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Proudly Announcing the Renewal of our Award for Excellence in Patient Partnership

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PPQM 2016

Here it is, all shiney and bright, and lovely!  Our PPQM renewal!

PPQM stands for Patient Partnership Quality Mark.  It’s awarded to clinics that meet the Royal College of Chiropractor’s strict standards of excellence in meeting patient expectations.

We work really hard towards being the best that we can be, and to provide the best care that we possiblty can to each and every individual patient.

It makes us very proud to achieve recognition for this from the RCC, and to be able to give you that extra bit of peace of mind.

Well done team.

Leah Rose

PS – apologies for the dreadful photography, it was my best effort!!

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Top Ski Tips from the BCA

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skiingWinter sports

If you are planning on enjoying some winter sports this season, the British Chiropractic Association has some great tips to help you and all your party stay safe and happy on the slopes.

 

 

Beware of Day Three!
Despite common assumptions that a ski injury is most likely to occur on the first day Matthew Bennett, BCA Chiropractor and the first to work with the British Alpine Ski team, tells us: “After three days of skiing or snowboarding using unaccustomed muscles, we become confident but are physically tired and our capability isn’t necessarily matched to that confidence”.

If you are skiing or snowboarding this season, the BCA has some tips to ensure you can stay safe on the slopes:

Before you hit the slopes
• Don’t just sit there – Exercising through squats, sit ups and cycling is also good to tease the right muscles.
• It’s a balancing act – Balance is the single most important factor.   A wobble board can be used to improve balance and build up ankle muscles. For a thorough ankle work-out, rocking heel to toe is good for snowboarders and left to right is best for skiers.
• Jump around – Use a mini trampoline to work all those ‘skiing’ muscles.
•  Roll with it – Roller blading is perfect practice and will help you develop a good posture so you look like a pro on the slopes.
• Check it out – Most skiers or snowboarders find turning one way easier than the other. Poor technique might not be the problem, so talk to a chiropractor for advice.

Out on the slopes
• Hot and Cold – Warm up first. Start off gently rather than heading first for the black runs and round the day off with a stretch.
• Take plenty of breaks – Overexertion will ruin your holiday. Moderate the length of ski or board time and listen to your body. Pain is a warning sign, don’t ignore it.
• Liquid lunch – Drink plenty of water and isotonic drinks to avoid dehydration and stay clear of alcohol, tea and coffee.
• Wrap up – Make sure clothing is warm and adequate for the cold weather and don’t forget hat and gloves.
• Put the boot in – No matter how many lessons, skiers or boarders won’t improve without the right boots and this is where most put their first foot wrong. Don’t make this mistake of choosing on comfort alone. Get a moulded footbed from the ski shop first, as this improves fit, comfort and control. Opt for a shop with a wide range of boots so you are spoilt for choice.
• What a bind – If you are prone to going ‘knock-kneed’ when you ski, look out for lateral alignment. Wedges expertly placed under the binding can make a huge difference.
• Carry on – Always be careful when carrying skis or boards. Leave them standing upright so you don’t have to bend to pick them up. Carry them over your shoulder, swapping shoulders regularly.
• Ice is nice – With an acute injury, use ice rather than heat.

• Tread carefully – A great deal of people are injured by slipping on ice at the ski resort, not just on the slopes. Wear shoes with a deep treaded sole and use strap-on studs for ski boots to help keep you upright.

It still holds true that it is always better to take preventive measures in order to reduce the risks of injuries. Take note of these guidelines to ensure you keep on the safe side this season. Matthew adds: “Prevention is still better than cure and these tips can help you avoid injuries because just one joint or muscle out of line can be a disaster when you are travelling at 40 miles per hour”.

Dated: 13 February 2014
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Are You a Spoon or a Bridge?

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BCA spoon
The shape of a woman’s side profile could be used as an indicator of neck and back problems. According to research from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), the average age where women start to suffer from back or neck pain is 34.
Women whose heads lean forward are most likely to be currently suffering from back or neck pain (58%), followed by those with an arched back (56%).
Women whose heads lean forward are also the most likely to suffer from back or neck pain ‘every day’ (29%). Those with a flat back were the least likely to have experienced pain, with 21 per cent having remained pain-free.*
Although many women would recognise what category they fall into when it comes to the more traditional body shapes, knowing about their side-shapes is important too.
BCA Chiropractor, Tim Hutchful, comments: “Rather than worrying about being an apple or an hourglass, we want people to think about what they look like from the side. Paying closer attention to your body’s side profile can really help to identify back or neck pain triggers.”

