Osteopaths are not just limited to treating specific injuries and conditions, we can help with the more generalised aches and pains that bother you too. No problem is too small to address.
What Can Cause Little Aches and Pains?
Subtle discomforts could be due to any number of things, like
- mild ligament sprains
- mild muscle strains
- irritated joints
- weak muscles that are asked to work too hard
Alternatively, your symptoms might be the first signs of something that might need a bit more help to manage.
Recurrent little aches and pains can also be indicative of something else going on. Perhaps your recurrent low-grade headaches are associated with a small issue in the neck that osteopathy could resolve. Maybe your constant back ache could be fixed by changing your desk set up- we can help you there too. Osteopaths look at the whole person to find the root cause of their pain.
Catching It Early
With most conditions, earlier intervention is associated with a quicker and easier recovery. Degenerative conditions in particular tend to start slowly and may build up without you even realising. Sometimes it’s a loved one who first draws attention to an issue with a comment like “do you know you’ve been limping for a while now?”
If a condition is degenerative, it means it gets worse over time. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a good example like this, showing its first signs as early as your 40s, or potentially before if associated with an injury. What people often don’t realise that this is a problem with cartilage, which is a living tissue. By improving movement and easing pressure on the joint, we can encourage better joint health. When the cartilage has optimum conditions, it can begin to heal or at least become a bit more resilient to the process.
Addressing Aches and Preventing Bigger Issues
The concept of holism is a major part of osteopathic philosophy. In this context, holism refers to the interconnection within the body. For example, if you sprain an ankle, you might develop some lower back pain as you compensate to avoid weight bearing. Compensation like this is one of the body’s first methods of protecting itself.
With this in mind, it’s wise to address your little aches and pains to prevent the adaption that could lead to something more significant.
Regular Check-ups
In the same vein, you might find it helpful to see your osteopath on a regular basis, like you would your dentist. These appointments can be really valuable for halting issues before they’re even on your radar. Like any other appointment, we’ll ask you about what’s going on, or what’s changed, and examine you. A new car or job might have an effect on the way you sit, and some treatment, exercises, and ergonomic advice should be enough to get you back on track. Following an injury, pregnancy, or surgery, these check ups can be especially helpful.