Osteopathy for back and pelvic pain
Back and pelvic pain are common and can develop for various reasons. Sometimes there is a clear cause, such as an awkward movement, prolonged sitting, sports activities or a period of physical overload. However, symptoms can also develop gradually or keep returning without an immediately clear explanation.
At Osteo Elout, I look beyond the area where you experience pain or stiffness. I assess the body as a whole and explore which factors may influence your symptoms, recovery and physical capacity.
What back and pelvic complaints can an osteopath help with?
Examples of symptoms and complaints people visit me for include:
- Lower back pain
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Recurring back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Tailbone pain
- Hip, groin or buttock pain
- Difficulty bending, twisting or getting up
- Discomfort during prolonged sitting or standing
- Back or pelvic pain during or after exercise
- Symptoms that return when gradually increasing physical activity
- Back pain associated with tension in the abdomen or breathing
Not all back or pelvic complaints have the same underlying cause. That is why I always tailor the assessment and treatment to your individual circumstances.
How do I approach back and pelvic pain as an osteopath?
The lower back and pelvis do not function independently of the rest of the body. They work together with the hips, legs, spine, abdomen, chest and breathing, among other structures and functions.
During the examination, I therefore look beyond the painful area. I assess the mobility of the spine, pelvis and hips, as well as muscles, connective tissue and other structures that may influence how you move and respond to physical demands.
The abdomen, diaphragm and breathing may also be included in the assessment where relevant. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that may contribute to or maintain your symptoms.
What does the assessment involve?
During your initial consultation, we begin with a detailed discussion of your concerns, symptoms and medical history. I will ask how your symptoms started, when you notice them and how factors such as work, sport, posture and physical activity may affect them.
This is followed by a physical examination. The examination is preferably carried out in your underwear, allowing me to assess your posture, movement and areas of tension more accurately. If you feel uncomfortable with this, you are welcome to wear comfortable sportswear instead.
I assess the mobility of your back, pelvis, hips and other relevant areas. Based on the examination, I will discuss my findings with you and explain any connections I have identified.
What does the treatment involve?
If osteopathy is appropriate for your symptoms, an initial treatment will usually take place during your first consultation.
Treatment involves manual techniques tailored to your symptoms, body and physical capacity. These may include techniques focusing on joints, muscles, connective tissue, the chest, abdomen or breathing.
I believe it is important that you understand what I am doing and why. During the consultation, I will therefore explain my findings and how they may relate to your symptoms.
Where appropriate, I may also provide advice or exercises to follow at home, such as guidance on movement, recovery or gradually increasing physical activity.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies from person to person. It depends on factors such as the nature of your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them and how your body responds to treatment.
After your initial consultation, I will discuss the expected treatment plan and frequency of appointments with you.
In most cases, a noticeable change or improvement should occur within approximately four treatments. If this is not the case, we will review whether osteopathy is still appropriate or whether further investigation or consultation with your GP may be beneficial.
When should you see your GP first?
Not all back or pelvic complaints are suitable for immediate osteopathic treatment. Certain symptoms require medical assessment first.
For example, contact your GP if you experience:
- Sudden loss of strength in an arm or leg
- Increasing loss of sensation or neurological symptoms
- Problems with bladder or bowel control
- Numbness around the buttocks or genital area
- Fever accompanied by severe back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Symptoms following a serious accident or injury
If you are unsure whether osteopathy is suitable for your symptoms, feel free to get in touch beforehand.
Would you like your back or pelvic pain assessed?
Are you experiencing back or pelvic pain that keeps returning, does not improve as expected or limits your daily activities, work or sport? During an initial consultation, I will be happy to assess which factors may be contributing to your symptoms.