| Osteopathy
in Balham and Clapham |
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As a registered osteopath I have an ongoing concern for the total health of my patients. The body’s skeletal, muscular and organ systems all need to work together to maintain health. A dysfunction in one can result in a dysfunction in the others. I am a practitioner of manual therapy. My hands have been trained to detect changes in tissues by comparing tone, temperature, shape and response to movement. In response to this I endeavour to restore normality by using different techniques (see this page:– ‘The Way I Work’.) Some of the types of problems which are presented to me by patients are given below. 1) Low back pain – probably the most common complaint I see, with or without associated nerve root problems, such as sciatica (irritation along the path of the sciatic nerve). This is often caused by overstraining the back joints due to lifting, bending or sitting slumped for long periods. 2) Neck and shoulder girdle pain – may be caused by sitting awkwardly, sudden movements, sleeping on one’s front, or due to the accumulation of stress. Associated with neck pain may be headaches, which can be caused by the irritation of nerves arising from the top of the spinal cord and exiting from the top of the neck. Other problems: - are amenable to osteopathic treatment, for example restricted shoulder difficulties, including ‘frozen shoulder’. Here the shoulder may become very painful and restricted, perhaps as a result of a previous accident or fall. Restricted/painful elbows, including ‘tennis elbow’ and ‘golfer’s elbow’, where repetitive use of the forearm muscles may cause a local inflammation at the origins of the muscle tendons. Similarly, hip pain (perhaps the result of osteoarthritis or strains due to uneven leg lengths) can be alleviated with osteopathic treatment. Knee problems are not uncommon in sports players, especially those that involve turning the body above the knee quickly while the leg below is static, resulting in various strains in the knee which can affect ligaments, muscles and cartilage (meniscus). Osteopathy can help restore function by loosening any tightened local muscles and help with fluid dispersal by way of effleurage techniques. 3) Arthritis/rheumatism. Wear and tear of joint surfaces is associated with ageing, though it can occur as a result of heredity and can be brought on in younger people by traumatic events such as road traffic accidents or falls. The distortion in joint surfaces leads to restriction in movement, together with concomitant aches and pains in the surrounding soft tissues, referred to as rheumatism. I can help optimise functions in arthritic joints by gently stretching and improving ranges of movement in the joint and by prescribing mobilising exercises to maintain improvement. 4) Sports injuries. These can result in problems in any of the joints and muscles mentioned previously and can be treated osteopathically. Warm-ups before sport and warming-down after sporting exercises are important for optimal function during sport, and also to prevent injuries. 5) Pregnancy/obesity .... and postural changes due to illness can result in additional strains to certain parts of the skeleton, resulting in aches and pains. During pregnancy the growing foetus can put a great load on the spine, especially the lower back and pelvis. This can result in symptoms such as pain and restricted movement. Osteopathic treatment to stretch out spinal muscles and mobilise joints in the lower back and pelvis can improve functioning. 6) Children’s spinal problems ..... may arise due to poor posture, carrying too much in backpacks, or various injuries due to accidents or sports. I work to ease the irritated tissues and give advice about posture. |
Wandsworth Osteopathic
Practice
8 Sarsfeld Road, Balham, London, SW12 8HN tel: 020 8767 3834 |
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