Thursday 24 January 2008

Let us Help?

Are you a candidate for treatment?

Our associated clinics treat both acute and chronic back conditions.

If your symptoms have appeared recently we can use the best manual physical

therapy techniques to facilitate the healing process and restore normal function as soon as possible.

If your symptoms are long-standing (more than 6 weeks) or recurrent you are likely to have developed weakness and instability in your spine and you may be a candidate for our specialised programme of intensive strengthening of the lumbar spine.

We are able to treat anyone between the ages of 18 to 80.
Treatment is as suitable for those with sedentary lives as it is for athletes - we have patients at both ends of the scale.

This list shows some of the the conditions that can be treated successfully using Natural Physical Therapy.

Lumbar strain

Herniated (prolapsed) disc

Sciatica

Degenerative disc (or joint) disease

Stenosis

Spondylolisthesis

Osteoporosis

Osteoarthritis

Hypermobility/instability

Scheuermann's disease

Many treatment methods help only with symptomatic relief but do not address the underlying cause of pain and therefore result in only a temporary solution.

That is why so many people with back pain find themselves in the "Pain Maze" confused over which therapy to undergo, or whether drugs, injections, manipulation or surgical procedures will indeed bring an end to the pain.

That’s why Back Trouble UK was formed, so that Back Pain sufferers could be both more informed and to be able to make a more informed choice of available therapies.

Friday 11 January 2008

Craniosacral Therapy Whats it Mean?


Let me introduce Craniosacral Therapy, it is a non-invasive form of treatment that has its roots in the earliest days of Osteopathy, but has since grown and developed in its own right to become a powerful, yet subtle form of treatment.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Dr. William Garner Sutherland, the founder of Cranial work, discovered that the different fluids and tissues (e.g. bones, muscles, organs etc.) of the body express a natural rhythmic motion that can be perceived through a light "listening" touch and can give the practitioner a wealth of information about the functioning of the body. This natural motion is considered to be a direct expression of the state of health of the individual.

Craniosacral therapy works through the practitioner helping to directly influence this most fundamental expression of health within the client. As such, it can be of great benefit to help relieve many physical, psychological and emotional conditions. Unlike other therapies, Craniosacral therapists do not try to directly resolve any symptomatic issues that might be present. Rather, they try to increase the level of available health within the affected area, and the body as a whole by re-establishing natural motion to the problem area. Due to the different experiences of our lives, these natural rhythmic motions may become restricted, or otherwise disturbed.

The more intense the experience (e.g. accidents, i llnesses, surgery, stress, trauma etc.), the greater the effect upon our body. This may lead to the development of various symptoms including reduced blood flow, increased levels of stress, lowered immunity, increased body tension as well as increased pain and dysfunction. It has been found that the most effective way to influence these natural motions, and to help restore the body to its optimum health, is through a light, non-invasive touch, without the use of massage, manipulation or other such techniques.

Where areas of restriction are found, the therapist will subtly encourage or enable the body's own potent healing forces to re-establish themselves in those places, leading to an overall return of healthy movement and function.

Wednesday 2 January 2008

First Aid for Back Pain!


Apply Heat and Ice:

Apply an ice pack to the affected area. If you haven't got an ice pack, use a bag of frozen vegetables instead. Don't put the ice directly on your skin, as it might cause a cold burn. Put a wet cloth between the ice and your skin.

If ice doesn't work, try applying gentle warmth with a hot water bottle. Don't apply the hot water bottle directly to the skin - cover it so it isn't too hot. A hot bath or shower might also help.

Some people find alternating heat and cold produces most relief. Try to get professional advice on applying heat and ice if you can.

Medication:

Take painkillers following the instructions on the packet - never take more than the recommended dose. Many people find that paracetamol or ibuprofen helps - your pharmacist can advise you.

Painkillers shouldn't be used as a long-term solution. If you find you still need them after a week or so, consult your doctor.

Relaxation:

Muscle tension is bad for back pain, so try to relax as much as possible. Take a long bath or listen to soothing music. Use a relaxation tape if you have one.

A gentle massage from a partner or friend may help, but make sure they don't do anything that causes pain.

Bed rest versus exercise:

Doctors used to recommend long periods of rest for people with backache, but research has shown this is actually bad for backs. Even crawling around on your hands and knees is better than no movement at all.

Some kinds of exercise, such as walking, don't put too much stress on your back. It's a good idea to make a start on them even if your back is a bit sore, just to get your joints moving and your heart and lungs working.

Getting back to normal:

In most cases, the back recovers naturally if allowed to do so and the pain should settle in a couple of days. Once this has happened, continue getting back to normal activities and try not to stay in one position or do any one activity for more than 30 minutes.


Avoid lifting, bending or twisting until the pain has gone for a few days. Refrain from returning to the activity that caused the pain for a week or so, even if you feel better, and gradually build up your exercise and activities day by day.

Don't just listen to your friends and relatives - ask an expert.
Talk to a properly qualified therapist!.