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Physical therapies for musculoskeletal health

The Lismore Clinic is delighted to announce that Mark Beer, physical therapist, will be joining the team at The Lismore Clinic.

Mark trained as a neuromuscular therapist after retiring from the London Fire Brigade, where he served as a firefighter for 30 years. He also has qualifications in taping and strapping, dry needling, and nutrition & health, and is therefore able to provide a very comprehensive physical therapy service for his patients. Most recently he has undertaken additional training in strength and conditioning, in order to be able to advise patients about appropriate exercise for maintaining musculoskeletal health.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage therapy is a hands on treatment which addresses pain and injury affecting the  muscles and other soft tissues Massage therapy can help to relieve and treat muscle pain in the upper and lower back, arms, shoulders, and lower limbs.  It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress, and may be used by sports people to warm up or down before and after matches and events.

NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY

Neuromuscular therapy involves a thorough examination of the body’s soft tissues, and treatment of injuries and chronic pain, using various hands-on techniques. It can identify and address the causes of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, such as tight tissue,  reduced blood flow, hyper-sensitive points within the muscles, poor breathing patterns, posture and gait. Neuromuscular therapy is a holistic form of treatment which includes assessment of the patient’s lifestyle, job and nutrition in order to provide an effective treatment plan.

MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINT THERAPY, MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE & POSITIONAL RELEASE

Myofascial trigger point therapy uses strong manual pressure to relieve pain.  A trigger point is a tight band of muscle fibre that causes tenderness and restricted range of motion. Applying precise pressure to the trigger point, or using a broader manual release of the connective tissue around the trigger point, increases the ease and range of movement in the associated muscle and joint.  It is particularly useful for problems affecting the upper back and neck.

Muscle energy technique uses gentle muscle contraction to relax and lengthen muscles and normalise joint motion.  Specifically, it uses the voluntary contraction of the patients muscle against a therapists controlled counter pressure from a precise position. It is particularly useful for people with very tight or shortened hamstrings

Positional release is a gentle technique in which the affected area is put in a position of ease by using movement and breathing technoques.  It can reduce stiffness in joints and muscles, and pain and release muscle spasm. It is particulary useful for shoulder pain, and is a good treatment option where other manual therapies may cause too much pain or discomfort.

DRY NEEDLING

Dry needling involves inserting micro-thin needles into trigger points to relieve pain and improve blood flow. It a western medical technique for relief of musculoskeletal pain in combination with other forms of therapy, and is very different to  acupuncture which is based on eastern medicine, and is used to treat a wider range of health problems

For more information about any of these therapies, or to make an appointment, please contact Mark at the Lismore Clinic on (086)176 2170

New Year Flu Epidemic

After an unusually slow start, flu season has finally arrived, and it is likely that more and more people will be affected as everyone returns to work and school after the Christmas break. The main flu virus circulating this year is called H1N1, also known as ‘swine flu’, which unlike other strains of flu, commonly affects young people and pregnant women, in addition to the more usual risk groups.
The flu virus is spread by small droplets of fluid, coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. These droplets can travel through the air for up to a meter, and infect anyone who breathes them in.  The flu virus can also be spread if an infected person touches his or her nose or mouth, and then touches someone else. Likewise, if an infected person touches a surface such as a door handle with unwashed hands, the virus may be transmitted to another person touches the same surface.

The flu generally starts with chills, followed by a high fever, extreme fatigue, and aches and pains. These symptoms may be accompanied by a sore throat, cough, and nausea. Most people who get the flu feel very ill indeed, and are generally unable to get out of bed for several days.

The symptoms usually appear two to three days after exposure to the virus, and subside after a week or so, although the cough and feeling of tiredness may persist for much longer. In elderly people, pregnant women, and individuals with lung problems or weakened immune systems, catching the flu can be much more serious due to the increased likelihood of developing complications such as pneumonia.

Unfortunately, antibiotics are not effective in the treatment of flu, since it is caused by a virus rather than by bacteria. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu may be prescribed for people at high risk of becoming severely ill, such as elderly people or those with weakened immune systems, but they generally need to be taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. They may also cause side effects, and are of no real benefit to otherwise healthy people who are unlikely to develop complications from the flu. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are widely used to reduce fever and treat the aches and pains that accompany the flu, but they tend to reduce the immune response to the virus and may therefore prolong the illness.

As usual therefore, prevention is better than cure. Wash your hands frequently with ordinary soap and water, and keep surfaces such as door handles, telephones and computer keyboards clean to help minimize exposure to the virus. Always use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and put it in the bin straight away. There are also many safe and effective ways to boost your immune system, to help to minimize the risk of catching the flu, and to improve vaccine efficiency in people who wish to avail of the flu jab.

