Doctors Don’t Help Thy Self

Thanks to one of our patients, a local surgeon, for the following story...

Doctor 1: Middle-aged hospital consultant, late life skier. Last run, of the last day, the birthday run, ooops. Fall, ski jack-knifes; boot stays locked in….ouch…the tear is palpable. Home, Tubigrip. Crutch. Scan – full tear of medial head of calf muscle. Emergency call to The Osteopathic Clinic. “Help! I need help. It hurts and I am on-call all week. I can’t carry on like this. It’s not getting better.” Response from Paul and the clinic “Don’t worry. Just come in when you can. We will sort you out.”

Doctor 2: Late life snorkeler. Flipper gets stuck in coral. Ouch the tearing pain is palpable.  Scan – severe Achilles strain almost complete tear. Tubigrip and walking stick.

Doctor 1 and 2 meet each other, a couple of weeks later by chance at the hospital where they both work. They smile painfully at each other and compare notes about the injury, the crutch, the stick and the Tubigrip. They talk about which exercises to do.

Doctor 1 says to Doctor 2 “Go and see my osteopath. He will get us back on our feet quicker than you and I will buy our own Tubigrips and exercises!”

So here I am, Doctor 1. Having had a couple of weeks of misery at trying to get better with the conventional advice from colleagues (orthopedic surgeons, radiologists and rheumatologists), I literally cried for help and got it.

The Osteopathic Clinic, Paul and his team, were immediately sensitive to the physical and psychological pain and suffering that I was experiencing. Straight away Paul with his holistic approach, based upon a wealth of experience and profoundly sound anatomical and physiological knowledge, started to work upon my recovery. It was clear to me, of a similar scientifically analytical mind, that his knowledge and how he put it into his evidence-based clinical practice would benefit me. Needless to say, he discarded the Tubigrip and crutch swiftly and had me up and around quicker than I would have done so with anyone else. However, this was backed-up by a rigorous programme of personally tailored exercises. Not only was I physically getting better, but also my despairing mind and emotions were being dispelled.

The approach of his contemporary, scientifically sound evidence-based therapy with his fundamental high quality osteopathic skills, have got both myself and Doctor 2 back fully on our feet. His step-wise use of multimodality state-of-the-art techniques, not only the ultrasound machine, but also laser and last by no means least (the best I would say) Shock Wave Therapy have I believe undoubtedly fast-tracked my progress to a whole and complete resolution. He has got me back to the tennis courts in time for this year’s beautiful English summer with the family. He has made me stronger in my body and also given me the vision and targets to keep my body strong and stable for the future…..ski-ing next year please Paul?!

Thank you Paul and The OC! Don’t go anywhere. We need you.

Even surgeons get injured need osteopath and pilates#osteopathicmedicine #pilatesreformer #rehabilitation #skiinjury #kneeinjury

A post shared by The Osteopathic Clinic (@theosteopathcliniccroydon) on Mar 10, 2017 at 11:22am PST

Infant Colic

'My baby is suffering from colic, what to do?' It has now been few days or even weeks that you have welcomed your baby into the world, however, you've noticed that your infant cries regularly.

If you were expecting sleepless nights and few cries, you are now concerned your newborn might be crying more than normal. The repetitive episodes of prolonge and inconsolable crying are becoming a real concern.

It is normal for a baby to cry as it is the only way he can express himself. If he is hungry for example.

However your baby seems to be crying for no apparent reason:

• he is not hungry,
• he is not cold or hot,
• he doesn't have a wet nappy

Your baby may be suffering from infant colic

Colics are on second position, after gastro-oesophageal reflux, in infants health issues and are present in 10 to 40% of infants.

WHAT IS COLIC

Abdominal discomfort, excessive crying for many hours per day or night and difficulties settling down can be very stressful situations for both babies and parents who often found managing colic overwhelming, as it affects baby’s sleep and feeds.

However, be reassured that your baby is still in good health.

Colic is not a disease in itself and it usually resolves by itsel by 3 months, or during the 1st year of life.

Osteopathy, often combined with medication, can help relieve symptoms of colic.

SIGNS THAT INDICATE MY BABY MIGHT SUFFER FROM INFANT COLIC

• Symptoms usually start week 2 or earlier
• Inconsolable crying or fussing lasting few hours, and usually worse in late afternoon or early evening
• Signs of discomfort such as red face, arching back and clenching fists
• Unsettle, jumpy, difficulty sleeping
• Crying for no apparent raison: baby is not hungry, doesn't have a wet nappy, is not cold/hot..
• Excessive and explosive flatulences, excessive bowel sounds, hard and distended abdomen, frequent watery/mucousy stools.

HOW CAN CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY HELP?

Osteopathy doesn't subside to medical treatment, however it can have an important role in optimising gut function by identifying and minimising the underlying causes of your baby's symptoms. Your osteopath will also rule out other factors that might contribute to it (such as allergies...) and refer your baby for further medical management when needed.

Using gentle techniques, your osteopath will focus on the following areas :

• The digestive system: Gentle techniques to help get rid of the winds and empty the bowels.
• The thorax and diaphragm: This can often be strained during delivery, causing a torsion in the diaphragm. Additionally, prolonged and excessive crying due to abdominal discomfort in colicky baby causes tension in the thoracic region, increasing the sensation of discomfort for baby. Your osteopath will use gentle techniques to balance the rib cage and release torsions through the diaphragm.
• The neck, head and mouth: By gently releasing tension in the neck and around the mouth. Osteopathy contributes to improve suckling, reducing air swallowing during feeds. Also, the vagus nerve, which exits from the base of the skull and supplies the digestive system, can be irritated or compressed during the birth process. Irritation of this nerve is thought to contribute to colicky symptoms.
• Visceral tensions caused by colic can create spinal tensions, which can affect the mobility of the back and neck, which in turn can interfere with proper food absorption as well as making breastfeeding more challenging.

