My regular pilates clients know that I am not a fan of static stretching unless there is a particular issue that needs managing. I um and ah about this in class, as it’s not part of the Pilates repertoire, and we can work on muscle length and range of motion during a well-balanced Pilates session […]
Category archives: Women’s Health
Pelvic Floor Muscles
The muscles of the pelvic floor play a crucial role in the stability of the torso, due to there connections and association in spinal movement. The balance of these muscles is necessary for dynamic stability, i.e., strong and elastic muscles which support us to move freely, climb stairs, change direction easily, pick up loads, sneeze […]
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Do you leak a little urine when you cough laugh or sneeze? Half of the women over the age of 50 with experience some symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, with 1 in 10 women by the age of 80 undergoing surgery. Worryingly, about a third of these women will need more than one operation. A […]
The shoulder, what goes wrong
Last time I talked about the shoulder joint structure and briefly highlighted what can go wrong. Here is a look at some of the common problems that cause shoulder and arm pain in a little more detail
Shoulder problems
Shoulder problems are widespread; the shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body because the main shoulder joint (the gleno-humeral joint) is a ball-and-socket joint. It sacrifices stability for mobility, and for this reason can be vulnerable to injury, dislocation, muscle fatigue and degeneration due habitual poor posture. vulnerable to injury and habitual poor […]
Breathe to relax, the health benefits of deep breathing
Slow deep breathing is a simple, yet powerful, relaxation technique to quiet the mind. It’s easy to learn and can be practised almost anywhere and provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check.
Modic Changes and Back Pain
About 50% of people with back pain following a disc herniation develop bone oedema, inflammation, or bone marrow lesions within a vertebral body. These are known as Modic changes and are related to poor healing and recurrent disc herniation. Their presence is significant because it was an independent predictor of intense and disabling low back pain episodes affecting recovery time and […]
Sleep hygiene, explained.
What is sleep hygiene? Here’s a lovely animated film which explains
Herniated spinal disc explained
A herniated spinal disc is the most common cause many painful conditions, when this happens, the natural cushion between the vertebra of the spine is damaged or ruptured, causing the spinal disc to push out into areas usually occupied by nerves. Note; other terms for a herniated disc include; a slipped, ruptured, bulging or, protruding disc. […]
Stress management, osteopathy can help
Ultimately, effective stress management requires and multidisciplinary approach especially for long term situations. The physical effects need to be addressed to allow for the lifestyle changes to make a difference.
Stress, how it affects your body
Last time I was talking about stress and mentioned it does have some benefits but its the ongoing or severe chronic stress that concerns me as health professional and pilates practitionerStress is a part of everyday life; have you noticed how prolonged stress affect you or those around you?
Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS)
Here’s another informative animated film, this time on the complex subject of Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS), which is the prevailing theory of the cause of chronic pain & other chronic symptoms.
Health affects of stress
Stress is a part of everyday life; it can affect our body, our thoughts, feelings, and our behaviour. It’s impossible to avoid some significant life events, bereavement, divorce, family illness, redundancy even parenthood. Stress can induce a flight or fight response in the body, producing hormones to increase heart rate, make us breathe faster and […]
Achilles tendon pain
Achilles tendon pain is sporting complaint often seen in runners and tennis players. People report stiffness or pain in the back of the heel. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury due to the repetitive action and so may occur in other repetitive activities.
Probiotics, the inside scoop
You may already know that probiotics are beneficial for gut health, but research now suggests that “good” bacteria may have other health benefits.
Vitamin B12, the energy vitamin
Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse, it helps make DNA, nerve and blood cells and is crucial for a healthy brain and immune system. Studies suggested that 15% of people the UK population don’t get enough of this essential nutrient.
Sleep Advice & Tips
Good quality sleep is essential for our wellbeing, protecting our physical and mental health. Humans have evolved to be active during the day and sleep at night, but modern life means that’s not always possible. Lots of people suffer poor sleep; New parents, shift and night workers. Everyone, from children to older adults, can benefit […]
Breathing for Stress Management.
Stress is necessary for life; It helps us learn, meet deadlines, be creative, and is essential for our sheer survival. Stress is only harmful when it becomes overwhelming and interrupts the healthy state of equilibrium that our nervous system needs to remain in balance.
Snap crackle & pop! What do noisy joints mean?
Do your shoulders creak? Knees pop? Does your neck crack? Or maybe you hear clicking noises in your ankles, wrists, or hips when you move? Joints can produce an impressive range of sounds—some weird, some wonderful, and occasionally, quite loud!
Musculoskeletal pain and painkillers
Joint and muscle pain is probably the number one symptom that prompts people to seek the help of health professionals such as osteopaths. Musculoskeletal pain affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves; it is commonly caused by physical injury, which can be widespread or localised in just one body part.