Wantage Osteopathic Practice

Joint pain often worsens in winter — especially for those living with arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, bursitis or tendinitis. Cold, damp weather can make joints feel stiffer and more sensitive.

In colder months, circulation to the limbs reduces, soft tissues become less pliable and changes in pressure can cause muscles and tendons to tighten or swell — all of which affect pain.

At https://www.wantageosteopathicpractice.co.uk we take a whole-body approach to easing winter aches. Osteopathy helps by:
• Boosting circulation to painful joints
• Improving mobility and reducing inflammation
• Releasing tension in surrounding muscles
• Supporting balance and strength throughout the body
• Providing tailored exercises to maintain movement and reduce strain

Winter doesn’t have to mean more pain or less activity. With personalised care and hands-on treatment, you can stay mobile, comfortable and active all season long.

If you’re noticing more stiffness or joint pain, call us on 01235 768748 — we’re here to support your winter wellbeing ❄️💙

We are very pleased to say that Toby has now started at the practice. Toby is offering appointments in cranial osteopathy, sports massage and paediatric care, as well as other osteopathic treatment.

Call us on 01235 768748 to book an appointment.

Meet the team!

Tendonitis may occur when a tendon becomes inflamed after an injury, repetitive use or inflammatory disease. It may cause swelling, joint pain and stiffness, and can affect movement. Tendonitis is a common condition often seen in the ankle, elbow or shoulder that fortunately responds well to care and treatment.
Early diagnosis and osteopathic treatment can aid recovery and get you back to normal activities more quickly.

Our osteopaths will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle which in turn will help to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your issue and to formulate a treatment plan that will achieve the best outcome.

Your osteopath will use a range of gentle hands-on techniques, dependent on your age and diagnosis, together with rehabilitation advice, designed to promote and maintain health and movement.

2024 marks 150 years of Osteopathy, and we are beyond proud to be part of this incredible profession that transforms lives every day. Osteopathy uses manual therapy and a range of non-invasive techniques to provide pain relief and rehabilitation, aiming to improve joint mobility, relieve muscular tension and enable effective healing. Osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals, with a four-year degree, and are experts in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. Osteopathic educators and regulators support and promote evidence-based practice, thereby encouraging the study and use of best available evidence, clinical experience, and patient preferences to make informed patient-care decisions. Call us for advice or to book an appointment on 01235 768748. We've got your back! https://www.wantageosteopathicpractice.co.uk/

Do you suffer with acute or chronic back pain? Back pain can occur in the low back, between the shoulder blades or at the base of the neck. The problem is often postural and maintained by sitting for long periods; a sporadic exercise regime; lifting and carrying young children; or by work.

Recommended by national guidelines, osteopathy is a safe and gentle form of musculoskeletal manipulation that can help with back pain.

Osteopaths use a holistic approach to assess patients and determine which joint function may have broken down. We can then treat the areas of the spine that may not be functioning or areas that may be over-compensating – these areas will be causing the pain.

Usually a course of treatment followed by advice on an ongoing exercise program, or ways that the patient can reduce the strain that is being placed on certain areas of the spine, will result in a significant improvement in symptoms.

We have some availability next week if you need our help with your back or any other musculoskeletal issue.

Good morning - hope everyone is looking after themselves today! Please be aware that, due to the bank holidays, we are even busier than usual, but if you need an urgent appointment, we have some availability tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. To arrange an appointment, please call 01235 768748. Thank you.

http://cafescientifique.org/uk/wantage-2 "Walking on water: how joints work and why we get arthritis", a talk presented by orthopaedic surgeon, Michael Beverly who recently completed a DPhil at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford. Come along to The Wildwood On Wednesday evening, 14 September to learn more about the beautiful engineering and complexities of our joints. Click the link for further information.

Upcoming events – Cafe Scientifique Upcoming events WhereWildwood Cinema, 43 Market Street, Wantage, OX12 8AW WhenSecond Wednesday of the month7.15pm for 7:30pm start ContactFaith CulshawNewsletterSubscribe here Walking on water: how joints work and why we get arthritis with Michael Beverley Wednesday 14th September 2022 Surprisingly....

Sciatica relates to pain following the sciatic nerve and usually affects only one side of the lower body. It can run from the lower back, down the back of the thigh and through the leg, sometimes extending to the foot. And it can be excruciating. Unfortunately, sciatica often recurs and appears to worsen each time. It can be caused by wearing high heels, lack of exercise or being overweight.

Symptoms include:

Pain, radiating from the back into the hip and the outer side of the leg.

Lower back pain.

Pain in the buttock, hamstring and the calf.

Weakness, pain, numbness or difficulty in moving the leg.

Pain that is worse for sitting.

A tingling sensation along the thigh and leg.

Osteopathy can be effective in treating acute sciatica as well as preventing further episodes. Your osteopath will also try to establish the cause of your condition.

Osteopathic treatment aims to relieve pressure from the sciatic nerve with soft tissue techniques, combined with manipulation, if appropriate, to improve your mobility. According to the NICE guidlines: "Manual therapies such as Osteopathy are a worthwhile and effective treatment approach to improve or resolve low back pain with or without sciatica."

What to expect when you visit an osteopath:
Osteopathy is a patient-centered system of healthcare. Your first appointment lasts longer than subsequent appointments to allow your osteopath time to:
•Listen and ask questions about your problem, your general health, other medical care you are receiving or medication you are taking, and record this in your case notes.
• Examine you properly. It is likely the osteopath will ask you to remove some of your clothing. Tell your osteopath if you are uncomfortable about this - your privacy will always be respected.
• Ask you to make simple movements and stretches, to observe your posture and mobility. Because of the body’s structure, pain or stiffness you are experiencing in one area may be linked to a problem elsewhere.
• Examine the health of the joints, tissues and ligaments using their hands and a highly developed sense of touch called palpation.
• Check for signs of other serious conditions they cannot treat and advise you to see your GP and provide a letter if appropriate.

Osteopathy specialises in the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders. Your osteopath will give you a clear explanation of their diagnosis, and discuss a suitable treatment plan. Treatment is hands-on, involving skilled manipulation of the spine and joints, and massage of soft tissues. Your osteopath will explain what they are doing and will always ask your permission to treat you. Ask questions at any time, if you are unsure of what you have been told or if you have any concerns. Self-help measures and advice on exercise may be offered to assist your recovery, and prevent recurrence or worsening of symptoms.

It was very exciting to see the Women's Tour cyclists speed through the town at around 40 miles an hour on Saturday! Elite cyclists understand the toll extreme sport can take on backs, knees and necks and the importance of a well adjusted bike and prompt treatment for cycling injuries. Retaining the same posture for prolonged time can result in low back muscle strain, a common complaint of cyclists. To address this, first check that your saddle is the right height and not angled upwards. A saddle that is too high will cause your hips to rock from side to side whilst pedalling, contributing to low back pain. The seat should be low enough to enable a slight bend in your knee when your foot is at the bottom of your pedal.

If your lower back pain persists, come and see us at the practice. Osteopath Chloe Holden recommends "addressing your back pain early to optimize your cycling performance and to ensure the injury doesn't worsen." Manual techniques can reduce back pain, improving movement in your low back and hips, while specific stretches can alleviate muscle tension. With improved cycle infrastructure around Wantage, it's really great to see so many people on their bikes. We wish you happy and safe cycling!