A gentle guide to the Mummy MOT.
If you are a mum - whether your baby is six weeks, six months, or six years old, I want you to know this:
- Your body matters
- Your recovery matters
- You matter
You have grown and birthed a whole human - that's incredible! And just like any physical event (like running a marathon or having surgery), your body deserves expert support to recover, rebuild and thrive.
That's where the Mummy MOT comes in.
Wondering if a Mummy MOT is for you? (Spoiler alert- it probably is!)
Let's dive into the who, what, why and how of it all - because this could be your first step to truly feeling like yourself again.
Who?
If you've had a baby vaginally or via C-section, this is for you. Whether it was your first or your fifth, whether it was six weeks or six years ago, a Mummy MOT can help.
This isn't just for new mums in the early days. If you've notice things like:
- leaking when you sneeze, laugh, run
- a feeling of heaviness down there
- ongoing back, hip or pelvic pain
- a tummy gap / bulge that hasn't gone away
- pain in sex / difficulty getting back to intimacy.
- or even if you feel fine but you want reassurance you're recovering well then a Mummy MOT is 100% for you!
Why?
Why do I need a Mummy MOT? Let's be honest, after birth, the focus tends to shift completely to your baby. You are told your six week checkup is the green light to ‘get back to normal’ but very little attention is paid to how your body is actually doing.
Most postnatal checks barely scratch the surface.
The truth? Many women live with issues they think are just ‘part of being a mum’. But although leaking, pain and discomfort are common, they are not normal, and they can be resolved with the right support!
The Mummy MOT is about giving you that space. To be heard. To be assessed. To be looked after.
What?
What actually is a Mummy MOT? A Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal checkup with a trained woman's health physio (like Lauren!) that looks at:
- your pelvic floor function
- abdominal wall checking for DRA / separation
- posture and core
- how your body is moving, holding an compensating
- Any aches, pains or concerns, both physical and emotional
We chat, we assess we make a plan that's tailored to you.
It's not about judgement. It's about empowerment. This is your safe space to ask all the questions you weren't sure you could ask. And to then get real answers.
When should I have a Mummy MOT?
Any time after six weeks postpartum is ideal. The main thing to know is it's never too late!
If you're struggling with sex or just want to reconnect with your body it doesn't matter if you're six weeks or sixteen years postpartum, you deserve some total loving care!
How does it work?
Here is what to expect:
1. An initial Mummy MOT assessment
Includes a 60 minute session to assess pelvic floor, abdominal wall and muscles, posture, breathing, movement patterns and any other concerns you may have. We'll talk about your birth experience, your symptoms (if any), your sex life and your goals - whether that's getting back to activity, lifting your child with ease or feeling comfortable in your own skin again.
2. Tailored plan
Based on your assessment, we will give you a personalised rehab plan. This could include pelvic floor exercises [don't worry, it's not just squeeze, hold and hope!], movement work, postural support and core rehab.
3. Follow up support
Many women find follow up appointments helpful to guide their recovery and I'll be beside you every step of your healing journey.
Final thoughts [and a little encouragement)
Mums, I know how easy it is to put yourself last. But your health isn't a luxury, it's a foundation. You deserve to feel strong, confident and supported in your postnatal journey. So whether you're still bleeding or back at work, exhausted or energised, uncertain or curious, I invite you to take that first step.
Let's get you booked in for your Mummy MOT! This is your time!
If you are suffering from any postpartum problems or concerns, we can help.
Call 01889 881488 now and ask for a Mummy MOT assessment with Lauren
Because it’s a lot more common than you may think. More importantly though is that it’s very treatable. Maybe it’s bladder leaks when you laugh, cough, sneeze or even run.
You are not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Let’s talk about something a lot of women quietly live with bladder leaks and urgency. Whether it’s a little dribble when you sneeze, or a sudden urge that you just can’t make it to the toilet in time, it can feel frustrating, embarrassing and isolating. But here is the good news. You are not alone and it is absolutely treatable.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary Incontinence simply means involuntary leaking urine. There are a few common types:
- Stress induced urinary incontinence which is typically when you laugh, sneeze, cough, jump, run or lift.
