Are you Suffering from Joint Pain?
What are the Alternatives?
Most of us suffer from joint pain occasionally and unfortunately as we get older this tends to happen more frequently. We can find specialist help from Chiropractors, Osteopaths and, perhaps not as well known the Bowen Technique. Always consult your doctor prior to undertaking any alternative therapy. A good diet can also help alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and raising levels of serotonins. Include bright coloured vegetables and fruit, oatmeal, seeds and oily fish in your diet.
I have often wondered about the difference between Chiropractic and Osteopathy. I hope the following is helpful. Written accounts from the ancient Greek and Chinese civilizations dating back many thousands of years include references to spinal manipulation but it was in 1895 when Daniel David Palmer a Canadian performed the first chiropractic adjustment. The 20th century saw the growth and development of the profession worldwide and it has gained recognition and respect by health care specialists everywhere.
A Chiropractor is trained to detect abnormal movement in the body’s joints which results in pain. The causes can be poor posture, over exertion, injuries and stress. The joint is manipulated to correct its movement. When our joints move correctly and freely, they should not hurt. Manipulation or adjustment by a chiropractor is a very quick and controlled movement and quite often produces the sound of a pop or click which can be quite scary but is normal.
It is important to choose a qualified Chiropractor who is registered by the British Chiropractic Association. This will guarantee that your practitioner has trained for a minimum of four years full time; including extensive study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and other relevant subjects. Chiropractors are required by law to register with the General Chiropractic Council.
Chiropractic is known to be effective in the treatment of back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, slipped discs, sporting injuries, whiplash injuries and frozen shoulder.
Osteopathy is a form of therapy based on massage and manipulation. The history of Osteopathy is similar to Chiropractic and both schools were first established in North America.
Osteopathy was invented by Andrew Taylor Still an American doctor, who in 1892 founded the American School of Osteopathy, this school remains to this day and is now called Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr Still gave his therapy the name Osteopathy which comes from the Greek osteon (bone) and pathos (to suffer).
The procedures Osteopaths use to diagnose, treat and promote healthy functioning in a person are the correction of mechanical imbalances within and between the structures of the body. Structures include the muscles, bones, ligaments, organs, and fascia. The fascia is a very thin layer of tissue that is found under the skin. Correcting the mechanical imbalances in the structures helps to restore, maintain, and improve the harmonious working of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, promoting health and alleviating pain.
The primary difference between chiropractic and osteopathy is the type of manipulation provided. Osteopathic manipulation has always been more of a general overall mobilisation/manipulation procedure at the site of injury/complaint and adjacent areas. Mobilisation, which consists of stretching the joint rhythmically within its normal range of movement, is used more by Osteopaths than Chiropractors. The philosophy behind osteopathy is that there is lack of circulation at the site of the injury and this dictates the type of manipulative procedure.
Chiropractic and osteopathy have similar backgrounds, and some techniques used are almost identical. Both disciplines are conducted by highly qualified professionals and the treatments offered have proved very beneficial for many people.
Live with joy and health 💚
Elizabeth Beetham
elizabeth@powerforhealth.com