Absolute Health

Ouch! What to do when you sustain an injury

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 14:29:00 +0000

Pulled a muscle?

Sprains and strains to muscles and joints happen to all of us and for most they are a painful but temporary, reminder to be a little more careful. Prompt action can help your body to heal faster and may prevent further injury or prolonged pain.

Strained or 'pulled' muscles often happen when we over exert untrained muscles, train without properly warming up or try to go beyond a joint's natural flexibility. Sometimes we feel the pain straight away, however some injuries might not cause pain until later on. What can you do?

Remember RICE (Relative rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation), using these can help to relieve the pain and start the healing process.

Relative rest: The first thing to do if you feel pain is to reduce the offending activity - pain is usually your body's way of telling you that there is something wrong that needs your attention. It can be normal to feel a little sore after exercises for a day or two, but if it is more than this, pushing through the pain is rarely beneficial.

However, movement stimulates the healing process so stay as mobile as you comfortably can. Try to keep the joint moving through a comfortable range of motion, without forcing it to the point of pain. This will help to encourage blood flow and keep your joint flexible whilst it heals. This is particularly relevant for back pain as gentle exercise, such as walking, can help. You should slowly build your activity levels up as soon as your symptoms begin to resolve and as soon as you are able.

Ice: Cooling the area using an ice pack can help to reduce swelling and pain. Wrap a thin tea towel around the area so as to avoid direct skin contact and then apply the pack to the injured area for 10 - 15 minutes. You should repeat this several times per day for the first 72 hours. This will help to control inflammation, making it easier for your body to get blood and nutrients to the area and resolve the injured tissues.

Compression: Gently applying a compression dressing may help to temporarily support the injured joint and reduce swelling, though remove this immediately if there are signs that this is reducing the circulation to the area (numbness, pins and needles, the skin turning white or blue etc).

Elevation: If the injury is in the lower limb (knee or ankle), elevating the area a little can make it easier for your body to drain fluids that might accumulate around the area, causing swelling. For example, if you've hurt your knee, sitting down with the knee raised on a low foot stool may ease your pain.

Seek medical attention. If you have pain that can't be controlled with over the counter painkillers, can't put weight on the injured limb, experience paralysis or loss of sensation or the swelling is very bad seek help from your local A&E department, urgent care centre or telephone 111 for advice.

If the pain or swelling fails to improve within a week, a visit to an osteopath may be beneficial. They will be able to assess the injury, advise you on the correct treatment and can provide some manual therapy which may help it get better faster.

Fascial Release therapy at Absolute Health

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Fascial Release pain relief therapy

Myofascial or Fascial release is a manual therapy that can often have profound effects on the body and is used to treat chronic pain conditions that often do not respond to other forms of treatment.

Fascia allows movement between structures in the body but can develop adhesions following trauma or injury, preventing normal function. Fascia interweaves within and across muscle groups to form a silk-like bodysuit, which helps the body’s musculoskeletal system transmit and amplify force. It also acts as a natural shock absorber, making the body more resistant to injury. Fascia is a vital component of human physiology and there is growing evidence that fascia is the most pain sensitive tissue in the body. Breaking down adhesions (and trigger points) can allow the brain to dampen down pain signals that are no longer helpful for the body, after healing has occurred.

Abnormal fascial tension can lead to chronic pain in areas such as the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips. So, if you’re feeling slightly immobile or are in full-blown pain, dealing with any problem in your fascia is really important to help speed recovery.

Unfortunately, muscle fascia doesn’t show up well on an X-ray or MRI. Maybe that’s why most medical professionals aren’t looking at fascia as a contributing cause of injury, movement dysfunction and chronic pain.

Fascial Release Treatment

Fascial release therapy involves a gentle massage using fingers and thumbs and the 'Fascial Edge Tool' to find and release stiff and tightened areas. Normal fascia should feel pliable and elastic. The therapist will begin massaging and stretching the areas that feel rigid with light manual pressure. The process is repeated multiple times over any 'trigger points' that are found (areas of tight muscle that cause pain to radiate in a specific pattern) until the therapist feels that the tension is fully released.

Who benefits from Fascial Release?

Patients with myofascial pain syndrome frequently benefit from this type of therapy. People who experience chronic headaches may also find relief from Fascial Release. Gently massaging on tightened muscles in and around the neck and head may reduce headaches.

If you have a chronic back ache or pain in the upper back, then there could be an underlying trigger point or fascial problem which would benefit from Fascial Release.

If you have not had a diagnosis for your condition you should seek advice from your GP or an Osteopath before booking in for treatment, to ensure there are no other problems that have been overlooked (e.g. a joint problem or arthritis).

Call Absolute Health today on (0116) 282 7766 to make an appointment with one of our Registered Osteopaths.

Part of this article was extracted from: http://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pain/myofascial-release

Persistent Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 12:11:00 +0000

We all feel pain from time to time. When someone injures themselves, specific nerves recognise this as pain, which in turn triggers the body’s repair mechanism. As the problem resolves, the pain tends to improve and usually disappears within 3-6 months. This type of pain could be argued to be beneficial: if it hurts, you are likely to try and avoid doing whatever it is that has caused the pain in the future, so you are less likely to injure yourself in that way again.

Occasionally the pain continues even after tissue healing has finished. When pain continues after this point, it becomes known as persistent (or is sometimes referred to as chronic) pain. This type of pain is not beneficial and is a result of the nerves becoming over-sensitised, which means that a painful response will be triggered much more easily than normal. This can be unpleasant, but doesn’t necessarily mean that you are doing yourself any harm simply by moving. You could think of this as a sensitive car alarm that goes off in error when someone walks past.

Watch a YouTube video about Persistent (chronic) pain - http://youtu.be/RWMKucuejIs

Persistent pain is very common and effects over 14 million people in the UK alone. It often does not respond to conventional medical interventions and needs a different kind of approach, but there are many things that you can do to manage your pain yourself with the support of your osteopath, your family and loved-ones. Keeping active, performing exercises and stretches can help, learning to pace your activities so that you don’t trigger a flare-up of your pain as well as setting goals and priorities are all very important and can help you to maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.

For more information on how to manage your persistent pain, speak to your osteopath or visit http://www.paintoolkit.org/

Are you sitting comfortably?

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 15:34:00 +0000

Do you suffer from back pain whilst at work?

Did you know that back pain is one of the most common causes of absence from work?

Every year over four million working days are lost due to back pain, a pain which can affect on someones ability to do their job.

With the right measures, pain prevention and management, there is evidence to show that working can be effective in helping the employee's return to fitness or with pain management.

Even with preventive measures some employees will experience back pain at some stage, it is therefore important to implement some kind of policy in order to keep people active and in work.

Management requires identification of the relevant risk factors and flexible policies which deal with the individual case by case.

There are various measures which have been helpful for employees suffering back pain such as; avoiding heavy lifting and promotion of physical activity, however some period of sick leave may be unavoidable.

