Over the past couple of months, I have been visiting MSK Osteopath at Uppingham Surgery and Uppingham School Sports Centre for treatment for on-going pain and discomfort I have been suffering with for years.
From the age of 14 I have suffered from back pain, leg pain, discomfort in my ankles and stiffness and tightness throughout my body. I have been told I have extremely tight hamstrings, similar to a 70-year-old, which I have had an operation to try to relieve some pain. However, it never really took the pain or uncomfortable situations away. This has since changed, due to treatment at MSK Osteopath.
I cannot thank Avin enough and here is why...
Within the first 20 minutes of the consultation, Avin was able to identify an area of my pelvis which was causing me the majority of my tightness and discomfort due to my tight hamstrings, causing my pelvis to take the strain.
With weekly treatment of medical acupuncture, stretching and manipulation of the area in my pelvis, back and legs I've seen the most improvement from any of the treatments I have had over the last 10 years.
Usually, after a long walk or after exercise I would see myself in quite a large amount of pain and tightness in my legs, pelvis and lower back. But since having regular treatment with Avin at MSK Osteopath, I've seen such a difference in how my body moves, copes and recovers from situations I would normally suffer aches and pains with.
I've noticed more flexibility and movement in my hamstrings and a huge reduction in my lower back pain. I've also noticed that my evening aches in my ankles and calves have basically disappeared. I cannot thank Avin enough for helping with something I thought I was going to have to live with for years, and for showing me more about exactly where my problems areas are and what I can do in my daily life to help it.
Sometimes being diagnosed with an issue or being told about medical terms can be really difficult to understand, however, Avin makes your experience at MSK Osteopath easy to understand and stress-free. I leave with more knowledge and more understanding of Osteopathy and why it helps with my discomfort and how it helps others.
Please read on to find out more about MSK Osteopath in Uppingham and how Avin can help you with the aches and pains you've been suffering from…
Some of our readers might not be familiar with Osteopathy, please tell our readers all about it and how you just might be able to help them if they’re suffering from aches or pains…
Osteopathy is a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person's muscles and joints.
It is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together.
Osteopaths use physical manipulation, stretching and massage, with the aim of increasing the mobility of joints, relieving muscle tension, enhancing the blood supply to tissues and helping the body to heal itself.
At MSK Osteopaths, we use a range of techniques, but not drugs or surgery. Most people come to us for help with conditions that affect the muscles, bones and joints.
Common issues include; the pain of the lower back, neck and shoulders, arthritis, problems with the pelvis, hips and legs, sports injuries and issues with posture caused by driving, work or pregnancy. We also treat conditions not directly related to muscles, bones and joints, such as headaches, migraines, and excessive crying in babies (Colic and Reflux).
To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So we work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. We use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms.We also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
How long have you been an Osteopath and where do you offer your services in and around Rutland?
I graduated in 2006 and opened the clinic in Uppingham in 2008.
My clinics in Uppingham are held on Mondays and Thursdays. With morning clinics at The Uppingham School Sports Centre, and afternoon clinics at The Uppingham Surgery.
I also currently hold clinics in Thurmaston, Wigston and Enderby.
It’s not just adult injuries you deal with, but you also offer important and possibly life-changing treatments for children and babies, please tell us more about that…
I treat patients of all ages, from as young as 1 week old to the elderly, with a variety of conditions.
Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle, safe and effective form of treatment focusing on the ‘release’ of stress and strains from all parts of the body. It is used to treat a variety of condition, notably those caused by the build-up of tension within the body, especially after childbirth.
Cranial Osteopathy may also be used to treat adults, however, it is particularly successful in the treatment of babies and children. A light pressure is applied to assist the natural ability of the body to release strains. Even a normal birth can be stressful, as the baby is squeezed through the birth canal. Some babies have a more difficult time, particularly if the labour is prolonged, the baby is positioned awkwardly in the birth canal or secondary intervention is used to assist the birthing process, such as Ventouse, Forceps, Episiotomy.
If someone, like myself, has had previous medical treatment before for a long-term issue, and they feel like they’re at a dead end with the current treatment they’re receiving, how could booking an appointment with you give some extra answer and help?
I trained as an osteopath and my understanding of the way the human body moves and functions are very different to physiotherapists and doctors.