- Urge Urinary Incontinence is when a sudden and strong need to go occurs and you don’t always make it in time.
- Mixed Urinary Incontinence is a combination of both stress & urge.
These can happen during pregnancy, after birth, during menopause or seemingly, out of nowhere. But no matter when it starts, you don’t have to put up with it.
How Can Women’s Health Physiotherapy Help?
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As a qualified Women’s Health Physiotherapist, I am trained to assess and treat the muscles and systems that support your bladder and pelvic floor. I will work with you to:
- Understand why leaking is happening
- Rebuild your pelvic floor strength, co-ordination and control
- Manage urgency and retrain bladder habits
- Give you simple, effective strategies that fit your life
It’s always personal, private and tailored to your needs, without judgement.
If you don’t want to suffer any longer, we can help. Call the clinic and ask for an appointment with Lauren
Get a 20% discount to help you get started.
What if I told you that staying healthy for just the next ten years could open the door to you living up to 150 vibrant, healthy years?
It’s not a sci-fi scam.
It’s a reality that researchers are striving towards with the help of rapidly improving artificial intelligence (AI).
Hi, Nicky here!
Alan and I are absolutely fired up after returning from, Future Human, an inspiring conference in Dubai, focused on the possibilities of human longevity alongside AI technology.
‘’If you can stay healthy for another ten years and you are under seventy, you could qualify for future treatments, which may increase your lifespan up to 150 healthy years.’’
Got your attention? It certainly got mine I can tell you. I sat bolt upright and felt not just really excited but almost overwhelmed by these possibilities!
This month celebrates the 10-year anniversary of my first book, “The Four Keys to Health”. Hence this year, to celebrate, I made a commitment to return to attending international conferences in person, immersing myself in the latest innovative technologies. I will then, of course, share the knowledge I gain, in a series of new blogs on health and wellness. I am excited to report back, to keep you as healthy and happy as I can.
I will be doing myth busting, diving into exciting developments, and sharing insights from emerging research, some of which is still in its infancy.
Longevity is becoming increasingly possible thanks to advancements in Artificial Intelligence and innovative treatments such as stem cell infusions. I saw, first hand, the changes in a speaker who had received these treatments by a pioneering doctor standing next to him. Symptom relief included looking younger, better muscle tone and resolution of chronic sciatica.
The possibility of living a healthy longer life is no longer science fiction. But there is a catch:
Your body needs to be in the best shape now to qualify for these futuristic treatments
Over the coming weeks, I will provide updates on vital subjects to build on the principles in my books. Within the themes of the four keys; Lifestyle stresses, nutrition, fitness and mindset.
Together we can focus on small, realistic, actionable steps that can prepare you for a healthier future.
Here’s how we can stay connected:
Look out for our blogs on the website www.painreliefclinic.co.uk
If we know your email address, you’ll receive a free copy directly. No cost – just insights on preventive health to help you and your family stay healthy.
Are you ready to move beyond just pain relief and start building the foundation for a healthier and much longer life?
Would you like to visit my clinic?
You will know when the time feels right. Whether you are new to us or a returning client, our wellness-focused sessions are a gateway to a thriving future you.
For new patients:
If you’re new to us and need help with an urgent painful problem, you can book a traditional, specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapy or sports therapy session. These sessions include the latest technology with hands on treatments. However, if you’re also interested in longevity advice and a more comprehensive approach to health, and your acute pain is resolving, we recommend booking a wellness-focused session, with Nicky, designed to support both immediate relief and long-term health.
Book a wellness focussed 1 hour assessment by the end of February, for February or later, and we will give you an additional 20% discount off the already discounted price.
For existing Patients:
If you’ve previously had sports therapy or physiotherapy with us, you’re invited to try our more integrated wellness sessions, which combine physiotherapy with forward-thinking health strategies. These sessions are tailored to help you stay healthy today while preparing your body for a thriving future.
