Osteopaths are widely known for treating back pain. However Osteopaths can treat well beyond the spine. 

From frozen shoulder and Fibromyalgia to headaches and muscle spasms—as an Osteopath, I use a variety of manual techniques, manipulation and allied therapies (like lower level laser therapy and Western Acupuncture) to improve circulation, reduce pain, and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. 

That said, Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare and Osteopaths treat the person as well as the presenting symptoms. Therefore, I wouldn’t just look at the physical symptoms a patient is presenting with. A big part of my Osteopathic training is to identify any underlying factors to get to the root cause of the problem, which can sometimes be multifactorial—physical, emotional and nutritional. Doing so may help prevent recurrences and work towards improving a patient’s overall health. 

 

Health conditions an Osteopath can help with

 

As confirmed by the Advertising Standards Authority, Osteopaths can help with a range of health disorders like:

  • Arthritic pain
  • Circulatory problems
  • Cramp
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Frozen shoulder/ shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences)
  • Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
  • Joint pains
  • Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise
  • General, acute & chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident)
  • Generalised aches and pains
  • Minor sports injuries
  • Muscle spasms
  • Neuralgia – referred acute pain caused by irritation of a nerve
  • Tension and inability to relax
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Sciatica – presents usually with pain down one or both legs
  • Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash).

But perhaps it’s lesser known that Osteopathy and allied therapies can also help with: 

 

1. Migraine prevention

Believed to affect 6 million people in the UK*, Migraines can be a headache in every sense of the word. The complex neurological condition might begin with a painful headache preceded or accompanied by disturbed vision or aura—but migraines can affect the whole body. 

Someone suffering with a migraine might see flashing lights and/or zig zag patterns. While others may also experience pins and needles, numb limbs and difficulty in speaking. Sufferers can also encounter dizziness, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and smells. 

Medication is one method some turn to, to help control the pain, severity and frequency of attacks. However, as a Naturopath, I try to help my patients achieve emotional and physical wellbeing through natural methods and treatments, allowing their bodies to fight and prevent disease, minimising the need for surgery or drugs.

For example, Osteopathic techniques can help relieve migraine symptoms, whilst understanding and addressing the underlying, sometimes multifactorial, factors involved. While a 2020 systematic review, confirms that complementary therapies, such as Western medical acupuncture (which is also known as dry needling), “is an effective and safe method for migraines”.

 

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Differing to Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes stiffness and pain because of inflammation in the joints.

According to the NHS, GPs usually treat RA with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However there is a growing body of evidence that suggests natural approaches, like exercise, nutrition and Osteopathy—though the use of soft tissue massage—can be useful for pain management

And, as researchers confirmed in the 2022 edition of the Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine journal, acupuncture can be a ‘beneficial’ non-pharmacological option, too. Available evidence suggests that acupuncture is beneficial for relieving pain and ameliorating quality of life and health index in patients with RA,” researchers stated. “Thereby, it should be available as an adjunctive nonpharmacological treatment in rehabilitation programmes.

 

Get in touch

If you are suffering with any aches or pains don’t suffer in silence. Schedule a consultation either online, via phone or by sending an email. Osteopath and Naturopath Robin Kiashek holds clinics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. While Osteopath and Naturopath Motoko Nagasaki is available at the North London clinic on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday afternoons. 

 

*https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/

**https://gutscharity.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DigestingTheFactsReport.pdf

***https://www.nlg.nhs.uk/resources/gastrointestinal-conditions/

Impact of the Covid  Virus over the Longer Term

It can be a little difficult to keep abreast of the up-to-date COVID situation.  So, we thought it might be helpful to issue a reminder of how we’re dealing with things in our clinics in both Central London and East Finchley.  After all, COVID is still a matter of concern for many people.

Robin is fully vaccinated and boosted. He continues to wear PPE – in the form of an apron, surgical gloves and an FFP2 mask – and to fully sanitise the treatment room between patients.  He also asks that any patients who are not fully jabbed and boosted wear a mask in both reception and the clinic.

This is out of respect for those patients who are medically vulnerable but still need their regular Osteopathic treatment.  It is also to protect Robin.  As you will appreciate, he doesn’t really have the option to move to home working if he catches COVID!

We remain extremely grateful to all patients for their understanding of the need for continued vigilance on the COVID front.  We appreciate that the news is full of restrictions being lifted but numbers are still very high, and we believe it remains appropriate to think of the wider community.

Long Covid

On the subject of COVID, if you do find yourself struggling with the impact of the virus over the longer term then please do bear in mind the work that Robin has been doing with the Perrin Technique to help patients suffering with Long COVID.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines long Covid as lasting for more than 12 weeks, although some people consider symptoms that last more than eight weeks to be long Covid. Ongoing symptoms may include

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Problems with memory and concentration (or brain fog)
  • Insomnia
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Pins and needles
  • Joint pain
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Rashes
  • Feeling sick, stomach aches or loss of appetite
  • A high temperature

If this rings a bell then there is more information here.  Alternatively, you can book an appointment here.

 

 

 

NHS to trial the Perrin Technique

As an experienced and busy Osteopath in London I have spent many years helping patients with a variety of conditions. Being qualified in the Perrin Technique, a practice which works towards diagnosing and treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), more commonly known as Myalgic Encephalitis or ‘ME’ I am able to help patients with this conditions.

The Perrin Technique is a hands-on Osteopathic approach developed by Dr Raymond Perrin that detoxifies the body and the brain. The Perrin Technique aims to target the root of this potentially debilitating disease and cure it. Having trained with Dr Perrin and go on to be a practitioner of the the Perrin Technique helping patients with this disease I am pleased to know that the NHS is to trial the Perrin Technique for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME).

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?

CFS is a clinically defined condition characterized by severe disabling fatigue and a number of symptoms including disturbance of concentration, loss of short-term memory and disturbed sleep and musculoskeletal pain.

Due to the fact there is no accepted means of diagnosis by pathological tests such as blood or urine analysis, the standard diagnostic protocol of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome used within the NHS is one of exclusion. This means that a patient will only be diagnosed as suffering from CFS/ME when all other possible diagnostic tests has proved negative.

This isn’t an ideal situation for the patient at all.  It is not an adequate way to diagnose any disease; it causes distress amongst patients and forces in some cases numerous exhaustive tests that still provide no answer. Not to mention it is a slow process which will prolong the full force of the effects of the syndrome longer the needed.

The Perrin Technique NHS trial

A new research project is to begin at Wrightington Hospital, Wigan, based on Dr Perrin’s discovery. The project “Examining the accuracy of a physical technique for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis” has received ethical approval and is being conducted by a team at the Allied Health Professions unit at the University of Central Lancashire in association with 3 NHS trusts.

Introducing an evidence-based bio-physical diagnostic procedure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME at the earliest onset of the symptoms associated with this disease could lead to much speedier diagnosis. The patient  would then be in a position to have their illness managed far earlier than the present NHS protocol supports which in some regions can take at least six months before referral to an NHS specialist unit and at least a further month of blood tests.

The benefits to the patient is significant. In addition, reducing the need of some of the pathological tests currently being carried out could reduce the huge financial burden placed on the health  service for these tests.

How leading Osteopath in London can help

If you are suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME and would like further information on how I may help you or to book an appointment at one of my osteopathy clinics in London please feel free to send me a message or call me on 020 8815 0979.

More information on The Perrin Technique and Treatment