Ingrid McIntosh Osteopath M.Ost

25/09/2016

Incorrectly fitted backpacks can cause muscular and joint strains in children. It is common even for young children and adolescents to carry heavy school bags, and over time this can cause problems such as neck and back pain.

Minimise the risk by making sure the backpack has wide shoulder straps - narrow/thin straps can irritate nerves and compromise their circulation. Placing their bag onto one shoulder should be avoided - this distributes the weight unevenly and can strain their muscles and joints. Keep the weight of the backpack to a minimum - heavy bags pull children backwards and they compensate by leaning forward or arching their back, straining these areas further.

http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/backpack.html

As practical as they are, backpacks can strain muscles and joints and may cause back pain if they're too heavy or are used incorrectly. Here's how to help kids find the right backpack.

19/04/2016

Scientists have now discovered a particular gene in our DNA which causes Migraines.

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-11408113

Scientists have identified a genetic defect linked to migraine which could point the way to new treatments.

06/03/2016

Physical benefits of activity/exercise. Something is better than nothing...keep moving!

17/01/2016

MUSCLE SPASMS

This vicious circle, is the body's reflex to any tissue damage, no matter how small. Pain receptors in the damaged tissues are stimulated and transfer pain signals to the spinal cord. This then causes the body to protect itself by signaling the damaged tissue to contract. In addition, muscle spams may become more widespread and cause the surrounding tissues to also contract.

When a muscle is contracted over a long period of time it reduces the blood flow. This in turn causes a build up of toxins produced by the contracted muscle, as well as a lack of oxygen in the tissues. This can be very painful.

You can develop muscle spasms without an injury. Poor habitual postures or emotional stress can over time, lead to muscle contractions, and eventually fibrosis.

Osteopathy is beneficial in decreasing muscle tone, improving blood flow and improving the range of motion in the surrounding areas of the body. Through soft tissue (massage), articulation and mobilization techniques (as well as postural advice) osteopathy can help reduce the effects of muscular pain cycles.

16/11/2015

Pes Planus (flat feet)

Pes planus describes a dropped longitudinal and/or transverse arch in either one foot or both. It is a relatively common problem which can cause local pain or more frequently, referred pain. The anatomy of the foot is complex, and failure of any of the joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and plantarfascia which support the arch of the foot can contribute to pes planus. More often than not, patients present with knee, hip or lower back pains (often chronic) - this is due to the biomechanical changes occuring, which cause the foot to roll towards the midline, causing excessive stress on other joints in the leg, and even into the lower back.

Osteopathy can help identify different areas of stress, and improve the mechanics of the joints affected, as well as offering advice on how to minimise further problems. Orthotics can also be extremely useful in balancing the feet which will in turn help reduce excessive stress on other areas.

The video below is a great illustration on how pes planus can affect other areas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk91Ydf3Ass&feature=youtu.be

30/09/2015

Our emotions can impact our health and translate over time to become chronic muscular tension. This negatively impacts our nervous, circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory system which is responsible for excreting toxins which build up in the body. Chronic muscular tension may constrict the blood flow to the muscles, thereby decreasing the efficiency of the removal of these toxins in the body. A build up of toxins in the muscles will eventually result in pain and structural tension. Over time, chronic and severe pain can also have a knock-on effect on emotions and can cause mental stress. It can become a vicious circle!

Osteopathy helps to identify the cause of the problem, and does not just treat the symptoms. Decreasing muscular tension, improving joint mobility and thereby influencing and improving the circulatory and lymphatic system to remove excessive toxins from the body, allows the body to function more efficiently.

23/09/2015

Pilates and Yoga are two of the most effective forms of exercise - and anyone from beginners to more advanced individuals can benefit!

18/08/2015

Are you experiencing shoulder pain? Find out what's causing your pain and how to improve shoulder function by booking an Osteopathic consultation.

