Context
This lady first came to see me aged 40 after being recommended by another patient. By the time she arrived, she was feeling physically overwhelmed and emotionally low. What had started as pain around her hip had worsened rapidly over a matter of weeks and was beginning to interfere with everyday tasks and normal life.
What was happening
Her pain had intensified and begun to change in nature. She was struggling to manage day to day and felt increasingly unsure about what was happening in her body. As the symptoms progressed, she began to worry she had reached a dead end, without clear answers or direction.
The Approach
Time was taken to carry out a detailed and thorough assessment, exploring her symptoms carefully and systematically.
During this process, findings were identified that raised concern and indicated the need for further investigation. A carefully worded letter was sent to her GP outlining these findings and explaining what needed to be ruled out or confirmed, to ensure appropriate next steps.
The outcome
The GP authorised imaging which confirmed an Anterolisthesis; a condition where one vertebra has slipped slightly forward in relation to the one below it, placing strain on surrounding joints, muscles and nerves.
With this clarity, appropriate medication was prescribed by the GP to help manage her pain, and she is now awaiting specialist review.
Following confirmation of the diagnosis, and in line with her goal of returning to yoga and Pilates, I reviewed current, reliable research and provided her with a clear, tailored guide outlining appropriate “do’s and don’ts” for movement and positioning. This was designed both for her and her instructor, allowing her to continue participating safely and confidently without placing unnecessary strain on her spine.
Osteopathic care continues to focus on symptom relief — easing secondary muscle tension, reducing strain on surrounding structures, and supporting more comfortable movement. She has also been guided on safe, light exercise and everyday movement, helping her stay active, protect her spine, and remain engaged in the activities that support her wellbeing while further care is planned.
Her words
“By the time I got to see Kerry, I was feeling quite low. My pain got worse within weeks and I struggled with daily tasks. Kerry’s attention to detail and her letter to my GP changed everything — it got the ball rolling. I feel safe and comfortable with her. She sees me as a person behind the condition, and that makes all the difference.”
Why this matters
This case highlights the importance of being listened to, assessed thoroughly, and supported when symptoms escalate or change. Osteopathy is not about replacing other care, but about recognising when further investigation is needed, helping people navigate uncertainty, and providing calm, consistent support so life doesn’t have to stop while answers are being found.