Take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free future today because the choices you make today will create longevity in your future.
Book a wellness focussed 1 hour assessment by the end of February, for February or later, and we will give you an additional 20% discount off the already discounted price.
p.s. It’s already 10 years since my first book “The Four Keys to Health” and much of the contents of that book are as relevant today as they were 10 years ago. But things move on, and the pace of change is ever increasing. That’s why I’m writing my sixth book, “Breaking Point”, with which I’m currently deeply involved with my Editor. Not only are the contents bang up to date, but I’ve also realised that health for most people is a difficult subject to engage with enthusiasm. I’ve thus approached the topic in a total novel way which will hopefully make this vitally important information more easily absorbable.
“Breaking Point” should be published in 2025! Watch this space.
Struggling with pain that just won’t go away? Tired of feeling like you’re just another number in the healthcare system? At Nicky Snazell Clinic, we believe in a different approach—one that puts you and your needs first, offering not just relief but a path to a better, pain-free life.
For those of you who have been with us for a while, you already know the effort we put into making our clinic a special place. But it’s always worth taking a moment to reflect on what sets us apart and why that matters for you.
A Relaxing Escape Right on Your Doorstep
Our clinic, tucked away in the tranquil Staffordshire countryside, is more than just a place for treatment—it’s a space designed for your comfort and relaxation. The beautiful, restored grade II barn offers a welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’re greeted with a warm smile and a cosy atmosphere. Whether it’s the inviting sofas, the freshly brewed ground coffee, or the crackling fire on a cold winter’s day, we want you to feel at home.
We know that a calm mind is key to recovery, which is why we’ve put so much care into creating an environment that helps you relax. And of course, easy parking and direct access to the building mean that your visit starts smoothly, even before your treatment begins.
A Team That Cares Like Family
At the heart of our clinic’s success is our exceptional team. When we select new members—whether for therapist roles or administrative positions—we look for more than just technical expertise. We seek individuals who are team players, with a positive and caring attitude. This helps us maintain the warm, “part of the family” feeling that defines the Nicky Snazell Clinic.
Because we have advanced technology and skills not found elsewhere, the ability and desire to learn are paramount for every team member. To ensure our team stays at the cutting edge, we provide ongoing professional development through weekly CPD (Continuing Professional Development) sessions and bring in third-party experts for in-house training. This commitment to learning means that every member of our team is always ready to deliver the highest standard of care.
Advanced Technology, Traditional Care
One of our core beliefs is that effective pain relief requires both time-tested hands-on care and the right technological support. While we don’t have advanced imaging like MRI on-site, we’ve built strong partnerships with third-party providers to ensure you have access to high-quality imaging when needed. And the best part? We can secure competitive rates and rapid turnaround times, so you won’t be left waiting for answers. This ensures that you receive a swift and accurate diagnosis, enabling us to tailor your treatment effectively.
A Clinic Built on Passion, Experience, and Continuous Learning
Nicky Snazell’s lifelong dedication to helping people overcome pain is the heart of our clinic. Her journey has taken her from the UK to places like the USA, Canada, Korea, and China, where she sought out the best techniques in pain management, including GunnIMS. Her holistic approach, detailed in her first book The 4 Keys To Health, ensures that every client receives a tailored plan that addresses not just the symptoms but the underlying factors of their condition.
Alan, Nicky’s husband, joined the clinic with a vision of contributing in a meaningful way. Despite coming from a successful career as the Group Managing Director of six aerospace companies, he recognized the need to deepen his understanding of healthcare. Alan took this challenge head-on, studying anatomy and massage for a year, followed by a course in deep tissue massage, and then two and a half years of Chinese Medicine in London. He spent countless hours shadowing Nicky during over a thousand assessments and treatments, learning the nuances of client care and mastering the use of all our advanced technology.
For several years, Alan treated clients directly, applying his skills and knowledge to help them manage pain. His experience in hands-on care, combined with his technical expertise, provided a unique perspective that now informs every decision he makes in his current role. As the clinic grew, Alan transitioned to focus on administration, marketing and strategy, bringing a blend of hands-on knowledge and business acumen that has been instrumental in shaping the clinic’s direction.
