The Team Valley Wellness Centre

09/04/2026

Wow... I just came across this footage of Rory McIlroy's golf swing, and can't help but be impressed by the free flowing nature of his spinal movement.

I've shown this footage to some of my golfing patients, and needless to say a lot of them are very jealous.

Of course, they all swear that they're doing their stretches all the time, so we all just take some inspiration from Rory and do our best to help keep them injury free and performing like champions!

Move well.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1595519532144162

06/04/2026

It's spring, and you can feel the positive energy as people are out and about getting their body moving in the beautiful daylight.

And - for anyone who struggles with pain and is a bit worried about getting moving - here's some timely guidance from my colleagues at Stanford Pain Medicine to keep in mind when thinking about how to engage with exercise and movement in the best way for you.

Exercise is one of the most studied non-drug treatments for chronic pain. Gentle movement can help calm the body’s pain signals, reduce inflammation, and release natural chemicals that ease pain and support mood.

Over time, it can also make everyday activities feel more manageable.

Research shows that exercise consistently improves strength and physical function. Changes in pain levels are different for everyone, and some people may notice more improvement than others.

It’s also important to note that exercise is a form of stress on the body. Doing too much too quickly can lead to flares, which is why the right “dose” and slow, steady progress matter.

Take your time, and experiment a bit with what works best for you, but don't be afraid of movement!

31/03/2026

30/03/2026

A little Easter heads-up for our Team Valley Wellness community 🐰✨
If you’re planning your week, here are our Easter opening hours:

🩵Wednesday & Thursday – Closed
🩵Good Friday – Closed
🩵Saturday & Sunday – Closed
🩵Easter Monday – Closed
👉🏼Tuesday – Back open as normal.

20/02/2026

A Friday Smile - Many of you will have met Bear, our resident ‘meet and greet’ team member whose job it is to welcome folks to the clinic with a smile and - if he can get away with it - a cuddle!

But he also takes his ‘Jacq Protection’ duties very seriously as well. He’s never more than a metre away from her if he can help it, and here he is making sure she is well looked after during her appointment yesterday.

13/02/2026

Jacq’s handiwork….Shedda is feeling all romantic!

13/02/2026

Yep.

One of the most effective ways to support your immune system is regular movement.

Moderate exercise improves blood flow so immune cells can circulate and do their job, stimulates lymphatic drainage to help clear waste and pathogens, lowers chronically elevated stress hormones like cortisol, and reduces low-grade inflammation that interferes with immune function.

Exercise helps your immune system respond more effectively when you’re exposed to viruses and other stressors, supporting faster, more coordinated immune responses without overstimulation.

Movement is medicine.

10/02/2026

The ‘No pain, no gain’ approach to exercise doesn’t always serve us well. Whilst persistence and determination absolutely have their place, so too does a willingness to be adaptable, and not just in our approach to exercise, but in response to all of the other things that go on in our lives as well. Stay well.

07/02/2026

I don't know too much about Dr Howard Luks, but my own personal observations as a result of 30+ years in clinical practice meant I was absolutely nodding my head in agreement with the insights he has shared in this post.

I've got a 'Tales From The Front Line' post coming up in a few days time on the importance of 'adaptability', but in the meantime Howard's wisdom is worth sharing.

29/01/2026

What has been inspiring you in the dark days of January?

24/01/2026

Did you know that there is great research to show how much the company you keep impacts upon your own health and well-being?

What an absolute pleasure to spend the morning marshalling at the Town Moor park run with my mates from the Tyne Tees Tigers.

Amazing people, amazing energy, and a well deserved coffee after the run.

Wishing you positive vibes on this chilly January Saturday!