Hello, my name is Simon. I am a 59-year-old man who lives alone in downtown Perth. I am pleased to say that I have never had to spend a night in a hospital. This is because I know how to take care of myself. When I was growing up my grandpa often used to tell me that if you eat well and exercise, you will live a long life. He died aged 95, so he must have known something. However, it was only when I became friends with a doctor, that I discovered all the other things I could do to stay healthy. I decided to start this blog to encourage others to look after their health.
As you get older, your body requires a little bit more effort when it comes to maintaining good health. That is why you visit the doctor more and try to watch what you eat more closely, in addition to taking any medication you may require. However, there are other methods of healthcare that can help naturally keep your body in better health for longer. Visiting an osteopath can be a great way for older Australians to stay independent longer and enjoy their retirement as they so deserve. Here are a few ways in which an osteopath can help older Australian's in ways other medical professionals can't.
Non-Medicinal
While drugs are certainly important in some instances, as mentioned above, they should be used as little as possible. This is not necessarily because they are dangerous or anything of that nature; it is just better for the body to be able to heal itself without the use of external stimulants or aids if possible. If the body can continue to maintain itself, there is a better chance of it lasting longer without the cocktail of drugs you see people who suffer from chronic conditions take. Osteopathy recognises that natural alternatives are always desirable to medicinal ones where possible, and so there are minimal drugs involved.
Back And Joint Pain
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of visiting an osteopath is getting help for joint and muscle pain, particularly on the back, which bears the brunt of your weight both standing and lying down. While there are other medical experts in this field who treat these injuries, such as chiropractors and physiotherapists, they are a bit rougher and more jarring on the body than an osteopath is. Osteopaths are interested in long-term, steady recoveries and the maintenance of your joints rather than a quick pop or snap back into place. For older Australians, this is much safer.
Arthritis
Arthritis is extremely common in older Australians, and it can get so bad you struggle to hold even a cup of coffee or perhaps even walk. An osteopath uses gentle exercises, massages and pressure application in tandem with advice on lifestyle choices (such as diet and sleep/activity schedules) to help naturally combat arthritis as much as possible. While an osteopath can serve as a GP and prescribe medication for chronic conditions like arthritis, medication is best used in tandem with regular visits and physical therapy, so wherever possible, they will keep this to a minimum.
Share12 March 2021
