Physical pain is essential to the human experience; it’s the body’s protective alarm system. It’s a subjective experience that is challenging to convey to others. Especially if there are no obvious outward clues, our ability to tolerate pain is as individual as our fingerprints and shaped by many factors: genetics, previous pain experiences and our […]
Author archives: Sandie E
Do you understand the “core”?
The “core” is scientifically called the lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC). It’s everything our head, arms and legs attach too, the torso or trunk of the body. Most often its acts as a stabiliser and force transfer, yet people focus on training it in isolation as a prime mover, with exercises like sit-ups, crunches, and planks. If […]
Women’s health surgery
Gynaecological surgery can be confusing, emotive and sometimes complicated. Non-childbirth-related operations include myomectomy, hysterectomy, and pelvic floor repair.
Fibromyalgia explained
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious long-term condition involving widespread chronic pain without a known cause; it’s more frustrating than a diagnosis. Some people will eventually discover a specific reason. Still, most times, the condition appears triggered by a physically stressful event, such as an injury, infection or having a baby. Or an emotional upset, such as […]
Back Pain -The Red Flags
Most cases of back pain get better on their own and might be classified by a doctor as ‘simple’ back pain or non-specific back pain; this means no severe or severe underlying pathology is likely.
Ashwagandha, the wonder herb?
Ashwagandha is a popular ancient medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,500 years. It is becoming popular in the west because of its history of helping to reduce stress, the primary ‘disease’ of twenty-first-century life.
Turmeric and Curcumin, what’s the inside scoop.
Turmeric is best known as one of the quintessential spices used in much of Asian cooking. Also called Indian saffron, it gives curry it’s distinctive yellow colour and has warming earthy, pungent flavour which smells a little like mustard, probably because it’s one of the ingredients used to make it.
Adaptogens explained
Adaptogens are non-toxic plants (herbs and roots) which can help the body resist physical, chemical or biological stressors. Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions have used these herbs and roots for centuries, and they’re having a revival. Turmeric is probably the most popular food adaptogen.
The thyroid gland part 4, subclinical hypothyroidism explained
Are you tired all the time, gaining weight while eating the same amount of food? Is your skin dry and your hair falling out too? It can be easy to dismiss these symptoms as being down to living through a typical UK winter when many folks feel under par, suffer the effects of central heating […]
Thriving through COVID-19.
The Covid-19 outbreak has meant that life as we know it has changed, at least for a while, and this may have caused you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, frustrated, sad, bored, lonely, or frightened. It’s important to remember everyone reacts differently to stressful events, and it’s okay to feel this way. Your feelings are […]
The thyroid part 3 – hyperthyroidism
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, causing the body to be in a constant state of overdrive. Estimates suggest that about 85% of hyperthyroidism cases result from an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease, which is a heredity condition seen more often in women.
Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease, the thyroid gland part 2
Hypothyroidism is the medical name to describe an underactive thyroid gland. It often results from the autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease. Also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
Thyroid disorders, the inside scoop
Thyroid disorders are prevalent, about one in 20 people have some kind of thyroid disorder, which may be temporary or permanent. Although they can affect anybody at any age, including children and babies, they mainly occur in women. A
Coronavirus/COVID-19, stress less by getting informed.
While I appreciate that you are probably feeling bombarded with news and updates about this virus. As a healthcare professional, it concerns me that growing misconceptions and myths around this rapidly changing health crisis are causing people to feel increasingly concerned about how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Pain management, ways forwards
The previous post, “pain what’s really going on?” looked at pain from a medical and scientific point of view to understand how pain can be categorised, the variety of words to describe pain, and the regular healing times, which may help people avoid slipping into persistent or chronic states. This post will look at current best […]
Your chair is killing you! Time to start squatting.
Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration but it’s probably contributing your ability to move well by reducing your range of motion. When you think about squatting, what comes to mind? The burn from your last gym session? Struggling to pick up your dropped keys? Or using a lavatory in tropical climes? Did you know that squatting […]
Pain, what’s really going on?
Pain is tricky; it can be a valuable and potentially life-saving protection mechanism. You only have to touch something unexpectedly hot to appreciate that the resulting OUCH was helpful because it made you pull your hand away and prevent possible further injury. But what exactly is pain?
Core stability, demystifying the myths.
Almost every day, I hear someone talking about their core, usually stating that they need to strengthen it, or that having a strong one [core] will cure their back pain… mmm [sigh]. Here’s a recent example; a new patient lets call him mister B was telling me that a trainer had told them they needed […]
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a common back condition where the nerve roots or the spinal cord become pinched or compressed because the spaces within the spinal canal narrowing. It affects men and women in equal numbers, and around 10% of the UK population is believed to be living with this condition. Who gets it, are you […]
Pillows, do we really need them?
Following on from the articles on sleep positions and mattress advice for pain-free sleep, the other question I get asked relating to sleep is “Do I really need a pillow to sleep well”?