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12Jun

Pregnancy Massage

 

Last year, we talked about the benefits of Chiropractic treatment during pregnancy. Not everybody needs chiropractic during this amazing time, but just about every pregnant woman can benefit from a Pregnancy Massage.

 

We would all love to think that pregnancy is a time when we feel amazing – glowing as people say. But for some women, the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy can be trying. Morning sickness, tiredness, muscular and joint pain, water retention, the constant need to pee. These can all leave you feeling less than ‘glowing’. Many women also suffer anxiety – will my baby be healthy, will I be able to cope with labour, will I be a good mum?  And then there is the guilty feeling that you are not enjoying what ‘should’ be a happy time.

 

Whilst we can’t claim that massage will fix all the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy, it can help alleviate a wide range of them, and make you feel generally less anxious and stressed.

 

 

 

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

There are a huge number of benefits to pregnancy massage:

  • Relief of joint and muscle pain caused by increased weight
  • Relief of sciatic nerve pain caused by the change in your centre of balance
  • Improved posture – which can become a problem with the change in your shape and the loosening of ligaments
  • Increased energy
  • Improved sleep
  • Reduction of stress hormones and reduced anxiety by release of endorphins
  • Improved blood flow throughout the body, and in the placenta
  • Improved pliability of skin – which may help reduce the severity of stretch marks
  • Relief from nausea and indigestion

 

 

 

 

When NOT to have a Pregnancy Massage

Massage is generally not recommended during the first trimester. Similarly, if you have a high risk pregnancy or a history of early labour, massage may not be ideal. Pre-eclampsia and hypertension may also be contra-indications. Always check with your doctor before having a massage. They will be able to tell you if it is not a good idea for any reason.

 

 

How is Pregnancy Massage Different?

Pregnancy Massage usually employs the Swedish Massage technique, as this is gentler than Remedial massage and helps with lymphatic drainage as well as improving blood flow. Don’t be afraid to ask your Therapist to be more gentle with you. Because of the increased blood volume in your body – up to 60% - some women are particularly sensitive to touch during pregnancy.

 

Since it is not recommended that you lie on your back after the first trimester, you will usually have most of your massage lying on your side. A pregnancy massage pillow will be used to allow you to lie on your belly when required, but this will only be for a short time. Again, don’t be afraid to ask your Therapist for support pillows – this should be a comfortable and relaxing experience.

 

Some areas of the body will be avoided, as they can stimulate the uterus. This includes the wrists and the ankles. A qualified Massage Therapist will know what to avoid and what is safe, so make sure you ensure you choose a reputable therapist.

 

One final suggestion – if your partner is willing, ask your therapist if they can demonstrate some simple techniques to use during labour to help relieve discomfort – and make them feel useful!

 

 

If you would like to book a pregnancy massage, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic today on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with one of our experienced and highly qualified Massage Therapists.

 

 

Note: Always discuss treatments with your Obstetrician, GP or Midwife before making an appointment for any treatment while pregnant.

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07Jun

Chiropractic Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

 

Many people, when they think of Chiropractors, think all they can help with is adjustment of the back.  But there are many different conditions that a chiropractor can help you with that you might not expect.  One of these is Trigeminal Neuralgia.  Yes, it’s a mouthful.  And co-incidentally, it causes a great deal of pain in certain areas of the face – including the mouth.

 

 

The Trigeminal Nerve

The Trigeminal Nerve is the main nerve supplying sensation to the face, jaw, gums, forehead and around they eyes.  It originates from the brainstem, and passes through the upper neck at the base of the skull.  Once the main nerve has exited the base of the skull it splits into three branches – Opthalmic (eyes and forehead) Maxillary (nose and upper lip and jaw) and Mandibular (lower lip and jaw).

 

 

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

This painful condition occurs when the protective myelin coating of the nerve is compromised, causing over-activity of the nerve, or when the nerve is compressed in some way.  Compression of the upper cervical spine, misalignment of the jaw or the bones in the skull or whiplash can all cause TN, as can a tumor or multiple sclerosis.

 

More women suffer from this condition than men, and it is rarely seen in anyone under 50.

