BOP is proud to announce a new arrival to the practice, Rik King. Rik is in his final year training to be a chiroporactor, but he has many years of experience in Sports Massage. An introduction to Rik follows below. He will start at BOP at the end of Febuary 2019. Appointments for Sports Massage […]
manual therapy
NICE guidelines for low back pain and the role of manual therapy explored. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. They updated their guidelines for the assessment and management of low back pain and sciatica in November 2016. Their main recommendations were: A group exercise […]
Your first visit
Find out about what to expect from your first visit to Broadwater Osteopathic Practice.
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Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterised by severe, disabling fatigue, and other symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, impaired concentration and headaches (Reid 2007).![]()
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The prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome has been estimated to be from 0.007% to 2.8% in the general adult population, and from 0.006% to 3.0% in primary care, depending on the criteria used (Afari 2003). Chronic fatigue syndrome imposes substantial economic costs on society, mainly in terms of informal care costs and lost employment (McCrone 2003).![]()
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The cause of the syndrome remains poorly understood, but hypotheses include endocrine and immunological abnormalities, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, abnormal pain processing and certain infectious illnesses, such as Epstein-Barr virus and viral meningitis (Gur 2008, White 2001). People who have had a prior psychiatric disorder are nearly three times more likely to have chronic fatigue syndrome later in life than those who have not (Harvey 2008).![]()
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Prognosis is poor, with only around 5% of adults returning to pre-syndrome levels of functioning (Cairns 2005). Aims of treatment are to reduce levels of fatigue and associated symptoms, to increase levels of activity, and to improve quality of life. Conventional approaches include graded exercise therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and antidepressant drugs (DTB 2001).![]()
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How acupuncture can help![]()
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There are consistent positive results from observational studies (Wang 2008, Huang 2008, Guo 2007), but very few randomised controlled trials as yet (Wang 2009a, 2009b; Yiu 2007; Li 2006) In the meantime, given the often unsatisfactory outcomes from conventional treatments, Acupuncture may be a worthwhile option to consider, probably as part of a combined approach. There is evidence to support its effectiveness for some of the common symptoms – chronic pain, insomnia, depression (refer to the relevant Fact Sheets for details), but for chronic fatigue syndrome as a whole there is a need for more, and higher quality, research.![]()
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#acupuncture #fatigue #chronicfatigue #LongCovid #me #worthing #BOPOsteo #broadwaterosteopaths
Repetitive strain injuries![]()
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Repetitive strain injuries, are, as the name implies, injuries sustained as a result of repetitive movements and overuse. Injury occurs to the musculoskeletal and nervous system, generally in an accumulative fashion.![]()
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The condition tends to occur more in the upper body, effecting the hands, wrists, forearms, arms, neck and shoulders.![]()
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Patients will commonly describe symptoms which build up gradually and may include pain, stiffness, weakness, cramping, tingling, numbness and swelling. These symptoms can range from being mild to severe, but without treatment they can become more severe and longer lasting.![]()
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What causes it?![]()
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It is often repetitive activities or a combination of poor posture and poor working positions. Vibrations and excessive gripping or trauma may also cause it. Cold temperatures and stress are also thought to contribute to it.![]()
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What can you do?![]()
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Look at activities that you feel may be causing the symptoms. Is there any way you can adapt these activities or change them or rest from them for a period of time? Speak to your employer if this relates to work.![]()
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Ani-inflammatory drugs and pain killers may assist with symptoms. Splints and supports can also give some relief as can the use of hot and cold packs.![]()
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Osteopathy, acupuncture, physiotherapy and massage may also help to reduce symptoms. The use of electrotherapy like ultrasound can also help.![]()
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Prevention![]()
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It is a good idea to assess your daily tasks and see how you can make small changes to them.![]()
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Take regular breaks, stretch and use good postural control![]()
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Look at yoga or pilates to help you with this and strengthen weak muscle groups. Look at tackling stress and general wellbeing too, to aid a more relaxed mental attitude. ![]()
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Check how your desk is set up and speak to occupational health if you require advice on this or check out some of the government sites online. ![]()
These offer simple ways to help you understand how to set your desk up properly.![]()
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#RSI #worthing #repetitivestrain #BOP #BOPOsteo #broadwaterosteopaths #osteopath #acupuncture #wellness #electrotherapy