Let’s take a look at the therapeutic use of ice and heat. As a rule of thumb, you should apply an ice pack as soon as possible after an injury; applying it for 10-15 minutes, and repeating after 60-90 minutes. Make sure that the ice pack is dry, and covered in a layer of material. … Continue reading Ice or Heat?
Category: Healthcare
Leg Length Inequality
Let’s take a look at leg length inequality (LLI) AKA: Anisomelia or Leg Length Discrepency). None of us are built straight; we might have a nose that points slightly to the left, an ear that’s lower than the other, or a breast that’s larger than its twin. In about 90% of us, one leg is … Continue reading Leg Length Inequality
TemporoMandibular Disorder
Let’s take a look at temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD is a problem affecting the muscles and joints between the lower jaw and the base of the skull. Up to 30% of adults will experience TMD at some point in their lives. The condition itself isn't usually serious, and the symptoms – pain, jaw joint … Continue reading TemporoMandibular Disorder
Posture
Let’s take a look at posture. There is a lot of misinformation, and fear in relation to posture; but ultimately there is no such thing as a frankly “wrong posture”; or a “right posture” for that matter. What is most important is that you don’t maintain any one posture for too long. Having said … Continue reading Posture
Achilles Tendinopathy
Let’s take a look at achilles tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury caused by repetitive energy storage and release with excessive compression. This can lead to a sudden injury, or in the worst case, can cause a rupture of the Achilles tendon. In both cases, a lack of flexibility or a stiff Achilles … Continue reading Achilles Tendinopathy
Lumbar Disc Injuries
Slipped disc Let’s take a look at lumbar disc injury; also falsely known as “slipped disc” – please note, the disc does not slip, this is a horrible term that deserves to be consigned to the dustbin of the English language! Lumbar disc injuries are most common in people aged between 30 and 50. They affect … Continue reading Lumbar Disc Injuries
Sleep Hygiene
The modern world seems to be seeing an “epidemic” of insomnia, with its knock on effects throughout the body as our hormone levels are thrown out of balance by so many aspects of life (mood, mental state, appetite and digestion…). It is often a condition of dysevolution. Essentially, we’re running a modern, well lit, interconnected … Continue reading Sleep Hygiene
Neck Pain
Let’s take a look at neck pain. Neck pain is common, but not normal. Causes include trauma, poor posture, muscle strain, bone abnormalities, and more, the vast majority are not serious. Diagnosing neck pain may require X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging tests, though often imaging may show abnormalities that aren’t causing any pain. Consequently, imaging … Continue reading Neck Pain
Frozen Shoulder
Let’s take a look at frozen shoulder.AKA adhesive capsulitis. Frozen shoulder is a chronic shoulder condition typically lasting 1.5 - 2 years; but can be triple that. It is characterised by both pain and restricted movement. The cause is often unknown, though it is related to immobility of the shoulder (eg after keeping your arm … Continue reading Frozen Shoulder
Aromatherapy
This coming week is Aromatherapy Awareness Week, run by @IFAaromatherapy and @AromatherapyCouncilUK, so what actually is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is usually applied through the form of massage, but can also be administered in a number of other ways (such as inhalation, compress, home remedies like creams and lotions) depending on your individual case and needs. An … Continue reading Aromatherapy