What side-shape are you?
• Spoon – flat back, rounded shoulders
• Leaning tower – head leans forward
• Bridge – arched back
• Flat-pack – flat back

With just over 25 per cent of women saying that a bout of back or neck pain can last for one to three days at a time, it is important to pinpoint what can be done to prevent it. Fortunately, making changes to your posture doesn’t call for extreme dieting or exercise programmes.
Tim Hutchful explains: “The perfect posture should give you a neutral side-on appearance, with your ears, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles in line.

“People who want to improve their back and neck pain symptoms through a better posture should try imagining they have a plumb line hanging straight from their ears to ankles – with everything in the middle sitting on the same line.


“One way to do this is to try standing in a relaxed way and then gently contracting the abdominal muscles. When sitting, the gravity line should pass thorough ear, shoulder and hip.”

The BCA has also developed a programme of simple stretches and exercises, designed to improve posture and help prevent back pain by promoting balance, strength and flexibility in the spine. Click here to view.

Research carried out on behalf of the BCA in January 2015.


*Out of all women with an arched back, a flat back, rounded shoulders, or head leaning forwards
BCA Dec 2015
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Back to School!

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The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is urging parents to think about their children’s posture as part of the preparation for the new school term. Whilst stationary and school books are important, it’s how your child carries them that can have the most impact on their health.
According to new research from the BCA, over a third (33%) of parents say that their child has suffered from back or neck pain in the past and, whilst back pain can be caused by a number of different factors, overloaded school bags are a common trigger.
Despite most people knowing that a rucksack is the best type of bag to use to promote a more healthy posture, nearly a third (31%) of children carry a one-strapped bag which can cause a number of problems due to the weight being loaded to just one shoulder.
When parents were questioned about what their children usually carry in their school bags, the most common items included books (87%), lunchbox (59%), sports gear, including trainers (43%) and mobile phones (32%). Collectively, these items can become a heavy weight and, if carried incorrectly, that weight can cause aches and pains. With 16% of parents admitting to never checking their child’s school bag, the BCA is calling for more parents to keep an eye on what their children carry around with them on a daily basis.
TOP TIPS:
•    Keep it light – make sure your child is not carrying any unnecessary excess weight – check that all the items in their bags are essential for the day’s activity.
•    Check it out – make sure you know what your child is taking to school with them every day as they may be carrying heavy items with them unnecessarily.
•    Choose the right bag – a rucksack is the best option as long as it is carried over both shoulders and the straps are adjusted so that the bag is held close to the back and weight is evenly distributed. If your child has a one-strapped bag, make sure they carry it across the body and alternate which shoulder they carry it on.
•    Footwear is key – Make sure your child has good footwear; soft-soled shoes that are supportive and have a good grip will make it easier for the child to carry a school bag.
Call us on 01452309372 to book a consultation for your child with one of our chiropractors if your child is suffering with back pain.
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Christmas Gift Vouchers for Massage Therapy! Great Idea!

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Reception at Longlevens Chiro Clinic

It’s all getting very Christmassy here at the Longlevens Chiropractic Clinic! Ho Ho Ho!

We may not be the obvious choice for Christmas presents, but in actual fact, our Christmas Gift Vouchers for Massage Therapy are flying out the door!!

Available to the value of your choice, you can buy your loved ones a single session or a package deal. See our fees page for further details. There’s a massive range of massage therapy available – the recipient chooses from sports massage, relaxation massage, remedial massage, Indian Head massage, pregnancy massage or hot stone massage!! Who wouldn’t like that???!!!

Call us now or pop in – 01452309372

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Caring for Carers – Back Pain Awareness Week

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This week is Back Pain Awareness Week – a campaign run by the charity Backcare – http://www.backcare.org.uk/. Visit their website to find out more, and to see their useful tips and information.

Back Pain is well documented for costing the UK economy millions of pounds in time lost to sickness, each week. What is less documented is the strain on the backs of people who are carers – lifting, carrying and helping others everyday, despite the toll on their back. This is the theme of this year’s Back Care Awareness Week.

If you are a carer and would like advice on posture and lifting, or are suffering with back pain due to your lifestyle as a carer, please do get in touch with us to find out about our consultations and our posture analysis.

Email leah@longlevenschiro.com

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Simon Rose: Certified Chiropractic Extremities Practitioner

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Principal Chiropractor and clinic owner Simon Rose has always taken a strong professional interest in sports injuries. His reputation amongst amateur and professional sports men and women is enviable, as is evident from our testimonials page. He has successfully treated the knee, foot, ankle, shoulders and hips for over ten years – not only in sports people but also in both children and the elderly who may be experiencing pain (for example in the knee or hip) due to reasons other than sports, like “wear and tear” or posture.

