I’m a committed, enthusiastic lifelong learner and love travel, so getting to do both at the same is a win-win in my world. In all honesty, since covid 19, leaving my postcode still feels like a big adventure (yep, I know!) So the last week has been super special. I’m a committed, enthusiastic lifelong learner […]
Category archives: Women’s Health
Seasonal Affective Disorder, and light therapy
It’s September, and the nights are drawing in so quickly it’s reminded me that this is the critical time to put measures in place if you have or are at risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Winter depression is the other name for SAD; it’s a type of depression triggered by the change of seasons, […]
Raynaud’s explained
Most of us will have experienced numbness or tingling in our fingers after getting a tub of ice cream out of the freezer or when it’s really cold outside. For most folks, this is a short-lived unpleasant experience.
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 […]
When Is Back Pain Serious? Red Flag Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Most back pain settles within a few weeks. Learn the red flag symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem and when to seek urgent medical help.
Thyroid Disorders Part 4: Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Are you always tired all the time, struggling with dry skin and hair loss or gaining weight despite no changes in your eating habits. While these can be signs of many things, they might suggest subclinical hypothyroidism.
Thyroid Disorders Part 3: Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormones, causing your body to be in a constant state of overdrive. Around 85% of cases are caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that runs in families and is more common in women aged 20 to 30.
Thyroid Disorders Part 2: Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s
Hypothyroidism means an underactive thyroid gland. The most common cause is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and gradually destroys the thyroid gland.
Thyroid Disorders Part 1: The Inside Scoop
Thyroid disorders are far more common than many people realise. Around 1 in 20 people live with a thyroid condition, some temporary and some lifelong.
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?
Does Core Strength Help Back Pain? The Myth Explained
Back pain is often attributed to a weak core, particularly in fitness culture and popular health advice. Strengthen your abs. Stabilise your spine. Fix the problem. It sounds logical. But research over the past two decades shows that core-strengthening exercises are no more effective than many other forms of exercise for back pain. That doesn’t […]
Sleep positions for pain-free z-z-z-z’s
As an osteopath, it’s routine to be talking with patients about sleep, especially if discomfort or pain is making it difficult to get to sleep. Any joint-related problem or health concern can be a factor that influences our choice of sleep position. The question that comes up most often is what position is best?
Lactose intolerance
Do you get bloating and abdominal pain after drinking a large cappuccino, or eating ice cream? If the answer is yes, you could have Lactose deficiency, which causes Lactose intolerance.
Calcium, why it’s important.
Did you know that the body contains more calcium than any other mineral? Alongside it’s a vital role with bones, it helps with heart health, and is needed for the nervous system to work efficiently.
The Relaxation Response
A variety of techniques can help our nervous system back into balance. The relaxation response is one of the simplest because it works like a braking system to brings our body and mind back into a state of equilibrium.
Stress, part 2 – Lifestyle tips
I mentioned in part 1 that there is no universal stress reduction strategy and effective stress management requires a multidisciplinary approach. What a great about both these statements is that it gives you choice
Stress, part 1 How it affects your body
Pressure and stress are omnipresent; touching every aspect of our everyday life, affecting our body, thoughts, our feelings, and our behaviours too. Interestingly, although most people believe that all stress is harmful, it has some essential benefits.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a nighttime condition of unpleasant sensations in the legs. This could be cramps, aching, pain, tingling or burning. Restless legs syndrome is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, a common condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming, irresistible urge to move the legs.