A Focus on Lasting Results
We often see clients who first come to us for an acute problem, like a sports injury or back pain. But as many of you know, our approach doesn’t end there. For those managing chronic conditions, a little maintenance care can go a long way. Regular, but infrequent, treatments—often just four times a year—can make all the difference, helping to keep you active, pain-free, and enjoying life.
This preventative care not only keeps flare-ups at bay but also ensures that you don’t need more intensive treatment when problems arise. It’s about looking after your health, so you can keep doing the things you love without being held back by pain.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Family
At the Nicky Snazell Clinic, our clients aren’t just numbers—they’re part of our family, and we understand the importance of living a pain-free life. We’re here for you, just as you’ve been with us, and we’re always looking for ways to offer the very best care and support.
Thank you for trusting us with your care, and for being part of what makes our clinic such a special place. Here’s to many more years of health, healing, and happiness together.
Have you ever been haunted by a knife-like pain down your leg? Not just down your leg but in every aspect of your life. Making the simplest of tasks, like putting your socks on, impossible.
Imagine a pain that shadows you from the moment you get up and even haunts you at night, stopping you from sleeping.
You are not alone. Nearly half of us have suffered this at some time in our lives.
To learn more about sciatica and how to treat it, read on
It’s called sciatica and its root cause is a modern lifestyle of poor posture and weak muscles.
The videos explain what sciatic is and how the structure of the spine is vulnerable.
The sciatic nerve is a big nerve running from the back to the feet. Nerves, any nerves in your body in fact, don’t like to be squeezed and tell you quickly about this by causing pain. Typical causes of nerve compression are:
• Spinal discs act as cushions between the bony vertebrae, allowing movement and keeping the discs nicely spaced apart, allowing nerves to move freely and without pain. If those discs get compressed sufficiently, nerve compression and pain can result.
• Powerful back muscles can react to this nerve compression and go into spasm, increasing nerve compression and pain.
• Each pair of spinal vertebrae have joints between them to help control movement, called facet joints. These joints get worn with age and trauma and can eventually cause further nerve irritation.
• Our bodies are covered in a layer of connective tissue below the skin (imagine bubble wrap) and this tissue can become less flexible as we age, also leading to possible nerve irritation.
These underlying causes are nearly always quickly reversible with the correct lifestyle adjustments, adherence to exercise prescriptions and hands on physiotherapy. In more severe chronic cases, especially with locked in muscle spasm, specific dry needling may be required. There’s no one size fits all solution. A thorough assessment and treatment plan will be the most effective and fastest solution.
If your physiotherapist has any concerns, she or he can touch base with your doctor for bloods, x-rays or a scan.
Off the shelf pain meds, like anti-inflammatory with paracetamol can help. Your pharmacist can advise if its safe for you to take them with preexisting conditions or other meds.
or call 01889 881488
Jean, Erica & Charlotte will be happy to help
“Mr Roo referred me to you, said you are the clinic of last resort, as you fix problems others don’t or can’t, and he knows you will listen to me.
“I love my grandkids. I love my garden, I love to feed to birds, the hedgehogs, it’s my world, my life. Right now, I can’t do any of this because it’s agony and I don’t have a life.
I get phone calls from my doctor who prescribes drugs that don’t work. I have just seen a private surgeon at £19 a minute. He didn’t listen to me. I wanted help, I wanted him to listen, I wanted to know what I could do, who I should see. He just said nothing could be done with total disinterest, that surgery at my age was a waste of time and so was physiotherapy.”
Isn’t this sad? No one listened, no one gave her any hope.
“I have a scan, here, look, I don’t understand what it means. Can you help.”
This is what we did…………………
The scan showed a narrowing in a disc and some of it had squashed out like toothpaste, crushing a nerve in a rather arthritic little spinal joint. This little tiny part of her back meant she couldn’t pick up her grandkids, walk far, sleep or bend over gardening.