In recent years the number of office based jobs has risen resulting in many people sitting hunched over a desk for many hours a day. Lack of activity and bad posture have cumulated in a growing number complaining of back pain. However there are a number of things you can do, for example:

Be aware of your posture
Take regular breaks
Exercise regularly
Talk to employer to adapt the working environment

Here at Absolute Health Clinic we deal with many people suffering back pain and offer various treatments such as; Osteopathy, Acupuncture and massage.

Please call us on 0116 282 7766 for further information and a FREE consultation during BackCare Awareness week only - 6th to 12th October 2014. (Don't forget to tell us where you saw this offer)

Are you missing the point?

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 10:40:00 +0000

*** Acupuncture treatment can help back pain ***

Nearly a third of people admit to having poor posture, which means we are heading for a back pain epidemic.

The recent Acupuncture Awareness Week highlighted back pain and how our lifestyle choices are putting our backs under too much strain.

Many of us sit at desks all day, then go home and sit for the rest of the evening - eating meals on laps, working with laptops, slouching on the sofa... some of the many things that lead to bad posture.

As your posture deteriorates it makes it much easier to strain the muscles and irritate the nerves around your back joints. This can trigger bouts of back pain which if left untreated can go on for months or, in some cases, years.

Acupuncture is a great alternative to taking pain killers for back pain problems. Rather than masking symptoms, it actually changes the way the brain perceives signals from the body. It allows the brain to dampen down pain signals, especially useful if the pain response is no longer useful (e.g. if a body part has healed after an injury, but the brain is still protecting the area, as if it is damaged).

Acupuncture is based on ancient principles which go back nearly two thousand years. Very fine, sterile needles are inserted painlessly at specific points of the body to trigger a healing response. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends acupuncture for persistent, non-specific lower back pain. Its guidelines recommend that GPs should offer a course of 10 sessions of acupuncture as a first line treatment.

It is a shame then that 40% of people would only consider visiting an acupuncturist as a last resort!

The NHS admits there is reasonably good evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic back pain, as well as dental pain; pain and discomfort during gastrointestinal endoscopy; headache; nausea and vomiting after an operation; pain and discomfort during IVF procedures; and osteoarthritis of the knee.

Simple lifestyle changes together with acupuncture treatment could save millions of people taking pain medication every day.

If you are suffering with back pain (or any other problem that is causing you to reach for the paracetamol tablets), come along to Absolute Health for a consultation. We will try to offer a suitable treatment to help you get back to health and help you reduce the need for pain killers.

Call Absolute Health today on 0116 282 7766 - let us help you to Get The Most out of Life!

Look after your feet!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 10:52:00 +0000

Read the NHS top 10 tips on how to look after your feet, with special advice for the over-60s.

The good news is that looking after your feet can prevent most of these problems.

Your feet take the weight of your whole body, so foot problems can quickly lead to discomfort and affect the way you walk. This can in turn cause knee, hip and back pain.

Investing a bit of time and thought into caring for your feet now can prevent them causing you pain later.

Wash your feet often

Don’t go to bed without washing your feet. If you leave dirt on the skin’s surface, it can become irritated and infected. If your feet are dirty, wash them every evening with soap and water.

Dry your feet well

Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, especially between the toes which is where germs such as Athlete's foot can easily breed. Then, apply a moisturising foot cream (not body lotion).

Remove hard skin

Gently remove hard skin and calluses with a pumice stone or foot file regularly.

Cut toenails carefully

Always trim your toenails straight across, never at an angle or down the edges. This can cause ingrowing toenails which are painful and may require surgery.

Shoe shop in the afternoon

Shop for shoes in the afternoon. Feet swell as the day goes on and if shoes fit in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest, you can be assured they will always be comfortable.

Footwear tips for work

If you have to wear heels at work, wear comfortable shoes to and from the office and only wear your smart shoes once you're in the office. Also, try to vary the heel height, between low, medium and high. Ask your chiropodist for advice about the best footwear for you.

Change your socks often to avoid foot odour

Change your socks daily. Read advice from the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists on buying socks.

Watch out for foot bugs in communal changing areas

Wear flip-flops to avoid catching athlete's foot and verrucas when you use public areas such as gym showers, swimming pools or hotel bathrooms.

Take care with flip flops

But don't wear flip-flops all the time. They don't provide support for your feet and can give you arch and heel pain if you wear them too much.

Foot pain advice for over-60s

If you're over 60, foot care becomes even more important. Age takes its toll: your skin thins, your joints begin to stiffen and your feet become more vulnerable to the cold. It can become difficult to care for your own feet if back or hip stiffness prevents you fully bending forwards. Don't neglect your feet though - ask your local chiropodist to check the state of your toenails and skin on the feet if you have any discomfort when walking. A regular check-up can prevent any serious problems developing, so give Absolute Health a ring to book your next foot health or chiropody treatment.

Advice provided by the NHS Choices website http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/foothealth/Pages/Healthyfeet.aspx

Benefits of Osteopathy

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 15:52:00 +0000

The benefits of seeing an osteopath

If you suffer from pain it might be a good idea to see an osteopath, but what can you expect from them and how much does it cost?

Massage and soft tissue stretching are some of the treatments an osteopath will use

One in four visits we make to the GP is for pain affecting the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves (musculoskeletal pain). Osteopathy, a hands-on therapy devised in the 19th century by the US physician and surgeon Dr Andrew Still offers a gentle way to help relieve such pain and stiffness without the need for medication and more invasive treatments such as surgery.

Who can benefit from seeing an osteopath?

Although often thought of as a treatment for back and neck pain, osteopathy can help a wide range of conditions, including repetitive strain injury, postural imbalances caused by driving or work strain, arthritis and minor sports injuries. People over 50 often have some osteoarthritis in the spine, which can manifest itself as stiffness and aching and the occasional acute spasm. Osteopaths aim to reduce chronic tension in the muscles and ligaments to improve mobility of the spine, which in turn can make the back or neck feel much easier and reduce the number of acute episodes. Osteopathy can also help with aches and pains associated with osteoporosis, although obviously it can’t cure the condition itself.

What does treatment from an osteopath involve?

An initial consultation usually takes from 45 minutes to an hour and subsequent treatments 30 to 40 minutes. At a first visit the osteopath will want to know all about the problem that brought you there and will ask about other medical conditions before performing a physical examination. You will be asked to perform a few simple movements so the osteopath can observe your posture and mobility, and he or she will gently palpate your joints, tissues and ligaments to detect any tenderness or imbalances. After this he or she will treat you using a number of different techniques. These include soft tissue stretching, massage, something called ‘muscle energy technique’ that helps to reduce muscle spasms, manipulation of the spine and other joints and other gentle techniques designed to rebalance the body and stimulate healing. Treatment is usually quite gentle but can be a little firmer depending on the patient.

