Osteopathy and the Elderly
We work effectively with senior and elderly patients who want to improve movement, ease stiffness and loosen muscles in order to help the body adapt to the effects of ageing. Whilst age does play a part in the gradual degeneration of the spine and joints, osteopathic treatment can help improve joint swelling, pain and stiffness through gentle stretching, articulation and soft tissue techniques.
For many older patients, osteoarthritis is the cause of pain and they are often resigned to the fact that it is just a part of getting older and they just have to grin and bear it. Some of the symptoms of Osteoarthritis can be alleviated by gently mobilizing joints, and stretching, and strengthening soft tissues in the area. In chronic cases it may not be the actual arthritis that is causing most of the pain. The body may attempt to protect the joint by supporting it with muscle spasm, which in turn is the source of the aches and pains. Soft tissue and stretching techniques can reduce this excessive muscle tension, ease the pain and improve movement.
Besides osteopathic treatment, we will advise and give gentle stretching exercises to try to preserve joint movement and prevent exacerbations.