Some of you may have wondered where we were recently – answerphone permanently on and the doors firmly locked – we were on one of our fabulous Away Days!! A combination of training, brain-storming, team building, and eating a lot, these days are crucial in ensuring that we continue to deliver the very best possible care to all of our patients. A great day was had by all, very productive and really enjoyable. Well done team.
Expansion and growth bring with them positive change, and so if you are a Chiropractor looking for a new challenge then get in touch with us without delay! We could have the perfect job for you! :)
Increasing numbers of workers could be risking their back health by not working in posture-friendly environments at home, according to new research from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA).
• If possible, designate a specific area in your home for working and always work at a table, sitting on a chair, rather than on the sofa or in bed.
• The top of your screen should be level with your eyebrows and if you are working from a laptop, make sure you are not hunching over the screen. If you don’t want to invest in a computer stand, place sturdy books, for example shopping catalogues, under your laptop so that you can adjust the level of the screen to fit your eye line.
• Use a detachable keyboard and mouse whenever possible, as this will ensure that your movement is not restricted and you are not placing unnecessary strain on your back.
• Taking regular breaks is extremely important and the BCA recommends workers move around every 20-30 minutes. An easy way to ensure that you get away from your desk is to set a loud alarm in another room.
• When making phone calls, take the opportunity to get up from your desk and move around as you talk.
• Embrace the privacy of working from home by doing regular stretches. The BCA has developed a series of simple exercises to improve posture and help prevent back pain. More information here.
The BCA recommends that, if you are experiencing pain for more than a few days, then you should seek professional help, as an undiagnosed problem could lead to longer-term problems if left untreated. To find out where your local chiropractor is, please visit and search for a chiropractor.
1 Taken from the TUC’s analysis of unpublished data from the ONS Labour Force Survey
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!!
With reports that young people are spending more time playing and socialising online than watching television, the shift in behaviour still spells as much risk for the posture of young people.
The average time spent online is now three hours per day, compared with 2.1 hours watching television.
Winter sportsIf 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”.
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.
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”.
Take a look at our recently updated Team Page to find out all about our newest team members and what they’ve been up to before they joined us! Special thanks to Mark Raybone for photography and MediaDog for the update.
Oh we did chuckle when we read this one…
“Kate’s an evil genius, she rips the knots out of my shoulders and has hands like iron…”
Other kind words include:
“Excellent clinic & very helpful staff. From initial phone call and appointment to the consultation & treatment was fantastic. Wish i had found this place sooner!”
Have you reviewed us yet? Please leave your review on our Facebook page or email info@longlevenschiro.com
Thanks!
What side-shape are you?
• Spoon – flat back, rounded shoulders
• Leaning tower – head leans forward
• Bridge – arched back
• Flat-pack – flat back
“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.
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.
Danny Adams had a great time working as a part of the British Masters Medical team in Birmingham for the British Masters Athletics this year.
Both days were long with a constant flow of Athletes with all kinds of old and new injuries. There were athletes not just from Britain but from all around the world preparing for the World Masters which is to be held in August.
Some of the athletes had been competing for years, whereas others had taken it up later on in life. It just goes to show it is never to late to start, and it is all about the taking part!
The whole event really is an eye opener as to what you can do in your latter years if you look after your body and stay mobile – its truly inspiring stuff to watch!
Discover Gloucester’s Chiropractic Care Haven – Where Expert Back Pain Relief Meets Compassionate Care. Visit Us Today!
To book an appointment call us on 01452 309372, use our contact form or email info@longlevenschiro.com
We endeavour to reply to all enquiries on the same day within clinic hours.
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