You may be asked to remove some clothing for examination and treatment. After the treatment the osteopath may prescribe specific exercises to help keep you supple and prevent pain returning and/or advise you on the use of ice packs and other non-invasive ways of easing pain, posture and other lifestyle habits. If you can’t get to a clinic the osteopath may be able to visit you at home, although this is likely to be much more expensive.

How many osteopathy sessions should you have?

Recent injuries can often be eased within just two to four sessions. More chronic problems may take longer to resolve – usually between six and twelve sessions but sometimes more. Some people find that coming in every few months for maintenance treatments helps keep them mobile and pain-free, in conjunction with exercising and a healthy diet.

How much does seeing an osteopath it cost?

At Absolute Health, initial consultation and treatment costs £60 with follow-up treatment sessions costing £37.

Original article by Patsy Westcott, Saga website, published 17 July 2012

Extract from http://www.saga.co.uk/health/body/osteopath-benefits.aspx

BackCare Awareness Week 7-11 October 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 14:52:00 +0000

BackCare - the national back pain association - is promoting the roles of carers during this year's BackCare Awareness Week.

Carers provide invaluable help and assistance to their children, friends, relatives, and partners, but what happens when their work leads to back pain, compromising their ability to care?

Back pain is endemic among carers: a 2011 survey found that 70% of carers experienced back and shoulder pain. This issue seriously affects the quality of life of those who should be most valued in our society, as well as impacting on their caregiving work, which saves the NHS and local authorities very significant sums of money.*

Becoming aware of how changes to posture can help to relieve back pain, and how Osteopathy can help to deal with sore muscles and stiff joints, you will then be able to help yourself get back to full strength and continue your essential work for others.

Absolute Health is committed to helping anyone suffering with back pain caused by muscle and joint problems and is offering a special rate for Osteopathy treatments between 7th to 11th October 2013. As a new patient, mention BackCare Awareness Week to receive 50% off the cost of your initial consultation and treatment cost (normally £63). Also, if you can refer any friends or relatives to us, we will also offer you a £10 gift voucher as a 'thank you'. We rely on word of mouth referrals so if you have had a good experience please tell others.

To make an appointment or request any information about how Osteopathy can help you, please call Richard or Sophie on 0116 282 7766.

* http://www.backcare.org.uk

Poor Posture at Work

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:37:00 +0000

Many of our patients seek treatment for problems that stem from poor posture at work or when driving. Getting the right advice is as important as getting the right treatment to help restore function in your spine and keep muscles and joints pain free.

Changing daily habits to correct posture problems will take some effort and perseverance, and will seem a little unnatural at first. It is typical to feel uncomfortable, and even feel a little taller, but over time the new posture will seem natural and more comfortable.

Following are some guidelines of how to achieve good posture and ergonomics in the workplace and other situations.

Sitting Posture for Office Chairs

Be sure your back is supported against the back of the office chair. Avoid slouching or leaning forward, especially when tired
For long term sitting, such as in an office chair, be sure your chair is ergonomically designed to properly support the back and that a lumbar support cushion is used if needed
When sitting on an office chair at a desk, your arms should be flexed at a 75 to 90 degree angle at the elbows. If this is not the case, the office chair should be adjusted accordingly
Knees should be even with the hips, or slightly lower when sitting in the office chair
Keep both feet flat on the floor. If there's a problem with feet reaching the floor comfortably, a foot rest can be used
Don't sit in one place for too long, even in ergonomic office chairs. Get up and walk around and stretch every hour (even for just one minute).

Standing Posture

Stand with weight mostly on the balls of your feet, not with weight on your heels
Keep feet slightly apart (about shoulder width apart)
Let arms hang naturally down the sides of the body
Avoid locking your knees (don't extend them too much)
Tuck the chin in a little to keep the head level
Be sure your head is not pushed out forward too far
Stand straight and tall, with shoulders as far back as is comfortable
If standing for a long period of time, shift weight from one foot to the other, or rock from heels to toes to keep the joints mobile.

Walking Posture

Keep your head up and eyes looking straight ahead
Avoid pushing the head forward
Keep shoulders properly aligned with the rest of the body

Driving Posture

Sit with your back firmly against the seat for proper back support
Use a wedge cushion and/or lumbar support cushion to discourage slouching
The seat should be adjusted so your distance from the pedals and steering wheel doesn't require you to lean forward or over-reach
The headrest should support the middle of the head to keep it upright. Tilt the headrest forward if possible to make sure that the head-to-headrest distance is not more than four inches.

Find out more about how our Osteopaths can help you by clicking here

[extracts from http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/guidelines-improve-posture]

Explore Pain at the Science Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Pain Less is a new exhibition featured in the Antenna – Science News gallery investigating the future of pain relief.

Last year, nearly 6 billion painkillers were sold in the UK. Pain is a constant reality for some people, especially if you're one of the 1 in 5 who suffer from relentless chronic pain.

We treat pain with drugs that haven’t really changed for decades. Is there a better way to control pain?

Explore pain through the stories of extraordinary people who deal with it every day – from the patient who suffers with chronic pain in his missing limb, to the man who feels no pain at all.

How are scientists working to create the perfect pain relief? Geneticists decode DNA to find out how pain works in the body. Neuroscientists examine brain activity to discover how emotion affects how we feel pain. Researchers ask, do we really feel no pain during surgery under anaesthetic? Or do we simply not remember it? How might this affect us?

Pain Less introduces you to the latest pain research, through personal stories, scientific discovery, fascinating objects, films and even games.

Check out their blog to explore the content and creation of Pain Less.

Bowen Therapy - gentle treatment for all ages

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 09:44:00 +0000

Bowen Therapy

How can a therapy that seems to do so little achieve so much?

Many patients receiving a course of Bowen Therapy treatment are genuinely surprised and often delighted when they notice a significant improvement in their symptoms. It can seem hard to understand how a treatment which is so gentle and 'light touch' can change the body in so many ways.

Both recent and chronic conditions including muscle and joint aches and pains can be helped by stimulating the receptors in the neuromuscular system using 'Bowen moves'.

The aim of this therapy is to stimulate the body to speed up its natural healing response. Sometimes, despite the body having recovered from an injury, the brain has 'locked in' muscle tension and seems unaware that there is a problem with reduced circulation, build up of waste products and unnecessary tightness in some muscles.

The Bowen Technique offers a gentle reminder to the body that all is not well, and the body seems to take the hint by readjusting the nerve signals to these problem areas. After a short course of treatment, the nervous system seems to have made subtle changes which affect the blood supply to areas of the body which have been causing unncessary pain.

Bowen Therapy is often reported to help other conditions which the patient wasn't complaining of at the time - for example, someone with back pain having treatment may report that as well as the aching in the low back improving they also noted they were sleeping better, or a student with elbow pain reporting that their concentration levels during exams was better.