 

 

Symptoms

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is characterized by mild to severe facial pain.  The pain is usually sudden and feels something like an electric shock..  The pain usually lasts several seconds and will come and go for days, or sometimes weeks.  A sufferer may experience this intermittent pain for days, weeks or months, only to have it disappear for months or even years, only to return again.  As the condition progresses, episodes become longer, and pain more and more piercing.

 

 

Causes

More often than not, the pain is triggered by something seemingly small and every-day, and generally relates to movement, touching or temperature.  Speaking, chewing, brushing teeth, putting on makeup can cause a flare up, as can a cool breeze or a hot cup of coffee.

 

Treatment

In the initial stages of the condition applying heat or cold packs to the painful area may reduce the pain of the symptoms.  However, it is important to treat the cause as soon as possible, as prolonged pressure on the nerve can cause irreversible damage.

 

A chiropractor will gently release the upper cervical spine, jaw and bones of the skull to reduce pressure on the Trigeminal Nerve.  Dry needling and ultrasound therapy may also be used or address some of the associated symptoms such as inflammation and pain.

 

Anticonvulsant medication may be prescribed.  In extreme cases surgery may be required, however this may result in permanent numbness in parts of the face.

 

If you are suffering the painful and debilitating symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia, call our Baulkham Hills clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our experienced Chiropractor.

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05Jun

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

Anyone who has suffered from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will tell you it is not only painful, but can be really inconvenient. Let’s have a look at what it is, the symptoms, what causes it and what you can do about it.

 

What is the Carpal Tunnel?

The Carpal Tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist formed by the bones of the wrist on the bottom, and the traverse carpal ligament on the top. The flexor tendons, which allow hand movement, and the median nerve, which provides feeling in the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and half the ring finger, all pass through this tunnel. If there is swelling in the tendons, this compresses the median nerve, causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

 

 

Symptoms

As is often the case, symptoms can range from mild to severe. You may start out with numbness and tingling – pins and needles. You may also experience pain in the wrist and hand, particularly at night. As the condition becomes more severe you may experience weakness in the hand, difficulty moving the thumb and even referred pain in the arm and shoulder.

 

 

Causes

There are a number of potential causes for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

 

Wrist fractures – a fracture in the wrist causing movement of the bone and swelling of the tendons can put pressure on the median nerve

Repetitive hand movements – often factory line workers, or people who use the same hand movement for long periods of time develop carpal tunnel as a result of swelling of the tendons

Pregnancy – the increased blood volume and fluid retention experienced during pregnancy can cause swelling, which impacts the carpal tunnel

Arthritis – particularly rheumatoid arthritis

Illness – hypothyroidism and diabetes can also cause carpal tunnel

Congenital – some people are born with a particularly narrow carpal tunnel and are therefore predisposed to this syndrome

 

 

Treatment

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is not something you can ‘work through’. It requires treatment, and if left untreated permanent nerve damage can result.

 

If the problem is caused by repetitive hand movement, rest is essential. Splinting the wrist to hold it in a relaxed position will also help, particularly at night.

 

Stretching exercises will help keep the joint mobile and anti-inflammatories – such as Inflavanoid Sustained Release from Metagenics, or ibuprofen* can help reduce inflammation in the tendons, thereby reducing pressure on the nerve.

 

A chiropractor can help treat both the problem and the pain associated with this syndrome. A chiropractor will manipulate and mobilise the bones in the wrist to improve the space in the tunnel and ensure unrestricted nerve motion is available. Exercises to improve nerve and tendon mobilisation, fine motor skills and strength might be recommended. A range of therapies may be employed, including Ultrasound, massage and TENS (transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation).

 

If non-invasive treatments don’t provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary, as damage to the median nerve can severely impact on the use of your hand. Early treatment can help avoid this painful outcome.

 

 

If you think you have early symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or you have been suffering for a while, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our experienced Chiropractor today.

 

 

*Always make sure you seek medical advice before taking any medications, particularly if you are pregnant, or have an underlying health condition.

 

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31May

Hamstring injuries

No laughing matter!

How often have you heard an athlete say they have ‘pulled a hami’. We tend to make a bit of a joke of it. But hamstring injuries are anything but. In fact, they can be extremely painful (in your butt as it turns out!) and take a very long time to heal.

 

What is a Hamstring?