Many of my patients come to their first appointment saying "you are my last resort! I have tried everything and my friend/neighbour/family member recommended having treatment with you".
So many patients who visit me with chronic pain leave with tears of relief in their eyes, as they have finally found someone who can help them. I so often hear, "if only I had found you sooner, I wouldn’t have had to suffer from so much pain and discomfort for so long".
Sadly, as NHS resources are stretched beyond capacity, many patients are told they must learn to live with pain and medication is their only option.
I strongly believe this is not true. My approach is simple and I pride myself on running an honest practice. I never over treat and will only recommend that a patient returns if I believe it will be beneficial for them. The first two or three treatments are usually enough for me to establish the potential for successful recovery and any further requirements.
I currently work two days per week in Uppingham and they are usually fully booked, seeing an average of 28 patients per day.
Please tell us what your patients can expect from a consultation/regular treatment with MSK Osteopathy?
As a new patient, your first appointment will last 30/40 minutes. Subsequent treatment sessions are booked for 20 minutes, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions.
The session can be broken down into four parts:
1. The case history
I establish the history, location and nature of the symptoms which have led you to seek treatment. Your general medical history will also be covered, partly to make sure you have a problem which is amenable to osteopathic treatment and ensures that it is safe and appropriate for you.
2. The physical examination
You may need to remove some items of clothing for the physical examination and treatment so loose-fitting clothing is advisable. I will need to see you moving the affected and adjacent parts by yourself and will also move the symptomatic parts for you. I will palpate the affected areas, and carry out a full orthopaedic examination of the painful regions. It may also be necessary to perform other specialised tests including blood pressure or neurological tests.
3. The explanation
I will explain what is causing your symptoms, or tell you if your problem cannot be diagnosed immediately. I may use anatomical models or posters to help with the explanation. I will then inform whether you can be treated to recovery and if so, to what level of recovery, what cost/timescale is involved and any potential reactions to treatment that you may experience. Other treatment options may be discussed, including self-help measures which could speed up your recovery.
4. Treatment
If appropriate, the treatment plan is worked out on an individual basis but may include: Medical Acupuncture, Soft tissue stretching (muscle stretching), Rhythmic passive joint movements or Manipulation to improve the range of movement of joint gentle release techniques.
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Avin has been a qualified Osteopath for 12 years and helped thousands of patients to live without pain, no matter how long they suffered prior to treatment. His approach to helping people in pain seems simple, “find it, fix it and leave it".
He has many regular patients in Uppingham, who suffer from migraines and arthritic pains. Many say they feel '20 years younger', with treatment enabling them to do the things they enjoy, such as visiting local shops and cafes, walking, playing golf, bowls and attending art classes, events and concerts.
Avin also practises Medical Acupuncture called WMA. This involves the insertion of fine needles. It is an adaptation of Chinese Acupuncture, which uses knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and principles of evidence-based medicine, however, it does not involve concepts like Yin/Yang or Qi.
With Acupuncture, he says “I was a little sceptical of conventional Acupuncture, but Medical Acupuncture is a very different method, which I have found invaluable alongside my traditional treatments.”
As Avin explained, Medical Acupuncture should never hurt. In fact, most patients only feel a tiny scratch on the surface of the skin as the needles are gently inserted, but soon forget they are there.
He also enjoys contributing to and being part of the local community. He is frequently invited to appear on local BBC radio shows to discuss, comment and advise on muscular-skeletal issues that make the headlines.
To conclude, my treatment experience at MSK Osteopath at Uppingham Surgery and Uppingham School Sports Centre has been nothing but positive. I never thought I'd see the improvements I've seen over the last 2 months and I cannot wait to see what is to come. I understand the areas of my body a lot better and what situations affect me and where.
I would highly recommend a visit to MSK Osteopath for anyone suffering from a long-term discomfort or anyone with an injury or strain. Avin is an extremely knowledgeable man who does not make the experience stressful or uncomfortable but one you actually look forward to!
(He also has the best restaurant recommendations you need to hear about!)
Find out more about:
Avin Patel B.Ost Med, DO, ND Registered Osteopath
T: 07739828664
E: info@mskosteopath.co.uk
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