Osteopathy and Golf Injuries

Back pain is a common condition amongst both amateur and professional golfers. The golf swing is a complex movement that demands good flexibility from the whole spine. If spinal joints are restricted in one region of the spine then neighboring joints have to compensate. Areas of the spine are specialised for different movements: for instance rotation occurs most at junction between the thorax and lumbar spine. If this part of the spine is restricted then the rotational movement will have to occur lower in the lumbar region. The lumbar area is not adapted for rotation so the turning range here is limited and easily overloaded, resulting in painful injury.

Osteopathy can help golfers not only by resolving acute back problems but also by improving function throughout the spine. This enables each part of the spine to play its part in the golf swing. The movement becomes smoother, better coordinated and more fluid. It is not just spinal injuries that hamper golfers. The pattern of compensation described above can also spread beyond the back to peripheral joints and soft tissue. For instance if spinal rotation is limited, excessive compensatory movement at the shoulder and upper limb can result in rotator cuff injuries, sprained wrists, golfers or tennis elbow. Stiffness in the hip or restrictions in the sacro iliac joints of the pelvis similarly can have a knock on effect further up the body.

In short the golf swing is a whole body movement and osteopathy is a whole body therapy. Whilst acute local problems need to be resolved, if the underlying causes are not addressed injuries will recur again and again. These underlying causes are very often non-painful but poorly functioning spinal or peripheral joints away from the site of pain. Osteopathic examination can identify these areas so treatment can encompass both immediate effects and underlying causes of the problem.

If you are finding that your golf is causing you pain either during or after the game we can help you. Book an appointment today and rediscover your enjoyment of golf.

What is the difference?

What is the difference between Osteopaths and Physiotherapists?

This is a frequently asked question. Both professions seek to improve mobility and body function with the aim of reducing pain and or disability. The difference lies in the methods used and the philosophy behind treatment.

Osteopaths are purely physical therapists, using a wide range of techniques both Eastern and Western in origin, modern and traditional. They use palpation (touch) as a tool in assessing a patient and monitoring treatment.

Physio is a western medical therapy. Physios use heat, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, laser,diathermy Interferential therapy as well as massage and traction.

If you see an Osteopath you will get hands-on treatment physical treatment for your problem. Physiotherapy is more likely to involve machinery and/or exercises.

What is the Difference between Osteopaths and Chiropractors?

Osteopathy is closer to Chiropractic than physiotherapy. Chiropractic originated in the late nineteenth century in the USA. They both aim to improve physical functioning using manual techniques. Chiropractors place great emphasis on the spine and tend to use spinal manipulation much more than Osteopaths. Most Osteopaths will use a combination of soft tissue massage techniques and manipulation. If you see an Osteopath the treatment may take a bit longer and include massage techniques as well as manipulation. If you visit a Chiropractor the treatment may be shorter and be purely spinal manipulation.

How Many Vists to the Osteopath?

Naturally most patients want to know how many treatments they will need. The majority of patients require between 2 and 6 treatments to resolve their problem. After a case history and physical examination your Osteopath will be able to alert you to factors that may lengthen or shorten the course of treatment in your particular case.

Things that point to a rapid resolution of symptoms (fewer treatments needed):

• No previous injuries of a similar nature


• Localised injury with no neurological symptoms such as pins and needles


• Short time between onset of symptoms and coming for treatment


• Active lifestyle with regular exercise


• Good general health status

Factors suggesting slower resolution (more treatments needed):

• Long period between start of problem and starting treatment


• Pain and other symptoms in multiple body areas


• History of previous injuries, trauma or operations


• Suffering from chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or bronchitis


• Taking certain types of medication such as anti depressants

Your Osteopath will usually give you an estimate of how many further treatments will be needed at the end of your first visit. Patients are always free to discontinue treatment at any stage. Many patients choose to carry on beyond the resolution of their symptoms, either for general well-being or as a preventative measure.

Do I need a back X-ray?

Back pain can be very severe. Many patients are convinced that the intensity of their pain means the cause is a major structural failure of the spine. Phrases such as "dislocated vertebrae", "bone out of place" "slipped disc" and "crushed nerve" are often used. It is natural in these circumstances to think that an X-ray of the spine will reveal the nature of the damage and what treatment is required.