The Hamstrings are a group of three – semitendinosus, semimembranosus and the biceps femoris - that run from the ischial tuberosity (base of the pelvis), crossing over each other at the kneed joint on their way to connect with the tibia and fibia. As with all muscles, they are attached to these bones via tendons.

The hamstrings are responsible for stretching our legs backwards, and bending at the knee. In fact, they are involved in most of the movements related to our hips and knees, and so are vital to activities like walking, running, jumping and dancing. These muscles, along with the quadriceps provide a good deal of our flexibility and grace of movement.

 

Who is at risk of Hamstring Injuries?

Hamstring injuries are common in athletes whose sports require sprinting – soccer, basketball, running. As it turns out, they are also common in elite ten pin bowlers. Teens and older athletes are most at risk. Teens because bones and muscles grow at different rates, and following a growth spurt, the muscle can be over-stretched while it catches up to the bone growth. In older athletes, whose training programme is not as rigorous, unexpected overload can occur.

Risk factors for a hamstring injury include muscle tightness or imbalance, poor conditioning and muscle fatigue.

 

Diagnosis

Generally, it is easy to identify if there is a hamstring injury. There will be pain, swelling, bruising and weakness in the leg. More complex is determining the severity of the injury. Muscle damage is graded:

Grade 1 – mild pull or slight tear causing minimal loss of strength and movement

Grade 2 – A more extensive tear, causing loss of strength and movement, but not involving the whole muscle

Grade 3 – Complete tear of the muscle causing extreme pain and inability to weight bear

Additionally, there can be what is called an Avulsion Fracture. This is where the tendon attaching the hamstring comes away from the bone completely, sometimes taking a small piece of bone with it.

In order to determine the severity of the injury, and develop a treatment plan, it is important to seek medical advice. If the pain, swelling and bruising is significant an MRI may be required.

 

Treatment

In the case of Grade 1 and 2 injuries, it may be sufficient to follow the RICE method:

  • Rest – it may be advisable to avoid weight bearing and make use of crutches
  • Ice – as soon as possible after the injury, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time
  • Compression – to reduce swelling, apply a compression bandage
  • Elevate – try and rest with your leg higher than your heart – not an easy feat when the injury is in your thigh, but at least aim for horizontal!

In the case of a full tear, surgical repair may be necessary. Weight bearing will be difficult and crutches will be required.

Avulsion Injuries usually involve the tendon at the ischial tuberosity end of the hamstring, and definitely require surgery. These injuries will not heal by themselves even with physical therapy, and left untreated can cause ongoing problems. It is important to have treatment as soon as possible, as the untethered hamstring can damage the sciatic nerve, which will cause lower back and leg pain, and once damaged this vital nerve may not completely heal.

In these cases the tendon is reattached to the pelvis using anchor hooks and stitches. Crutches will be required, and sitting will not be possible for as many as 8 weeks after the surgery, and be limited for some time after that. Extensive rehabilitation will be required.

 

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Regardless of the severity of the injury, rehabilitation and recovery from a hamstring injury should be overseen by a health professional like a Sports Chiropractor or Sports Physio, who can determine the extent of the injury and develop a treatment plan that will provide you with the best outcome. The plan may incorporate exercises, soft tissue work, dry needling and massage therapy.

In the case of Grade 1 and 2 injuries, sports chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment may be required for a few weeks and will involve first stretching, then rebuilding strength in the muscles.

Grade 3 tears that require surgery may require around 3 months of sports chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment, starting with gentle flexibility exercises before building to strength exercises.

Avulsion Injuries will take at least 6 months of rehabilitation. Starting with gentle stretching, your sports chiropractor or physiotherapist will move on to strengthening. It is important not to rush this recovery, as the tendon takes time to firmly reattach to the pelvis.

Even the mildest hamstring injury can cause a great deal of pain, discomfort and inconvenience. It is important to seek the advice of a medical professional promptly after this sort of injury in order to determine the best treatment and achieve the optimum recovery.

If you have a hamstring injury, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 and make an appointment to see our specialist Sports Chiropractor who can develop an effective treatment plan and get you back on your feet as soon as possible.

