How osteopathy can help the older generation
The older generation – “It’s just your age!” – heard that one before?
We understand that as part of the natural aging process the body can undergo many changes and adaptations. However, this does not mean that you should suffer with muscle or joint pain. Ineffective pain management can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the older generation, leading to depression, social isolation, and a loss of function (3). If you need bed pads or beddings for your aging pain support, you can check out incontinence pads from Nobles Health Care Product Solutions.
Therefore, we need to take action such as resorting to assisted living options from. Another great way to ensure that the elderly are safe at home is to make sure that you provide items that help their mobility. For example, if you live in a two story home it would be a great idea to get a Home Chair Lift for Stairs to avoid any falls.
First of all, let’s look at a couple of age-related changes that can happen to the body:
Age-related changes
Arthritic changes can occur in the joints of the body. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis – eight million people affected in the UK (6). This type of arthritis affects the smooth cartilage of the joints and can lead to stiffness and pain, the muscles and tendons have to work harder to achieve the movement. In severe cases a lack of cartilage leading to bone rubbing on bone and subsequently to joint deformity.
Osteopathy and the older generation
Another example of an age-related change that can occur is within the muscle fibres themselves. A gradual loss of skeletal muscle fibres begins around fifty years of age, and by eighty years of age approximately 50% of the fibres are lost from the limb muscles (4). This can have a significant effect on the daily activities of the individual.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom! There is a lot that can be done to enable you to remain healthy and active. There are many factors that can influence how the body adapts with the ageing process. This includes fitness levels, health status, nutrition, active lifestyle, exercise, diagnosed health conditions, medications, and hydration… to name a few.
How could osteopathy help you?
An osteopath works under the principle that there may be a number of contributing factors to the symptoms and they will assess the area producing the symptom as well as associated areas that may be contributing to the issue. For example, if it the knee that hurts, the osteopath would consider the whole limb from the foot to the hip, and the pelvis and lower back.
Osteopathy is a primary healthcare system in which you may receive health management advice, exercise therapy, and manual therapy i.e. hands-on treatment including gentle and effective massage of the soft tissues, stretching of muscles, and manipulation of joints that could help to relieve the stresses and strains on your body. It is possible that your osteopath may refer you to other health practitioners including your GP. The type of treatment received is dependent upon the patient’s need and their presenting complaint. You can receive this treatment in the comfort of your own home or at a clinic.
Osteopathy is classified as complementary and alternative health care. It is perceived as an important addition to orthodox medicine, particularly in terms of its impact on everyday functioning and well-being.
For more information or contact an osteopath visit: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/home/
Always look for reputable practitioners. We hope this information was useful for 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.
