Deans Gates Osteopathic and Physiotherapy Clinic

Osteopaths at Deans Gates Osteopathic and Physiotherapy Clinic see patients with many different conditions, two of the more common complaints are discussed below

Edema

From an osteopathic perspective edema - or an abnormal concentration of fluid in any part of the body - is most frequently the result of a blockage of the body's normal absorptive flows which may be caused by a trauma or by post-operative scarring for example. The danger is the viscious cycle whereby edemas cause further blockages to blood vessels and nerves which impedes their function giving rise to tissue congestion exacerbating the problem. The recommended treatment for edema is to restore free movement to the lymphatice drainage system via gentle manipulation or massage. The intended effect is improve circulation, increased resorption, and a system that can naturally heal itself.

Lower Back pain

Lower back pain is common, difficult to diagnose and often mis-treated. The causes are also complex ranging from traumatic accidents to degeneration of discs, or damage to tendons; frequently reported are episodes caused by performing unusual movements to which one is not accustomed such as lifting especially heavy items. The result can be excruciatingly painful and debilitating causing loss of productivity and difficulty sleeping due to discomfort even lying down. It is widely accepted across all forms of medical practice that, in most cases, left to themselves most bad back will recover slowly on their own. However, many are not content to wait for nature to run its course as the pain is too bad. Hence visits to osteopaths are often intended to speed the healing process. More importantly, in some cases the condition will not naturally resolve itself and may degenerate into a chronic condition which can dramatically impede quality of life. That is why most osteopaths would recommend early treatment so that the likelihood of developing a more serious condition is reduced.