It does not take a rocket scientist to work out that recessions are not very good for your health. Stress is one of the biggest results of the economic downturn and that can manifest itself in a variety of ways, depending on individual circumstances.

Clearly, unemployment is a major cause of stress, but for those who continue to work and take on tasks previously performed by others, it can manifest itself physically, as well as mentally.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as back pain, frozen shoulders and even tennis elbow are commonly cited by patients being treated at Oxford Ostepaths. And the numbers turning up at the practice are growing.

And that means greater levels of sickness absence in a workplace already operating at reduced capacity.

With MSDs already producing 4.9 million lost working days across the UK, according to the Health and Safety Executive, and 1.6 million on incapacity benefit, it is a growing problem.

Kelston Chorley, who runs Oxford Osteopaths, based on the city’s Cowley Road, said: “When someone goes off sick, it can cause greater problems along the line.”

The key to these problems is early intervention. The quicker the condition is treated, the faster the patient can return to work.

But this relies on people recognising the symptoms quickly, and also employers acknowledging that such problems can have a major impact on their business.

For example, if they are prepared to pay for treatment at an early stage, then they may save the cost of an employee going on long-term sick leave.

And in the case of a small business, the loss of a key member of staff for any length of time can have a major negative effect, not least on the person who has to fill in for them.

Having run a dedicated programme in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust, Mr Chorley believes osteopathy is a cost-effective treatment for employers.

He said: “The average number of treatments is between three and four at £40 a session, which is not a lot when you consider the cost of an employee going off sick.

“These conditions are curable in a large number of cases.”

Now he is looking to conduct a major study involving major employers into the benfits of osteopathy.

“We are in contact with companies and we are persuading them that it might be a good idea to look at their sickness levels, then trying out a period with us and see if the situation changes.”

Osteopathy involves a “whole body” approach using a variety of procedures to free up joint restrictions, increase flexibility and improve circulation, as well as offering advice and exercises relevant to the diagnosed condition.

An osteopath differs from a chiropractor in the emphasis on circulation and the relief of muscle tension, whereas a chiropractor will focus on the alignment of vertebrae in the spine.

Mr Chorley believes the NHS has a “default setting” of sending people with MSDs to the physiotherapy department of the local hospital with “alternative” practices such as osteopathy being largely ignored. He believes the practice has a lot to offer and that is why he is trying to build up a body of evidence with local employers.

He said: “I am convinced we can have an impact.”

His patients range from office workers with MSDs to manual staff with a range of strains and disorders caused by lifting heavy weights, or suffering accidents in the workplace.

Mr Chorley trained for five years at the College of Osteopathy in London before practising initially in Witney, then setting up Oxford Osteopaths 16 years ago.

He believes in a mult-disciplinary approach, and the clinic also has practitioners in massage and acupuncture, while he is also looking to introduce psychiatric support.

n Contact: Oxford Osteopaths, 01865 790235.

Web: www.oxfordosteopaths.co.uk