Lower Limb
Conditions
The Lower Limbs provide support and locomotion with strong bones and powerful muscles that form the final common platform for postural alignment. Dysfunction in this area has local, postural and systemic implications. The lower limbs are often the site of referred pain from structures in the low back and pelvic regions.
Examples of Lower Limb conditions include, but are not limited to:
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip dysplasia in children
Piriformis Syndrome
Sciatica
Muscle Pain
Bursitis in the hip or knee
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Ligament Sprain
Knee pain
Patella Tracking Problems
Osgood Schlatter Disease in children
Shin Splints
Compartment Syndrome
Achilles Tendinitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Morton’s Neuroma
Sever’s Disease in children
Pigeon toes (intoeing) in children
Treatment
Two major goals of Osteopathic treatment of the lower limb are to restore function and prevent motion loss. Due to the relationship to the low back and pelvis to the lower extremities, the Osteopath will also address these areas.
Treatment methods used for the lower extremities include soft tissue technique, mobilisation, gentle manipulation, articulation, muscle energy technique, counterstrain technique and balanced ligamentous tension. Your Osteopath will also prescribe self-management and exercises to take home to help aid recovery and healing. You and your Osteopath work as a team to devise the best treatment and management plan individualised for you. 80% of your healing comes from the Osteopath and 20% from you.
