Osteopaths and RA

[tristin]

Wondering if anybody had results visiting an osteopath? In the past I have had excellent treatments from them for non RA back and muscle issues due to physical work ie limp in painfully and walk out happily. Getting sick of hands off, minimal explanation and drug only treatment from straight doctors. (But thank goodness for their expertise and knowledge). Left arm has been extremely painful with numb fingers. Saw osteopath today who focussing on arm problem and results seem good after session. Said every thing - nerves and blood flow etc was tight and restricted. Feel much better after treatment, although things were slightly improving anyway possibly by upping prednisone by 0.25 gram/day. My rheumy specialist says 'good luck' with osteopathy so is sceptical as is most of the medical profession. Has anybody visited an osteopath lately. Their skills seem to have broadened over the last 10 years.

[helixhelix]

I have a great osteopath/pysiotherapist - she is trained in both. She treats me very gently, so no strong joint manipulations although can go pretty deep with muscle massage.

Anyway, I have herniated discs in my neck which caused all sorts of problems including numb arms and tingling fingers. All gone now! And as long as I stick to my daily exercises they have stayed gone so far (6 months). And I can even turn my head now...

Equally the degenerated disc in my lower back are much improved thanks to her. She has managed to get a degree of mobility back in my lower spine, but again I have to keep up with the exercises or I regress quickly.

[Gigi71]

Hi Tristan. I wanted to see a Mctimony Chiroprator for my lumber back pain and sciatica, but she wanted confirmation my osteoporosis would not be a problem. My GP referred me back to the rheumatologist, they wanted me to wait for my MRI ordered by pain management, which I have now. I was prescribed Duluxatine till I have an injection, not happy to take it. At the moment I've been given an appointment for physio on the 17th December ! Meanwhile the pain is almost unbearable. My RD meds don't touch it and I can't take opiate drugs. Need to chase up again. X

[tristin in reply to Gigi71]

I have had bad lumbar pain and sciatica in the past and it can be the most painful thing. I I I hope they can sort out a solution for you. Dec 17 seems a long way ahead. Best wishes Tristin.

[daisychains58 in reply to Gigi71]

My heart breaks for you and the horrible pain you’re suffering. Seems the system is not geared to help the patient, living in intolerable pain and waiting for appointments, our life quality are in the hands of a few. So much more to this disease than taking a few pills. Its an auto immune disease and somehow we must get our body to heal itself not attack itself. If only the health umbrella covered every possible alternative in a positive non judgemental way we may see some improvement. Gigi71 I pray you find relief and a homeopathic practictioner who can help you ASAP. Why can you not take opiate based drugs? They are one of the few that actually take the pain away. 🤗 to you

[Gigi71 in reply to daisychains58]

Thank you for your kind words daisychains. I received a letter today from my Pain Management consultant, they always seem to arrive when you can't ring back for more clarification.. It seems I have a grade 2 anterolisthesis of L4 L5 and severe canal stenosis. My case has been sent to the Complex Spine MDT meeting, which I understand was yesterday. I waited 9 months to see him and can only say I have never met a kinder doctor. I met him in the corridor and he and I were both late, me because of transport and him because of his family down with flu. He took my hand and took me into the clinic when I asked the way. !!!! Everything is so slow here with the NHS, not the least getting letters out. I have many health matters and I am having a CT scan on my chest next Wednesday to see how the lung scaring is going. It seems I have to be patient a little longer. I am due to see my rheumatologist on the 12th December. Unfortunately opiate drugs make me extremely nauses and disorientated and can't function. Have had erosive RD 33 years so have often tried alternative therapies, a good diet helps me. We have to do as much as possible to help ourselves as well. All the best to you and your journey. X

[oldtimer]

I have a great osteopath who helps a lot. And she tells me clearly when she finds that what I thought was pressure on a nerve (which she could help with) was in fact, inflammation and to get back to the rheumatologist asap. So it is truly complementary medicine.

