Osteopathy and the Elderly

Aging is a natural physiological process. One part of the body that is greatly affected by the process of aging is the musculo-skeletal system.

As we get older, the elasticity present within our body deteriorates and this increases the chance of injuring the soft tissues and bony structures of the body.

The effects of aging on the body’s structure give rise to symptoms such as:

• Generalized, early morning stiffness
• Lower back pain and stiffness
• Neck and arm pain
• Hip pain
• Arthritis and joint-swelling

Arthritis can broadly be divided into two types:

1. Degenerative (osteoarthritis)
2. Inflammatory (rheumatoid)

It is common for people over 55 to suffer the effects of osteoarthritis, namely pain, stiffness and restricted movement.

Osteopathic treatment can be used to relieve these distressing symptoms.

Recreation

Often, when people reach the age where they have more time on their side for recreational activities, it can be disheartening if pain in their body framework restricts them from enjoying these activities.

Many people mistakenly believe that the effect of aging on the body’s joints is untreatable and that they have no alternative but to learn to live with their pain.

Medications prescribed for these symptoms, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, often have undesirable side-effects.

Therefore, osteopathic treatment may be very rewarding to patients if their pain can be substantially reduced using the body’s natural healing systems.

Osteopaths often work in conjunction with medical practitioners and realize that patients benefit from a more holistic approach to their health management.