Back and neck pain
Back pain, back pain or mechanical neck influenced by positions, activities or a recent decrease in movement.
Your symptoms · Your daily life
Osteopathy for older people
Rider at rising, sensitive back or gestures that have become difficult?
Walking, gardening, turning your head or raising your arm: an embarrassment can limit the activities you care about. The consultation seeks to understand these difficulties and to propose gestures adapted to your health and comfort.
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Reasons frequently mentioned
Aging alone does not explain pain. A new or rapidly progressive discomfort should be evaluated, while a musculoskeletal disorder already known may sometimes benefit from complementary support centered on comfort and function.
Osteoarthritis and stiffness
It interferes around a diagnosed joint, with the aim of preserving useful movements. The osteopathy does not regenerate cartilage.
Hanche, knee and foot
Unfortunate during walking, stairs or transfers, after exclusion of fracture, acute injury or medical cause.
Shoulder and upper limb
Difficulties in dressing, reaching a shelf, wearing or using technical assistance in the context of a musculoskeletal disorder.
After immobilization
Resumption of mobility after less active period, hospitalization or intervention, with the agreement of the medical team and in addition to rehabilitation.
Maintenance of activities
Search for solutions to stay active in everyday gestures, gardening, walking or leisure, without promising to slow down aging.
Essentials: age does not prohibit manual consultation, but requires careful assessment of general condition, possible osteoporosis, anticoagulant treatments, operations, chronic diseases and risk of falling. The techniques are chosen accordingly.
A function-oriented consultation
- Full interview: pain, falls, fractures, operations, chronic diseases, treatments, walking aids and recent examinations.
- Risk Screening: search for medical, neurological, vascular or traumatic signs requiring orientation.
- Observation of activities: movements of the spine and joints, walking and simple transfers when relevant and secure.
- Proportional techniques: mobilisations and work of soft tissues adapted to fragility, without unspecified technique.
- Advice and coordination: maintenance of tolerated activity and referral to physician, physiotherapist, pharmacist, podologist or occupational therapist as required.
Mobility, strength and prevention of falls
The World Health Organization recommends that people aged 65 and over stay as active as their condition permits. In the case of reduced mobility, balancing exercises are particularly important. For people at risk, falls prevention is multifactorial: strengthening and balancing, home adaptation, drug review, vision, shoes, blood pressure and causes of dizziness.
- Walk or engage in an activity that is regularly and gradually appreciated.
- Work strength at least two days a week if health conditions permit and with appropriate supervision.
- Integrate balance exercises when the risk of falling is present.
- Lighten passage areas, fix carpets and clear obstacles.
- Re-evaluate treatment for recent dizziness, drowsiness or fall.
- Talking about a fear of falling: it can lead to less movement and increase capacity loss.
When can I ask for medical advice without waiting?
After a fall, severe pain, impossibility of support, deformation or shock to the head require medical evaluation, especially under anticoagulant. Also check quickly in case of sudden weakness, speech disorder, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, unexplained weight loss, unusual night pain or rapid aggravation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we consult with a hip or knee prosthesis?
Yes in some situations, taking into account the date of surgery and the surgeon's recommendations. The prosthesis itself is not manipulated and any suspected complications are medically monitored.
What about osteoporosis?
We've got to report it. Bone fragility alters the choice of techniques and acute pain after an effort or fall may require medical imaging.
Can osteopathy prevent a fall?
She can't guarantee it. Progressive programmes of strength and balance, housing security and medical assessment are essential measures.
Can a relative accompany the consultation?
Yes, with the patient's consent. This may be useful in clarifying treatment, history, falls or daily difficulties.
What you can expect
Understanding the method of reading evidence and the limits of advice →
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