One of the best herbs for enhancing immune function is Echinacea. It has an excellent reputation for helping to resist infection. Essential nutrients for a healthy immune system include Vitamin C and zinc. Elderberries, which are rich in vitamins A and C and bioflavonoids, are also a wonderful tonic for the immune system and they have an antiviral action, which helps to prevent colds, flu and other viral illnesses.

A number of scientific studies have shown that elderberries stimulate the immune system and are active against various different strains of the flu virus. In controlled clinical trials that compared elderberry extract with placebo in the treatment of influenza, patients taking the elderberry extract had significant improvements in their symptoms within two-three days. On average, the flu symptoms lasted about half as long in those taking elderberry extract compared with those taking the placebo.

If you are unfortunate enough to catch the flu, make sure you keep warm, get plenty of rest, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Your local medical herbalist can provide an individually tailored blend of herbs to improve immune function, help fight the infection, and provide relief from symptoms.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

World COPD Day is held on 21^st November each year, to improve awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  COPD is the umbrella term for a number of conditions that cause chronic inflammation and progressive damage to the lungs. The two main forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, although many COPD sufferers have a combination of both of these conditions.
In chronic bronchitis, the lining of the airways becomes chronically inflamed, which causes it to thicken, and the airways to become narrow. The inflamed membranes produce large quantities of thick mucus, which causes further obstruction in the airways, resulting in shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. The mucus also provides a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to recurrent chest infections and increased risk of developing pneumonia.

In emphysema, the alveoli (or ‘air sacs’) in the lungs, become damaged, resulting in a much smaller surface area for the transfer of inhaled oxygen into the bloodstream. This leads to extreme breathlessness and lack of energy. In the long term, people with COPD may find it difficult to walk or carry out normal daily activities. COPD also places a strain on the heart and sufferers are at increased risk of developing heart disease. Chronic irritation of the lungs may also lead to lung cancer.

COPD is caused by long term irritation to the airways by over-exposure to smoke or fumes, pollution, dust and other inhaled irritants. This may be due to working in certain industrial environments, but by far the most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoke. In rare cases, a genetic disorder called Alpha antitrypsin deficiency may also cause COPD.

Unfortunately there is currently no cure for COPD, as there is no way to reverse the damage to the lungs. Breathing difficulties may be managed with steroids, and antibiotics are used to treat any infection. However, there are many natural ways to help prevent COPD and to treat the symptoms in people who have developed the condition.

First of all, it is important to avoid anything that irritates the lungs. Give up smoking, and if you work with chemicals or in a dusty or smoky environment, remember to wear a mask. It is particularly important to eat plenty of fresh vegetables (particularly coloured varieties such as leafy greens, pumpkin and squash), and nuts and seeds, which are all high in antioxidant nutrients, vitamins A,C,E, selenium and zinc, which help to reduce inflammation and damage to the tissues. Vitamin D, which is found in oily fish and produced by the skin on exposure to sunlight, is very important for immune system health and preventing infections. In addition to a healthy diet, COPD sufferers may benefit from nutritional supplements to increase their levels of these important nutrients.

It is important to maintain a healthy weight because being overweight can exacerbate breathing difficulties. Conversely, people with COPD may experience weight loss due breathing difficulties and may need to increase their consumption of healthy fats such as nuts and seeds, sources of protein such as chicken and eggs, and wholegrain cereals. If you are suffering from COPD, it is advisable to eat smaller, more frequent meals, as eating large meals can make breathing more difficult. Likewise avoid any foods that cause bloating such as white bread and fatty foods, as this can also put pressure on the lungs.

Adequate fluid intake, such as water and herbal teas, help to prevent mucous getting too thick and difficult to expectorate. Avoid foods that encourage the production of excess mucous, such as dairy products, sugary foods, and citrus fruits such as oranges. It is also best to reduce consumption of salt and salty foods, as this can lead to accumulation of excess fluid.

If you are suffering from COPD, a Medical Herbalist can put together a treatment plan, which includes both detailed nutritional advice and a herbal prescription to help reduce the symptoms. For example, Lobelia is a bronchodilator which helps to reduce breathlessness and wheezing. Plantain reduces the production of mucous, and thyme helps to reduce coughing and prevent infection. This approach can help to reduce the reliance on steroids, and prevent infection, in order to reduce the need for antibiotics.