3 TIPS TO HELP REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF INFANT COLIC

Tip 1 Tummy massage Tummy massage helps improve the digestive transit and reduce bloating. Gently massage his tummy in clockwise direction, outward from the umbilicus to help move along trap winds and bowels. Avoid tummy massage after feeds.

Tip 2 holding baby in vertical position Try to keep your baby as upright as possible while feeding to reduce risk of air swallowing. If you are breastfeeding, make sure he is fully emptying one breast before moving to the other.

Tip 3 Burping Take time to burp your baby after every feeds. Holding him upright over your shoulder for example then gently rub his back to bring up wind.

Courtesy of OC Osteopath, Sabrina Peyandane

Pilates Aid: Stabiliser Pressure Biofeedback

As part of our ongoing care of to Pilates and back care patients, we're happy to share the following exercise to assist finding the deeper stabilising muscles of your lumbar spine.

This technique was introduced by a pioneer in back care from Queensland University, Dr Carolyn Richardson, who incidentally made an enormous impact on the rehabilitation world and was a lead in the Team creating the term ‘Core Stability'.

With this cuff you can essentially get the deeper stabilising muscles to provide segmental muscular strength.

It's little difficult at first as the cuff gives you feedback to whether you're able to recruit the correct muscles and then consequently challenge by way of mobilising i.e. lifting your knee off the ground.

As always, if you're struggling or feel any discomfort, stop immediately and come to see us in clinic.

Starting Position…

• Place the stabilizer under the lower back
• Inflate the stabilizer to 40mm Hg
• Arch your back and note the decrease in pressure
• Flatten your back and note the increase in pressure
• Now return to the mid position of 40mm Hg
• You must not move your back during the exercise
• Keep the pressure at 40mm Hg
• Gently pull in your stomach without increasing the pressure and breathe normally. Do not hold your breath.

Then…

• Slowly lift one leg, until the heel is about 10cm from the floor and return to the starting position
• Do not push down with the lower leg
• Repeat 10 times
• Stop if you are unable to maintain pressure at 40mm Hg throughout this exercise
• Repeat with the other leg

Link to cuffs:

Professional: PhysioRoom

Patient recommended:  Amazon

https://vimeo.com/285094642

Ironman: My Road to Dubai

 The 27th January 2017, will forever be the day I completed my first Half Iron Man triathlon. The biggest physical achievement but also most humbling experience of my life so far. Having always been into team sports growing up triathlon was something completely foreign to me but following a conversation with a friend almost exactly a year ago I decided to give it a go. I started with a sprint distance triathlon (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) in June 2016, then another in August and then decided to jump in the deep end and enter the Half Iron Man 70.3 in Dubai. (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21km run.) A massive jump from what I had done previously, but I love a challenge… and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right?

So with only 4 and a half months to train I got straight to it. My eating habits changed, I was now eating to fuel my body and empty calories became a definite but difficult no-no. I had previously had a consultation with our nutritionist Dr Zeeba, so went back to following the diet plan she had designed for me; which made huge differences in both my energy levels, ability to train at the intensity necessary but also my ability to recover from the hard sessions. I was training hard 6 days a week with a mixture of open water and pool swims, bike and run sessions as well as some heavy weight sessions. Training was going really well, I was feeling motivated and positive, my body was changing shape and I was noticing big differences in strength and fitness…. Then 13 weeks before the date of the race following an accident at the gym I was sat in Epsom General A&E fearing a broken ankle.

Those few hours in A&E felt like weeks, I thought that was it, all my hard work had been for nothing and I wouldn’t be on that start like come January. As it turned out it was only a nasty sprain and as soon as I heard the words ‘no fracture’ from the consultant I was formulating my rehab programme in my head.

After a week of complete rest, ice, elevation and compression I was able to squeeze a still very swollen ankle into my bike shoe and get out and cycle. Soon after I took to the pool and was able to swim with heavy strapping but running was going to be a no go for some time. From week one under Paul’s recommendation I was using the infra- red laser we have at the clinic 3 times a week to help reduce the swelling and target the immune response to the injury more locally to the damaged ligaments. Regular treatment from Paul (not always comfortable I might add) in combination with a rigorous stretching and strengthening regime and continuing to build fitness in the pool and on the bike is I am convinced what got me to that start line.

The feeling I had lining up on the start line is something that will stay with me forever. The months of training, coming through the injury and hard work and support from friends and family had all come down to this. So many people had said to me in the lead up ‘oh all the hard work is done now, just go out and enjoy it’ and I somehow hadn’t quite believed them… but they were so right. All the training was done, my fitness was there it just had to go out there and do it. My goal had been to try and complete the race in under 7 hours, but considering the state my ankle had been in just 13 weeks before I would have been happy just to finish in one piece! As it turns out the ankle was fine! And I completed the whole thing in 6hours 24minutes, absolutely exhausted and elated!!

It was the most incredible experience, tough but incredible. One I would absolutely recommend to anyone thinking of having a go. The amount of support from fellow athletes, organisers and spectators was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I met people of all shapes, sizes, ages, races and nationalities in Dubai, all with a common interest for health, exercise and passion for triathlon. Definitely an experience I will never forget. Onwards and upwards though and onto the next thing.

I really believe you’ve got to push and challenge yourself in life; whether it be physically, mentally, at home or at work. If not we all stand still. Challenge means change and change means progress.

Lydia