Osteopathy & Hypermobility - How can we help?
Osteopathy is long known to manage a variety of medical conditions, mostly in the musculoskeletal realm of injuries. Given it's flexible approach to treatment, Osteopathy is ideally suited to assist with populations with more complex needs. During your first appointment with an Osteopath, a thorough case history is taken, and an assessment carried out. The first appointment is typically 60 minutes long (Sometimes longer if required), and there is ample time for you to discuss your condition in your own time.
Hypermobility disorders are numerous and can have a profound affect on someone's health. Some conditions presenting with hypermobility also present with other symptoms. Ehler's Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is one such condition. EDS is a group term of 13 different conditions, which affect our connective tissue (ligaments, muscle, skin, etc). Where further testing can be useful in Diagnosis, there are some tests which can be carried out by your Osteopath that can give an indication and referral for further investigation. Hypermobility disorders are often grouped together, but distinguishing between EDS or hypermobility can result in a wide range of treatment possibilities.
Treatment for EDS and hypermobility disorders can vary, and your Osteopath will assist you in finding the right plan.
Osteopathy: Osteopathic techniques can be effecting in managing pain and quality of life, this is through improving mobility of joints which are not functioning correctly, causing hypermobile joints to work harder. Cranial techniques can be useful in reducing stress, and relaxing tension, as well as improving sleep which will aid the body's recovery. Techniques with hypermobile patients are often gentler, and the osteopath may avoid certain techniques if needed to ensure patient safety. Your Osteopath may ask permission to participate in a case study, to improve the literature available for the benefits of Osteopathy for hypermobility disorders and EDS.
Exercise - exercise is a common component of the treatment plan. Joints will require strengthening to reinforce ligaments which are more lax, Education regarding the right type of exercise can be provided. Exercise can vary in intensity, and should be fun, and functional to meet your goals. It is imporant to improve movement control, especially at the end of range. Stability should be used (such as single leg stand), to improve the strength of joints. An exercise programme should be carefully planned to avoid sudden change of positions, for those who are prone to fainting.
Goal setting - Central to our treatment is goal setting. What would you like to be able to do, and what tasks are you finding difficult? Your Osteopath will guide you through your goal and help you find a goal to keep up your motivation.
Education: Your Osteopath can provide you with information about your hypermobility or EDS. This includes self-screening, other therapeutic interventions, and management strategies which can be tied into your goals. The leading UK group on EDS is the Eher’s Danlos Society (https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/info/) Who have a wide range of resources available.