If you are suffering from a condition that you think should have resolved by now and your doctor is happy that there is no underlying disease or serious problem, you may want to try a new approach. Rather than masking your symptoms using pain killing medication, you could try Bowen Therapy to give your body a gentle 'kick start' to recovery - don't wait any longer, give Absolute Health a call on 0116 282 7766 and come in for a free health check and 10% off the cost of your first treatment.

Back Care Awareness Week 8-12 October 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 10:06:00 +0000

From 8-12 October 2012 it's Backcare Awareness Week, and this year the theme is 'Builder's Back Pain'.

Focussing on the back problems builders encounter and the also the stresses and strains on construction workers as the building industry has the highest rate of back related injuries.

The aim of the week long event, which is organised by BackCare, the charity for healthier backs, is to raise awareness of the problems back pain can cause, as well as prevention and treatments.

You can visit the Backcare shop and order one (or all!) of their information packs, based on back problems found at home, at work and at play. They also have a great selection of back friendly bags to help ensure that you reduce the chance of any potential problems.

While we might all know the best way to pick up boxes safely, we tend not to think about the effect every day tasks like picking up shopping or children's toys have on our backs.

It's thought that 4 out of every 5 adults will experience back pain at some point in their life, so why not get an information pack and find out what you can do to prevent it?

For treatment information and advice about how to deal with your aches and pains before they turn into something more serious take up our Backcare Awareness Week offer - 3 Osteopathy Treatments for the price of 2 (new patients only).

Drivers at risk of whiplash

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:36:00 +0000

15 MILLION DRIVERS AT RISK OF WHIPLASH DUE TO BAD SEATING POSITIONS

Drivers who fail to wear seatbelts correctly are at risk of injury according to the British Osteopathic Association (BOA). While most people are fully aware that wearing seatbelts saves lives the majority are not aware that the way they sit in a car plays a huge part in their personal safety.

The result of a survey by the BOA, released ahead of Back Care Awareness week (8 – 12 October) has found over one in ten drivers (13%) sit too far back for their seatbelt to offer effective protection in a frontal crash. To be effective, the belt should be sitting over the bones of the pelvis and not the stomach preventing internal injuries and in contact with the shoulder to prevent a serious neck injury. Sitting too far from the belt can often lead to submarining - where the occupant slips under the belt which can cause catastrophic injuries.

Half (45%), 15 million, of all UK drivers do not drive in position where their head is close enough to the head restraint or they sit too far back for their seatbelt to be effective, so that in an accident, they would be at risk of sustaining a serious whiplash injury. Furthermore, only 6% of people adjust the head restraint regularly, despite the fact that most people travel in a variety of vehicles (as drivers, passengers and in taxis for example) and half of all drivers surveyed (51%) said they never adjusted their head rest at all.

Head restraints work by catching and supporting the head in the event of a rear end crash and so reduce the chance of permanent soft tissue damage. A correctly adjusted head restraint should be as close to the back of the head as possible and as high as the top of the occupant's head, meaning head movement in relation to their body is reduced as the car and seat is punted forward when hit from behind. In addition the driver's seat should be at the correct distance so that a properly positioned seat belt is low across the hips and pelvis, with the shoulder belt firmly across the chest and collarbone.

Receiving a serious chest injury as a result of being hit by an air bag during an accident is also a very real possibility for one in seven drivers (14%) who admitted sitting too close to the steering wheel. Drivers with a gap of less than 12 inches between themselves and the steering wheel when driving are at risk of receiving the full force of an airbag deploying in a crash involving the front of the vehicle.

Airbags have to inflate very quickly (some at over 200 mph) in order to protect the head and chest of drivers and passengers in the event of a frontal crash. Therefore an airbag needs enough space in front of the steering wheel in order to inflate properly. People who are shorter than around 5' 2" (1.57m) often sit too close to the steering wheel and may be injured by the inflating airbag. A safe distance is around 12 inches - the size of an A4 piece of paper placed lengthways.

Danny Williams, BOA Council Member, said: "While most of us are aware that seatbelts save lives, it's fair to say that the majority of us don't know that the way we sit in a vehicle also plays a huge part in our safety and wellbeing.
"The position of the head restraint, how far or close we sit to the steering wheel and how long we spend sitting at the wheel without having a break can cause long-lasting neck and back injuries."

Matthew Avery, Crash Research Manager at Thatcham, said: "Vehicle safety has moved on at a pace with numerous new technologies now available designed to help avoid or mitigate injury during a collision. Whilst many seats and head restraints perform well in protecting the occupants, this research goes to show that too many drivers are still subject to avoidable risks by not taking the time to adjust their head restraints correctly."

Reduce Anxiety and Stress with Hypnotherapy

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 12:28:00 +0000

Hypnotherapy - help for anxiety and stress disorders

Hypnotherapy is commonly used to relieve stress and anxiety, as people look for natural, safe alternatives to medication.

Stress and anxiety are a normal part of our natural defences, and enable us to deal with demanding and taxing situations. This may be in any part of our lives including in the home, family life or in the work place. Chronic stress and anxiety are both considered medical conditions, due to the potential for them to lead to further health complications.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to make use of the untapped potential of the unconscious mind to effect real world changes. This is primarily achieved through the use of hypnosis, which is an altered state of consciousness or trance. This state can be used to relieve a range of conditions and ailments including: smoking, weight issues, poor sleep, concentration, pain, phobias and stress. Most hypnotherapists will use their voice to induce a state of hypnosis. It is not possible to become trapped in a trance, though you may feel the need to sleep if you are especially relaxed.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety often lead to one feeling overwhelmed, which is when the body’s natural defences are triggered, and the hormone cortisol is released into the blood. This has the effect of raising heart and breathing rates – in preparation for the stress of the situation at hand. If not properly managed this scenario can lead to a perpetual feeling of pressure or nervous tension, which can be exhausting for sufferers. Addictions, phobias, poor work performance and poor sleep patterns can result. Both conditions can be better managed by including the following coping strategies into your life:

Plenty of exercise
Healthy diet and eating
Ample sleep
Sufficient rest and relaxation time; and by
Limiting stress or stressful situations in your life
Other disciplines such as yoga, meditation and hypnotherapy are increasingly utilised alongside these techniques to aid recovery and healing.

Hypnotherapy often leads to a very relaxed state being reached, so is potentially beneficial in relieving stress and anxiety.

Read more about Hypnotherapy at Absolute Health clinic: click here

Special Offer for new Osteopathy patients!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:45:00 +0000

Now that Summer is here, we are getting more active. Playing more sports and working harder in the garden can contribute to muscle or joint injuries.

If this happens to you, give yourself a few days rest and if your pain or discomfort isn't getting better after a week, don't wait any longer before getting help.

An Osteopathy treatment can give your body a gentle nudge in the right direction to speed up your recovery.

For a limited time, new Osteopathy patients will receive 15% off the cost of initial consultation and treatment (normally £46, discounted price £39.10).

