What is Fibromyalgia?

It is a condition where a person affected is experiencing widespread pain in his/her body. It is suggested that approximately 2%-4% of the population is experiencing fibromyalgia. 

What causes fibromyalgia?

It is unclear what causes fibromyalgia. However, some associations are made to an experience of a significant trauma, illness or disease, and a loss of a loved one. 

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia is widespread pain all over the body. Also, a person can experience severe tiredness, inability to concentrate, headaches or migraines, and depression and anxiety. It is worth noting that one person might not experience all of the symptoms and that the severity of the symptoms vary significantly from person to person.

What is cranial osteopathy?

Osteopathy in general is recongnised as an allied health care profession in the UK. Cranial osteopathy is a branch which osteopaths can specialise in if and when they desire. Osteopathy and cranial osteopathy share the same principles and objectives which are to promote recovery, improve the quality of life and manage pain. However, there are some differences which are important to note. Firstly, Cranial osteopaths have a very well-developed sense of touch which they rely on when developing a working hypothesis and delivering the treatment. And secondly, the treatment is very gentle and relaxed in  comparison to ‘normal’ osteopathy as manipulations and movement of the body is reduced to bare minimum.

How does cranial osteopathy work?

By utilising a well-developed sense of touch, cranial osteopaths are able to feel for muscle tension, restricted joint movement or bodily fluid flow just by placing their hands on the appropriate areas of the body. The areas examined are usually the head, spine and sacrum, which is the lowest part of your back.

Help with Fibromyalgia: What to expect during the treatment?

During your appointment with a cranial osteopath you will be asked some questions about your presentation firstly. This is very important for the osteopath when it comes to developing a physical examination plan. After questioning is complete, a physical examination will take place where your osteopath will make some observations and have a feel of certain areas of your body. Once this stage is complete, your osteopath will discuss the findings with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan which will be delivered only with your consent.

How can cranial osteopathy help with fibromyalgia?

Unfortunately, when it comes to cranial osteopathy, the evidence suggesting its effectiveness or ineffectiveness is lacking at the moment. However, there is some evidence suggesting that osteopathic treatment in general can help with managing some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Also, because there is evidence suggesting that osteopathic treatment can help with fibromyalgia and is effective in management of the condition, we think that cranial osteopathy might also be helpful. In our opinion, the patients with fibromyalgia would not want to experience strong pressure and lots of movement of the body as it might cause further discomfort. With cranial osteopathy this is not the case as treatment is gentle and very relaxing, hence, we would encourage you to try it as it might just be the missing puzzle in your recovery.

For further information or contact an osteopath visit: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/home/

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://uobrep.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10547/623359/Banton_repository%20version.pdf?sequence=1 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ed314313016244d3e6317cd/t/612215c74025626ddd3f8ca1/1629623751432/Fibromyalgia.pdf 

https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=NzEyOA==&journal=130

The post How Can Cranial Osteopathy Help With Fibromyalgia? appeared first on Perea Clinic.

“What is an osteopath?” this is a question my clients, and members of the public, ask on a regular basis.

Osteopathy is “a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions”. It works with the structure and function of the body. The well-being of an individual is crucial in Osteopathy. The muscles, ligaments and connective tissue need to function as a unit.

One of the main concepts is that the body’s structure governs its function. This means that if your body has had an injury, repetitive strain, or overuse it will have an adverse effect on how your body performs. Therefore, an osteopath looks at the body, sees how it currently performs, and aims, through various means, to restore and improve overall and specific functions.

Osteopath

What do osteopaths do?

An osteopath will take a full medical case history including details about your symptoms. This helps them to understand how the symptoms relate specifically to you.

They also need to establish whether or not it is the right type of treatment for you, or if a referral might be necessary. Your osteopath will then ask to see the area(s) that are causing you concern, and then they will examine the area(s) and perform diagnostic tests to make a diagnosis.

This is then discussed with you so that you can understand what is going on and what the osteopath can offer you. The aim is to increase the mobility of the joints, relieve any muscle tension and enhance blood supply to tissue. (NHS Choice, 2015).

Osteopaths use a wide range of different ‘hands-on’ treatment techniques such as soft tissue work (including massage and stretching), articulation (moving of the joints), and manipulation or ‘clicking’ techniques as they are fondly known.

I often give advice on exercise, stretching and posture. I also give advice on making healthy changes to your lifestyle for long-term benefit.

How do you become an osteopath?

Osteopaths in the UK undertake a four or five-year university course that combines intense academic and clinical education.

Osteopathy students begin to work with patients directly from the end of their second year and are supervised by qualified Osteopaths.

The student must undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours supervised clinical experience prior to graduation.

Physiotherapists can also become registered osteopaths through a two year Masters course.

Qualified osteopaths must undertake a minimum of thirty hours of continual professional development each year.

For more information about osteopathy or find an osteopath visit: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/home/

At Perea Clinic we can offer you tailor-made osteopathic appointments on a day and time to suit you. If you have any questions about it or about our treatments, please contact us.  We are in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help.

The post What is osteopathy and how can you become an Osteopath? appeared first on Perea Clinic.