[tristin in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks Oldtimer. Today I went to a osteopath who was very kind and caring. His treatments were very helpful. But he was also very young (under 30!) l may try another one with at least 2 decades of experience. I live in Sydney so too far for me to contact you great practitioner. Think I am confused what really is inflammation, have to read more on this site. Thanks for the great information.

[tristin]

Thanks Helixhelix for positive comments about osteopaths. The pain must have be appalling. Very pleased to hear that she has been able to help considerably and that you can turn your head.

[helixhelix in reply to tristin]

She's great, and probably not much over 30 either. I like young practioners as they tend to be up to date with new thinkimg about treatments. Plus they are likely to retire straight away.

[DRunnerchick]

My GP/PCP is an osteopath and double board certified in family medicine and sports Med/orthopedics (non-surgical). I will stay until death do we part. Here in the U.S. a DO and MD are licensed the same, but a DO has more emphasis on anatomy in medical school so they really come away with an integrated understanding of the body. They are also taught to treat the whole patient and they tend to prescribe fewer meds. There is still some misunderstanding related to what they are and what there education involves. Mine can also do osteopathic manipulation and teaches to the sports fellows at the Uni Hospital. Hope that helps.

D🏃🏽‍♀️

[HappykindaGal]

Hi. I run a business and 50% of my client base are osteopaths and physios. They are highly qualified -4 years. Some GPs are sceptical purely because they don't work in the NHS, unlike physios, which do as part of their training.

Their clients sing their praises as they treat the whole body, where as physios will often just prescribe exercises. If you tell me where you are, I can probably recommend one and ask them to give you a call and you can explain what you would like to achieve.

For me, my osteo clients are a lot more helpful with me than my physios when it comes to RA.

[daisychains58]

Hi Tristan.... I agree with you and I also live in Sydney or not too far these days. If you find a homeopathic practitioner who helps you I would be keen to know the details. I found a series called Auto Immune secrets invaluable, so much fabulous information to help heal ourselves. Its early days for me with non RA or inflammatory arthritis, diagnosed in July this year and I am in a rehab after having bi lateral knee replacements at St Vincent’s Hospital last week. I have been off my meds other than prednisone for 2 weeks and am very reluctant to resume them. Wishing you all the best in your search for alternative treatments to at least try. 🤗

[tristin]

Thanks Cwendyn, I have always found oseopaths great healers. My Dad took me to one when I was 12 to make sure everything was in order. I prefer Osteopaths to others hands on practitioners as they seem more grounded in wholistic healing. I am in sydney so not sure if my medical insurance covers me for flights to UK.

[tristin]

Thanks Daisychain

I use to see a very gifted Oesteopath but unfortuantely he retired. When I find somebody brilliant as he was I will let you know. Had a look at Autoimmune secrets but seems they want some money to view their secrets - fare enough I guess - but I did not pursue it.

If I discover a cure I will be telling all for free. Hope the knee recovery is swift and successful. Think I am looking for complimentary treatments to assist and support the RA specialists work. It is definitely a case that there is not one practitioner that covers all bases and all have limitations based on their training and knowledge.

[tristin in reply to tristin]

Hi Daisychain found the immune secrets on youtube and will have a look following your recommendation. Many thanks

[daisychains58 in reply to tristin]

Also look up Moringa farm Australia... I’ve been taking these for 2 months now and no DMARDs. I’m no worse pain wise and I feel better in myself, my hair is just this week not coming out by the handful.

I find the face and hair serum extraordinary as well. Only supplements I take now are the moringa capsules and high dose milk thistle with other beneficial liver herbs. Wishing you all the best

[tristin]

Thanks DRunnerchick. Wish there was more like your practitioner. Sounds amazing so qualified in a wide range of healing work. In Australia always been great resistance (narrow mindedness) by those that control medical training to incorporate any ideas not coming from directly from science. Not many years ago they could not see much use in massage, osteopathy, meditation, diet, natural remedies like fish oil or tumeric etc. Things change slowly.

[TPaine]

I like HelixHelix have an osteopath who works very bgently as I also have prolapsed disc in my neck and RA. She uses cranial osteopathy on me which is fabulous, so maybe look for this to try?