A detailed assessment showed us where the physical problem was, her general fitness and how she moved (her biomechanics). We needed to gently open up her locked-down spinal joint, quell the inflammation in her disc, and release the muscle contracture trapping the nerve.
Just as important as the physical treatment, we also needed to explain how other aspects of her health and mental stress were affecting her and her pain. To do this we explained the 4 Keys to Health: mindset, fitness, food and lifestyle and how a simple red, amber, green traffic light approach could help guide her to take the positive steps to better health. This in turn would help protect her from COVID and her pain.
We gave the patient her life back
After just 3 sessions she was no longer in physical pain and perhaps more importantly, had got her life back, comfortable in the knowledge that she had been listened to and that what was important to her had been understood. In her sessions, we gave:
- Advice on the relevant keys and how to move to 4 green keys.
- Counselling to reduce stress/ improve the immune response
- Laser to ease the pain and help reduce the inflammation.
- Electroacupuncture to reduce the pain and inflammation
- IMS dry needling to cut through fascia and remove muscle contracture, taking pressure off the nerves
- Exercise to help reduce the disc bulge with specific manual mobilisations and robotics
- Deep oscillation massage to soothingly reduce inflammation further
- Gentle hands on healing to further boost the response
If you are in pain, we can help
Call 01889 881488 Now
Jean, Erica & Charlotte will be happy to help
Our loyalty scheme has been a tremendous success and much loved since it was launched many years ago. Those of you who are familiar with this scheme will remember that we issued cards at reception which allowed you to record up to 10 loyalty stamps, one stamp for each appointment.
COVID then came along and threw a spanner in the works, as we were no longer able to issue cards for health reasons. This break, however, gave us the opportunity to rethink how the scheme could be improved both for you and us. We realised that we were in the process of installing some very powerful software and this, when operational, would allow us to develop a much more effective solution which would save you time on the phone and at reception.
We are delighted to tell you that our new software-based system is up and running and this means we can tell you almost instantly what your balance is on your loyalty account.
Didn’t Know We Had A Loyalty Scheme?
Well, Read On!
Now many of you who first joined us post COVID lockdown might not be aware we have a loyalty scheme and that you may have credit on your account. For those of you in this situation, this is how it works:
- You earn one loyalty credit for each appointment attended and paid in full
- Once you have 5 credits, you can exchange those in for a £10 discount on your next appointment.
- You can exchange multiple discounts at the same time. For example, 10 credits would get you a £20 discount and so on.
- Loyalty credits are not transferable or redeemable for cash
Our new system has been logging credits earned and exchanged since 1st July 2020, so fear not. Your account will be up to date.
Don’t Miss Out. Redeem Your Older Than One Year Old Credits Before 1st February 2023
We are taking the opportunity to update the rules of the scheme and from 1st February 2023, any credits which are over 12 months old will expire. Also, only credits earned since 1st July 2020 will be redeemable up to that date.
We are giving you plenty of time to use older credits earned between 1st July 2020 and 31st January 2022. Don’t miss out. Exchange them before 1st February 2023, or they will expire.
Still, Prefer The Cards?
The loyalty cards of old have been a very helpful reminder to many about their credit status, so much so that many may prefer to continue to get a card. No problem! We can give you a card if you wish, with the main log being available to you at any time from our software.
If you are in pain, we can help
Call 01889 881488 Now
Jean, Erica & Charlotte will be happy to help
Before I tell this story, I need to explain a bit about my background. I grew up in a scientific family, with a father and two brothers very much on the science rather than arts side of the seesaw. At school I was guided into science from the age of 13 and ended up studying engineering, just like my brothers. Since then, most of my working life has been in aerospace, surrounded by people who deal in facts and figures. In short, I had zero experience in anything spiritual and before this experience would have derided it as hairy fairy claptrap.
After leaving the aerospace industry behind in 2003, I chose to work as my own boss and started a health clinic business with Nicky my wife. She provided various treatment skills, including Physiotherapy and I provided the business background. Aware that I knew little about the health industry, I took myself back to college at Stafford for a year and subsequently to London for two and a half years, studying Chinese Medicine.