Mention the Absolute Health blog offer to get your discount - valid until end of September 2012.

Back pain, sciatica and disc problems

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Sun, 06 May 2012 21:08:00 +0000

Back pain affects almost everyone at some time, causing restricted movement and untold misery, stress and discomfort. It also causes millions of people to take valuable time off work, costing companies enormous sums in sick pay and lost production.

What causes back pain?

poor lifting or incorrect carrying of heavy weights
poor posture
unsuitable seats or beds
sports or other injury
stress
pregnancy
general 'wear and tear'

Osteopathic manipulation has been recognised as highly effective in treating back pain, and the Royal College of General Practitioners issued guidelines for GPs in 1996 which recommended manipulation within six weeks of onset for the relief of acute low back pain.

Osteopaths are trained to identify and treat the specific cause of your back pain, and once you have been treated, they may also advise you on an appropriate rehabilitation and maintenance care plan to prevent a recurrence.

The bones of your spine protect the spinal cord; if they lose their normal motion or position, this can irritate the nerve roots that branch from the spinal cord to the organs and tissues of your body. Sciatica is a general term describing pain in the sciatic region, which extends from the base of the spine down the back and side of the leg. Unless there is a specific injury to this region, pain here is 'referred' from other areas. (The irritation of the nerve in one area can sometimes lead to pain, known as 'referred' pain, in other parts of the body). The nerves that supply the sciatic region come from the lower back.

In order for the spine to be flexible, the vertebrae are joined together by soft tissue structures known as discs and ligaments. Each disc is made up of two parts - a central soft core and outer rings of tough cartilage. The discs allow movement and also help to absorb shock. A slipped disc is the rather inaccurate term used to describe the condition, often in the lower back, where trauma or 'wear and tear' have caused damage to the outer rings of cartilage, so that the core is squeezed outwards. This can eventually result in a bulge which can press on the spinal cord, the nerve root or the nerve itself. It can cause excruciating pain, either in the back or referred elsewhere - for example in the lower leg or foot. Osteopathic treatment can mobilise the spine to reduce any inflammation around the spinal cord or nerves.

Trigger points (sometimes referred to as 'fibrositis') are very common and related to back pain. They occur in the neck or shoulders (often caused by bad posture or stress) or sometimes in the buttock area at the base of the spine. Painful 'knots' form within muscles which have gone into spasm - a reaction which the body triggers in order to tighten muscles round a problem area to prevent further injury. This is why the condition so often occurs in patients who have had a back pain problem for some time.

Your Osteopath will therefore use manipulation to adjust the relevant joint, and also deep massage and soft tissue work to relieve the condition. Since the 'knots' of muscle are often very tender, the soft tissue treatment may be painful at first.

"23 and 1/2 hours" - watch this video!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:57:00 +0000

A Doctor-Professor answers the old question "What is the single best thing we can do for our health?" in a completely new way. Dr. Mike Evans is founder of the Health Design Lab at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Toronto, and a staff physician at St. Michael's Hospital.

This video reminds us that the best way to stay healthy remains one of the simplest. At least, there seems to be plenty of time to do it, when put this way!

Click on the following link to view Dr. Evans' website:
www.myfavouritemedicine.com/23-and-a-half-hours/

or watch the video here:

The Great British Pain in the Neck

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:30:00 +0000

The Great British Pain in the Neck

Britons are more likely to suffer from neck pain
Massaging the spine is more effective than medicine in short and long term

People living in Britain are among those most likely to suffer neck pain according to an article* published in January 2012 which states those living in high-income countries are more susceptible to the problem than those living in low or middle-income countries. The study of neck pain treatment, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, also reveals that women are more likely than men to experience neck pain and that the problem is particularly prolific among office and computer workers.

Britons are exceptionally hardworking and driven with the UK ranked as the 13th most prosperous country out of the 130 countries measured in the 2011 Legatum Prosperity Index. Much of the work in high-income countries including the UK is conducted at a desk where ergonomics and stress are common factors that can result in neck pain and exacerbate existing conditions.

According to the article, spinal manipulation, which is practiced by osteopaths and some other health practitioners, was more effective at relieving symptoms than medication. Medication, whether over-the-counter or prescribed by GPs, is often a popular choice among time-poor workers who are reluctant to take time off for expert treatment. However patients who were taught self-massage techniques rather than solely having to rely on treatment provided by professionals also benefitted more than those taking medication.

Kelston Chorley, Head of Professional Development at the British Osteopathic Association says: “These research findings are positive for individuals, employers and employees. Pain relief medication can be expensive and learning self-massage techniques mean individuals can be empowered to help manage their pain. Further, where medication is ineffective, this can result in ongoing problems that could have been resolved earlier and may even worsen as a result. This can mean people have to take time off work for extended periods.

“An osteopath will usually provide some initial treatment to help correct any underlying cause for the condition and will always provide self help strategies for neck pain so patients can manage their condition in the future.”

The article also says that mobilisation, described by the BOA as repetitive movements of joints to free up restrictions and increase the movement of joints and surrounding tissues, may be a better first treatment for non-specific neck pain than manipulation, described as unlocking restricted joint and surrounding tissues with a single highly specific movement, which can be an uncomfortable experience for some patients.

Kelston from the BOA concludes: “In many cases of acute or chronic neck problems manipulation is not always the first line of treatment by an osteopath. Using a combination of soft tissue massage, mobilisations and self help exercises often proves to be a more appropriate solution than the “neck clicking” commonly associated with manipulation.”

About the British Osteopathic AssociationThe British Osteopathic Association (BOA) is the professional association for osteopaths in the UK, acting as an independent representative body whilst promoting osteopathy to the general public and government. The BOA is committed to supporting, protecting and caring for its members and promoting opportunities for individual and professional development in osteopathic practice. There are nearly 4,000 osteopaths on the UK register who carried out over seven million treatments last year, and many of these are members of the British Osteopathic Association. For more information and to search for an osteopath, visit the website www.osteopathy.org

* To read the article in full visit: http://www.annals.org/content/156/1_Part_1/1.abstract?aimhp

Teachers at risk of pain!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Teachers are at particular risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as neck, back and shoulder pains, new research has revealed.

A report from the British Osteopathic Association found that there was a high prevalence of teachers reporting problems such as a pain in the back, neck and upper limbs and believes this is due to the stressful working conditions, large class sizes and lack of resources faced by teachers.

"Psychosocial factors have also been positively associated with MSD among school teachers, and the current review suggest that psychosocial factors such as high workload / demands, high perceived stress level, low social support, low job control, low job satisfaction and monotonous work are most likely associated with MSD among school teachers," the report reads.

The research revealed that nursery school teachers are more likely to suffer from lower back pain due to the time spent on tasks which involve sustained periods of kneeling, stooping, squatting or bending. School teachers spend a significant amount of time in a 'head down' posture such as reading, marking assignments on writing on a whiteboard, so are most likely to suffer from a wider variety of problems including pain in the back, neck and upper limbs.

