Osteopathy for the elderly can provide many benefits to help manage the effects of aging. Once we reach the age of 30 our bodies start to decline. How quickly depends on exercise levels, genetics, illness, and injuries.
When we reach our elder years, our muscles, tendons, joints, and spine deteriorate, making us weaker and causing changes to our posture. Our range of movement and bone density are also lessened.
These changes can increase aches and pains and make us stiffer with age. However, with suitable exercise and holistic treatments like osteopathy, it is possible to help manage these negative effects.
How Osteopathy Can Help Aging Bodies
The main benefits of osteopathy are:
- Improved blood supply to the tissues of the body
- Joint mobility
- Suppleness
- Knee, hip, back and other joint pain
- Muscle tightness
Osteopathy can help relieve some of the pain and stiffness that come with osteoarthritis, both inflammatory and degenerative. Using this treatment in conjunction with allopathic care, might, in some cases, help reduce the amount of medication needed.
Osteopathy can also be combined with exercise such as yoga or pilates to help improve posture and strength.
Gentle techniques, such as light massage can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. This, combined with gentle joint articulation, can help get the whole body moving more smoothly and comfortably.
Regular treatment combined with exercise, a balanced diet, and medical care can lead to overall more comfortable movement over time.
Another unfortunate effect of aging is loss of balance. Balance problems can stem from damage to the nerves, muscles, brain, and joints. By improving range of motion, suppleness, strength and posture, balance can be improved and in many cases, restored.
The more correctly your body can move, the more able it is to communicate with the brain, which can increase confidence and potentially reduce the risk of falls.
Finally, mental health can improve indirectly with osteopathy. By improving mobility and reducing pain, patients feel better and more confident to go out and enjoy activities. This will help reduce isolation and loneliness that many elderly suffer.
While osteopathy can’t cure the effects of aging we all face, it can help manage it by reducing the symptoms and improving quality of life.
For more information on the Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP) program leading to the qualification of Osteopathic Manual Therapist (OMT), click here