We all know that we should move more but here is why and maybe this will inspire you to do it more!Regular physical activity can significantly lower your lifetime risk for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Even small amounts of moderate activity throughout the day give you health benefits. Physical activity has also long been associated…
A recent systematic review from The Cochrane Library has found that Acupuncture was slightly better at helping control episodic migraines when compared to standard drug treatment. They report that acupuncture reduces headache frequency, more people respond, and fewer people experience adverse events when compared to standard drug treatment (metoprolol, flunarizine, valproic acid or beta‐blockers) The Cochrane…
The importance of a neutral spine! Lie on your back with your knees up. Practice tilting your pelvis so that your pubic bone tilts up and your waist flattens in to the floor, and then tilt the other way so that you arch slightly. (Avoid this is you feel any pain or have a back…
A brief history of Pilates Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th Century – originally from Germany he suffered many debilitating conditions notably asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He was reportedly told early in his life that he would die prematurely – he lived until 83! So the Pilates method has been…
Understanding Pain I have been asked to write a brief summary of those areas in which I have a clinical interest. I qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1987 and emerged from training with a determined desire to understand those factors which influence pain in everyday musculo-skeletal injuries and conditions and therefore would hopefully be…
The benefits of strength training for older adults As an ageing population continues to pile pressure on Britain’s health and care system, it’s increasingly important to get older people more active to enable them to lead happier, healthier and more independent lives in their later years – with strength training able to play an important…
Bottoms Up!Some facts about your gluteal (bottom) musclesSitting for long periods can lead to the gluteal muscles atrophying (wasting) through constant pressure and disuse. This may be associated with (although not necessarily the cause of) lower back pain, difficulty with some movements that naturally require the gluteal muscles, such as getting up from sitting, and…
Starting Tuesday 1st October we are introducing an extra Beginners class which will run for 4 weeks at a price of £40. This is a fantastic class catered to new beginners who need to get comfortable and into the swing of a regular Pilates class. The classes consist of gentle exercises done on a mat in either a…
Osteoporosis Bones stop growing in length between the ages of 16 and 18, but bone density continues to increase slowly until a person’s late 20s. After the age of around 35, bone loss increases very gradually as part of the natural ageing process. This can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of broken bones,…
Reflexology and Sleep ProblemsInsomnia means “the inability to gain adequate sleep” and usually refers to a state in which sleeplessness is a regular condition interfering with normal life. Some people may find difficulty falling asleep as well as waking up prematurely, or a sleeping pattern punctuated by frequent periods of wakefulness. Reflexology may help improve…
