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ALLIED HEALTH - ARTICLES
Back Pain
Ask anyone what causes back pain. The variety of answers
will show how poorly it’s understood, even in
professional circles. The search for a location of the
‘cause’ often clouds the fact that there
is nothing actually broken. Still quite prevalent is
the belief that when back pain hits, if you rest and
take a few pills the pain will go away and you’ll
be fine, yet this approach usually leads to worse problems
down the track.
Unless there’s been a specific accident, most
common back problems are due to the build up of stresses
from everyday activities – like slouching at work,
unsupportive beds, and poor technique at the gym. It’s
now known that when pain hits you almost instantly lose
muscular stability of the spine at that pain spot because
the stabilizer muscles (called multifidis) get switched
off. In response the big erector muscles may tighten
or spasm in an attempt to stabilize the area, but this
creates havoc. It’s like writing using the shoulder
muscles and not the hand - it’s hard to control.
The new pain model reflects that pain is a FUNCTIONAL
not structural problem. This model reflects the approach
chiropractic has always had to spinal problems; that
poor joint function leads to aggravation of muscles,
soft tissue and nerves. In chiropractic this is called
a subluxation – but you might just say your back
is out. The solution then is to restore function, and
you’ll get the best results from treatment if
you act in the first 3 months, after that it’s
progressively more difficult to treat.
If the joint is misaligned, stuck, or ‘out’,
then something needs to be done to free it up as it
becomes tacky and progressively stiffer. In theory any
manipulative treatment that gaps a joint open will help
to increase joint movement, so physiotherapy, chiropractic,
osteopathy or maybe even some massage may help. But
it’s essential to get multifidis working as well,
and the latest research is suggesting that the only
way to do this is by either an electrical or quick physical
stimulus. This fast physical approach is the core of
chiropractic treatment. This also means that slow movements
such as massage or simple stretches may not have any
impact on getting the muscle firing again. MRI studies
have shown that the multifidis muscle will get progressively
fatty within months if it remains turned off, and a
fatty muscle won’t do a very good job of stabilizing
the spine.
The key to a healthy spine is having a daily maintenance
routine, as you do for your teeth. You need to modify
the things that stress your spine, and seek treatment
quickly when problems occur. A chiropractor is a trained
specialist in spinal health and is ideally suited to
look after you. You may be tempted to rely on fitness
magazines or self help books, but ask yourself if your
body is really worth the risk?
Craig Osborne
Chiropractor
Holdsworth House Health
& The Chiropractic Workshop
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More Energy? – Naturally!
One of the most common health complaints facing Australians
today is fatigue or lethargy. The majority of us when
tired turn to caffeine or other stimulants to help improve
energy levels, but there is a safer and more effective
way to increase energy through natural therapies.
There are many health issues that can contribute to
lethargy. These include obesity, adrenal fatigue, a
sluggish liver, variations in blood sugar levels, stress,
anxiety and depression, lowered immunity and chronic
infections and nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin and
mineral deficiencies decrease red blood cell production
and can lead to fatigue because these cells transport
oxygen used for energy. Sleeping disorders and medications,
including blood pressure medications can also bring
it on. Through balancing our diet and supplementing
in areas where we may be lacking vital nutrients, we
can make profound changes for the better in our energy
levels and prevent these sorts of health issues.
Adrenal fatigue is becoming more and more common due
to increased stress. There are many herbs as well as
several vitamins and minerals that can support and enhance
the function of the adrenal gland. Siberian Ginseng
is a herb known as an adaptogen which means it is able
to help the body adapt to stress and has been used traditionally
for many years as an energy tonic. Also the herb Glycyrrhiza
glabra (licorice) is an adrenal tonic.
Carrying extra weight is a common cause of tiredness.
Boosting your metabolism through diet and exercise is
a sure fire way to lose weight and increase your energy
levels, there are also several supplements that can
help boost metabolism.
Efficient liver function is essential to maximise energy
levels as the liver is responsible for many vital functions
including the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and
protein. Dietary modifications as well as supplementation
with antioxidants and herbs such as Millk Thistle can
greatly improve liver function.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause a decrease
in energy. Dietary modifications and supplementing with
nutrients such as chromium can have an enormous impact
on stabilising your blood sugar levels.
Stress anxiety and depression can certainly affect our
energy levels and there are also many supplements and
herbs that can assist in helping our bodies deal with
the stress response.
If you suffer from lowered immunity and chronic infections
it can leave you feeling zapped of energy. There are
many vitamins, minerals and herbs that can enhance immunity.
Your naturopathic practitioner can help you identify
the causes of your depleted energy and put together
a comprehensive program to get you back on track and
feeling better – naturally.
Vanessa Sinclair practises Naturopathic
and Nutritional medicine at Holdsworth House, 32A Oxford
Street, Darlinghurst, 2010 (02) 9331 7202
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Can you relate to a work hard, play hard lifestyle?
If so, then how can Massage Therapy assist you?
We are all prone to some kind of injury or stress related
illness when leading busy lifestyles. Over time your
joints and muscular system may become restricted and
tight simply through everyday living and working causing
many different ailments such as Tension headaches, Migraines,
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Back pains, Sciatica (inflammation
of the sciatic nerve) or even emotional discomfort.
There are three Massage techniques that therapists use
when treating patients with these common ailments.
