Market Harborough Osteopaths

14/02/2026

Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease that afflicts tens of millions of people, and much-needed new treatments could be on the way after researchers discovered a key mechanism behind how exercise strengthens bones.

16/03/2025

https://www.facebook.com/reel/931019332542757/?app=fbl

13/09/2021

Call the osteopath!
In the first few weeks of life, your baby needs constant care, whether it is feeding every few hours, changing, carrying or placing on you to soothe. You may find yourself holding your baby for long periods and your postural muscles may start to tire. In late pregnancy, the ligaments that normally support your joints soften to allow more flexibility for the birth process, and this effect continues on after the birth. Indeed, the first few weeks after giving birth, your muscles are working harder to stabilise your joints. As a result, you may find your shoulders, arms and neck start to tell you about it! If you would like some help with aches and pains at this time, please make an appointment. I have extensive experience helping women during their pregnancy and beyond. Call Cheryl Harris 01858 462636

Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema

15/06/2021

Interesting post links the jaw with the muscles just under the skull; stress can activate these muscles giving rise to symptoms. Thanks Healthy Street.

🔈 NECK PAIN, HEADACHES OR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) SYNDROME?

[NEUROMUSCULAR INTERACTION BETWEEN SUBOCCIPITAL MUSCLES AND TMJ MUSCLES]

The TMJ is a complex joint that allows us to open/close our mouth. TMJ disorders do not only create pain and limitations with the jaw. Oftentimes, there are associated issues with the neck, face, and ears.

The body is classically divided into systems such as muscular, skeletal, nervous system etc.
However, this is a mirage as these systems are all a part of one super-system that works in unison to create function.
An excellent example of this is the links between the muscles of the suboccipital region, the jaw muscles and the central nervous system.

As you know the suboccipitals are short and have only minor contributions to gross movements of the spine. However, they are loaded with sensory muscle spindles which indicate these muscles have a strong link to the cerebellum and the CNS. Postural distortions that affect the position of the skull and upper cervical vertebrae are immediately relayed to the CNS via these spindle receptors and the ganglion of C2 which is the largest in the body with 49,000 neurons. For comparison, the T4 ganglion has 24 neurons. More neurons = higher speed delivery of information to the brain.

The muscles of the jaw include the masseter as well as the deeper pterygoid muscles. They obviously allow for chewing but also have an interesting link to the CNS. The masseter has been shown to spontaneously activate during periods of stress. The masseter will also activate in unison with the subocciptal muscles during sudden postural changes in order to keep the eyes stable on the horizon.

The suboccipital and TMJ muscles may not be physically linked but they are absolutely “connected” in the cerebellum and in most clinical cases. This relationship tells us these muscles have a large role in stress/sympathetic nervous system syndromes as well as global postural regulation. A patient may present with complaints of neck pain, but now we see how we must look globally at posture, TMJ function, vestibular function and stress management!

Credit: Stefan Duell

01/05/2021

Osteopaths believe everyone can benefit from a tailored and personalised approach to health. They take time to understand your individual history, circumstan...

10/03/2021

Announcement from Cheryl Harris: After a long break due to family commitments, I am now back practising osteopathy. Emily Coombes of Kibworth Osteopaths and Pilates has very kindly made space for me at her practice, which is based at The Manor, Tur Langton LE8 0PJ.

Thank you to everyone who has been in touch to wish me luck with this next step. For appointments and queries, please call 01858 462636, or email harrisosteopath@gmail.com I look forward to seeing you soon.