According to the latest figures from the Labour Force Survey 2010-2011, musculoskeletal disorders were responsible for 15 sick days per case. "Physical stress imposed on the body by protracted periods of poor posture, sitting on chairs designed for children not adults etc. will produce muscle and joint imbalances, strains and soft tissue stresses which become habitual leading to more chronic recurring pains and episodes of pain," says Osteopath Kelston Chorley, Head of Professional Development at the British Osteopathic Association. "It is the chronic build up of strain and habitual bad posture that leads to many of the problems that osteopaths frequently see related to the teaching profession - particularly towards end of term. Osteopathy, as recommended by NICE guidance for low back pain, can have a very beneficial outcome both in the acute period of pain but more importantly, preventing the acute episode from turning into a chronic condition".

Earlier this year, 96 per cent of teachers who responded to a Teacher Support Network e-newsletter survey said their health and wellbeing had been affected by their workload.

"I have chronic neck pain which is mostly ignored or laughed at at work. I have to beg people to help me do things, which is humiliating at the very least," explained one respondent at the time.

"I have constant exhaustion, forgetfulness, sore throats, aching body every day," added another.

Are you struggling with back, neck or shoulder pains at school?

Here are some helpful tips for teachers from the British Osteopathic Association:

Health tips for teachers

The main problem for primary and nursery teachers is that they are stuck in static postures and need to move their bodies around. With teachers of older children the problem tends to be stress. Both make the body stiff and tense. The following exercises done at the end of every working day will help teachers to combat the daily strains on their bodies from working in a physically strained environment.

To loosen your neck, turn it slowly and gently from side to side ten times
To relax tense shoulders, roll them 15 to 20 times.
Lie on your back on the floor and bring your knees to your chest, hug them, then release your arms while keeping you legs in the same position. Twist your legs gently across the left of your body, hold for a few seconds. Bring back to the middle then twist your legs over to the right. Release your legs back to full extension on the floor. Repeat this 15 times.
Regular exercise such as swimming - anything to get the whole body moving
Start an after-school exercise club for teachers!

Download the British Osteopathic Association's free app which has video exercises individuals can follow to loosen their neck, back and shoulders:

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/osteopathy/id427802141?mt=8&ls=1

Android: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.oakley.osteopathy

Want to try Osteopathy?

Absolute Health clinic in south Leicester is offering a free consultation and initial treatment to any teacher in the area.

When you book 3 treatment sessions in advance you only pay for 2. Save £46!

Offer applies to new patients only. Payment by cheque, debit card or cash - book in clinic or over the phone - 0116 282 7766.

Offer ends 31st October 2012.

Osteopathy helps headache and migraine

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:44:00 +0000

Is osteopathic manipulation effective for headaches?

Ashley C. Keays, DO, MPH; Jon O. Neher, MD;

Valley Family Medicine, Renton, Wash

Sarah Safranek, MLIS

Health Sciences Library, University of Washington, Seattle

Evidence-based answer

It can be. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), a component of osteopathy, has been shown to be variably effective for the treatment of headaches. For the prophylactic treatment of cervicogenic headaches and for acute tension headaches, SMT is superior to placebo.

For tension headache prophylaxis, research shows a trend toward better outcomes with amitriptyline than with SMT. For migraine prophylaxis, SMT has an effect similar to amitriptyline (strength of recommendation: B, based on a systematic review of various quality studies).

Clinical commentary

3 osteopathic techniques that work for my patients

Charles Webb, DO

Oregon Health and Science University, Portland

Headaches often have more than one cause—physical, psychological, and pharmacological—and each requires treatment. I start by systematically eliminating specific headache triggers. Meanwhile, I find osteopathic manipulative treatment to be an easy and timely intervention to abort headache symptoms and improve patient well-being. I use a variety of manipulation techniques, including cervical soft tissue massage, occipital decompression, and myofascial unwinding.

Cervical soft tissue massage of the paraspinal tissues helps relieve the spasms of tension headaches.

Occipital decompression involves using the fingertips to manually stretch the paraspinal tissues at the base of the occiput; it works well in my experience to abort migraine headaches. I teach patients to use a rolled up hand towel behind their neck to do occipital decompression at home, which helps prevent further headaches.

Myofascial unwinding is a technique that literally unwinds the tissues encasing muscles in spasm.

EVIDENCE SUMMARY

For cervicogenic headaches: Spinal manipulative therapy reduces pain

Three studies¹ evaluated SMT for treatment of recurrent cervicogenic headaches). A multicenter trial²randomized 200 patients with cervicogenic headaches to either SMT (8–12 sessions over 6 weeks) or placebo. The SMT group had significantly reduced pain (at 1 week, effect size [ES]=0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3–1.2; and at 12 months, ES=0.4; 95% CI, 0.0–0.8) and fewer headaches (ES=0.7; 95% CI, 0.3–1.1 at both time points) than placebo.

FAST TRACK

Spinal manipulative therapy reduces the pain of cervicogenic headaches

Another RCT³ with 105 patients compared SMT (3 times a week for 3 weeks) with placebo. The SMT group reported significantly less pain after 3 weeks (ES=2.2; 95% CI, 1.7–2.7).

A third trial⁴ randomized 30 patients to either SMT, mobilization (small oscillatory movements to a joint within its normal range), or wait-list placement. At the end of treatment, there was a nonsignificant trend toward greater pain reduction in patients receiving SMT than either those receiving mobilization (ES=0.4; 95% CI, –0.5 to 1.4) or those on the wait list (ES=0.6; 95% CI, –0.4 to 1.5).

For tension-type headaches: Results are mixed

Two trials⁵ investigated the efficacy of SMT on tension-type headaches. The first, an RCT with 150 patients with recurrent headaches, compared SMT (2 sessions per week) with amitriptyline (10 mg daily week 1, 20 mg daily week 2, then 30 mg daily) for 6 weeks. At the end of 6 weeks, the SMT group reported a nonsignificant trend toward more headache pain (ES for SMT vs amitriptyline= –0.4; 95% CI, –0.8 to 0.0), but fewer side effects. They had similar headache frequency and medication use.

Another study⁶ of 22 patients compared SMT with 2 different controls (palpation and rest) for acute tension-type headache. The SMT group was significantly more likely to experience immediate improvement (ES=1.8; 95% CI, 0.4–3.2).

For migraine: Spinal manipulative therapy is similar to amitriptyline

In 1 trial⁷ of migraine prophylaxis, 218 patients were randomized to either 14 sessions of SMT for 2 months or oral amitriptyline (titrated up weekly during the first month and continued at 100 mg daily over the second month). The headache index (a measure of daily pain intensity) was equivalent in both groups in the last 4 weeks of treatment (ES for SMT vs amitriptyline= –0.1; 95% CI, –0.5 to 0.3).

