Women’s health surgery
Gynaecological surgery can be emotive and sometimes complicated. Non-childbirth-related operations include myomectomy, hysterectomy, and pelvic floor repair, which I’ll discuss in a separate post.
Author: Thriving, inside and out
I'm a London based osteopath, pilates teacher and somatic movement coach, also involved in clinical education and continuing professional development. I have a broad range of interests in all things that help people restore resilience and thrive.
This blog started as a tool for my clients and patients it aims to provide general information and articles about health-related subjects, and tips for living life to one’s full potential. In the words of Maya Angelou “my mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
The information here is not designed to provide medical advice, nor is it intended as a substitute for professional care given in person by a trained health professional. You should consult with your general practitioner (GP) or seek other professional medical treatment if you have any concerns about your health.
Inflammation
Did you know that inflammation is part of our body’s defence mechanism and plays a vital role in the healing process?
Is mindfulness meditation making you feel like a failure?
Are you at risk of burnout?
While many people, especially those in the corporate world, have heard the word “burnout”, it’s not recognised officially as a medical term. If you read my musings regularly, you know that education and myth-busting are my primary passions inside and outside of my treatment space. In healthcare, burnout is called mental exhaustion or mental fatigue; “it is… Read More Are you at risk of burnout?
Pain, does it need to hurt so much?
Physical pain is an essential part of the human experience; it’s the body’s protective alarm system. Its a subjective experience and one which is challenging to convey to other people. 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,… Read More Pain, does it need to hurt so much?
5 mindful movement to ease joint stiffness
Where do you live? In your head, body or both? The reason I ask is that, as a health professional and movement teacher, I meet many people who live in their heads, and their body is just this thing hanging below their lower eyelashes, I kid you not!
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… Read More Do you understand the “core”?
Pain management, ways forwards
The previous post; “Pain what’s really going on?” Discussed pain from a medical and scientific point of view. It aimed to give you an understanding of how pain can be categorised, the variety of words to describe pain, and the normal healing times, which may help people avoid slipping into persistent or chronic states. This… Read More Pain management, ways forwards
Your chair is killing you! Time to start squatting.
Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but it’s probably contributing your inability to move well and 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… Read More Your chair is killing you! Time to start squatting.
Fibromyalgia explained
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious long-term condition that involves widespread chronic pain without a known cause; it’s more of a frustrating label than a diagnosis. Some people will eventually discover a specific reason, but in many cases; the condition appears to be triggered by a physically stressful event, such as an injury, infection or having a… Read More Fibromyalgia explained
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.
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.
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.
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, what’s really going on?
Pain can a useful 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.
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, how it affects your body
Pressure and stress are omnipresent; they touch 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.
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… Read More Core stability, demystifying the myths.
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.
2020 new decade, new you? But is there anything wrong with the old you?
It’s a rhetorical question. Are you about to plunge into the perennial pitfall of making unrealistic New Year’s resolutions for the year ahead? While the start of a new year is an opportunity to press the reset button and may inspire a renewed sense of purpose or hope to begin new adventures. Many people make… Read More 2020 new decade, new you? But is there anything wrong with the old 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”?
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?
Mattresses advice.
Almost every patient I see in pain asks if their bed or mattress could cause their symptoms. While your bed could contribute to discomfort, making a change is not always easy. The main concern for most people is sleep disturbances, and comfort is a critical factor in getting a refreshing sleep, and that presents a… Read More Mattresses advice.
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.
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.
Back Pain: Debunking Misconceptions and Myths
Back pain is common; 80% of people worldwide will experience at least one episode. It’s an often invisible condition that can affect anyone from *children to the elderly, but worldwide, only around 1% of cases are because of something sinister such as a tumour.
Free radicals and antioxidants explained.
A simple way to think of free radicals is as waste products which built up and can harm the cells in the body. They are natural byproducts of the body’s many chemical processes, such as breathing and eating. Environmental toxins, household chemicals and cigarette smoke can also expose us to free radicals.
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.
Helicobacter Pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterium that grows in the digestive tract (gut). It is also known as H. pylori, the “H” in the name is short for Helicobacter. “Helico” means spiral, which shows that the bacteria are spiral shaped. H. pylori attack the stomach lining, many infections are usually harmless, but they are also responsible for most stomach and… Read More Helicobacter Pylori
Dietary fibre, explained.
Getting enough fibre in the diet is essential for health as research has shown that besides reducing constipation, it can help with weight management, may lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and bowel cancer. Dietary fibre is a type of complex carbohydrates found in plant-based foods that our digestive system… Read More Dietary fibre, explained.
