Osteopathy Treatment and the Older Population

For many older individuals, the belief is that the effects of aging and associated symptoms is an inevitable part of life and the pain and restriction that can result from this is untreatable and often the premise is that you just have “live with it”.

Thankfully, this is not always the case, and although there are many effects of aging on the body, maintaining a good diet, keeping the joints and muscles of the body strong and mobile, and engaging in social activities can go a long way to keeping the older individual active and independent. The effects that aging can have on the body include causing symptoms such as:

• Stiffness
• Aches and pains
• Joint swelling
• Poor balance
• Poor vision, hearing or jaw pain
• Changes in co morbidities such as high blood pressure, type II diabetes, high cholesterol
• Depression and mood disorders
• Effects of medication such as dizziness, bowel/bladder changes, muscle pain and fatigue, loss of appetite, lethargy

Osteopathic treatment includes many techniques which can assist with increasing mobility, reducing pain levels, and help to keep you mobile and independent. Furthermore, there are a lot of tools and tricks that can be used from day to day and around the home to assist with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Some of these include:

• Regular exercises and stretches to improve movement
• Aids such claws or tongs to assist with picking up items to reduce bending
• Improving seated ergonomics and sleep ergonomics to reduce strain on the body
• Taking time out to rest and recover between big jobs such as shopping, cleaning etc
• Engaging in regular social activities, such as local walking groups, cultural groups
• Engaging in activities to keep the mind active such as card games, reading, puzzles etc

The aim of osteopathic care in the older individual is varied depending on the individuals needs and wants and may include:

• Reducing pain symptoms,
• Improve balance,
• Assist with improving circulation in the inflamed joint and muscles,
• Assist with maintaining independence by managing activities of daily living around the house,
• Maintain current levels of exercise, or to prepare the body for starting new exercises with reduced pain levels.
• Work with GP and other specialists involved in the management of the patients overall health to make sure that all aspects of health are being considered

Whatever your aim for a healthier lifestyle, contact one of our osteopaths at St Kilda Osteopathy to assist you in creating a more mobile and pain free body!

Written by Dr. Rebecca Prenc (Osteopath)