It is here my story unfolds.
My course work in London required many weekends and I soon got into the routine of travelling early Friday evening to London by train and then getting the tube from Euston up to Tufnell Park, where I then walked down Tufnell Park Road and stopped off at a clean and well-stocked shop halfway down, to get some tea, which I would eat at a fairly basic B&B.
This particular Friday, I was going to be unable to leave at my normal time due to work commitments, but I would still have no problem getting to the B&B at a not ridiculously late hour. That afternoon I mentioned to Nicky that I had had a vision a couple of times of being stabbed, which I put down to an overactive imagination and thought nothing more about.
I was keen to do some revision on the train, but this got interrupted by the stabbing image getting more and more frequent, to the extent it really started to spook me. I was in an interesting quandary as on the one hand, my scientific background told me it was just my mind stuck in a loop and couldn’t possibly be real. On the other hand, I was spooked, and any thoughts of studying went out of the window as fast as the scenery rushing past. By the time I made my way down to the Northern line platform at Euston I was contemplating going back up and getting a taxi direct to the B&B. It was my stomach that overruled that, as I needed something to eat and anyway, I was overreacting, wasn’t I?
My short tube journey to Tufnell Park, acted to intensify the feeling that I was going to get stabbed that night. As I stood at the corner outside the tube station, I forced myself to focus on getting something to eat. The later journey time meant that my favourite shop would already be closed, so an alternative was needed and there on the other side of the road was my saviour. Not as appealing as my normal haunt, after all I had seen it many times before and always written it off, but needs must, and it obviously sold food. I crossed the road where I had never crossed before.
My earlier impressions of the shop were fairly accurate, I bought up and decided that it would be my last visit. Outside I turned left and stopped to consider my walk to the B&B, which was about 5 minutes away. Next along from the shop was a GP’s Practice and between the two was a driveway to the back of the corner buildings.
I can only describe what happened then was like being overwhelmed by an intense surge of fear. I was instantly terrified and just wanted to get away. My senses were on full alert, and I was convinced that my visions were about to come true. I walked straight down the centre of the road, keeping maximum distance between me and any perceived danger points, like dark alleyways. It was difficult not to run, I was in full fight or flight mode, cortisol flooding my system and my heart racing.
I made it the B&B and couldn’t get into my locked room soon enough. I collapsed onto the bed to calm down, unable to face any food or fluid and went through multiple phases of relief. Eventually, I tried to make light of the whole experience and lent heavily on my upbringing and decided that I had been an overdramatic idiot.
After a fairly fitful sleep, I was relaxed. I convinced myself the whole thing had been imagination gone wild. I needed to get to Camden Town, and this meant retracing my steps back to Tufnell Park tube station.
As I got to the tube station, I looked across to the GP surgery and corner shop. The gap between was cordoned off by Police tape. An unlucky soul had been murdered there the night before. He had been stabbed.
An Epitaph
I have no memory of having any kind of similar experience to this before this event. It’s not impossible though, because nearly everybody I knew would have laughed in my face if I had suggested such a thing. It’s highly likely that being married to Nicky, observing her skills and listening to her beliefs, has opened a door in me that I didn’t even realise existed.
I cannot rub out this experience. It happened. Why did it happen to me? Who knows? But without a shadow of a doubt, I picked up on a stabbing more than eight hours before it occurred and from more than 100 miles away. I have no idea how this happened.
Has it happened again? Only once and nothing so significant, although it could have been. Nicky and I regularly drive to Norfolk and not being keen on the boredom of motorways and the A14, we have created a very nice cross-country route, which takes us through some very pretty countryside and allows us to stop halfway at a nice pub in Corby Glen. The route takes us across the A1 and through Colsterworth, famous for being the birthplace of Newton. One night we approached a crossroad in Colsterworth, with the road on the left being concealed behind houses. Although we had right of way, I braked hard suddenly before the junction and shouted to Nicky a car was going to come straight across in front of us. Seconds later a car shot out from the left and went across the road in front of us, travelling at a speed that would have caused a serious accident if we had been in the way. We would have been if I hadn’t braked.
