currently consult osteopaths every working day with more than 7 million consultations carried out every year (General Osteopathic Council). NICE (the National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidelines recommend manipulative therapies including osteopathy for the treatment of low back pain.

Treatment with an Osteopath

Osteopaths use a wide variety of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, health and diagnosis. Treatment is different for each patient but typically includes techniques such as different soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help ease pain and mobilise your joints. Occasionally, when we move joints you may hear a ‘click’. This is just like the click people get when they crack their knuckles.

Keeping a healthy spine and joints

When we are young our body is a little more forgiving, easily adapting to the stress and strains it is subjected to. As we grow older the body begins to lose some of the suppleness which gives the body flexibility to get by and adapt. This especially applies to the discs between the vertebra and cartilage. Frequent movement is vital for these structures to allow maximum motion to increase local circulation and nutrition to the nearby fluids and tissues.

The British Osteopathic association suggest the following tips to keep a healthy back:

10 top tips for back care

1. Keep moving and stretching
2. Take regular exercise
3. Take frequent breaks between repetitive tasks and vary the rhythm
4. Change position – avoid ‘computer hump’
5. Pace yourself when the work is heavy e.g. gardening
6. Adjust car seats, and on long journeys, have breaks and stretch
7. Watch children’s posture – don’t let them carry bags on one shoulder
8. Avoid strain when lifting especially when shopping and with small children
9. Is your bed the right bed or is it getting old?
10. Seek osteopathic advice earlier rather than later

Source: osteopathy.org/back-pain 1/2/2012

If you or someone you know is suffering with back pain, why not get in contact with Chart Clinic to see how we can help, we will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.