Blog

Helpful tips, stories and news

Hypermobility - More Than Just “Being Bendy”
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

Hypermobility - More Than Just “Being Bendy”

Hypermobility is a condition where joints move beyond the normal range of motion due to increased ligament laxity. While some individuals with Hypermobility experience no adverse effects, others may develop pain, instability, and musculoskeletal issues that impact daily life. Understanding Hypermobility and seeking appropriate management, such as with the right Osteopath and/or Physiotherapist, can be crucial for maintaining function and wellbeing.

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Basic Science of Pain
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

Basic Science of Pain

Pain is a universal human experience. It is a complex and highly individualised response that serves as the body’s alarm system. As Osteopaths, understanding the basic science behind pain helps us explain it to our clients and support their recovery.

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What is Osteopathy?
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a patient-centred, holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders. Osteopaths use a combination of hands-on techniques, movement assessments, and lifestyle advice to promote overall health and well-being. Recognised by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and the Institute of Osteopathy, Osteopathy is a regulated profession in the UK and adheres to strict clinical and ethical guidelines.

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The Science and Benefits of Sports Massage Therapy
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

The Science and Benefits of Sports Massage Therapy

Sports massage is more than just a way to relax sore muscles; it is an evidence-based therapeutic technique designed to enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries, and aid recovery. Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone who enjoys recreational sports, incorporating sports massage into your routine can offer significant physical and physiological benefits.

In this blog, we will explore the mechanisms behind sports massage, its benefits, and the scientific evidence supporting its role in performance and rehabilitation.

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The Habit Blueprint: Building Consistency for Better Health
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

The Habit Blueprint: Building Consistency for Better Health

In the field of Osteopathy, helping clients recover from injuries or improve their physical wellbeing often involves fostering new habits. Whether it’s adhering to a prescribed exercise program, following lifestyle advice, or incorporating movement into daily routines, the principles of habit formation the foundation to achieving results. But why is building consistent habits so challenging, and what strategies can make them stick?

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The Importance of Posture - is it that important?
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

The Importance of Posture - is it that important?

Posture isn’t just about sitting up straight to look more confident nor is it about trying to maintain the “perfect” desk posture; it’s about fostering long-term health and vitality.

Let’s dive into why posture matters, what science says about its impact, and how you can make meaningful changes that are relevant to you.

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What is Sciatica and How to Recover
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

What is Sciatica and How to Recover

Sciatica – compression or irritation of the Sciatic nerve – is one of the most common conditions that our Osteopaths see in the clinic. The proportion of people who experience Sciatica at some point during their lifetime ranges from 13-40% (3).

Sciatica is a unique experience for each person – with a variation of symptoms (see below), how long you may experience symptoms for, what causes and contributes to the symptoms, your overall health and wellbeing (sleep quality, exercise, emotional wellbeing, smoking status, nutrition, hydration, other existing health conditions etc.), and your environment (work, responsibilities, hobbies etc.).

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Your First Osteopathy Consultation
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

Your First Osteopathy Consultation

Attending your first Osteopathy appointment can be a daunting and unfamiliar situation for some. We want to make sure that the initial steps to you seeking help for your pain or injury are as smooth and comfortable as possible.

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Discs Don’t Slip
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

Discs Don’t Slip

Using the phrase “slipped disc” it has connotations that the spine is instable, weak, unpredictable, fragile, possibly even dangerous to move… so let’s have a look at why this isn’t necessarily the case, what is really going on and how understanding your diagnosis can have an impact our pain experience and recovery.

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Osteoporosis, Osteopathy & Pilates
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

Osteoporosis, Osteopathy & Pilates

It is estimated that around 3 million people in the UK have osteoporosis, a condition that causes around 500,000 broken bones every year - that’s one every minute (6).

Worldwide, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures (4.

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Osteoarthritis and Exercise
Heather Thomas Heather Thomas

Osteoarthritis and Exercise

Have you been told before that you have “Osteoarthritis”, “degenerative joints” or “wear and tear”?

Did you know that Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis? Estimates suggest that up to 8.5 million people in the UK are affected by joint pain that may be attributed to osteoarthritis (1).

Have you had the cycle of “I’m in pain so I can’t exercise” into “when I exercise, I have pain”?

If yes, this blog may be for you.

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