Osteopaths at St Pauls Osteopathy Practice Birmingham are happy to help patients with any treatment listed above.

Groin injury

Groin injuries are typically caused by a strain to the adductor muscles of the upper thigh. A tear to the muscle is most often the result of an abrupt stop or change of direction whilst running fully stretched out. Hence, the injury is common in sports such as football, rubgy and hockey. Once the torn the muscle tissue will swell and be sore to the touch. These are particularly nasty injuries because they take a long time to heal. The traditional approach to treatment - resting up, application of ice to reduce swelling, compression of the muscle with an elastic bandage and elevation - are hard to continue for long enough to have an effect. As a result patients frequently believe they are cured too quickly and aggravate the initial injury with another muscle tear becasue the first is not yet full-healed. Osteopaths recommend lots of stretching rehabilitative exercises to avoid this common problem.

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.