Month: October 2023

Healing Is A Process

Healing is a process. It will have similar parameters for everybody, but there will inevitably be some variation from person to person. The nature and extent of an injury will also dictate the length of the healing process.

Osteopathy and laser treatment optimise your body’s natural biological reactions. In osteopathy, it is mechanical pressure, in laser, it is light energy that influences the body cells to produce the cellular products necessary for healing to take place. Both osteopathy and laser complement one another. The work produces good tissue length and tissue fibre alignment with as little or as good quality scar tissue as possible. Evidence also suggests that greater benefit will occur if these treatments are used alongside appropriate exercise prescription.

The following are the stages of tissue repair. In reality they will likely blend into one another as opposed to being isolated events:

Bleeding. All tissues will bleed with injury to a varying degree, on average for 4-6 hours. This is not the time to receive manual therapy, but could be a good time to apply an ice pack for no longer than 10 minutes.

The second phase is inflammation. This starts approximately one hour after the injury. The inflammatory process starts and reaches a peak over 1 to 3 days. However it can be quite normal for it to continue for a few weeks beyond an injury, inflammation is necessary to bring the products needed into the area for repair.

Inflammation gets tissues ready for mending – the proliferation phase. This can actually start quickly beyond an injury, but may continue for up to 6 months.

Finally the injury will enter the remodelling phase. The basic scar tissue formed in the proliferation phase is refined here. This process could still be continuing over 1-2 years. Despite people hopefully being able to return to more normal activity in the meantime.

Osteopathy and laser therapy will help guide these processes. This is one of the reasons why it is important to complete your course of treatment.

Why leave it to chance? Test, Treat and Re-test

Now available at Rivermead Osteopaths. A high quality and effective Omega-3 supplement. Omega-3 is important for maintaining an ideal balance of fatty acids. A balanced ratio in the body supports:

  • Heart health
  • Brain function
  • Eye function
  • Normal bones
  • Muscle function
  • Normal teeth
  • Cell division
  • Normal blood triglyceride levels, blood pressure and blood calcium levels

The optimum ratio of Omega 6 to Omega-3 is 3:1. Both are important, but many people are “out-of-balance” and have too much Omega-6. This creates a more inflammatory state in the body.

Rivermead Osteopaths is now partnered with a company called Zinzino. They produce a product called BalanceOil+. This is a unique blend of oils. – A combination of Omega-3 from wild caught small fish, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and vitamin D3. The ingredients are natural, including natural flavours for a pleasant taste. (Also available in a capsule).

There is a vegan option of the oil, the Omega-3 source here comes from micro-algae.

Olive oil introduces polyphenols into the mix. Polyphenols facilitate effective movement of nutrients into the cells, and protects the product from oxidation. Polyphenols support the health of our cell membranes. This means they support the absorption of all nutrients.

Of course we can choose to eat Omega-3 rich foods. Examples of foods to consider are oily fish, especially cold water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Nuts and seeds such as chia, flaxseeds and walnuts. Plant oils such as canola, flaxseed and soybean oil. For many, these types of foods aren’t taken in sufficient quantity, or with great enough regularity.

The average omega 6:3 ratio for those not supplementing Omega-3 in Northern Europe is 12:1. (For comparison 15:1 elsewhere in Europe and 25:1 in the USA). The data was accumulated from the blood tests gathered at the independent laboratory (Vitas Analytical Services). They also found that following taking the BalanceOil+ for 120 days. The omega 6:3 ratio had been reduced to below 3:1.

So you may ask – how do I know if I need to supplement Omega-3? The answer is you don’t know unless you test your levels.

This is the reason a connection has been made with Zinzino, they offer a test to assess your Omega fatty acid balance.

An easy-to-use blood-prick test is all that’s needed. Tests are sent to a state-of-the-art, and importantly independent laboratory (Vitas). Results are returned in approximately 2 weeks. Results are returned alongside an informative report.

You may just choose to add a supplement to your daily routine, but the most all encompassing option is to test, take the supplement, then re-test after 120 days.

After 120 days (enough time for normal cell turnover) you should see a change, as long as you have been taking the daily dose. If you choose this option, and your initial test is returned showing you are in Omega balance. Your money will be refunded.

This is an exciting opportunity! It is accessible, forward-thinking and another way we can take control of our own well-being.

There are more options for testing – Vitamin D and HbA1c (gives a picture of blood sugar control over time). More information about these options coming soon.

In the meantime if you have any questions please get in touch. Or if you’d like to take a look, follow this link.

https://www.zinzino.com/2014299924/GB/en-GB

Optimise your sleep – boost energy, improve mood, reduce pain

Being able to get an optimal amount of sleep is so important to all aspects of our health. Many would regard this as the cornerstone of our well-being. Reduced sleep and reduced quality of sleep is a factor in many health problems, including heart disease, stroke and dementia. Sleep is necessary for repair. For the brain, immune system, blood vessels….everything!

Everyone is different but it is believed that all adults need at least 7 hours sleep a night.

Discomfort or body pain can make it tricky to settle to sleep, or wake you from your sleep. Sometimes moving around in bed is challenging. People can find themselves moving in bed in a very robotic manner. Waking early due to the need to get up and move for relief may also pose an issue.

There are so many factors that contribute to a good night’s sleep. Consider the following to aid your restful night:

  • Have a routine. Go to bed and get up at the same time.
  • Exercise daily, but not too close to bedtime. Exercising outside is useful.
  • Avoid stimulants close to your bedtime eg. Caffeine and nicotine.
  • Avoid alcohol or a large meal close to your bedtime.
  • Develop a relaxing routine leading up to sleeping – a bath, reading… limit or avoid electronics in the bedroom or their use before bed.
  • Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet and a cool temperature. If your phone is with you, silence it.

Sleep myths

  • It isn’t true you need less sleep as you get older.
  • You can’t catch up on your sleep.

Sometimes a specific sleep disorder may need to be addressed. Consider a consultation with your GP if you think this may be the case.

If you’re struggling to get physically comfortable in bed I can help. I can assist you in resolving your pain or helping you to manage it. Sometimes looking at your pillows and mattress, or the position you sleep in may need to be addressed or supported more effectively.

Rest well and take care 😴

 

 

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