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29May

Getting the better of coughs and colds

A Traditional Chinese Medicine approach

 

Well, Autumn seems to have passed us by this year. But winter is only a few days away, and all indications are it will be a cold one. With the onset of winter, comes the cold and flu season. Colds and flu are conditions that Western medicine has traditionally struggled to treat. Many cough and cold remedies - such as decongestants - treat only the symptoms, and by supressing the symptoms actually prolong the duration of the illness. Any doctor will say, plenty of fluids, paracetamol and rest. But we all lead busy lives, so how can we recover from a cold or flu and get back to business as quickly as possible? Luckily, Traditional Chinese Medicine has some ideas!

Traditional Chinese Medicine works on the principle that pathogens – like cold and flu viruses – are allowed into the body due to an underlying weakness in the constitution. This weakness can be brought on by many factors including stress and overwork, lack of sleep or poor diet. Since every patient’s constitution is different, viruses will affect each person differently. Some may experience headaches, sore throats and dry coughs, while other may have chills, runny nose and wet coughs. TCM will therefore look at the entirety of the individual’s constitution, and the symptoms present to determine a treatment strategy.

 

 

 

Prevention

Some herbs are known to be used to boost immunity, TCM Practitioners will work with the individual to develop a treatment strategy that works to improve the immune system by strengthening their entire constitution. This treatment may include a wide range of herbs in a synergistic combination that will suit the individual. The aim of this treatment is to prevent the likelihood of a cold or flu taking hold by ensuring a strong immune system and overall health.

 

 

Treatment

Unlike many Western cold and flu treatments, which supress symptoms and thereby can prolong the illness, TCM treatment is designed to reduce the length of the illness by pushing the pathogen out of the body. This process also helps avoid the recurrence that we so often experience when we think we have ‘kicked’ an illness.

 

Since the symptoms of every individual and every illness vary, TCM will use specifically selected herb in combination, to treat the actual symptoms – whether it be headaches and fever or coughing and chills.

 

Acupuncture and moxibustion along the meridians of the lungs and large intestine – which perhaps surprisingly are between the thumb and forefinger – is used provide immediate relief of symptoms and help expel the pathogen.

 

Early treatment is essential. Typically, if treatment is sought early, 1-2 acupuncture treatments and 7 days of herbal remedies are sufficient to restore the body to homeostasis.

 

If you spend the winter suffering from colds and flu and would like to improve your immunity, or you can feel a cold coming on, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our expert Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist. If you are already a patient of Precision Health Spine & Sports, during June you will receive a discount of $20 off your initial consultation.

 

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24May

Putting your high heels on

What High Heels will do to your feet, and how to avoid it

 

High heels are a fashion essential. Very few women can look in the shoe cupboard and not find at least one pair of high heels. Unfortunately, these fashion essentials can cause enormous damage, not only to our feet, but our entire skeletal system. First, let’s have a look at the havoc they can cause, and then try and find ways to minimise the damage, and protect you from long-term pain and suffering.

 

The Damage High Heels Cause

Lest you think it is only the feet that suffer when you wear high heels, think again!

  • High heels cause the ankle to bend forward. This causes shortening of the calf muscles and tightening of the Achilles tendon. If they are worn too often for too long, this can actually cause pain when barefoot, as the tendon and muscles shorten permanently.
  • Restricted blood flow to the lower leg and foot creates spider veins. No matter how great your calves look in heels, spider veins will kill that vibe!
  • Osteoarthritis in the knees can be cause or aggravated by the increased pressure put on the knees – like spider veins, swollen knees will kill the vibe of that short skirt instantly!
  • Misalignment of the spine, causing lower back, hip and leg pain is the result of the body having to sway forward to remain balanced
  • Twisted ankles are common in high heel wearers – who hasn’t taken a tumble on uneven ground thanks to those gorgeous stilletos?

So, what about the damage these shoes can do to your feet?

  • High heels cause the bulk of your weight to be placed on the ball of the foot. This can cause bunions, hammer toes and pinched nerves like Mortons Neuroma. Not to mention pain!
  • Because the foot is angled, it tends to slide forward in the shoe, causing ingrown toenails. Way to ruin a good pedicure!
  • Stress fractures in the small bones of the foot can be very painful and slow to heal (excuse the pun!)
  • Heel spurs, calcium buildup on the bone of the heel can make it painful to walk

So, after all that, are you convinced? No? Just can’t give up those gorgeous nude peep toes? Well, the good news is, there are some things you can do to reduce the pain an damage you are doing to your feet with those heels.

