Osteopathy For The Elderly
As You Get Older
Retirement can bring time for leisure, travel opportunities and interests that have been put to one side to the older person. It can also bring aches and pains!!
A chance to take up those sports and activities that you never had time for whilst working and bringing up your family, e.g. golf, gardening, badminton, fitness classes etc. may be spoilt by these aches and pains.
As we get older the body changes and loses some of its elasticity and ability to adapt to what we ask of it.
It has also experienced injuries and postural stress during those years, often resulting in repetitive strain injuries, stiffness and degenerative changes.
The onset of health issues such as high blood pressure, digestive and circulatory disorders and arthritis have all begun to have a noticeable effect on the body's energy and ability to perform.
Many grandparents also help working parents by caring for their grandchildren – a pleasure for many but also a strain on the older body.
Quality of life is especially important for this age group when there are increasing concerns about loss of independence and mobility and advise is sought.
Keeping healthy
Osteopathy can help greatly during this time.
An osteopath will take a full case history so they can understand how the body has been affected so far. Then, after a full examination and assessment the osteopath will be able to offer treatment and advice to help improve mobility, circulation and immune function, and reduce joint stiffness so that the older person can enjoy a full and active life in retirement. Specific joint arthritis may also be helped.
The treatment is usually gentle and aims to maintain health and prevent further injury. Dietary advice and suppliments may also be given to help maintain healthy bones and joints.