For many years it was a routine practice to send patients suffering from back pain for X-ray. Research now shows that X-rays rarely help in diagnosis or treatment of low back pain. X-rays can only detect damage to bone in the spine. Relevant bony defects are rarely found. Correlation between X-ray findings and the degree of pain experienced is often poor. The reason is that soft tissue damage is invisible on X-ray and most back pain arises from muscle, disc and nerve tissue. For the great majority of patients with back pain an X-ray is not necessary or useful.

Because of its limitations Osteopaths do not need to see an X-ray before treating a patient. Thorough physical examination and case history taking allow an Osteopath to assess whether a patient is suitable for treatment. If medical imaging is required either due to findings in the initial examination or due to concerns in the response to treatment your Osteopath will refer you to a doctor. The most frequently useful technique is Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI. Unlike X-ray this does show soft tissue such as intervertebral discs and muscle. It also has the advantage of not exposing the body to ionising radiation and has no known side effects. Another method is Computer Axial Tomography or CT scan. This is like a 3D x-ray and is useful if there is malformation or trauma to the spine.

Osteopathy: an alternative to NSAIDs

British trained Osteopaths achieve their results without prescribing  medication. Many patients find the physical techniques of Osteopathy are an effective alternative to drug therapy for back pain and other physical strains. The type of  medication most commonly prescribed for conditions such as back pain are Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs. Examples are aspirin, ibuprofen and voltarol. When tissue is damaged in the body fluid is produced in the area producing swelling called inflamation or oedema. This fluid contains many irritant chemicals and can also create pressure effects both of which cause of pain. NSAIDs  control pain  by accelerating the removal of  oedema. 

Though prescribed in huge quantities NSAIDs have number of unpleasant and dangerous side effects. According to medicinenet.com:

The major side effects of NSAIDs are related to their effects on the stomach and bowels (gastrointestinal system). Some 10%-50% of patients are unable to tolerate NSAID treatment because of side effects, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Approximately 15% of patients on long-term NSAID treatment develop ulceration of the stomach and duodenum. Even though many of these patients with ulcers do not have symptoms and are unaware of their ulcers,

they are at risk of developing serious ulcer complications such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach.

Because of the way they work NSAIDs are only effective if the main cause of  pain is inflammation. Unfortunately in many cases of  back or neck pain and similar syndromes there is little or no evidence of tissues damage or associated oedema. Without excess fluid to remove the NSAIDs will make little difference to pain levels.

The idea of pain without inflammation or tissue damage is medically controversial but easy to demonstrate. If one bends a finger back as to the end of its range of movement and holds it there very soon pain will build up. There is no damage or swelling to the finger, pain arises from high tissue tension and imobility. In back pain and similar strains  tissue tension, immobility and pain result from muscle spasm. This is a useful reflex for short term protection of the body but can becomes persistant and troublesome. In modern life constraints on our physical activity often mean inuries are not remobilised fully and fail to resolve. Osteopathic techniques replicate the beneficial effects of movement on strained areas  an allow mobilisation to occur. As normal movement returns muscle spasm is released, tissue tension reduces and pain eases.

NSAIDs are prescribed to many people with pain of non inflammatory origin who will feel no improvement. Osteopathy provides an alternative type of treatment that has evolved to deal with this sort of pain. 

What is Osteopathy?

A good summary of what Osteopathy is about from www.medicalnewstoday.com:

Osteopathy is a form of drug-free non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine. Its aim is to positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems. 

This therapy is a unique holistic (whole body) approach to health care. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, to provide overall good health and wellbeing. 

Dr. Andrew Taylor Still established the practice of Osteopathy in the late 1800s in the United States of America, with the aim of using manual 'hands on' techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics, without the use of drugs. 

How is it different to other medical disciplines? What are the qualities of Osteopaths, as opposed to chiropractors and physiotherapists? 

The philosophy of Osteopathy is what sets it apart from other medical disciplines. The key principles are based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. When the body is free of restrictions in movement, Osteopathic treatment assists the body with pain minimisation, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself. 

Osteopaths use a broad range of gentle hands-on techniques including soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure, and mobilisation or manipulation of joints. 

In some cases, Osteopaths can complement the advice given by doctors. For example, people who suffer from arthritis are often prescribed medication by their family doctor. In addition to that, Osteopaths can ease the pain caused by joint and muscle stiffness, by improving joint mobility and the flow of blood to the joints, and show arthritis sufferers how to prevent causing injury to themselves.

What are the benefits of Osteopathy for our general health?