A month after both therapies were stopped, there was a nonsignificant trend toward a lower headache index in the group that had received SMT than the group that had received amitriptyline (ES=0.4; 95% CI, 0.0–0.8). Ten percent of the medication group withdrew from this study due to side effects; no side effects were reported from SMT.⁷

Another RCT⁸ of migraine prophylaxis with 88 patients compared SMT twice weekly for 8 weeks with mobilization techniques. At 8 weeks post-treatment, there was a nonsignificant trend favoring SMT over mobilization in decreasing pain (ES=0.4; 95% CI, –0.2 to 1.0).

Recommendations from others

FAST TRACK

For migraine, spinal manipulative therapy is as effective as amitriptyline

The National Headache Foundation⁹ states that “the value and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic, osteopathic medicine, and physical therapy in migraine have not been proven in clinical trials. Conflicting results and poor clinical trial design limit the ability to judge the effectiveness of manipulative treatments. Physical therapy, although limited in its study, has proven more effective than manipulative treatment in selective cases.”

References
Biondi DM. Cervicogenic headache: a review of diagnostic and treatment strategies. J Am Osteopath Assoc 2005;105(4 Suppl 2):16S–22S.

Jull G, Trott P, Potter H, et al. A randomized controlled trial of exercise and manipulative therapy for cervicogenic headache. Spine 2002;27:1835–1843.

Whittingham W. The efficacy of cervical adjustments (toggle recoil) for chronic cervicogenic headaches [PhD dissertation]. Melbourne, Australia: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; 1997.

Bronfort G, Nilsson N, Hass M, et al. Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(3):CD001878.

Boline PD, Kassak K, Bronfort G, Nelson C, Anderson AV. Spinal manipulation vs. Amitriptyline for the treatment of chronic tension-type headaches: a randomized clinical trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1995;18:148–154.

Hoyt WH, Shaffer F, Bard DA, et al. Osteopathic manipulation in the treatment of muscle-contraction headache. J Am Osteopath Assoc 1979;78:322–325.

Nelson CF, Bronfort G, Evans R, Boline P, Goldsmith C, Anderson AV. The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for the prophylaxis of migraine headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1998;21:511–519.

Parker GB, Pryor DS, Tupling H. Why does migraine improve during a clinical trial? Further results from a trial of cervical manipulation for migraine. Aust N Z J Med 1980;10:192–198.

Mauskop A, Graff-Radford S. Special treatment situations: alternative headache treatments. In: Standards of Care for Headache Diagnosis and Treatment.Chicago, IL: National Headache Foundation; 2004;115–122.

March 2008 · Vol. 57, No. 3: 190-091

From the Family Physicians Inquiries Network

Osteopathy vs. Chiropractic

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:27:00 +0000

The outspoken critic of Complementary Medicine - Professor Edzard Ernst - recently commented in a blog on the 'Pulse Today' website. Although I don't often agree with Ernst's findings, there is some interesting information below:

Osteopathy - how different is it to chiropractic?

31 October 2011

In the past, several commentators have suggested that I repeatedly single out chiropractors and attack them continuously and unfairly. My critics argue that osteopaths do more or less the same things as chiropractors, based on the same, poor evidence, yet I never seem to make a fuss about osteopaths.

This, they believe, is unfair. Chiropractors, in particular, seem to feel that I have an axe to grind. I think these allegation are misleading – and here is why.

According to their own General Chiropractic Council (GCC) survey¹ the vast majority of UK chiropractors believe that they can treat non-spinal (visceral) conditions effectively. For instance, 63% of them claim to be able to treat infant colic¹. According to the corresponding General Osteopathic Council (GOC) survey², very few UK osteopaths seem to believe they can treat such conditions.

The GCC survey² also reveals that close to 100% of all chiropractors use high-velocity thrusts regularly. By contrast, the GOC survey³ suggests that this is done by only 47% of the UK osteopaths. As it is this technique which is suspected to cause the dramatic complications⁴ which continue to be reported e.g.⁵, the difference is, in my view, highly relevant.

Independent evaluators of the existing data will arrive at the conclusion that the evidence-base for the effectiveness of osteopathy is not much different from one for chiropractic³. But, at least, osteopaths treat non-spinal conditions less frequently, and – most crucially – they use hazardous techniques less often than their chiropractic colleagues.

What follows, I think, is obvious: GPs who feel that a patient might benefit from spinal manipulation/mobilization should consider the above evidence carefully when deciding whether to refer this patient to a chiropractor or to an osteopath.

Reference List

(1) General Chiropractic Council. Consulting the profession: A survey of UK chiropractors. (http://www.gcc-uk.org/files/link_file/ConsultTheProfession.pdf). London: General Chiropractic Council; 2004.

(2) General Osteopathic Council. Snapshot Survey 2001 Results. 2001.

(3) Ernst E, Pittler MH, Wider B, Boddy K. The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2nd edition. Edinburgh: Elsevier Mosby. 2006.

(4) Terrett AGJ. Current concepts in verebrobasilar complications following spinal manipulation. Iowa, USA: NCMIC Chiropractic Solutions; 2001.

(5) Kelley A. Ada man, 29, dies of stroke after chiropractic treatment. 2011;www.newsok.com [Accessed 26-06/2011].

Bowen Therapy helps roll away chronic pain

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:50:00 +0000

[Extracted from Vitality magazine Sept/Oct 2011]

The Bowen Technique is a natural, drug-free, non-invasive complementary therapy, invented in Australia and introduced to the UK in the 1990s. Bowen Therapy has a particularly strong record of success in the treatment of back pain. A national study, carried out by The Bowen Therapy Professional Association (BTPA) in the summer of 2006, showed that 95 per cent of back pain sufferers experienced either complete relief or a marked improvement, after a series of no more than three Bowen treatments.

The Bowen Technique prides itself on being able to trigger the body’s own healing systems. Rather than 'making' the body change, Bowen 'asks' the body to recognise and make the changes it requires.

With primarily fingers and thumbs, the Bowen practitioner makes small, rolling movements over muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue at precise points on the body, using only the amount of pressure appropriate for that individual. No hard-tissue manipulation or force is needed or used. Between each set of moves, the body is allowed to rest for a few minutes,

to allow it to absorb the information it has received and initiate the healing process.

Bowen is generally pleasant to receive, each session lasting 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the age of the client and the nature of their condition. Many clients become so relaxed they fall asleep during the treatment.

Short-term (acute) injury may be resolved in one to three Bowen treatments, while long-standing (chronic) conditions may require longer. A gap of five to ten days is recommended between Bowen sessions; so that the body can process the subtle information it has been given. As well as back pain, Bowen Therapy also may help with a host of other health issues

such as frozen shoulders, sports injuries, whiplash, migraine, hay fever, asthma, IBS

or fertility matters.

