Asthma – how osteopathy can help

Asthma is a long-term lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, often starting in childhood. There is currently no cure for asthma, but there are treatments available to help lessen the impact the symptoms have on your daily life.

Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing.

Osteopathy can help relieve these symptoms, alongside your prescribed medication.

When people suffer with asthma their airways narrow as they are highly sensitive to triggers such as allergens, infections and smoke. Exercise, especially in the cold, can also be a trigger for asthmatic symptoms.

Osteopathic treatment for asthma

Osteopathic treatment for asthmatic sufferers will begin with observation. Your osteopath will look at how your chest moves and see if there are any restrictions with your normal ribcage movement. They may assess your upper spine for stiffness in the joints and muscles that help your breathing.

The focus of treatment is to improve respiratory function. Stretching and soft-tissue massage can be used across your ribcage and your osteopath may work on releasing any tension in your diaphragm. This should help improve overall breathing and allow greater flow of air into your lungs.

Treatment may also be applied directly to other muscle groups used in breathing, such as neck muscles, that have become tight from wheezing.

Treatment could also include an evaluation of your posture, as this can impact on the way you breathe. It may extend to treatment of your facial muscles to help improve your sinus function and lymphatic flow and drainage. Your osteopath may also talk you through some home breathing exercises to help increase your lung capacity and function for when your symptoms allow.

Osteopathic treatment for asthma should be undertaken in conjunction with your prescribed medication. Your osteopath will discuss your medical history and current medication with you before any treatment begins.

If you feel you would benefit from treatment book an appointment by calling 07762 576492 or book online.