Specialist treatment for chronic pain conditions
Chronic pain is simply pain that lasts a long time – in medical terms pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks – rather than short-term or acute pain. Chronic pain could be caused by an ache or injury – for example back or neck pain – which has not healed and has become chronic, or it could be caused by a chronic pain condition, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
An important part of chronic pain is your mental approach. A body which consistently experiences pain, can over time begin to become more adept at simply causing pain, amplifying pain signals. Pain can also lead to inactivity, which leads to further tightness and pain, known as the pain cycle.
An important part of chronic pain is your mental approach. A body which consistently experiences pain over time can begin to become more adept at simply causing pain, amplifying pain signals. Pain can also lead to inactivity which leads to further tightness and pain, known as the pain cycle.
Osteopaths are able to treat a wide range of chronic pain problems with physical therapy. Treatment involves breaking the pain cycle by releasing muscles which have tightened as part of the body’s natural response to pain, and realigning the joints and spine. We also specialise in Cognitive Functional Therapy, helping to change your mindset around pain and approach it more effectively.
Chronic conditions treated by osteopathy include arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, lumbago, and conditions such as general aches and pains, sciatica and headaches, which are not chronic by nature but can become so in certain circumstances.
We offer specialist treatment for back pain at our clinic in Holland Park, easily accessible from Notting Hill, Shepherd’s Bush, Ladbroke Grove and surrounding areas.
Booking is quick and simple using the booking system below. For very short notice appointments, you can also try us on 07958070680.
In treating and managing chronic pain, we believe the best approach is to focus on what you can do, rather than only focusing on the pain. Whilst focusing on pain will often simply cause more pain, focusing on movement vocabulary and ability builds confidence to move naturally without fear, avoiding compensatory reactions in the body and further physical complications.
In this way we can also more easily control pain flare-up and build effective strategies to deal with flare-ups without fear or avoidance.
We take a Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) approach to the mental management of chronic pain. This involves three parts, underpinned by support from a professional physical therapist.
Understanding Pain to help you make sense of your pain and see it in a more empowering fashion.
Exposure With Control, developing the confidence to perform movements that you previously avoided whilst controlling the pain and level of movement
A Healthy Lifestyle including things like sleep changes and stress management that will better allow you to manage pain both physically and mentally
You can learn more about CFT from this infographic.
Gavin Smith MSc is an experienced Osteopath, Clinical Director of the Holland Park Osteopathic Practice, and lecturer and Clinical Supervisor at the London School of Osteopathy. He has worked with some of the UK’s top martial artists and sprinters, and also has an extensive background as a sports therapist and exercise coach.
Booking is quick and simple using the booking system below. For very short notice appointments, you can also try us on 07958070680.
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