Any joint in the body from the big toe joint to the temperomandibular joint (jaw) and every joint in between can cause pain, stiffness or discomfort for a variety of reasons.

As osteopaths we are trained to understand the anatomy and workings of every joint including the muscles acting across the joints and the ligaments which stabilize them.

In addition to having theoretical knowledge of anatomy and physiology, osteopaths’ sense of touch (palpation) is highly developed which allows us to feel whether a particular joint is inflamed, arthritic or restricted for some other reason.  We are also able to detect the tone of the muscles around a joint i.e. whether the muscle fibres are over contracted (hypertonic), weak, in spasm or fibrotic (i.e. the muscle fibres have been contracted for so long that they have become more like scar tissue).

Problems can arise in joints from overuse, underuse, postural imbalances, injuries etc.  Often a joint can become painful or irritable if another part of the body has been injured and the strain spreads elsewhere.  For example, a sprained ankle results in limping which may cause the hip on the opposite side to develop symptoms.

With any mechanical joint problem a detailed case history is taken and followed by an examination of the particular joint both in active and passive movement.  In addition, the posture as a whole and associated joints and muscles are examined as necessary.  An appropriate treatment plan can then be decided on.  This may involve a combination of manipulation, articulation, soft tissue massage, rebalancing techniques as well as advice and exercises.

If you wish to discuss whether any joint pain which you suffer from is amenable to the osteopathic approach please telephone the practice, leave a message with our receptionist and one of the osteopaths will call you back.