iPad Repetitive Strain Syndrome (I-RSS)

The new iPad is out everyone one is going mad trying to get their hands on it. However what are the effects that this new nifty gizmo is having on the techno-elites bodies?!!

Ergonomically the all in one screen does throw up a dilemma we have had to slowly become accustom to for a while with our touch screen phones but now on a bigger scale. That is all in one keyboard and screen combo mustering up a new prolonged held arm position in a way that we have never had to before.

With the need for a position comfortable for the hand and arm this is changing the position that the upper body and head have to take to accommodate this, leading to stooped postures.

The portability of the iPad is one of the main USPs no need for hefty desktops or laptops just a magazine sized tabled, this in turn lends itself to a who new array of places and positions to use it, some of which again increasing the musculoskeletal stress building up.

Dr Patrick Ryder

Masters in Chiro

Dr of Chiropractic

A to Z of Chiropractic: H is for HEALTH

H is for Health

The World Health Organisation defines Health as:

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

As Chiropractors we strongly believe in this statement and strive for all our patients to be in the best possible health.

People who have not experienced Chiropractic treatment would often ask a Chiropractic patient why they are still going for treatment even though their symptoms had resolved.

The answer they give is that Chiropractic helps them to remain healthy, that they are continuing treatment to prevent spinal health problems.

In our view everyone should have Chiropractic treatment – just like most people visit the dentist. Many of us go to the dentist each year even though we have no problems or pain. We go to identify possible problems before any pain arises. 

Dr Gemma Bailey

BSc (Hons) Chiro

Dr of Chiropractic

 

Pump Bump? What It Is and What To Do...

  

We call them "pump bumps", painful, swollen bumps behind the foot, just where the shoe heel rubs against the back of the ankle. This problem usually affects young women in their 20's and 30's who love their stilettos. First it is just an irritation, but left untreated, a pump bump can turn into a real problem. What begins as simply a tender area respond to repeated injury by developing a fluid-filled sac that is inflamed, also known as a bursitis. Pump bump has a medical term, retrocalcaneal (behind the heel bone) bursitis . It is also called a Haglund deformity.  

What you should do first is see a podiatrist. Switch to shoes without hard backs in the meantime, and a soothing foot bath will relieve some of the discomfort. Your podiatrist can determine the structure of your heel bone, and there may be other factors at play, such as high arches, tight Achilles tendon, or overpronation of the feet. Your podiatrist can make custom orthotics for you, and is skilled at providing other alternatives, including padding and possibly injections.  

You may benefit from physical therapy, ice, topical pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and possibly casting. Exercises should be done to stretch the Achilles tendon cord.

Kevin O'Toole

Physical Therapist & Sports Massage Therapist

IPTI, RPTI

A to Z of Chiropractic: G is for Growing Pains

G is for Growing Pains:

At birth our skeleton is made up of a mixture of bone and cartilage. During childhood the cartilage is slowly replaced with bone. In most children this process is competed between the ages of 18-21.

Bone growth is regulated by a special hormone which is nicely named ‘Growth Hormone’! This hormone is released at night time and instructs our bone and muscle to grow - so we basically do all our growing at night time.

25% to 40% of children go through episodes of growing pains. They generally strike during two periods: in early childhood among 3- to 5-year-olds and, later, in 8- to 12-year-olds.

(http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/aches/growing_pains.html)

The main symptom is muscle pain that occurs in the early evening or at night time. In many patients who suffer growing pains it can be so severe it often wakes them from their sleep.

As chiropractors we can help by treating the soft tissue with special massage techniques and advising on heat therapy and stretching exercises. In more severe cases referral to a GP may be required for suitable pain relief. 

Dr Gemma Bailey

BSc (Hons) Chiro

Doctor of Chiropractic