This column by Martin Robbins examines The Guardian’s piece on osteopathy and asthma and is well worth reading. From my point of view, it is wrong to claim osteopathy can treat asthma. There is no clear evidence for this, and anyone suffering from asthma should seek advice from their GP. However, in my experience osteopathic treatment can and does help a variety of respiratory problems. It is certainly not the only treatment an asthmatic should try, but it may help manage the condition. Hopefully one day the funding will exist to carry out more detailed studies on the effectiveness of manual therapies on non-musculo-skeletal conditions.
Lastly, this video gives a nice insight into a technique used by osteopaths to help treat back pain. It’s not all just cracking and clicking!
I have never heard of IDD (intervertebral differential dynamics) before but it seems to have worked for at least one person suffering from a disc injury.
A useful article about losing weight by Ashley James Health and Performance.
I often advise my patients that they should take up some form of exercise for the myriad of benefits it offers; improved cardiovascular fitness, mood improving endorphin rushes, toned muscles, improved fluid dynamics, weight loss due to extra calorie burning and an overall feeling of health and vitality.
However, despite leading quite an active lifestyle I haven’t done any regular exercise since I was a student and it was starting to show. Things had to change.
I’m scared of cycling on the road, too lazy to go swimming and rubbish at most sports. But I have always loved running and the sense of freedom it gives me, so I decided to start jogging home from work a couple of times a week.
After a couple of false starts and misguided attempts (don’t try jogging in plimsoles!) I’ve just completed the first week of the couch to 5k program and it feels great!
Essentially Couch to 5 k, or C25k for those in the know, is a program designed to take you from being an unfit slob to being able to run 5 kilometres in the space of 9 weeks.
You begin by jogging for 60 seconds with recovery periods of 90 seconds in between, and build up from there. I have been using podcasts made by the NHS, where a helpful lady tells me when to jog and when to walk with funky music to entertain me on the way.
I’ll be blogging every week to keep you up to date with my progress.
On a more local note, I had no idea this photography exhibition in Walthamstow was even taking place but it sounds pretty cool. Prints are available to buy with 90% off profits going to Crisis. The exhibition runs until 18th June.
I had a severe spinal injury in November and could not walk and sit down. It was the worse pain that I have ever experienced. I went to my GP, but all they did was prescribe painkillers. I was adviced by friends to see an Ashlins and immediately seen by Sarah, who correctly diagnosed my injury as a slipped disc. She then gave me the right amount of treatment which supported the healing and improvement of my back — David Omari, East London
Sarah is great at putting you at your ease by explaining the treatment. She has greatly improved a chronic condition and given advice on self care. I cannot recommend her more highly. — Ms D