Brighton Bowen therapist Sarah Yearsley has treated Channel 4’s Born Survivor Bear Grylls for many years now. Grylls says of his Bowen treatments with Sarah, “It (Bowen) has helped keep my body together despite the continual bashing it takes. It’s a vital support in putting right a whole range of new aches and pains, making sure that old injuries don’t cause

me problems, and helping me fight stress and fatigue.”

As with many other alternative therapies, the success of a treatment mainly depends on visiting a legitimate, well trained practitioner, who is a member of an organisation like BTPA (The Bowen Therapy Professional Association). Members of this association are qualified in Anatomy & Physiology and First Aid. They are also fully insured, abide by a strict code of conduct and ethics and are committed to a programme of continuing professional development.

Free treatment on offer

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:04:00 +0000

Following on from our 'Groupon' offer, if you recently had an Osteopathy treatment, ask us for a voucher - introduce a friend and get one Osteopathic treatment free.

Our clinic relies on word-of-mouth referrals so we are always grateful if you can recommend us to your family, friends or work colleagues.

We are also looking for testimonials - if you have had a great treatment and would like to tell others what benefits you received, we will offer you a £5 gift voucher as a small 'thank you'.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 09:09:00 +0000

Repetitive Strain Injury

RSI is caused by repeated overuse and injury to the muscles of the hands, wrists, arms or shoulders.

E.g. repeated movement of the fingers by a computer user or musician causes micro trauma in the tissues. Cells try to cope by releasing chemicals to limit or repair any damage. But sometimes the ability of the body to repair itself is outpaced by prolonged repetitive movement, causing chronic injury to the tissues.

Symptoms of RSI may take months, even years, to appear. Initially, only a slight ache may be felt. As the problem gets worse, there's more obvious pain while performing the repeated activity.

Once the problem has become severe, pain may be felt most of the time, even with the slightest movement.

One or both arms, wrists or hands may be affected. As well as the pain, numbness and tingling may make daily activities even more difficult.

The risk of RSI is increased by spending long periods without a break, sitting on an uncomfortable seat, or at a poorly arranged workstation.

At work, the computer keyboard and mouse are often responsible for RSI. Home computers, video games and text messaging also increase the risk. Workers on factory assembly lines, musicians, dressmakers and cleaners are also more likely to develop RSI.

Treatment of RSI may include:

Rest of the affected area
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
Heat and cold packs
Elastic wrist supports or firm wrist splints
Acupuncture, physiotherapy or osteopathy

You can reduce your risk of RSI by warming up and cooling down the muscles used, taking regular breaks throughout the day, having an appropriate workstation and seating position, and practising relaxation. If your job puts you at risk of RSI you should seek out expert advice on prevention.

How can Absolute Health help?

The Bowen Therapy Professional Association (BTPA) is currently running a nationwide study into the effects of Bowen Technique for sufferers of RSI.

If you have a medical diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 RSI and have suffered 2 or more years, you could take part in this study, and receive 3 Bowen Therapy treatments at a reduced rate*.

For more information about BTPA, Bowen Technique or the RSI study, visit BTPA website.

Give the clinic a call on 0116 282 7766 now to enquire about the study or Bowen Therapy.

* 1st consultation and treatment £40, 2nd treatment £5, 3rd treatment £5

Pins and needles?

noreply@blogger.com (Absolute Health) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:42:00 +0000

Acupuncture for 'pins and needles'

Pins and needles is a form of paraesthesia resulting in dysfunction or pressure on/around nerves. This can be felt anywhere around the body. Occasionally this will occur in the hands or wrists as part of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

If you are not afraid of needles (very small ones!), you may wish to try a few sessions of medical acupuncture to see if you notice an improvement in symptoms. A study in Taiwan [1] suggests that acupuncture could be considered as an alternative to steroid treatment for relief of carpal tunnel symptoms.

Acupuncture uses very fine needles (not like the needles used to take blood), inserted into muscles to trigger a reaction within the nervous system. Some believe this acts as a distraction to the normal (or abnormal) signals being sent from a limb to the brain, interfering with the pain pathways, helping to relieve pain or 'pins and needles' sensations.

There are few contraindications to treatment and it has been reported that nearly 2/3 of patients who try acupuncture get a positive result. This may only be temporary relief, but in some cases, pain can be resolved completely after a short course of acupuncture treatment.

If you want to try this therapy, mention the Absolute Health website to get 10% off the standard cost for treatment (new patients only).

Give us a call now and we'll do our best to help resolve your problem.
0116 282 7766

[1] Yang CP., Hsieh CL., Wang NH., et al. Acupuncture in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Clin J Pain. 2009; 25(4): 327-33.

ABSTRACT: Taiwanese researchers investigated the efficacy of acupuncture compared with steroid treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). 77 CTS patients were randomly divided into 2 treatment arms – daily prednisolone treatment during 4 weeks for 39 patients and acupuncture administered in 8 sessions over 4 weeks for 38 patients. A standard questionnaire as a subjective measurement was used to rate the 5 major symptoms (pain, numbness, paresthesia, weakness/clumsiness, and nocturnal awakening) on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 10 (very severe).
Results of the study showed that short-term acupuncture treatment is as effective as short-term low-dose prednisolone for mild-to-moderate CTS. For those who have an intolerance or contraindication for oral steroid or for those who do not opt for early surgery, acupuncture treatment provides an alternative choice.

Absolute Health

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Fascial Release therapy at Absolute Health

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Persistent Pain

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Are you missing the point?

Look after your feet!

Foot facts

Wash your feet often

Dry your feet well

Remove hard skin

Cut toenails carefully

Shoe shop in the afternoon

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Change your socks often to avoid foot odour

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The benefits of seeing an osteopath

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What does treatment from an osteopath involve?

How many osteopathy sessions should you have?

How much does seeing an osteopath it cost?

BackCare Awareness Week 7-11 October 2013

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Bowen Therapy - gentle treatment for all ages

Bowen Therapy

Back Care Awareness Week 8-12 October 2012

From 8-12 October 2012 it's Backcare Awareness Week, and this year the theme is 'Builder's Back Pain'.

Drivers at risk of whiplash

15 MILLION DRIVERS AT RISK OF WHIPLASH DUE TO BAD SEATING POSITIONS

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Special Offer for new Osteopathy patients!

Back pain, sciatica and disc problems

"23 and 1/2 hours" - watch this video!

The Great British Pain in the Neck

The Great British Pain in the Neck

Teachers at risk of pain!

Osteopathy helps headache and migraine

Is osteopathic manipulation effective for headaches?

EVIDENCE SUMMARY

For cervicogenic headaches: Spinal manipulative therapy reduces pain

For tension-type headaches: Results are mixed

For migraine: Spinal manipulative therapy is similar to amitriptyline

Recommendations from others

Osteopathy vs. Chiropractic

Bowen Therapy helps roll away chronic pain

Free treatment on offer

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Pins and needles?