Osteopathic treatment can be used to help improve circulation. Your Osteopath is medically trained and will choose appropriate techniques and provide exercise advice to support your day to day life.
Circulation is essential in maintaining good health, it’s the process that sees our heart pump oxygen rich blood to tissues throughout the body that need nutrients to perform their function. Sometimes this process does not perform optimally, and this can be attributed to a wide range of medical and mechanical factors that result in poor circulation.
The common causes of poor circulation include;
Raynaud’s
Peripheral arterial disease
Blood clots
Varicous veins
Diabetes
Obesity
Muscle tightness
Postural imbalances
How will I know if I have poor circulation?
There are common symptoms of poor circulation that you can look out for;
Symptoms of poor circulation;
Muscle cramps
Numbness or tingling in the hands and/or the feet
Cold peripheries
Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
Slow healing of wounds
Varicose veins
Fatigue
If you are concerned about any of the above symptoms discussing this with your GP is important as there could be other reasons like medication side effects that could be the cause.
Exercises to improve circulation - Upper limb
Neck Rotations
To complete this exercise slowly turn your head looking over your left and right shoulders as comfortable to do so.
Shoulder Shrugs
This exercise does what it says on the tin. Sitting comfortably slowly bring your shoulders up towards and back down. Repeating for 10 times or as comfortable.
Elbow Pump
Start with your elbow supported, either by your other hand or rested comfortably on a firm surface. Then raise and lower your hand from this position creating a hinge motion at the elbow joint.
Wrist Pump
Find a comfortable support position by holding your forearm with the other hand or resting arm on a table or armrest so the hand is extended over the edge. Begin moving the wrist joint up and down to create a pumping action.
Grip
Make a fist with your hands and alternate between a tight fist and fanned hand to encourage blood flow through your fingers and palms.
The above exercises shouldn’t cause any discomfort, some stiffness can be normal, but if experiencing pain when completing, stop immediately.
For more information on circulation exercises get in touch to make an appointment for your individual exercise plan. Bookings can be made online at laurafishlockosteopathy.co.uk and click the book now button, alternatively call or message us on 07733201225.