Osteopathy for the elderly – the benefits

Osteopathy for the elderly can be highly beneficial

As we age, our body inevitably gets weaker. Tendons and joints are no longer as thick as they once were. Our spines deteriorate. Muscles waste. Our posture changes, putting increased strain on surrounding muscles, joints and ligaments. Joints become stiffer and have less range of movement than in younger years. Conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis become more prevalent. 

However, getting older should not automatically mean more aches and pains. With the right treatment, a lot of the stresses and strains can be reduced. Osteopathy for the elderly can make a massive difference, helping to improve deteriorating posture through gentle yet effective soft tissue massage. 

In addition to regular exercise and a healthy diet, osteopathy can help with a range of issues associated with getting older:

• Joint mobility
• Muscle tension
• Blood supply to the body’s tissues
• Body suppleness
• Lower back pain
• Knee and hip pain

Osteopathy for the elderly – a gentle yet effective treatment

Osteopathy is well known for its gentle approach, making it ideal for older people. Using a range of massage, stretching, touching and physical manipulation but rarely joint adjustment, osteopathy increases joint mobility, relieves tension, increases the blood supply to veins and tissues, and induces the body’s natural healing mechanism.

Osteopathy for the elderly – minimising spinal pain

Older people are more likely to develop a hunching of the thoracic spine. This condition means that simply holding your head up will increase strain on the neck and upper back joints and muscles. 

Osteopathy will gently stretch the muscles and connective tissues around the vertebrae and other joints, relieving pressure and strain and improving overall posture.

Osteopathy for the elderly – knee and hip pain

Knee and hip pain is a common complaint amongst the elderly. This is because as we age, muscles that we don’t use very frequently lose strength. We are far more likely to use our back to bend rather than our knees and hips, weakening these joints over time. It is not surprising that many older people are unable to get down to the floor and back up again without assistance. 

It is also why seniors are more likely to fall and hurt themselves if they become unsteady – the muscles that are meant to keep them stable and supported aren’t strong enough. Worryingly, this also means that the person will also find it very difficult to get up and get the help they need.

Osteopathic treatment can be highly beneficial in this situation – your osteopath will work to improve the knee’s movement and increase lymphatic drainage in the area to reduce pain. You will also be given strengthening exercises to be done at home to boost mobility.

We're committed to helping people

Parkstone Osteopaths is committed to helping people of all ages and walks of life with natural, effective osteopathy treatments designed to relieve pain and restore health. 

Please call us on 01202 734211 to find out more, or to book a consultation with one of our trained and experienced osteopaths. 

We hope you found our article ‘Osteopathy for the elderly – the benefits’ of interest. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or questions.