Osteopath 4 All Blog

 A big welcome to The Mill Clinic to Linda Russell and Vivienne Bennett who are Podiatrists (they used to be called Chiropodists). They basically deal with all problems associated with feet!

I'll be posting more details on what they can do in a later blog, But if you want to book an appointment with them please call  07595 600096. Or you can ring the main clinic number 01322 864499 and they will give you their number.

 We now have Osteopathic treatment available 6 days a week. The Osteopath Gisela Enders is now working all day Saturday. I am available 5 days a week.

We also have a receptionist answering your calls Monday to Friday, during the weekend (or if you love talking to answer phone) you can leave a message on my mobile number 07545 642223 

 Check out the photo gallery for pictures of The Mill Clinic, it's easy to find us on Horton Road as you go through the village.

 Finally, my new clinic - The Mill Clinic - is now open!

Please bear with us though this week as the final touches are added.

The Mill Clinic, Horton Road, South Darenth is finally going to happen! Fitting out from a bare new build shell is now being carried out by the wonderful Craig and his team at RAP Interiors.

I am expecting to be up and running by July.......it's all very exciting!

 My new website Nordicwalking4health.co.uk is now live.

I'm an accredited Nordic Walking UK instructor and I am now running Taster sessions (which are free!), lessons and walks in the Sittingbourne, Dartford and Sevenoaks area.

Further information about Nordic Walking and the dates of the sessions and walks can be found on the website www.nordicwalking4health.co.uk.

Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking - it makes something we can all do... twice as effective! 

Whatever your age, fitness level or goal, - Nordic Walking is suitable, effective and enjoyable. It's a great exercise if you have neck, shoulder, back problems.and it's easy on the knees and joints.

It's outdoors so a great way to enjoy the Kent countryside.

Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking – it makes something we can all do…. twice as effective!! Nordic Walking uses poles in order to add two major benefits to walking

• The use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs
• The poles help to propel the walker along – this means he/she works harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier!

Nordic Walking is a specific fitness technique and is not to be confused with trekking, hill walking or trail running as the poles are not planted in front of the walker/runner but in a specific way that increases the use of the upper body. It can be done by anybody, anywhere and does not require expensive equipment or clothing.  

I took up Nordic Walking as my knees were starting to ache more often than not after a run. I am not normally a fan of walking as it takes too long to get anywhere (unless it's on a golf course!) I thought it sounded like the ideal alternative as you use more calories than walking, by using your upper body as well as taking strain off the knees.

Nordic walking is ideal for all ages and levels of fitness, and as an Osteopath I see the particular benefits for Nordic Walking in rehabilitation, from shoulder and back pain to hip, knee & foot problems. It is also good for reducing stress, getting outdoors and a dose of Vitamin D - vital for bone health and boosting your immune system.

I have walked up hills in Cyprus in 36 degrees (running would be near impossible in that heat), and Nordic Walking in the snow is wonderful!

You don't have to be fit to start Nordic Walking, but you will soon feel the benefits.

Contact me to find out more, book a free taster session, and courses. I will supply the poles (until you get the bug and buy your own!)

 At last! It's time to sort the garden out before the long hot summer. (I'm always an optimist!). It's easy to overdo it. You really don't need to dig up the whole garden in the one weekend, even if the seedlings are taking over the kitchen.

Even if you are not a gardener almost all of us at some stage experience back pain. So what can you do to take care of your back and avoid or minimise a back problem? Here's some tips:-

• Pace yourself when work is heavy e.g. gardening. If it's heavy, can you really lift it on your own? When you do lift let your legs take the strain and tighten your stomach muscles as you lift. Keep the load close to you and avoid twisting or leaning sideways.
• Adjust the car seat to fit you and on along journey take breaks and stretch.
• Look after your posture, when at a desk try to alter your position regularly and avoid slouching (remember mum's are always right), a cushion or rolled towel to support the lower back might help.
• If your bed is old and uncomfortable consider a new one.
• Watch your children's posture - don't let them carry bags on one shoulder. A backpack distributes the weight more evenly.
• Keep moving and stretching throughout the day. Taking regular exercise really is good for mind and body! Excess weight also puts a strain on the back.

If you do overdo it, put an icepack (wrapped in a tea towel) on the sore bit for 10-15 minutes, then let the area warm up and repeat a couple more times. Keep moving if you can. Give me a call for more advice.

Debbie

The Osteopath 4 All website has just launched! Please feel free to browse around the site. You can book an appointment by phone or through our online booking facility for the Regus, Crossways clinic in Dartford.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch.