WELLBEINg
OSTEOPATHY AND THE FIRE BRIGADE
HAZARDS OF THE JOB
Every job has its occupational hazards and for those working in The Fire Brigade , there are few exceptions . Whether its the physical demands of frontline fire and rescue , or sitting for long hours at a desk in an administrative role , these can all take its toll on our physical health , which in turn can affect our overall well-being .
From a sudden injury caused by lifting equipment or rescuing people , to the cumulative strains of repetitive work , symptoms such as pain and stiffness can easily occur .
OSTEOPATHY - HOW IT CAN HELP
Osteopathy is one type of complementary medicine where the practitioner diagnoses and treats problems within the musculo-skeletal system . Although people often think ‘ osteopathy ’ concerns just bones or just the spine , osteopaths treat a range of conditions that involve the whole body and other tissue types ; ligaments , muscles , tendons , blood vessels , nerves and joints . So , even though many patients have problems in their back or neck , osteopaths can apply treatment for a wide range of conditions in all areas of the body . The effects of many health conditions on the body ( e . g . digestive problems ) can also be improved , though the underlying condition in itself may not be able to be resolved .
HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM MASSAGE AND WHAT HAPPENS IN A CONSULTATION ?
Whereas pure massage mainly focuses on the soft tissues ( i . e . muscles , tendons and ligaments ), osteopathy can also influence the skeletal system by addressing restrictions in the joints of your body . Osteopaths can detect whether the function of a joint is impaired and perform adjustments to the joint - ‘ clicking ’ ( freeing up ) the joint if safe to do so and with the patient ’ s consent .
A record of your presenting complaint and background information regarding your general health will be taken . If you have any medical correspondence , X-ray / MRI reports or list of medication taken ( names and dosages ) or other relevant data then this will be useful to the osteopath if you bring this along . If your presentation is suitable for osteopathy , you will be asked to undress to your underwear so that a standing visual examination can take place . This is so the osteopath can get an idea of your overall structure .
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