 Musculoskeletal complaints have a significant burden and are one of the most common chronic diseases  Self-management is a key strategy in the management of musculoskeletal complaints  Limited self-management behaviours in other chronic conditions  Self-management behaviours do not appear to be related to the acute or chronic nature of a musculoskeletal complaint  Younger populations demonstrate a higher disposition towards health self-management behaviours Self-management behaviour and knowledge of patients with musculoskeletal complaints attending an Australian osteopathy clinic: a consecutive sampling design Running head: Musculoskeletal self-management behaviours

Stoma formation can lead to serious psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression and social isolation. Visceral emotions linked to disgust can harm body image and sexual intimacy. Ostomates can go through feelings of loss and grief, with a period of mourning, and successful adaption can require psychological support. Creative arts therapy is an experiential way to process these emotions, which research suggests can help express inner experiences that are beyond words. A series of creative arts workshops were established in Ireland for ostomates to explore issues of grief, body image and sexual intimacy in a safe, non-judgemental environment. Participant feedback was positive and highlighted how working with a creative medium made it possible to express difficult emotions. Further research on creative arts therapy is encouraged.

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