Mothers’ Day

Motherhood is still the full time occupation that it always was, but with many Irish women now in employment outside the home, more women than ever before are juggling motherhood and a career. This Sunday is Mother’s Day, when we take the time to recognise and appreciate society’s most demanding, important and incredible role.
There may be excellent childcare facilities available while a woman goes out to work, but what about the rest of the day?   Children still need food on the table and clean clothes to wear, to have help with homework, and to spend time with their parents.  Children still get sick and give their parents their fair share of sleepless nights.  For a working mother, the pressure is on to deal with all of this and still arrive at work in the morning, looking smart, and in a calm and capable frame of mind.  For mothers of young children in particular, there is often an unspoken requirement to prove that it really is possible to be a reliable member of the workforce despite the demands of motherhood.

Somewhere in between juggling these two full-time occupations, the working mother still frequently shoulders the primary responsibility for managing the home, and she often has to deal with fluctuating hormone levels as well, making life even more difficult.  Having it all may be something to celebrate, but it is also extremely important that women take some time to look after themselves.  So to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, here are a few ways for women to deal with the stresses and strains of modern life, and to focus a little care and attention on themselves.

Nutrition

As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat”, and maintaining a good, nutritious diet is indeed one of the most important ways of staying healthy and combating the stresses and strains of dealing with a busy lifestyle.  Professional advice about nutrition can help you to plan what type of diet would best suit your health and your lifestyle, and to discover which of the many supplements that are available would be of real benefit to you.

Exercise

In addition to good nutrition, exercise is another extremely important facet to maintaining good health and well-being. Many women feel they are just too busy or too tired to exercise, but women who do stay active tend to be more focused and energetic. Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy, such as dancing or yoga. A brisk daily walk also gives an opportunity to take a break from the demands of family life and clear the mind.

Herbal medicine

Where health problems do arise, herbal medicine is a natural and effective way of restoring good health.  Many women feel they are slaves to their hormones, which can cause an astonishing variety of problems including fatigue, migraines, fluid retention, bloating, breast tenderness, abdominal cramps, constipation, and recurrent vaginal thrush. For younger women, pre-menstrual mood changes can seriously interfere with quality of life, while in the case of more mature women, dealing with hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms can be equally distressing.  In these situations, herbal medicine can help to balance fluctuating hormone levels and put you back in control.

Counselling and Art Therapy

Since women often take on the primary responsibility for caring for other members of the family, it is very important that they too feel supported cared for. Many women find it difficult to talk about difficulties they are experiencing because they are worried about burdening loved ones with their problems.  Counsellors are caring professionals who are trained to listen,  to help people to understand their problems, and to find their own solutions. People are able to express difficult emotions in a supportive environment, and in complete confidence, without being criticized or judged. This can help the individual to discover the reasons for negative feelings, and to develop better ways of coping. For women who find it difficult to find the words to express how they are feeling, creating art and reflecting on the artwork with the support of a professional Art Therapist, can help to exploring feelings and work through emotional difficulties.

More than just a Headache

A migraine is a severe, recurrent headache, which lasts from 3 hours to 3 days. However, the headache is just one symptom of a very debilitating condition, which affects up to 15% of Irish people. A recent study, published in the British Medical Journal has now also linked migraine to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
The tendency to develop migraine is thought to be genetic, but there are usually specific triggering factors, which depend on the individual. One of the most common triggers is fluctuating hormone levels, and for this reason migraine affects three times more women than men. Other possible triggers include tiredness, stress, muscle tension, bright or flickering lights, exposure to cigarette smoke, dehydration, low blood sugar levels, and certain foods such as cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, products containing gluten or MSG, alcohol (especially red wine), and caffeine. Some people may be very sensitive to certain triggers, while others may only develop a migraine in response to a combination of triggers such as drinking red wine when stressed or during menstruation.

The first signs that a migraine sufferer is about to experience an attack may include excessive tiredness or yawning, food cravings and mood changes. This is known as the prodromal phase, and is thought to coincide with abnormal constriction of blood vessels in the brain. About 20% of migraine sufferers also experience what is known as an “aura” for up to an hour before the onset of the headache. This consists of symptoms such as seeing flashing lights or zig-zag patterns, or experiencing blind spots in the visual field. Some people may also experience slurring of speech, confusion and muscular weakness or loss of co-ordination.

The headache itself is thought to coincide with a compensatory excess dilation of blood vessels in the brain. It is often worsened by movement, and may be accompanied by watery discharge from the nose or eyes, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain or stiffness, weakness or paralysis of one side of the body, and sensitivity to light, noise or smells. Migraine sufferers are generally unable to carry out their normal activities and often have to lie down in a quiet, dark room. The headache may last for just a few hours or for up to 3 days, and is usually followed by a period of fatigue and poor appetite. It may take several days to recover from a migraine attack.

