Pain Relief
Many people regularly use anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen for the relief of headaches, joint and muscle pain, inflammation, injuries, and other types of chronic pain. However, a recent study has linked the drug to a reduction in the male hormone, testosterone, even after relativey short-term use, leading to symptoms such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility.
A study published last year also linked the drug to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and damage to the small intestine, and previous studies have linked ibuprofen to an increased risk of stomach ulcers and reduced fertility. Therefore, it is more important than ever to find an alternative method of pain relief.
Herbal Medicine & Nutrition
Herbal medicine is a safe and effective form of treatment for reducing inflammation and pain. Most of the pharmaceutical drugs used today are based on plant constituents, which have been extracted or synthesised in a laboratory. Medical Herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic techniques as orthodox doctors but also incorporate a more traditional approach to healthcare. This means identifying the cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. Medical herbalists prescribe a blend of herbs, which are uniquely tailored to the individual, using high quality extracts at effective dosages. You will also receive individually tailored dietary advice, about which foods to avoid, and which foods and nutritional supplements may be helpful for reducing inflammation and pain, and advice about other helpful measures.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine, pre-sterilized, disposable needles to acupuncture points on the body surface. In the hands of a fully qualified professional practitioner, the use of acupuncture is entirely safe and free of any harmful side-effects. It can be very safely combined with other therapies and with orthodox medical treatment. Acupuncture is a highly effective for relieving many types of pain (including neck, back, hip and knee pain, arthritis, injuries and fibromyalgia).
McTimony Chiropractic
Like osteopathy and other forms of chiropractic, McTimony Chiropractic helps to relieve pain due to injuries, strenuous exercise, overuse of certain joints or muscles, poor posture, or degenerative diseases such as arthritis. However, there is no violent manipulation involved and the treatment is very safe and suitable for people of all ages, including the elderly and young children. Unlike anti-inflammatory and pain-killing drugs, which may simply mask pain, chiropractic can help to correct misalignment of the joints, which is often the underlying cause of the pain.
Remedial Massage and Sports Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy can aid relaxation, reduce stress and tension, and relieve muscle pain, which may be due to stress and tension. Sports massage therapy uses deep tissue massage techniques to improve the condition of the muscles and other soft tissues, in order to enhance athletic performance and to prevent and treat injuries. Sports massage therapy is not just for serious or professional athletes. Anyone who practices sports or other physical activities, from the occasional athlete to those engaging in physical work can benefit from sports massage