I can’t explain any of this and no doubt many would try to fob it off as a couple of made-up stories, because they would have no basis to justify belief. I understand and sympathise with this, after all I would have done exactly the same before these experiences.
My view is that the life that most of us lead, the information we are given, the environment we are provided for most of us all provoke disbelief of anything intangible.
It is only the rare personal experiences of the tiny few that allows a different perspective to be even considered.
For me, I cannot possibly return to the majority belief. Will any more events like this occur for me? I don’t know. I will be disappointed if they don’t.
Alan
If you are in pain, we can help
Call 01889 881488 Now
Jean, Erica & Charlotte will be happy to help
One autumn morning last year, a quiet, middle-aged clinical professor came to see me because he found his gym workout was badly irritating his elbow and ankle.
I went over my 4 Keys (see my book) healthy living questions, to which he scored green in food/ water/ supplements and fitness. He scored amber in lifestyle – he was working a little too much. Family life had been fraught with problems until recently, and on the whole, he loved his work. He just couldn’t quite get his life/work balance right. His mind was amber and at times red, as he found teaching at university stressful, and he also found it difficult to switch off. I intuitively sensed some deeper issues, and it made sense that keeping fit calmed his mind.
“I haven’t injured myself or upped my workouts or done anything to cause these pains; they’ve just crept up on me. My pain is deep and aching, not sharp, and I haven’t done anything to cause it,” he stated, at a loss as to why this was happening to him.
This made me decide to explore his physical body for chronic [neuropathic] pain and to explore the deeper spinal muscles and relevant joints and ligaments. It seemed wise to leave the alternative discipline of shamanic reiki till later. This aspect of healing needs a deeper level of understanding and trust between practitioner and patient.
I could feel that his lower back was tighter on one side This could have been disc irritation, or it could have been his biomechanics, the way he sits and walks, and either a fixed or habitual posture. Telltale signs of collagen lines at the base of his neck and back suggested a thinning of the underlying discs. His buttock was acutely tender. His hamstring was slightly tenser, with sensitivity being increased again over the division of the sciatic nerve at the back of the knee, tight bands in his calf muscles, and a moving tenderness where his ankle flexors wove around his ankle.
This was all pointing to neuropathic changes to his L5 nerve root at the base of his spine. That means the sensitivity of the nerve root due to poor posture or ageing disc, as well as mild peripheral nerve changes, causing small contractures down the limb and his ache.
This type of problem is insidious and is often a normal part of ageing related to postural issues, causing disc narrowing, called spondylosis, and subtle changes to nerves, from very mild to severe neuropathy.
The symptoms can be anything from mild stiffness to pins and needles, numbness and various degrees of sharp burning and aching pains, often made worse on exercising.
Edwin needed a combination of treatments and skills to help resolve his problems. Over two treatments I gave him GunnIMS to relieve the deep-seated muscle problems at the base of his neck and back, plus acupuncture, laser, joint mobilisations and deep oscillation. I also used NLP and subtle mind mapping to get his head in the right place.
Ideally, I would have gone on to add shamanic reiki to heal issues in his auric body, balance his chakras, and use key acupuncture points in his fascial plane. However, after two treatments he was physically pain-free and elected to get on with his life.
If you are suffering long-term pain, and maybe even tried some treatments which have not helped, then it might be because the cause is more complex than first thought. Physical symptoms can manifest themselves due to a whole range of reasons, from mental to nutritional to physical, including neuropathic (nerve-related), or a combination of some or all these causes. It thus requires a deep and broad assessment to be able to create a successful treatment plan and positive outcome.
If you are in pain, we can help
Call 01889 881488 Now
Jean, Erica & Charlotte will be happy to help
Great news. The sun is shining, and it’s holiday time!
Hydration Questionnaire:
- Do you rarely have thirst / dry mouth?
- Do you rarely get headaches?