  1. Ensure your shoes fit correctly. The size of feet your feet changes over time. And different brand and styles of shoes can mean the difference of a half – sometimes even a full – size. So make sure they fit. And when they start to stretch too much, out they go. You might love them dearly, but they will cause problems if they are not fitting you properly any more. And, hey, upside. Who doesn’t love an excuse to go shoe shopping?
  2. Try and go for chunky heels, or even better wedges. These give you more stability when walking, reducing the likelihood of turned ankles (not to mention embarrassment). Save those stilletos for times when you won’t be standing or walking for any length of time.
  3. Look for shoes with solid soles – even a slight platform. Again, these will give your more stability in that vitally important ball of your foot.
  4. Shoes that ‘hold’ your foot – like boots, or sandals with ankle straps – are best. Again, it’s all about support.
  5. Invest in gel shoe inserts. Metatarsal pads that sit in the shoe at the ball of your foot will help absorb some of the weight, reduce the risk of slipping forward and protect your toes from blisters.
  6. Commute in flats. Save the high heels for when you most need them. Walk to the bus, train or office in flats and change when you get there. Your feet will thank you, and you will get there faster too!
  7. Mix it up. Try and ensure you have shoes of varying heights and styles and rotate them through the week, so that your feet are not always at the same angle. Even better – aim for a day or two of flats if you can.
  8. Before you slip those high heels on, give your calves a good stretch to avoid the shortening and tightening of your calf muscles and Achilles tendon. This is particularly important for those who wear them regularly. Give another good stretch at the end of the day too.
  9. Slip them off. Take a break from the shoes when you can. Rotate your feet, point the toes and then pull them back towards your shins. Try and do this at least once during the day. And at the end of the day, try and give them a brief massage to restore good circulation.
  10. Last, but not least, visit a Podiatrist regularly to make sure none of the structural issues we have talked about are developing.

If you are a lover of high heel shoes, or if you just have concerns about your foot health, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 and make an appointment with our highly qualified Podiatrist. Not only will she make sure your feet are healthy and strong, but you may bond over those cute red boots you love!

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22May

Posture Perfect

    Why it is important, and how to achieve it     Stand up straight! Don’t slouch! How many times did you hear that from your mum, or from teachers when you were young? At the time it seemed like nagging, but it turns our Mum was right. Now there’s a surprise! Good posture may seem like a small thing, but in fact poor posture can negatively affect your entire body, and contribute to the ageing process. So, what is good posture and how can you improve yours?   Good Posture Essentially, good posture means that your body is in correct alignment. This means your:
  • chin is parallel with the floor
  • shoulders are horizontally even
  • abdominal muscles are braced
  • hips are horizontally even
  • knees pointing forward
  • weight evenly distributed between your feet
  • ears, shoulders, hips and ankles fall in a vertical line
This is also true if you are sitting down, although in addition you should maintain a 90 degree angle in your hips and knees.   Benefits of Good Posture Good posture can have a positive affect on many aspects of your life: - improved breathing – your chest cavitity is expanded when your posture is good - improved digestion – when your abdomen it aligned correctly, your digestion is more efficient - nervous system – good posture allows your nervous system to function properly - wear and tear on your joints is reduced by proper alignment, reducing the risk of degenerative arthritis - reduction of back pain - reduction of stress on your ligaments, tendons and muscles- you look younger, and slimmer! Yes, that’s right, slouching makes you look older and adds kilos. And who doesn’t want to look younger and slimmer?   Causes of Poor Posture It not always about being lazy. There can be a number of causes for poor posture:
  • Structural – sometimes structural problems with the spine, such as scoliosis, can impact your posture. The effects can range from mild to severe and may require medical intervention.
  • Inflexible muscles can decrease your range of motion
  • Tight or shortened muscles can pull your body out of alignment
  • Muscle weakness – muscles interact with each other, and a weakness in one or more can affect the rest
  • Pregnancy – not only does your center of balance change, but the body releases hormones that loosen ligaments in preparation for birth, sometimes causing weakness and instability
  • Obesity – can change the natural center of balance, and pull the body out of alignment
  • High heels – these throw the body forward, causing a need to compensate in the muscles, ligaments and tendons
  Solution There are a number of ways you can improve your posture:
  • Core strengthening exercises – yoga poses like cobra and lotus help with core strength, as do crunches, bridges and planks
  • Balance specific workouts – warrior pose in yoga, lunges, balancing on bosu balls, star excursion and pistol squats
  • Check you posture and balance before you start and during your workout. Those gym mirrors are not just there for you to check your hair! Make sure you keep an eye on your form as you exercise
  By following these few guidelines, you can improve your posture in just a few weeks. If you would like some advice on exercises specific to your needs, or you are concerned you may have structural issues, call our Baulkham Hills clinic today on 9639 7337 and make an appointment to see our Chiropractor, who can help you get on the road to being Posture Perfect!  
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17May

