Rohan Osteopathy Posts

A GP Investigates Osteopathy

by rohan iswariah on 01/09/16

How Effective Is Osteopathy?

A GP investigates.

These are comments made by Dr Laura Hollingworth and published in The Sutherland Cranial College Magazine (Summer 2012/No 34).

She wrote in 2011,

“Last year my pattern of recommendation for the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions altered significantly from physiotherapy to osteopathy, so my appraiser suggested I look at outcomes of treatment”.

The method she used was to look at the outcomes of 53 patients seen by the osteopath between October 2010 and December 2011.

Patients presented with low back, neck and shoulder, TMJ, Colic, Headache and migraine, Groin strain, and IBS.

Of those patients 37 did not require further GP appointments. Only 5 needed further appointments for pain killers or sick notes. 11 required further treatment or investigations.

In conclusion Dr Hollingworth said “This is a very simple study and should not be over-interpreted” but then goes on to discuss the findings.

Osteopaths are trained to diagnose and treat as primary healthcare practitioners and as such Dr Hollingworth states that “One patient was seen by the osteopath and referred straight back to the GP with a diagnosis of a lesion at C6 [in the neck]; “

This was confirmed by imaging and the patient required surgery.

Dr Hollingworth goes on to say in the discussion section, “...many of the referrals were straightforward Musculoskeletal problems and dealt with as such”, then adds, “...there was a subgroup which had more complex symptomatology where osteopathic treatment resolved unexpected symptoms”.

Finally Dr Hollingworth notes that and I quote directly, “From July 2011 onwards, the range of problems being referred became much wider and the rate of recommendation also increased.” And she then continues “I think the explanation for this is that I was learning more about osteopathy, both from personal experience and reading, and had more confidence in the treatment (and the practitioner).”

She concluded with a reflective comment “So-back to GP education”.

It is worth noting that all GPs and osteopaths have to undertake regular educational activity as part of their professional development and registration.

Rohan Iswariah D.O. (osteopath)

www.localosteopath.com

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Cherries and Arthritis

by rohan iswariah on 12/05/15

Did you know that researchers in Boston University Medical Center found that eating at least 10 cherries a day protected people with existing gout from recurrent attacks ?

This was published in a supplement to the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism in 2012.

Study Co-author Hyon K. Choi, MD says that “Cherry intake was associated with a 50 percent lower risk of gout flares over a 48-hour period,” and also commented “We extrapolate that cherries will continue to work long-term.”

It is believed that anthocyanins – plant pigments may well have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and these are found in both red and purple fruits. These include raspberries and blueberries, but cherries, especially sharp tasting cherries, contain the higher levels.

British researchers in a 2014 study in the Journal of Functional Foods found that drinking Montmorency tart juice reduced blood levels of gout-causing uric acid. Another study in the same journal found that eating whole cherries led to a similar increase in anthocyanins.

Researchers at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, N.J., saw a 50 percent reduction in flares when gout patients took one tablespoon of tart cherry extract – the equivalent of 45 to 60 cherries – twice a day for four months, although this was a small study.

There are other studies suggest that cherries may also help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). In a 2013 article in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, researchers at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center reported a significant improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function amongst patients who consumed two 8-ounce bottles of tart cherry juice daily for 6 weeks. A decrease in sensitivity to some inflammatory markers was also reported.

Other positive studies exist but more exploration is necessary to establish a viable cherry regimen. Additional information is available on the Arthritis Foundation website as written by Linda Rath. For other articles and information please see www.localosteopath.com/Osteopathy2

Rohan Iswariah D.O. (osteopath) 01491 838866 & 07788421890

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