Introduction
Embarking on a journey to improved health with osteopathy is a positive and proactive step. Yet, getting the most from your osteopathy treatments involves more than just showing up for your appointments. It’s an active process requiring your commitment. Here are three crucial steps to set yourself up for success.
Step 1: Keep Your Appointments
Consistency is key in any form of therapy, and osteopathy is no exception. Your osteopath customises your treatment plan based on your individual condition and health goals. Each session builds on the progress made in the previous one, which means missing or frequently rescheduling your appointments can slow your recovery process.
Skipping an appointment because you’re feeling better can lead to relapse, as the underlying issues may not be fully addressed yet. Just like antibiotics, it’s important to complete the whole course of treatment even if you start feeling better midway through.
Step 2: Break Bad Habits
Osteopathy doesn’t end when you leave the treatment room; it’s a holistic approach that often involves making lifestyle changes. Your osteopath may identify certain habits contributing to your back pain, such as poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, or improper lifting techniques.
Following the advice of your osteopath to break these bad habits is crucial to reduce abnormal stress on your back. Ignoring this advice can undo the progress made during your treatment sessions and continue to exacerbate your issues. Remember, recovery is a partnership between you and your osteopath, and your daily habits play a significant role.
Step 3: Follow Your Prescribed Exercises
In addition to in-clinic treatments, your osteopath will likely provide you with a tailored set of exercises to do at home. These exercises are designed to improve your back mobility, strengthen the muscles supporting your joints, and promote faster recovery.
While it can be tempting to skip these exercises, particularly if you’re feeling better, doing so can impede your progress. These exercises help to maintain the benefits of your treatment sessions, reinforce healthy movement patterns, and reduce the risk of future pain or injury.
Conclusion
Your journey to recovery and optimal health with osteopathy is a collaborative process. Keeping your appointments, breaking bad habits, and following your prescribed exercises are three crucial steps to success. By actively participating in your treatment, you’re not only accelerating your recovery but also investing in your long-term health and well-being.
Remember, your osteopath is there to guide you through this journey, but the key to success lies in your hands.
Steve Morris is an Osteopath with over 30 years’ experience. He is a specialist in the field of non-surgical treatment of disc conditions, especially sciatica. He uses various different treatment mediums, from hands on osteopathy and acupuncture to the use of mechanical decompression with IDD Therapy, for which he is one of the country’s leading exponents and experts.
