BUTTERCUPS CLINIC

Upper limb problems: This includes pains in the joints and muscles of the shoulders, arms, elbows and hands. Lower limb problems: Muscle and joint pains with stiffness involving the pelvis, legs, knees, ankles and feet can also be treated. The osteopath must get some information about the problem that is bothering the patient. It is usual to find out a bit more about the patient's past medical problems including injuries, hospital admissions and operations*. Medicines and tablets prescribed by the family GP may often be relevant. The osteopath will need to examine the area that is bothering the patient, and other parts of the spine and limbs that are relevant, so that a diagnosis can be made.

It is then possible to tell the patient what form of treatment is needed. Wear loose fitting clothing, for example T-Shirt with track suit bottoms and adequate underwear (including bra and pants). Treatment usually starts with some soft tissue massage to the affected area and stretching of the muscles. It is then possible to move to deeper structures including the joints, which can be encouraged to move gently. In this way it is possible to obtain some improvement in function and some reduction of pain in whichever part of the back, neck or limbs that is causing a problem.

Further improvement may be achieved by manipulating the stiff and immobile joints in the affected area, thereby restoring better movement and producing more pain relief. A variety of medical specialist treatments are available in addition to osteopathy. These include injections when indicated to joints and soft tissues, as well as epidural injections.