Living with chronic pain can be exhausting. It often lingers for months or even years, making everyday activities harder and impacting how you feel in yourself. Chronic pain doesn’t always come from one clear cause – sometimes it develops after an injury or illness, other times it’s linked to ongoing health conditions, or it may persist even when tissues appear to have healed. Whatever the reason, it can be frustrating and overwhelming. At Monty Osteo, we recognise the challenges of chronic pain and offer care that is centred on you.
Understanding chronic pain
Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three months. Unlike short-term pain, which usually acts as a warning signal of injury, chronic pain can be more complex. The nervous system may become more sensitive over time, which means the body continues to send pain messages even when tissues are no longer damaged.
Everyone’s experience of chronic pain is unique. It can affect sleep, mood, movement, and the ability to do daily tasks. Importantly, it doesn’t always mean there is ongoing damage in the body – pain is influenced by many factors, including stress, lifestyle, and activity levels.
How osteopathy may support people with chronic pain
Osteopathy takes a whole-body view of health, looking at how muscles, joints, posture, and lifestyle interact. When working with someone who has chronic pain, an osteopath focuses on:
- Gentle manual therapy to ease tension and improve mobility
- Supporting better movement and function
- Suggesting exercises and stretches tailored to your capacity
- Offering practical advice around posture, ergonomics, or activity pacing
Treatment is always individualised. Your osteopath will spend time understanding your history, your current situation, and what’s important to you. The aim is not only to reduce discomfort but to help you find strategies that support your daily life.
What to expect in a consultation
When you come in, we’ll begin with a thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. This helps us piece together the bigger picture. A physical assessment follows, focusing on how your body moves and responds. From there, your osteopath will create a plan that may involve hands-on treatment, gentle mobilisation, or advice on movement and exercise. Everything is explained clearly, and you’re encouraged to be part of the decision-making. Your goals guide the process.
Working as part of your healthcare team
Chronic pain often requires a team approach. Many people find it helpful to combine osteopathy with care from their GP, physiotherapist, psychologist, or other health professionals. At Monty Osteo, we see ourselves as part of that wider support network – working with you, and where appropriate with your other providers, to give you well-rounded care.
Living with chronic pain
While every journey is different, some general strategies can make living with chronic pain a little easier. These may include pacing your activities, staying active within safe limits, practising relaxation techniques, and keeping a regular sleep routine. Small, consistent changes often bring the most benefit over time. Our role is to help you understand your body, provide tools that fit your lifestyle, and support you as you manage your condition. If you’d like to discuss how osteopathy might support you, book an appointment with Monty Osteo today.
