Osteopathic Treatment of the Elderly

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.  Osteopaths consider the whole person, examining posture and the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons.

The plan of care is based upon the elderly person’s age, condition, lifestyle and unique spinal problem. Treatment is designed to alleviate current problems and to help prevent reoccurrences.

It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

Osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs, or surgery.

Osteopaths use their hands both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of manipulative techniques.  General releasing techniques are often used for the elderly to free up their movement and alleviate pain.  More specifically, an Osteopath uses touch, physical manipulation, muscle and connective tissue stretching, rhythmic joint movements and massage to help the body in the following ways:

They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.