18/08/2015

Are you experiencing shoulder pain? Find out what's causing your pain and how to improve shoulder function by booking an Osteopathic consultation.

31/07/2015

A great video shows the changes in a woman's posture during pregnancy.

Osteopathy can help your body adapt and cope with the big changes occurring during pregnancy.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w9-fDKr2npA

Discover how a growing uterus forces your spine to change its shape. - During pregnancy, a woman's naturally S-shaped spine becomes more deeply curved to bal...

30/07/2015

The importance of keeping well hydrated with water, especially in the hot summer months!

20/07/2015

A recent study has shown Osteopathic treatment significantly improves lower back pain in women who have recently given birth.

An estimated 50% of pregnant women experience lower back pain during or after pregnancy. Osteopathy can help your body adapt to the big changes it goes through during pregnancy and childbirth.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150630141713.htm

Osteopathic manipulative therapy decreased postpartum low back pain by over 70 percent in women who had given birth at least three months before beginning treatment, according to a new study.

07/07/2015

Even top athletes benefit from Osteopathy for musculoskeletal injuries!

http://www.itv.com/news/2015-07-04/murray-makes-it-through-to-wimbledons-fourth-round-despite-injury-scare/

Andy Murray has become Britain's last hope of a 2015 Wimbledon win after overcoming an apparent shoulder injury to beat Italy's Andreas Seppi in the third round of the tournament.

27/06/2015

This picture illustrates possible symptoms arising from different nerve roots exiting the spine at different levels. A thorough Osteopathic consultation and examination can help find the root cause of your discomfort!

06/06/2015

Do you suffer from headaches? There are many different types of headaches and possible causes. An Osteopath will take a thorough case-history and examination to find the root cause of the problem. Osteopathy can help alleviate any muscular tension, joint restrictions and any compensatory changes which may be contributing to the headaches. If you would like to book a consultation please get in touch!

12/05/2015

Kinesiotaping has numerous benefits in aiding overall tissue health, improving muscle function and reducing pain without restricting movement. Although commonly used to treat sports injuries, it can help facilitate postural issues and even help reduce swelling!

Kinesiotape may be applied during your osteopathic treatment if appropriate.

22/04/2015

Ever wondered what happens in a joint when it cracks? Take a look at the first MRI scan to capture exactly what occurs inside the joint:

http://www.realclearscience.com/journal_club/2015/04/15/the_first_ever_video_of_a_cracking_joint_109172.html

Scientists based out of the University of Alberta have -- for the first time -- imaged a joint cracking in real time, effectively putting to rest a decades-long debate in the process. They revealed...

20/04/2015

Do you suffer from Migranes? A recent study found that Osteopathy significantly reduced pain, disability and the use of medications: http://www.complementarytherapiesinmedicine.com/article/S0965-2299(15)00012-6/abstract

Find out how osteopathy can help you!

To view the full text, please login as a subscribed user or purchase a subscription. Click here to view the full text on ScienceDirect.

06/04/2015

Do you suffer from back pain? A recent study found that Paracetamol is ineffective in reducing back pain. However, a small improvement is found for those with arthritis. Osteopathy is highly effective in improving joint mobility, reducing muscular tension and improving the overall health of the tissues, to ease symptoms. It also aims to pin point the root cause of the problem to avoid future relapses!

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-32132377

Paracetamol is ineffective at treating back pain and osteoarthritis despite being a recommended treatment, a group of Australian researchers warns.

23/03/2015

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Wednesday 9am - 2pm
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Friday 8am - 17:30pm

Appointments available at College Clinic. Get those aches and pains sorted!

06/03/2015

Forward head posture can increase the pressure on your spine, nerves, ribs, discs, muscles and tendons as well as many other structures. Over time it can cause spinal and muscular pain, headaches, breathing problems, and can even cause compensatory changes elsewhere in the body. Osteopathy can help reduce the tension in the muscles and fascia and address joint restrictions to improve the overall health of the tissues!