Osteopathic treatment in itself is not 'preventative'. Osteopaths respect the body's natural ability as a self-regulating mechanism and only intervene when pain or discomfort is present. The benefits of osteopathy are the general improvement in mobility and structural stability of the body. In turn, other systems of the body such as the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems function more effectively and for a number of general conditions, minimal treatment is required.

Who comes to see an Osteopath?

According to the British Osteopathic Council :

50% Suffer With Low Back Pain 

The commonest cause of back pain is some form of mechanical strain affecting the tissues of the spine. For example joint displacement, spinal disc herniation or degeneration, muscle injury or postural strain.  Osteopathy has proved to be a successful approach for  back pain

Over 50% are Women 

The physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth often cause strain to the musclulo-skeletal system in women. Such conditions as backpain, neck and shoulder pain and tension headaches can result. Osteopathy can be an effective treatment for problems of this sort

25% are in their Forties  

In middle age the demands of work and family life often leave less time for exercise. As activity levels drop the incidence of musculo-skeletal pain and stiffness increases. Osteopaths can not only treat this but also give advice on lifestyle changes that may remove the cause

Many problems relate to  Work

Both sedentary work such a using a computer and heavy physical jobs can cause disorders of the muscles tendons and joints. Neck shoulder arm and back pain can result. Osteopaths treat many conditions related to  the workplace and can give advice on remedial exercises and prevention.

Many are Elderly

The aches and pains  associated with ageing often respond well to Osteopathic treatment. The techniques of Osteopathy are tailored to the needs of each  patient so even frail individuals can be treated safely and effectively. Osteopathy can help reduce pain and stiffness in less severe stages of Osteoarthritis.

On Your First Visit to an Osteopath

What Happens?

Your Osteopath will first try to find the root cause of your condition. Osteopaths are trained to thoroughly investigate each patient's condition before considering treatment. They will spend time before treatment starts to understand your symptoms. At your first consultation, the Osteopath will take a detailed medical history including information about your lifestyle - such as your level of physical activity and your work environment. In order to ensure a long-term solution to your problem the Osteopath will be just as interested in what is causing your problem as the effect it has on your health.

After your history has been taken the Osteopath will examine the way your body moves. You may be asked to remove some of your clothing though this is not always necessary. The Osteopath will assess your mobility by observing your range of movement and by gently feeling your spine, shoulders and associated muscles as you perform the movements.

This will complete the diagnostic phase and enable the Osteopath to devise your osteopathy treatment plan. It should be noted that Osteopaths are trained to recognise when osteopathy won't help and when to refer a patient to a doctor. Osteopaths will not begin your treatment until they believe they fully understand your condition and what can be done to help.

Treatment

Depending on your condition your treatment may consist of one or more of the following techniques:
Massage and stretching to promote relaxation
Muscle resistance procedures to release tension
Joint manipulation to restore mobility

Even very gentle manipulation can result in an audible 'crack' from the joint being addressed by the Osteopath - this is simply the sound of gas bubbles popping in the fluid pocket within the joint and is not unusual. Its presence or intensity varies from person to person and is not indicative of effective osteopathy treatment.

You may also be given exercises to do at home and/or advice as to how to minimise the impact of your lifestyle on your condition. This 'homework' is a crucial part of your treatment and should not be ignored. Osteopathy promotes your body's ability to self-heal and the exercises are an important part of this process.

Most Osteopaths expect to see considerable treatment benefit within two to six sessions, although sometimes a single treatment is sufficient. Your Osteopath should make you feel at ease and communicate effectively with you and you should ask questions at anytime during your consultation if you are unsure.


From http://www.osteopath-help.co.uk

Welcome to the Osteo Clinic

After months of planning our purpose built premises are now open at the prestigous Ratchakru Medical Centre. 
Our aim at the Osteo Clinic is to bring the Osteopathy from experienced British Qualified Osteopaths to the people of 
Bangkok.

Osteopathy is a modern manual therapy that is an effective treatment for many common conditions:

• Low Back Pain
• 
  
• Whiplash and other neck injuries


• Tension Headaches


• Sports Injuries


• Pain in pregnancy


• Work related strain


• Painful joints

Our principal osteopath is Nancy Singharuksa DO. Nancy qualified at the British School of Osteopathy in London, in 1989. After running successful practices in the UK for nineteen years, Nancy has decided to return to the city  of her birth, to co-found the Osteo Clinic.