Osteopaths in Brighton see a wide range of conditions, but
there are some that are more common, most people have heard of them, but do you
really know what they are? What are their symptoms, causes and treatment? Here,
we have the top five most common conditions treated by osteopaths.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, properly known as adhesive capsulitis or
shoulder contracture, is a painful condition that restricts the movement of the
shoulder.
The condition is caused when the tissue around the shoulder
becomes inflamed and thickened. Frozen Shoulder can be treated by Osteopaths in
Brighton, who will stretch and loosen the muscles, relieving pain and
inflammation. In the meantime, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Ibuprofen
can help.
Runners Knee
Runner’s Knee is a condition that, as the name suggests,
affects runners who perform activities which include a lot of knee bending.
The pain is located around the kneecap. Sometimes Runner’s
Knee can require surgery but most of the time rest, painkillers and elevating,
compressing and icing the knee can provide relief.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI), also called ‘work-related
limb disorder’ causes pain in the muscles, nerves and tendons which are used
when performing a particular activity repeatedly or for long periods of time.
Affecting 1 in 50 workers in the UK, RSI usually affects the
forearm, wrists, hands, elbow, back and shoulders and is mainly attributed to
working with computers or other repetitive manual work.
Taking breaks from repetitive manual activity is the best
way to prevent and help RSI. Massage and light exercise such as swimming can
also be of benefit.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the
sciatic nerve which runs from the back of your pelvis, along your buttocks and
down both legs, finishing at each foot.
To prevent sciatica, improve your posture, lift heavy
objects properly and always stretch before exercise. Sciatica is normally
treated with painkillers and rest but a number of osteopaths in Brighton can
recommend a good exercise programme to help with the pain of sciatica.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and
affects an estimated 8.5 million people in the UK. In Osteoarthritis, the bone
cartilage begins to waste away which then results in friction in the bones
which can be very painful.