Osteopaths at Belsize Osteopathic Practice are happy to help patients with any treatment listed above.

Chronic muscle stiffness

Chronic muscle stiffness is a painful condition which is difficult to treat. Doctors will routinely treat this condition, at least in the short-term, with anti-inflamatory drugs such as Diclofenac. However, these drugs have serious side-effects which can damage the liver with extended usage. As a result chronic sufferers may wish to consider alternative treatments. One simple palliative option is a relaxing, long hot bath. This will help the muscles relax. More beneficially, osteopaths will prescribe a detailed set of exercises for patients. These exercises use slow repetitive movements to lengthen the muscles. Exercises including stretching and toning, tai chi, yoga and swimming. Walking is also beneficial both to reduce muscle tension but also to help reduce stress and relax the mind. Many osteopaths have trained in what is known as the Bowen Technique which is said to be particularly well suited to this condition and also to Fibromyalgia.

Delayed Development

Delayed development is troubling for parents because it is often noticed over a long period of time as the failure by a child to keep up with the development path of peer children. The symptoms include a lack of coordination, difficulty walking or running or failing to talk, either at all or clearly. Yet noticing an absence is difficult and, of course, the speed at which individuals develop on multiple dimensions will always vary substantially. Nevertheless, once parents or carers become aware of this issue, it is important to look to potential physical causes rather than to assume the child is less bright than others. It is apparent all too often that such kids are suffering from vital nerves at the base of the skull being trapped or pinched. Once the nerves are released the speed of development can be amazing with some children very rapidly catching up to their friends.