Maintenance is a fundamental concept in our daily lives, from regular dental check-ups to routine car servicing. Yet, when it comes to our bodies, we often forget this principle. This is where maintenance treatment in osteopathy comes in. However, whether everyone should opt for it or not, has the world of osteopathy divided.
Much like the routine servicing of a car that keeps it running smoothly, or regular dental visits that prevent oral complications, preventative osteopathy can help keep your body in peak condition. But this idea of regular ‘body servicing’ through osteopathic treatments isn’t universally accepted in the profession. Some osteopaths view it as a ploy to rope patients into more treatments.
As an experienced osteopath, however, I beg to differ and strongly advocate the benefits of maintenance treatment.
The reality is, maintenance treatment is designed to do the exact opposite. Rather than creating dependence on recurrent treatments, it aims to prevent major health issues that would require significantly more intervention to rectify. It’s about nipping potential problems in the bud before they bloom into chronic issues. Essentially, it’s about preventing that engine light in your car from ever coming on, or stopping that tooth cavity before it becomes a full-blown toothache.
But the question arises – is maintenance osteopathy for everyone? My response is, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario, but more a precaution to stop any previous issues from recurring. Many of the problems we deal with as osteopaths stem from lifestyle factors and everyday habits, such as prolonged sitting, which can lead to further complications. Hence, maintenance treatment is not only about routine checks but also about reinforcing self-management and lifestyle alterations to prevent the recurrence of these issues.
Picture your car again. Some vehicles need more frequent servicing due to age or heavy usage, while a lightly used or newer car might only need annual servicing. The maintenance needs of your ‘machine,’ whether it’s your body or your car, largely depend on its conditions and demands.
As a staunch believer in the value of preventative care, I’ve seen its role in bolstering long-term health first-hand. The potential of maintenance treatment in osteopathy is enormous, and a tailored treatment plan, devised in consultation with your osteopath, can significantly improve your quality of life.
So, let’s not wait until our body sends an SOS. Proactive care is the key to our well-being, allowing us to sidestep avoidable health issues and keep our bodies in the best possible condition.
At the Sussex Back Pain Clinic, we are committed to offering personalised care that extends beyond immediate relief. Through manual therapy, tailored exercises and lifestyle education, our goal is to restore proper function and alleviate discomfort. Many individuals have changed their lives through osteopathy at our clinic, and I firmly believe that, with the right approach, you too can reap these benefits.
Remember, just as we wouldn’t ignore a toothache or a car’s warning light, we shouldn’t disregard our body’s signals either. Proactive care is key to our well-being, enabling us to steer clear of avoidable medical emergencies and keep our finely tuned body in optimal condition.
That reminds me – I must book my car in for a service!
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.