- Is your urine a mild (not dark) yellow colour?
- Are your skin and lips moist, not dry?
- Do you have regular bowel movements most days?
- Do you have less than two glasses of alcohol a day?
- Do you have five helpings of fresh fruit and vegetables a day?
- Do you have several glasses of fruit water / juice / herbal teas a day, even if resting?
- Do you avoid having too many salty snacks?
Score 1 for each Yes. Total 0—3 Red, 4—6 Amber, 7—9 Green. Get Nicky’s ‘4 Keys To Health’ book for more information.
Here is some simple advice to help you avoid ruining your holiday
What happens in a drought?
A hose pipe ban, a car wash ban, shorter showers, and less water in the bath. We all protect the vital stuff, like making sure we and our animals get water. Fortunately, we live in a country with more than its fair share of rain and our droughts don’t last too long, so a drought tends to be more of a temporary irritant than a serious problem.
But what if a drought did last for a long time? What would happen to our gardens if they hardly ever got watered? Well, a lot of very poorly and dead plants and lawns that wouldn’t win any prizes for sure.
It’s doubtful anyone would argue with the above in principle. After all, it’s stating the blindingly obvious.
If it’s so obvious then, why is it that at least 75% of us and maybe as many as 90% are long-term dehydrated? Given that plants left dehydrated long-term will get weak and die, then it should come as no surprise that our complex bodies are likely to suffer the same fate. Why do we put ourselves at this risk?
Your body will start to react to dehydration with as little as a 1% drop in availability, and a priority system will start to kick in. Your brain needs a lot of water and your organs' functions are vital. These will get priority because these are more critical to life. Non-critical body parts will get a bit of what is left.
Up To 90% Of Us Are Dehydrated.
The list of potential problems from dehydration are huge and are linked to many diseases. The implication to overall wellness is obvious—stay dehydrated at your peril. As a clinic which treats patients every day with pain and injury, here are some dehydration issues we see:
- Just about every joint in your body has cartilage, which needs to be kept hydrated to stay healthy. Dehydrated cartilage will promote inflammation, pain and arthritis.
- Spinal discs need to stay moist and supple. Without adequate hydration this could cause a multitude of spinal problems.
- Muscles will cramp, swell, become tender, have reduced strength and possibly suffer tissue damage.
- Dehydrated tendons and ligaments can make you more prone to injury, pain and inflammation.
Long-term dehydration is clearly serious and is linked to many diseases. So why are we so prone to dehydration when it is so easy to fix?
Your Body Has Drought Management
Many studies have shown that what we drink is just as important as how much we drink. In the UK caffeine-loaded beverages like coffee, tea and soda’s are prevalent. In fact, most of us don’t drink water at all.
The problem with caffeine, if concentrated, is that it is a diuretic which in many cases stimulates us to lose more water than we consume in the drink itself. Thus, drinks like this act to dehydrate, not hydrate. It makes it worse.
This issue is contentious and we have to accept that many arguments will have a financial motive. But let’s use common sense. Most people in the UK drink tea and coffee as their main source of fluid intake. If these drinks are not diuretics, then how come nearly 90% of us are dehydrated?
There are many social factors which prevent adequate fluid intake as well. People whose environment does not provide easy access to a toilet, such as drivers for example, are very prone to low fluid intake.
A further factor is with the elderly, who simply don’t register they are thirsty in the first place, plus don’t want to drink too much to reduce visits to the loo.
Here are some simple guidelines on 'how to stay properly hydrated'
- Drink water as well as diuretic drinks. Recommendations vary but aim for about 1.2 litres per day
- First thing in the morning drink a big glass of water, not tea or coffee.
- If you are feeling hungry, maybe you are thirsty. Drink some water first as that quenches hunger.
- If you are feeling lethargic during the day, drink some water. Lethargy is an early sign of dehydration.
- If you get a bit of heartburn, try a glass of water first.
I use a water bottle which shows me how much water I need to drink all through the day. It gives great feedback, as it’s easy to see when I’m not drinking enough. A really simple and great idea.
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