Simon can now state that he is an advanced extremities practitioner, as he has now obtained the official title of Certified Chiropractic Extremities Practitioner (CCEP), under the Internationally acclaimed expert on the subject of
extremity adjusting, Dr Kevin Hearon DC CCSP CCEP. Dr Hearon has accumulated over 5,000 hours of post graduate study in x ray pathology, extremity adjusting including sports and athletic injuries, physiotherapy and muscle testing.

Extremity injuries (foot, gait, posture, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, jaw and shoulder) are suffered at one time or another by all of us. Simon will diagnose the problem that you are experiencing and he will treat the cause, with the underlying objective of preventing it from recurring as much as is possible

If you are struggling at the moment then call 01452 309372 today to book your consultation appointment

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Great Summer Camping Tips from the BCA!

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School holidays and the tents are out of storage, brushed down and ready for action. Sleeping away from your normal mattress and on harder surfaces could cause problems for your back, so the British Chiropractic Association has some great tips for more comfortable camping.

Protect your back – Ensure your back is protected against a hard and potentially damp surface by sleeping on a quality approved camping mat or air mattress. Try these out in the outdoor shop before buying – most good stores will have samples available. Try to also take a pillow, if you are used to having one. A blow-up pillow is the most portable…. even better, take your usual pillow from home.

Prep your sleeping area first – make sure to remove large stones or sticks that could dig into your spine.

Sleep sensibly – You should endeavor to sleep in a position where your spine is in a straight line as this helps to avoid neck and back pain.

Lift and carry with care- 57% of Brits believe that lifting and carrying is a major trigger for their back and neck pain, so take care when loading and unloading your camping gear. Two bags are better than one – If possible, pack your gear into more bags rather than less, so you can distribute the weight more evenly and reduce the strain on your back when lifting and carrying them. You can get advice on lifting and carrying here.

Straighten Up! Our set of simple stretches and exercises can be done at home and on the campsite and help support a healthier posture. See them in action and learn how to do them here.

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Congratulations Kate!

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Well done Kate on achieving your Level 2 Fitness Instruction qualification! In her own words, Rehab at this clinic just got EVEN better.

This is a professionally recognized qualification that enables Kate to prescribe exercise inside or outside a gym environment. She completed detailed anatomy and physiology modules including principles of fitness and exercise, and received further training on how to put exercise programs together that best suit the needs and expectations of individuals working towards specific goals.

Within a rehab environment this enables her to accurately and specifically alter and adapt individuals’ programs if necessary, and to tailor rehab precisely to each person depending on their body’s response to the exercises.

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Great Tips to Stay Pain Free for the Easter Weekend from the BCA

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The British Chiropractic Association has some great tips to help avoid any problems with your back and posture this Easter:

DIY projects:

People in some parts of the UK are unlikely to be gardening, but there will be plenty of indoor projects to be getting on with.

When using a ladder or steps, make sure you are always facing it, keeping your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction.

Rather than leaning or reaching, move the ladder or step regularly to keep up with where you are. Any kind of ladder must be firmly and safely planted in position and, if possible, have someone else there to keep an eye on things.

If you are painting a ceiling, think about getting the largest amount of paint on in the shortest space of time. Use a paint pad or roller with an extended handle and hold it at chest height. Keep your head as neutral as possible and keep facing forward so you don’t over exert your neck. If you can lie down – do!

Plan ahead – If you are planning a trip to the local DIY store to buy heavy items such as cement or gravel, buy smaller bags rather than one big bag as they are easier and safer to carry. If buying in bulkier amounts, shovel the contents of the large bags straight into smaller containers or wheelbarrow from the back of the car.

If having items delivered, have them unloaded as close to where you need them as possible; this will save the effort of moving them again.

Travelling:

If you are flying, drink plenty of water and NOT alcohol during the flight as this will cause dehydration, which could aggravate muscle pain.

Whether travelling by plane, train or car – you will be restricted in your seat for most of the journey, but avoid stiffness by doing shoulder shrugs, buttock clenches and foot circles.

If on a train or plane, try to stand up and move around every 20-40 minutes or, when you stop for a petrol/food break on a car journey, take the opportunity to just stretch and shake out your limbs to allow your muscles to relax.

Compensate for your prolonged time of inactivity during the journey by doing light exercise – just going for a brisk 20 minute walk once you have arrived at your destination will help

Staying at home:

Although the TV schedules are likely to have plenty to please or you may want to spend time playing your latest computer game, try to avoid sitting for long periods; take a break at least every 40 minutes.

Make the most of the leisure time and fit some exercise in – whether it be a run, time at the gym or going for a walk with friends and family. Active games such as Wii, Kinect or old fashioned favourites like Twister will help keep you moving!

Happy Easter!!