One hesitates to outline a list of problems as this may limit the potential and scope of osteopathy. Osteopaths are capable of treating a wide range of disorders. Before the age of antibiotics osteopathy had the reputation of being helpful in the treatment of pneumonia, for example. However, it is safe to say that generally, if there is a problem with a muscle or a joint, an osteopath can treat it. At first sight, osteopathy may not look an obvious choice for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome until you realise that the bowel is made up of muscle and that muscles become tense and tight when a patient becomes stressed. Indeed, it becomes difficult to think of any condition that would not be improved, in some way, by osteopathy. It is obvious that osteopathy cannot cure a chronic condition such as arthritis but it can help lessen many of its painful features.
· Low back pain, which may or may not include sciatica
· neck and upper back pain which may or may not include pain in shoulder, upper arm, elbow, fore-arm, wrist and hand
· peripheral joint pain (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, foot
· workplace strains · sports injuries
· backache of pregnancy
· symptoms of chronic conditions, e.g., asthma, arthritis
· stiffness associated with wear and tear
· effects of trauma, e.g., whiplash
· period pain
· irritable bowel syndrome · postural problems… & many others
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Cancer is another case where osteopathy can often make life more comfortable for those suffering from this distressing condition. While osteopathy can be said to be beneficial for many conditions it is also important to emphasise that osteopathy is not a magic cure-all for every ailment or, for that matter, every patient.