(3-minute read)
As an experienced osteopath in Henleaze, I have Bristol patients ask if I provide treatment for pain to those on NHS waiting lists for hip/knee replacement.
According to NHS figures, in 2024, there were 96,000 knee replacement operations and 81,000 hip replacements. The average waiting time per patient was 18 weeks.
Anybody who suffers from knee or hip pain will know that this is a long period of time to be in moderate pain, especially when it impacts nearly all body movements made day-to-day.
As an experienced and qualified osteopath in Henleaze, I provide treatment to improve function and alleviate pain to Bristol patients who are waiting for hip or knee replacements.
What causes hip/knee issues?
Hip and knee arthritis is multifactorial in cause, but overuse, general wear and tear, natural ageing, and some arthritic conditions are the most common influencers.
The cartilage surfacing the joints in the knees and hips get worn down over time, which can lead to friction, wear, inflammation and eventually the cartilage wears away, and movement then can become bone-on-bone.
Without the support and protection of healthy cartilage, there is no smooth movement for joints and wear, inflammation, and pain are the result
What are the warning signs?
Many patients who come to my osteopathic clinic in Henleaze are not even aware that they have a wear in their knee or hip joint. There are specific warning signs to watch out for, including:
Pain in the local area of a joint
Loss of flexibility in a joint
Inflammation in the area
Pain and/or difficulty with load/weight-bearing (hips and knees)
Why see an osteopath?
Visiting an osteopath might be the first medically-trained professional a patient sees when they have pain related to the hip or knee.
A thorough initial consultation with an osteopath will provide a bespoke and detailed diagnosis of the issue or issues. They can then provide treatment to improve mobility,
restore some function and help reduce pain. If too severe, then we can provide a referral to a consultant for a further assessment scan or x-ray to be carried out.
What will an osteopath look for?
When examining a patient with pain in their hip or knee, I look for the main issues, such as whether it is arthritic, whether it is worn out, whether there is a problem with the cartilage, and whether there is evidence of a ligament or muscular issue.
What can an osteopath do?
Although a patient may be on an NHS waiting list for surgery when they see me, I can provide treatment to improve joint mobility and help reduce pain for those awaiting hip/knee replacement operations.
The benefits of this osteopathic treatment can include:
Improve the efficiency of movement
Loosen the joint
Improve the health of the tissue
Improve the quality of movement
Increase blood flow to the area
Reduce the amount and level of pain
Provide specific home-based exercises
It's important to realise that osteopathic treatment cannot cure this problem, but can effectively offer relief and improved mobility.
Exercises that I would give to a patient will improve the health and strength of a joint or area. Pre-surgery, we might call these pre-hab exercises.
Doing pre-hab exercises means that a patient will have stronger muscles before their surgery, and will have a faster recovery time after the operation.
How often is pain treatment required?
This varies on a patient-by-patient basis, but I do currently have patients visiting my osteopathic clinic in Henleaze, anywhere between every fortnight and every 2-3 months for maintenance treatment of hip/knee pain.
If you're currently on an NHS waiting list for surgery in Bristol and are experiencing pain, I recommend that you read the following article.
I also provide treatment for arthritis in Bristol - visit here to find out more.
For those suffering from aching, swollen or inflamed joints, read this article to get my top tips on dealing with them.
If you need to make a booking with an osteopath in Henleaze, Bristol, please visit here.