Myofascial Release is a technique that works by gently
stretching restricted tissue allowing the tissue to
“unwind” naturally enhancing circulation,
releasing restriction and entrapped nervous tissue.
Deep tissue Massage or ‘Rolfing’ is a technique
that works by applying deep, slow, stripping movements
over the ‘bunched’ and restricted muscular
tissue to re-establish the natural alignment of the
body, and also to increase more fluidity into the system.
The practitioner can also incorporate Trigger Point
Therapy into this technique. Trigger points are particular
points around the body that tend to carry more stress
and restriction than other areas causing blockages in
circulation and the natural fluidity within the body.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy works by nurturing and enhancing
a bodily system called the Cranio-Sacral system which
is comprised of the cranial and facial bones, the spinal
column and the Sacrum (lower back bone). By gently holding
particular points around the head, spine and lower back
this enhances the flow of energy known as the cranial
wave.
Synthetic chemicals that accumulate within the body
as toxins can also have adverse effects. This is caused
by a number of contributing factors such as recreational
drug taking, unhealthy eating, alcohol consumption or
even pharmaceutical drug taking. Your Lymphatic system
(the system that helps clean the body) can get over
loaded with waste material. Massage enhances the Lymphatic
flow helping the system deal with the toxins within
your body.
Aside from treating the pre mentioned ailments, Massage
Therapy releases lactic acid from the muscular tissue,
increases circulation, enhances oxygen flow throughout
the muscular system, increases nutrient flow, breaks
down scar tissue and aids in relaxation and well being.
So, whether it be a chronic or acute illness, or simply
to wind down and relax Massage Therapy is a great, effective
and safe modality for all persons living the urban lifestyle!
As a qualified Massage Therapist Simon Poxon can help
alleviate all these ailments through working with the
Musculo-Skeletal system and the joints that they surround.
Simon is a qualified massage therapist who specialises
in myo-fascial release
Simon Poxon Dip Rem Massage, Dip Integrated
body therapy AMT practices at Holdsworth House Health
32a Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 2010 or contact 9331
7822
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Remedial Massage
Remedial Massage works by releasing restricted muscular tissue.
Taut bands of connective tissue can predispose oneself to injury due to forces being exerted onto the connecting joint.
Research has shown that muscular/skeletal pain and dysfunction can be related to active ‘Trigger Points’. Trigger Points are areas of the neuromuscular system that tend to carry more ‘stresses/’force’ than other areas of the body.
A qualified Massage Therapist can assist with pain associated with these areas through working with the muscular system.
Massage also releases lactic acid from the muscles, increases circulation, decreases Hypertension and breaks down scar tissue.
Massage Therapy is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of Muscular/Skeletal problems such as:
- Back pains
- Tension headaches
- Neck pains
- Muscular strains
- Joint pains
Simon Poxon Dip Rem Massage, Dip Integrated
body therapy AMT practices at Holdsworth House Health
32a Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 2010 or contact 9331
7822
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Get relationship help before things go wrong
Many of us want to build intense, close relationships
with others. But while such personal relationships
can be sources of enormous comfort, fun and support,
equally they can also bring with them distress, despair,
confusion and frustration at various times.
Though we all like to think our own relationship
is unique and special, how it unfolds over time often
resembles the way other similar relationships do.
As it progresses and changes, differing levels of
energy and attention are applied to a relationship
at various stages by partners.
As those with experience in long, successful relationships
will tell you, change and adaptation phases are very
normal. Typical a first phase of intense early physical
attraction subsides for many, often after the first
year or two. After that point, ups and downs in enthusiasm
for spending time with a partner and for being in
a relationship generally, can come and go in phases.
So too can changes in the extent of sexual attraction
felt at particular times and the level of interest
and energy each partner brings to the other’s
needs.
Relationship problems also occur in fairly predictable
ways, usually coming to crisis points when one or
both partners are experiencing low relationship enthusiasm
phases. Sometimes stressful external or personal issues
experienced by either individual alone can cause a
meltdown in relations. But other difficulties, like
communication or support issues between partners,
may also remain unresolved for too long, putting overwhelming
stress on the relationship.
Common communication problems include one or more
of the partners becoming too demanding in pushing
communication. At the other extreme, withdrawing away
from communication and refusing to negotiate, respond
to or sometimes even acknowledge issues being raised
can occur. The other partner in turn may perceive
withdrawal as rejection or lack of concern.
One partner can become negative and start “tagging”
the other partner’s behavior in communications
as the cause. Tagging involves portraying a partner’s
behaviour as problematic, but using only a label to
explain, for example “aggravating” or
“idiot”, rather than addressing the underlying
issues causing the feelings. Being labeled with the
tag in turn belittles the receiving partner’s
self-esteem, causing them to respond with more negativity,
withdraw further, or feel angry or hurt.
Other reasons for conflict can include poor problem
solving skills in one or both partners; spending inadequate
intimate time together and/or not having enough quality,
shared experiences. Different expectations about the
level of support available from the relationship can
also be problematic.
Improving a relationship sometimes needs concerted
work. Obtaining objective assistance to identify support
needs, both as a unit and as individuals can help
overcome issues and strengthen the partnership. Larger
problems can be reduced to sets of smaller, more manageable
ones that can be worked on more easily. If things
seem insurmountable and you’re both considering
pulling out completely, perhaps first consider getting
some quality relationship coaching from an appropriately
trained psychologist, to jointly examine whether things
are more salvageable than you think.
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