Circulatory Problems
What are Circulatory Problems?
Circulatory problems refer to conditions that affect the body’s circulatory system, which is responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. Circulatory problems can impact various parts of the body, including the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic system, and can range from mild to severe.
Circulatory problems can be caused by a range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle habits such as smoking and poor diet, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Treatment for circulatory problems depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of circulatory problems, as early detection and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
How Can We Help With Circulatory Problems?
Osteopaths can help with circulatory problems by using a holistic approach that aims to improve the body’s overall health and functioning. Osteopathy is a manual therapy that uses gentle manipulation and massage techniques to restore balance and mobility in the body, which can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
Osteopaths can help with circulatory problems in several ways, including:
- Improving joint mobility: Osteopathy can help improve joint mobility, which can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the affected area. By restoring movement and function to the affected area, osteopathy can help improve overall circulation and reduce pain and discomfort.
- Reducing tension in soft tissues: Osteopathy can help reduce tension and tightness in the soft tissues, such as muscles and ligaments, which can improve circulation by reducing pressure on blood vessels and nerves. By releasing tension in the affected area, osteopathy can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
- Addressing underlying imbalances: Osteopaths can help identify and address underlying imbalances in the body that may be contributing to circulatory problems. This may involve looking at factors such as posture, gait, and breathing patterns, and developing a treatment plan that addresses these issues.
- Providing advice on lifestyle changes: Osteopaths can provide advice on lifestyle changes that can help improve circulation, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques.
It is important to note that while osteopathy can be an effective complementary therapy for circulatory problems, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Osteopaths work closely with other healthcare providers, often writing to your Doctor, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the individual needs of the patient. If you are facing issues with your circulatory system, it is crucial to seek medical help in order to identify the root cause and come up with a suitable treatment plan.
An Osteopath...
As an osteopath I’m aware of the effect we can have on the bodies fluid mechanics. One of our founding principles was “The Rule of the Artery is Supreme”, which helped osteopaths consider the role fluids played in keeping the tissues ‘vital’.
Common circulatory problems I encounter include varicose veins, swelling, and localised oedema (often as ‘puffy ankles’), and neurovascular compression for example in thoracic outlet syndrome.
Osteopaths use a variety of techinques to improve circulatory problems as mentioned above, and it’s great to see the effects.
A Chiropractor
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An Acupuncturist
As an acupuncturist I use a combination of traditional Chinese Medical techniques that aim to restore the balance and harmony of the body’s energy flow.
I often use needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points aimed at improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Coupled with these treatment methods I often offer lifestyle advice and look to help reduce the challenges to improving diet or increasing exercise.
Don’t just take our word for it:
Evidence and Research
Here are some references for osteopathic treatment for circulatory problems:
“Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Circulatory Autonomic Regulation in Stroke Survivors.” International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork 12, no. 4 (2019): 14-21. doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v12i4.472.
Licciardone, John C. “Osteopathic manipulative treatment for circulatory disorders.” Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 100, no. 7 (2000): 437-44.
Carnes, Dawn, R. Tamar Reisman, and Adam Cifu. “Nonpharmacologic therapies for low back pain: a systematic review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline.” Annals of Internal Medicine 166, no. 7 (2017): 493-505.
Goertz, Christine M., Stacie A. Salsbury, and Mitchell Haas. “Patient-centered professional practice models for managing low back pain in older adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial.” BMC Geriatrics 18, no. 1 (2018): 177.
“Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment.” American Osteopathic Association. https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/osteopathic-manipulative-treatment/. Accessed March 9, 2022.
I can’t believe the diffence it’s made! I’ve struggled to walk for the last 6 months and only after I saw James Ruddick did I realise the fluid around my ankles was in part responsible for the pain I was having. A few treatments, some exercises, and lifestyle changes, along with having my medication reviewed with my GP and I feel like new!
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