With the opening of our new Stable studios, here are some reason why Pilates can help horse riders. As riders we are always focusing on what our horse is doing, but we need to focus on ourselves to help gain that overall improvement. Reformer Pilates Here are some biomechanical factors to think about when riding: Spinal alignment: Maintaining the ‘correct’ riding alignment means you can hold yourself in a natural upright position (i.e. retaining the natural spinal curves). If you are unable to maintain this position, then the likelihood of maintaining a good seat when riding is reduced. This c ..read more

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is a condition that often goes unnoticed until it significantly impacts an individual’s quality of life. As an osteopath, I see firsthand the profound effects that sarcopenia can have on mobility, independence, and overall health. Addressing this condition through osteopathic care can not only offer a holistic approach to managing and potentially mitigating its impact, but can also help you understand what effects sarcopenia has on the body and how you can gain back your autonomy from this condition. What is Sarcopenia? So, what is ..read more

Pelvic organ prolapses (POP) are very common in the female population. Its estimated 1 in 3 women will experience a POP during their lifetime, even if they have not had children. A POP is when one or more pelvic organs start to descend downwards in the vagina, this can be the bladder, bowel, rectum, or uterus. Commonly a feeling of ‘something coming down’ or vaginal heaviness is experienced. In some cases, the bulge experienced may be felt inside the vagina or outside. A POP can also cause a variety or other symptoms such as incontinence, dryness, or sexual symptoms. Some days you may not be a ..read more

For many, the menopause and peri-menopause is a particularly challenging times in a woman’s life. As a topic was previously very much taboo, is only recently in the limelight, with women speaking more openly about their experience of the menopause and ways in which symptoms can be managed.  Women are likely to experience side effects such as memory loss, weight gain, muscle mass depletion, hot sweats, insomnia, sensitivity to certain foods – the list goes on. In my experience, many women turn to HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and other supplements at this time, without considering how ..read more

What’s the difference between the two? and are they actually ‘bad’ for us? The majority of foods we eat in the UK are processed. The term ‘processed’ simply means that a food has undergone a process of change, often in order to improve taste and texture and or extend the shelf life. Examples of processing often include adding salt, oil or sugar, to many foods that we eat on a daily basis, including: canned fruit & veg, cured meats, unpackaged breads and cheeses, yoghurt etc. Baked beans are a perfect example of an everyday food which has undergone processing. Food ingredients have been ad ..read more

What is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor is a sling of muscles and other soft tissue, almost like a hammock, that sits deep inside your pelvis. The pelvic floor stretches from your pubis bone at the front to your coccyx/ tailbone at the back. They also sit between each ischial tuberosity (sitting bones) and run horizontally. The role of the pelvic floor is to support your pelvic organs (such as the uterus in women), as well as assist with bowel, bladder and sexual function. When your pelvic floor muscles contract they lift pelvic organs and tighten the openings of the vagina, anus and ureth ..read more

What is Diastasis recti abdominis? Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles due to the widening and thinning of the Linea alba. This can happen in both male and females, although is more commonly associated with the pregnant population (Donnelly 2018). During pregnancy the uterus grows in size to accommodate the growing foetus. This increase in size places pressure on the rectus abdomisis which cause the Linea alba to widen and thin. This is called the inter-rectus distance (IRD). A separation of greater than 5cm is classed as a serve IRD. Conservative ..read more

In the realm of sports injuries, few are as feared and debilitating as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This tiny ligament plays a crucial role in stabilising the knee joint, and when torn, it may put a pause in an athlete’s career. As a physiotherapist, witnessing the journey of individuals recovering from ACL injuries unveils a tale of resilience, patience, and dedication. These injuries can not only affect physical health but also mental well-being. Here, I’ll guide you through the stages of ACL injury and rehabilitation, shedding light on the process. The Injury: ACL injurie ..read more

Beginning the journey to recovery after knee replacement surgery can feel daunting and overwhelming, but with the support of a dedicated physiotherapist, it transforms into a journey of hope and progress. As a physiotherapist, my mission is to stand by knee replacement patients, offering encouragement and guidance as they strive for a better quality of life. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing valuable insights into the techniques and strategies I implement at every stage of rehabilitation, from the immediate post-operative period to the long-term recovery phase. Initial Stage (Weeks 1-4): In ..read more

As a physiotherapist in a private clinic, I recognise the crucial role of physiotherapy in aiding hip replacement patients’ recovery. With clear communication and ongoing support, we guide patients through each phase of rehabilitation, ensuring a smooth transition to pain-free movement and restored function. The post-operative period is divided into three distinct stages, each requiring tailored exercises and therapeutic interventions to optimise recovery and restore function. Now, let’s delve into each stage! Stage 1: Immediate Post-Operative Phase (Days 1-7) In the immediate aftermath of h ..read more