Don’t Wait For Pain: The Benefits of Maintenance Sessions
By Sian Smith, Registered Osteopath, M.Ost, N.D, D.O, Ealing and Uxbridge.
When we hear the word "osteopathy," many of us think of it as a treatment for acute pain or injuries. And while osteopathy is indeed effective for treating issues like back pain, repetitive strain issues, and sports injuries, the benefits extend far beyond that. One of the most valuable aspects of osteopathic care is maintenance treatments. These regular, preventative sessions help support the body’s ability to function pain-free, prevent recurring issues and identify potential problem areas early. So, forget thinking of osteopathy as a ‘fix-it-when-it's-broken’ approach and read on to discover why maintenance body sessions are essential, even when you’re not in pain…
Prevention is better than cure
One of the main principles of osteopathy is preventative care. You may have ignored that knee twinge, lower back ache or neck crick because it wasn’t that bad. But many issues such as sciatica, joint problems or impingements can stem from minor dysfunctions that worsen over your time. Your osteopath is like a body detective, helping to identify these problem areas that you may not have noticed yet. By catching these issues early and helping you to become stronger and more aligned, you’re at less risk of it developing into an acute pain episode.
A Boost For Your Mental Well-Being
Our bodies are complex systems where physical, mental, and emotional health are interconnected. A misalignment of the body can cause physical discomfort and affect mood, just as much as a stressful situation can cause mental anguish, upper back tension and headaches.
Osteopathy focuses on looking at the body from a holistic viewpoint, encouraging better circulation, reducing muscle tension and realigning joints. This encourages more dominance of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the 'rest and digest' aspect of the nervous system and the opposite of the sympathetic nervous systems ‘fight or flight’ response.
Many people report that regular osteopathy sessions contribute to:
· Improved quality of sleep (lots of people find that they sleep fantastically that very night!)
· Reduced stress and anxiety
· Improved mental clarity
Allow Your Body To Stay Active
Whether it’s marathon running, yoga, playing football or simply walking, we all have our personal preferences of staying fit. Whatever your thing is, osteopathy can help you to do it better.
Day-to-day life often puts a strain on our bodies, such as through poor desk set-ups, pregnancy or just the physical changes of aging. This can lead to compensatory patterns that result in misalignment and pain. Scheduling regular maintenance sessions can help your body adapt to these changes and reduce your chance of injury, improve flexibility and help you stay on top of your game!
Enhance Your Body’s Natural Healing Ability
Our bodies are designed to heal and osteopathic treatment can help to support the body’s innate healing mechanism. How exactly? Lots of osteopathic techniques encourage blood flow to the tissues which is essential for healing. Some structures such as tendons and ligaments have a very poor blood supply which can make them slow to heal and weak. Improved blood flow brings oxygen to the tissues, clears metabolic by-products and reduces inflammation, creating the perfect environment for healing and reducing the need for pain medications.
Maintenance Is More Cost Effective
Investing in regular osteopathy sessions may seem like an added expense, but it can actually be a cost-effective approach in the long run. By addressing issues early and preventing more severe problems, you can avoid the need for expensive medical treatments, medications, or surgeries down the line.
Consider it as part of a holistic approach to health that includes exercise, proper nutrition, and self-care. It’s an investment in your well-being that can save you time, money, and discomfort in the future.
Maintenance: The Key to a Balanced, Pain-Free Life!
If you’ve only been visiting an osteopath when you’re in pain, it’s time to consider the benefits of maintenance appointments. And not just osteopathy – maintenance appointments work across the board of wellness treatments, whether it’s massage, Pilates, acupuncture or seeing your PT. They’re a proactive step towards maintaining your health, preventing injuries and optimising your well-being. Ready to book your body MOT? Reach out to our Uxbridge and Ealing osteopaths and rest of the friendly team by emailing help@bridgetohealth.co.uk or phone the clinic reception on 01895 200050. Your body will thank you for it!