Infertility and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Wanting a baby is an emotional, instinctive urge. The human race is programmed to reproduce. But for a growing number of couples, falling pregnant, and staying pregnant, is becoming more and more difficult. Around 1 in 6 couples are now described as ‘infertile’. But what is infertility? What causes it? And what can you do to improve your situation should you find yourself in this situation?     What is Infertility? Technically, infertility is described as failure to achieve pregnancy within 12 months of trying. However, it’s not quite that simple. Fertility is a complex issue. Many couples have a successful pregnancy, only to fail to achieve a second. Others are able to become pregnant, but face the heartbreak of miscarriage, sometimes over and over. Male infertility accounts for around 1/3 of infertile couples, whilst for 20-30% of couples there a fertility problems with both partners.     What Causes Infertility? Whilst there are obviously some differences in relation to what causes female infertility as opposed to male, there are definitely some common factors, many of which are becoming more problematic in our increasingly busy lifestyle:
  • Age – with the pressures of setting yourself up in a career, and the cost of living, many couples are leaving it later to try and start a family. Since women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and these deteriorate over time, leaving child bearing too late can create fertility problems.
  • Lifestyle – stress, smoking and drinking alcohol contribute to a reduction in fertility in both men and women
  • Weight – being either over or under weight can affect fertility, particularly in women.
Infertility is sometimes classified as Unexplained Infertility. This is when no medical reason can be identified as the cause. In the case of Explained Infertility, there are many possible causes: Female:
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Long term use of oral contraceptives
  • Structural problems, like blocked tubes or fibroids
Male:
  • Low sperm count
  • Low mobility (movement)
  • Morphology – the shape of the sperm
    How Can TCM Help Infertility? Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used for hundreds of years to assist couples in falling and staying pregnant. Preconception: Since many of the reasons for infertility relate to lifestyle factors, TCM uses a range of techniques to prepare the body for pregnancy and childbirth. Ideally 12 months prior to wanting to conceive couples can begin treatment that will not just assist with conception, but also successful completion of a pregnancy. This is likely to include Acupuncture, herbs, diet and lifestyle changes. Women may find during this treatment that issues like PMS, pre-period migraines and cramps are reduced. Active Fertility Enhancement: In cases of Unexplained Infertility, symptoms may often be sub-clinical and a balancing of the hormones, reduction in stress and improvement in diet may be all that is need in treating the problem. Your TCM practitioner will use acupuncture, herbs and diet and lifestyle to achieve this goal, ensuring your body is in the optimum health to achieve and sustain pregnancy. Where Explained Infertility is concerned, Western medicine will generally use drugs, surgery and/or IVF to resolve the problem. TCM can work in conjunction with these treatments. Acupuncture can be ideal as a complementary therapy when patients are undergoing the stress of IVF.     Pregnancy And when you do become pregnant, Acupuncture can be used safely and effectively to combat morning sickness, pelvic and back pain. If you are considering starting a family, or are having difficulty conceiving, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our highly trained Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner.
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15May

healthy sleep, healthy life

Sleeping is a significant part of life. So significant that we spend 56 hours a week on it. That is 2, 912 hours a year. 25 years of life! In other words, nearly one-third of our life is dedicated to sleeping.

Many people say they don’t need much sleep, but this is not really true. Sleeping at least eight hours a night plays a critical role in your mental & physical health and overall well-being. Each day depends on how much sleep you had the night before. However many people find themselves struggling to grab enough sleep, or tossing and turning from broken sleep.