Fortunately there are very effective ways of reducing the frequency and severity of migraines, and reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes. In order to prevent migraine attacks it is important to identify and address the underlying causes and triggering factors. Keeping a diary of when migraines occur, together with details of food eaten, daily activities, and menstrual cycle, may help to identify triggering factors, some of which can be avoided.

Acupuncture can help to treat muscular tension and blood congestion, which may trigger migraine attacks. Hormone imbalances can be treated using herbs such as wild yam, and blood vessel constriction can be prevented using antispasmodic herbs such as cramp bark. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as feverfew can also help to dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks

For further information about about managing migraine naturally and reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, or to make an appointment for a private consultation, telephone 058 53200 or 087 934 5910.

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

Aussie Flu

It is unfortunate that the timing of Christmas in the middle of winter means that many people spend their favorite holiday in bed with the flu! This winter there is a lot of media hype about so-called “Aussie flu”, which is caused by the A(H3N2) virus, and is reported to have caused a small number of deaths. However, the reality is that flu viruses always pose a risk to elderly people and others with weakened imune systems, and are responsible for an average of about 500 deaths in Ireland every year. Although it is always important to take influenza seriously, this particular virus has actually been circulating for many years, and was one of the main strains of flu circulating in Ireland last winter.
 

The flu virus spread by small droplets of fluid, coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. These droplets can travel through the air for up to a meter, and infect anyone who breathes them in.  The flu virus can also be spread if an infected person touches his or her nose or mouth, and then touches someone else. Likewise, if an infected person touches a surface such as a door handle with unwashed hands, the virus may be transmitted to another person touches the same surface.

The flu virus generally starts with chills, followed by a high fever, extreme fatigue, and aches and pains. These symptoms may be accompanied by a sore throat, cough, and nausea. Most people who get a genuine flu feel very ill indeed, and are generally unable to get out of bed for several days. The symptoms usually appear two to three days after exposure to the virus, and subside after a week or so, although the cough and feeling of tiredness may persist for much longer. In elderly people, pregnant women, and individuals with lung problems or weakened immune systems, catching the flu can be much more serious due to the increased likelihood of developing complications such as pneumonia.

Unfortunately, antibiotics are not effective in the treatment of flu, since it is caused by a virus rather than by bacteria. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu may be prescribed for people at high risk of becoming severely ill, such as elderly people or those with weakened immune systems, but they generally need to be taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. They may also cause side effects, and are of no real benefit to otherwise healthy people who are unlikely to develop complications from the flu. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are widely used to reduce fever and treat the aches and pains that accompany the flu, but they tend to reduce the immune response to the virus and may therefore prolong the illness.

As usual therefore, prevention is better than cure. Wash your hands frequently with ordinary soap and water, and keep surfaces such as door handles, telephones and computer keyboards clean to help minimize exposure to the virus. Always use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and put it in the bin straight away.

There is a vaccine available, which usually helps to reduce the risk of developing flu. However, recent research has found that the flu vaccination is not anywhere near as effective as has been claimed, and that the reduction in cases of flu is more likely to be due to prior exposure to the virus during flu epidemics.

The flu vaccine is recommended for older people and those with weakened immune systems. However, elderly people often do not produce sufficient antibodies to produce immunity after vaccination, due to a weaker immune response. In recent years the flu vaccine has also been marketed towards healthy people who are at low risk of complications. However research has shown that in lower risk groups, getting the flu jab every year may actually reduce the ability of the immune system to fight off new strains of the flu virus after 2-3 years of repeated vaccination.

Fortunately however, there are many safe and effective ways to boost your immune system, to help to minimize the risk of catching the flu, and to improve vaccine efficiency in people who still wish to get their flu jab.

One of the best herbs for enhancing immune function is Echinacea. It has an excellent reputation for helping to resist infection. Astragalus is another immune tonic, which has been shown to help prevent infection, and improve the response to vaccination in elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Elderberries contain immune boosting vitamins A, C and bioflavonoids, and a number of scientific studies have shown that elderberries are active against various different strains of the flu virus. In controlled clinical trials that compared elderberry extract with placebo in the treatment of influenza, patients taking the elderberry extract had significant improvements in their symptoms within two-three days. On average, the flu symptoms lasted about half as long in those taking elderberry extract compared with those taking the placebo.

If you are unfortunate enough to catch the flu, make sure you keep warm, get plenty of rest, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Your local medical herbalist can provide an individually tailored blend of herbs to improve immune function, help fight the infection, and provide relief rom symptoms.