Muscles and joints are the traditional areas of osteopathic treatment. Most patients arrive at the Practice for the first time suffering from some type of musculo-skeletal problem. They hope for rapid relief from their discomfort and osteopathy will usually provide exactly that.

However, much can be done to reduce the likelihood of recurrence, and/or maintain a higher level of function in the longer term. This is the area in which a more holistic approach can be very satisfactory.

The various therapeutic options may include any of the following:

Regular maintenance treatments every few months. This is a popular option with patients suffering from more severe, degenerative conditions,(such as arthritis) where 'curing' is unlikely. It is also a viable alternative for those whose occupations give them unavoidable physical stresses - builders, IT workers, dancers etc.

Individual exercise regimes (Pilates-based):
These are aimed at each patient's most vulnerable areas. Regularly practising just 3 or 4 very specific exercises can improve posture, relieve pain and reduce the likelihood of a problem recurring.

Nutritional advice:
Patients with problems in the low back, hips, knees or ankles will often improve when they lose weight. Some inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia may improve dramatically with long-term nutritional changes. Food supplements can also be very helpful.
(See www.eminencehealth.co.uk for further details)

Other therapies:
Cupping, Reiki and vibromassage all have a part to play in a holistic approach to musculo-skeletal problems.

Osteoporosis

The number of women and men suffering from 'brittle bones' is reaching epidemic proportions. A combination of diet, supplementation and exercise can help to reduce the rate of bone loss. Specific biochemical urine testing can measure the rate of bone 'turnover' - making prediction and monitoring of this condition much more effective.

Ideally women should have a bone density scan in their 40's - premenopausally - as this gives a useful indication of their vulnerability. If reduced calcification of bones (osteopaenia) is revealed at an early stage, it is easier to maintain bone mass, rather than wait until osteoporosis has taken hold.

Margaret Papoutsis has a special interest in osteoporosis - like many other women, she has a strong family history of the disorder.

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