Brian’s Story – Tennis Elbow

“After my regular game of tennis, I began to notice pain on my left elbow. I ignored it at first, but after a few weeks, it became more persistent to the point that I was in pain when using the computer at work. I had seen an osteopath before for a lower back problem and had faith that they would be able to help.”

Brian’s story is not that typical – Most people who present with tennis elbow don’t even play tennis!

For tennis players, it’s usually a result of poor technique “wristy backhands”, high string tensions and incorrect grip sizes. It also commonly affects people in jobs with repetitive movements such as computers and cleaning or in manual professions such as gardening and building.

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis occurs when the muscles of the forearm that are used to extend the wrist backwards are overloaded. This causes micro-tears and inflammation of the tendon where it attaches to the bone on the outside of the elbow.

How FROC can help:

As osteopaths, we use deep soft tissue massage to improve blood flow which promotes healing. We would also look more holistically at the arm to exclude any underlying mechanical factors. The advice on the use of elbow supports and cold therapy would be discussed as this can help prevent further damage and aid recovery.

Margaret’s Story – Arthritis

“I had been suffering from pain and stiffness in my right knee for many months when a friend suggested I see an osteopath. The osteopath asked a lot of questions and gave me a thorough examination. He told me that I may have osteoarthritis in the knee and explained that although he couldn’t reverse the wear and tear, a series of treatments and advice on exercises could help to reduce pain and increase movement.”

Margaret’s story is very typical. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis – part of the ‘wear and tear process.

It more commonly affects the weight-bearing joints of the body such as the feet, ankles, hips, knees and lower back.

There is nearly always a predisposing factor such as:

• Previous injury or fracture
  

• Overuse such as sport or occupation
  

• Obesity
  

• Previous disease
  

• Genetics/family history

How FROC can help:

We can improve the function of a joint by applying gentle osteopathic movements. Pain caused by swelling and inflammation can be helped through deep soft tissue massage. Advice on lifestyle and exercise will help in the long term management of an osteoarthritic joint.

Gills’ Story – Headaches

“I had suffered from headaches and neck tension for years, but since returning to work full time they had become much worse. I went to see an osteopath who reassured me that I had a mechanical problem in my neck. She explained that poor posture, long periods of sitting coupled with the stresses of modern life can result in muscular tension and headaches.”

After low back pain, headaches are the greatest cause of disability.

Headaches can be grouped as such:

• INTRA CRANIAL – within the skull. Which are acute, serious and often life-threatening

• EXTRA CRANIAL – outside the skull. Which can be acute, chronic, mild and severe but rarely life-threatening

Some of these extracranial headaches can come from the neck and are known as cervicogenic headaches. They are often associated with poor posture, stressful lifestyles, muscular tension and osteoarthritis.

How FROC can help:

An accurate diagnosis is essential. Treatment if appropriate may consist of deep soft tissue stretching to the muscles of the upper back and neck. This can increase blood flow and help to reduce muscle tension. Underlying mechanical factors such as poor posture, stress and exercise will be addressed to reduce any predisposition and to allow the patient to self manage in the future.