Some handy tips to improve your quality of sleep:

  1. Set a regular bedtime. Our bodies work off their own clocks and thrive on routine.
  2. Turn Off Electronics. Stay off your phones, laptops and television for at least 30 minutes before bed.
  3. Develop a bedtime ‘routine’. Whether it is 20 minutes of reading, a short meditation, a shower or even a beauty routine, this will help signal to your body that it is time to start winding down, relaxing and going to sleep. It will also help relax your mind – something that often gets in the way of drifting off!
  4. Cool, Calm and Dark. Keeping your sleeping area cool, dark and quiet tells the body its time to sleep and your body listens.
  5. Make sure your bed and pillows are comfortable, and your blankets and doona keep you at a comfortable temperature. Invest in some high-thread-count sheets. You will never get a good night’s sleep if you are not comfortable!
  6. Reduced caffeine. Try to reduce the urge to have a coffee or tea after 2:00 pm. If you feel you need a cup of something warm, try a chamomile tea.

Not having enough sleep can impact you in two ways:

  1. In an instant – not getting enough sleep increases your risk of car – or any other – accidents. Microsleeps are just that – they happen in an instant. And Fatigue is one of the top three killers on the road.
  2. Over time – over a longer period not getting enough sleep raises your risk of health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes and stroke. Not to mention it affects your weight and the appearance of your skin and hair. Those seem like pretty good reasons for getting some shut-eye!

What can a good nights rest do for your body?

Sleep improves your ability to learn, play sport, improve your attention span, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Too little sleep compromises with our emotions, making us grumpy and nobody wants to embody a grumpy cat meme! If you are having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep even after trying some of the tips we have mentioned, a Relaxation Massage will help your body release the tension that may be the problem. Call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment for a massage with one of our qualified Massage Therapists.
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10May

Get the drop on Hammer Toe & Mallet Toe

The words “hammer” and “toe” in the same sentence strike fear into the hearts of most people. Anyone who has dropped a hammer on an uncovered toe knows the pain it can cause. But eventually, the pain subsides. People who suffer from Hammer Toe or Mallet Toe are not so lucky.

What is Hammer Toe?

Toes normally sit straight and more or less flush with the ground, held in place by flexible muscles, tendons and ligaments. However, when these muscles, tendons and ligaments are damaged or are too tight we can develop Hammer Toe or Mallet Toe. Hammer Toe is an abnormal upward bend in the middle joint of the toe, whilst Mallet Toe affects the joint nearest the nail. Both these conditions can affect any toe but are generally found in the 2nd 3rd or 4th toe.

Causes

These conditions may be present at birth (congenital), inherited from a parent, however, they generally develop later. The most common cause is inappropriate footwear. Sorry to say ladies, but high heels and pointy-toed shoes are the most common cause of Hammer and Mallet Toe. Abnormally high arches, or a trauma to the toe – a bad stub, jam or break – can also contribute to the condition. The pressure on your toes caused by a bunion may also be to blame.

Who Suffers from Hammer Toe?

Generally, since footwear is the most common cause, women suffer most from Hammer Toes. Since the condition takes time to develop, age is also a factor. If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you are more likely to develop Hammer Toe, and if you suffer from arthritis or diabetes your risk increases.

Symptoms

Corns and calluses are the most common problem with Hammer and Mallet Toe, as the bend in the toe causes rubbing against your shoes. However, you may experience difficulty walking, or experience mild to severe pain when you try and move the affected toe.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. If the toe is still flexible, changing to appropriate footwear and the prescription of orthotics may be sufficient. Shoes should have a lower heel and plenty of room at the front. Pointy toes should be avoided, and laces, straps to secure the shoes provide additional support which is ideal. Exercises may be prescribed to maintain flexibility in the muscles and tendons. However, if the tendons have tightened to the point the toe is no longer flexible, surgery may be required. If corns and callouses have formed on the toes, these would require treatment. It is important not to attempt to treat these at home, as infections can develop in the foot very quickly, and are particularly difficult to treat, especially if you have diabetes. Treatment by a podiatrist is essential. If you suspect you have or are developing Hammer or Mallet Toe it is important to get treatment quickly, as the condition can affect other toes very quickly. Call our Baulkham Hills clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our local Podiatrist today.  
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