Osteopathy

[Grunt]

We used to walk them all the time but sadly, one of them is suffering from arthritis and as much as she would like to walk all day the next day she wouldn't stand up. They get 20 minutes or so a day.

[echnidna]

Good to hear your backs ok Oz

[Wood Butcher]

I had the unfortunate experience of tearing two of my lower back muscles early in january. The physio said that even though the exercises I should be doing will help to strengthen my muscles there is no guarantee that it won't happen again. Could anyone give some more details on what an osteopath does. I still have mild to chronic back pain and would be interested in other options. Also Kiwigeo, what pilates system do you use? There are so many different types I wouldn't know where to start.

Thanks
Rowan

[Wongo]

First Al, brother congrats for finding the “Answer”.

I am only 35 but I have had back problem in the past 20 years. Tall, thin and too much basketball are the key ingredients to my back problem. I have tried many things to try to fix the problem. Physio, Chiropractic, Chinese acupuncture, expensive mattress, special pillow, chair, electronic massage device, CAT scans, X-ray ...... You name it.

Well I still haven’t found the answer yet. The only difference now is I am so much used to the pain. So it isn’t so bad like the first few years.

I really hope that your answer will be the answer for me too.

Cheers

[Grunt]

I swiped this from the internet somewhere. Sums it up.

The philosophy of Osteopathy is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. It places emphasis on the relationships between the body’s structure, framework and function, teaching the appreciation of the body’s ability to heal itself.


Osteopaths work with their hands to perform such treatment using a variety of techniques:

• Massage and stretching techniques.
• Articulation techniques – passive joint mobilisation.
• Muscle energy techniques – releasing contracted muscles by working against resistance.
• Counterstrain techniques – counter stretching restricted joints and muscles whilst in position of comfort in order to achieve release.
• Functional techniques – gentle joint mobilisation.
• Manipulation
• Visceral techniques – management of conditions affecting internal organs involving gentle and rhythmical stretching of the visceral areas.

The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles, tendinitis and muscle strains, work-related and repetitive strain injuries, and sports-related injuries. Other conditions for which Osteopathy can play a significant role in reducing the severity of symptoms include asthma, gynaecological dysfunction, arthritic conditions and chronic fatigue.

When visiting an osteopath for the first time, a full case history will be taken as well as an examination. This generally requires the removing of some clothing and the performance of a simple series of movements. The Osteopath will use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Osteopathic treatments are tailored to the requirements of the individual patient, and techniques are selected which are appropriate to the patient’s needs. For some acute pain, one to two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance averaging six to eight sessions.

[Wood Butcher]

Thanks Grunt

[RufflyRustic]

I've found a good back massage to work wonders, as well as regular Pilates sessions.

cheers
RR

[Gra]

I know the feeling, I am only 35, but having had a really bad suden attack of siatica, so bad I couldnt walk. in three days I ended up in casualty (its amazing how quickly a person writhing in pain on the floor with a todler running around and a pregnant wife gets treated). It got so bad I had to use a stick to walk to the toilet at home and any futher I had to use one of those disabled scooters. Having a wife who works with joint replacements, she got me in to see a neurosurgeon(its not what you know sometimes). He looked me over and I was in hospital within weeks, one MRI later it was decided that a steriodal epidural (Basically a steriod injection in the spine) with pain releavers. a week and a half later I still cant drive due to the pain releif drug I am on, but I can walk without using a stick, I went shopping on thursday with only the stick as a back up. the doc is telling me I sould be back to normal in a couple of weeks.

My only suggestion is try everything and see what works for you. My father had a stroke two years ago, her is also suffering motorsyclist knees, and so cant walk very well. he has found water aerobics is helping him.

[Daddles]

I've found a good back massage to work wonders, as well as regular Pilates sessions.

cheers
RR

Trouble is RR, you aren't likely to come down from Qld to give me one And I'm not letting Christopha do it :eek:

Richard

[ozwinner]

Dr Als observations.

Chiro.
No loosening up of the muscles or joint prior to adjustment.
Often violent adjustment involved, on an already sore part of the back.
In and out of the practice within 10 to 15 minutes.
Multiple visits to fix the same problem.

Osteo.
Nice warm relaxing oily massage prior to adjustment.
Gentle manipulation of body to stretch muscles.
Adjustment smooth and controlled.
Full 30 minute session.
Problem lessened or eased concideralby in one visit.

I have used both as you know, but I am now a fan of Osteo after only one visit.

Chiro has been good for me in the past.

Al

[Clinton1]

Al - where did you go?

[echnidna]

Trouble is RR, you aren't likely to come down from Qld to give me one And I'm not letting Christopha do it :eek:

Richard

If yer change yer mind and let Christopha do it dont forget to do it live on webcam to entertain all of us

[Grunt]

Al - where did you go?

In the toilet, we hope.

[kiwigeo]

I had the unfortunate experience of tearing two of my lower back muscles early in january. The physio said that even though the exercises I should be doing will help to strengthen my muscles there is no guarantee that it won't happen again. Could anyone give some more details on what an osteopath does. I still have mild to chronic back pain and would be interested in other options. Also Kiwigeo, what pilates system do you use? There are so many different types I wouldn't know where to start.

Thanks
Rowan

Rowan, I go to a Pilates Pro-Active outfit in Stirling, Adelaide. There are lots of styles of Pilates some good some dodgey. Just be sure that the instructors are properly trained and ideally trained physiotherapists as well. Ask your phyiso for advice on this one. As pointed out already dont try and teach yourself Pilates from a video or book as you might end up making the problem worse.

When I get home from current job I'll enquire with my instructor and try and obtain some contacts in your area.......if you send me a PM as a reminder then I wont forget.

Cheers

Martin

[Schtoo]

Dr Als observations.

Chiro.
No loosening up of the muscles or joint prior to adjustment.
Often violent adjustment involved, on an already sore part of the back.
In and out of the practice within 10 to 15 minutes.
Multiple visits to fix the same problem.

Osteo.
Nice warm relaxing oily massage prior to adjustment.
Gentle manipulation of body to stretch muscles.
Adjustment smooth and controlled.
Full 30 minute session.
Problem lessened or eased concideralby in one visit.

I have used both as you know, but I am now a fan of Osteo after only one visit.

Chiro has been good for me in the past.

Al

If that's the case, your Chiro needs to be hung, drawn and quartered.

The one I went to didn't touch me until I got xrays done, went back to him and he told me what was going to happen, how he was going to do it, what to do and not to do after, etc, etc.

Then a 10 minute massage to get every loosened up, onto the table and a gentle twisting and tweaking. Nothing violent, nothing aggressive, just a few clicks and pops and another quick rub down to make sure all was well.

Twice a week for a month, once a week for another month, that's it. Both neck and lower back were zigging when they shoulda been zagging.

Also learned that when yer back is out of kilter, nothing really works properly.

No problems since after 3 years.

My grandpa has had back trouble since he was 14, and he's now 85. Same guy fixed his back better than he has ever been before in his life.

I can get his number if anyone wants it. He's not cheap exactly but he is darn good. He is in Doncaster (Melb) last time I heard.