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Case histories
Two examples illustrate an osteopoth's ability
not only to treat 'difficult' musculoskeletal
problems but also to understond, diagnose and
treat the body as a whole (including areas separate,
but related to the symptom area). These features
can make all the difference in recovery and return
to fitness.
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A man in his
late fifties, running at senior club level
had a recurrent history of calf injuries
in his right leg. After being assessed by
a variety of therapists, he consulted an
osteopath who discovered that the onset
of the problem was a change af occupation
two years previously. His new job required
o lot of standing and examination revealed
that he tended to stand with his right leg
slightly bent. As a result, the calf muscle
had started to shorten on that side. Osteopathy
enabled him to stand more symmetrically,
thus reducing the tension in the right calf.
An improved stretching routine was then
prescribed and a recovery from the injury
(so far nonrecurring) was rapidly achieved.
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A forty year
old woman who played badminton and tennis
at County level had a six month history
of severe 'tennis elbow' pain. She was concerned
that her injury was worsening and she knew
a number af people who had been forced to
give up their sports due to similar problems.
Her osteopath discovered the problem was
that her spine allowed very little rotatian
and her shoulder muscles (especially the
'rotator cuff') were very tight. She improved
very well with treatment to her neck (where
the nerve supply to the elbow arises from)
and elbow. Importantly, her shoulder and
upper back mobility was treated and substantially
increased. This approach reduced the demands
on her elbow and she not only returned to
pain free racquet sports but also found
her increased mobility meant she ended up
having the most powerful smash shots she
had ever had!
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A Sporting Life - Basic Guidelines
If you are taking up a new sporting activity,
whether it is aerobics or football, seek the advice
af a coach, trainer or instructor. You can then
plan your programme so that it develops in parallel
with your body's ability to cope.
Make sure you 'warm up' (and stretch) beforehand
and 'warm down' and stretch afterwards. This is
often not done well. If you are not sure, ask
an expertl
If you become injured and you are in any doubt
of the severity of the injury seek urgent medical
advice.
Otherwise remember PRICED (especially
relevant for arm and leg injuries):
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Prevention
(because it is always better to avaid any
injuries by preparing adequately)
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Rest
(to prevent further injury)
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Ice
the injured area (not too cold: don't freeze
itl)
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Compress
the area (so that swelling is minimised)
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Elevate
the injury (if it's a limb) to aid 'drainage'
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Diagnosis
(it is much easier to know what to do with
your injury if you understand what damage
has occurred).
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Strapping or taping to protect an injury should
be applied by an experienced person who understands
the injury.
Visiting an Osteopath
When you first attend your osteopath's practice,
a detailed history will be taken (including general
medical details). You will generally be asked
ta remove some clothing so that a detailed functianal
and structural assessment can be made. This will
include a static evaluatian and simple mobility
testing to assess how your whole body relates
mechanically to your complaint. The osteopath
is then likely to focus the examination in the
region which appears to be causing the problem.
Clinical examinatian (such as neurological and
cardiovascular testing) may then be initiated.
Osteopathy is moving rapidly to becaming an all-graduate
profession. Training is demanding and lengthy.
Osteopaths study anatamy, physiology, pathological
processes, biomechanics and clinical methods.
Before qualifying, osteopathic students spend
a great deal of time under supervision seeing
patients in clinic, many of whom suffer with sports
injuries. There is also extensive involvement
in Post Graduate further professional development
with lectures and conferences providing up-to-date
informatian.
...commonly treated by osteopaths
Various pains, strains and other injuries including:
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Low back pain
(with or without sciatica).
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Muscle and ligament
injuries.
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Knee pain (including
mal-tracking ond degenerative canditions)
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Shoulder, elbow
and wrist injuries.
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Foot and ankle
complaints.
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Functional complaints:
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Reduced joint
flexibility (e g. a golfer who cannot rotate
as well as he used to).
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Mechanical limitations
(e.g. a gymnast who is starting to find
increasing difficulty in achieving full
'splits').
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Overuse Injuries
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Tennis and golfer's
elbow
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Tenosynovitis
and tendonitis
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If you have other questions that we have not
answered here, don't hesitate to contact
us!.
Further Information
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