Give your Achilles Tendon a Bit of a Lift? Part 1

Achilles Tendon

He may have died in the Greek Trojan wars, this tendon is named after him, it is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body, but  to  to many a Runner it is synonymous to injury and be the cause of pain, most  know it as The Achilles Tendon. or the Calcaneal Tendon or the Tendo Calcaneus.

Over the years I have found myself treating many, Achilles Tendon Injures some, after surgery, but I am happy to see more people, getting treatment before the situation has deteriorated to the point that only option is that of surgery, I hope this information may help some of the runners to avoid.

Problems that Occur with the Achilles Tendon.

The Achilles is the tendinous extension of 2 muscles in the lower leg: gastrocnemius and soleus. It also serves to attach the plantaris, gastrocnemius (calf) and soleus muscles to the calcaneus (heel) bone, In humans, the tendon passes the  posterior of the leg to the ankle It is about 15 centimetres (6 in) long, and begins near the middle of the calf.

 The Achilles’ muscle reflex tests the integrity of the spinal root.  The tendon can receive a load stress 3.9 times body weight during walking and 7.7 times body weight when running. (Think about  that on your next run)  Achilles tendon ruptures are most likely to occur in sports requiring, sudden eccentric stretching, such as sprinting, also long runs pounding the pavement will do the job just as well.

Some of the Problems/ Injuries that occur Insertion Tendonitis This is an inflammation at the point where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone. When you have this problem you will have tenderness directly over the insertion of the Achilles tendon, which is commonly associated with calcium formation, or a bone spur forming just above the insertion point. You may also suffer a Retrocalcaneal bursitis; this is caused by movement-related irritation of the Retrocalcaneal bursa, the fluid-filled cushioning sac between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. The bursa can become inflamed or thickened and stick to the tendon, because of overuse or repetitive loading. You will feel pain when squeezing the tendon itself or the space just in front of the tendon.

Some of the Problems/ Injuries that occur

Insertion Tendonitis This is an inflammation at the point where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone. When you have this problem you will have tenderness directly over the insertion of the Achilles tendon, which is commonly associated with calcium formation, or a bone spur forming just above the insertion point. You may also suffer a Retrocalcaneal bursitis; this is caused by movement-related irritation of the Retrocalcaneal bursa, the fluid-filled cushioning sac between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. The bursa can become inflamed or thickened and stick to the tendon, because of overuse or repetitive loading. You will feel pain when squeezing the tendon itself or the space just in front of the tendon.

I know that retrocalcaneal bursitis are  associated with Rheumatoid arthritis ,but in most occurrences in athletes, only  one side is involved so may  not be associated with a “Systemic disease ” Please get this checked by your GP if you have any doubts”.

Tendonitis also involves pain in front of the Achilles tendon and a bony enlargement of the heel bone, known as Haglund’s deformity, which is referred to as a ‘pump bump.’ “Most cases of Haglund’s deformity will occur in ladies who wear high-heeled shoes, but runners are also prone to this sort of injury.

Painful shoulder injury then he came to Getfitstayfit Norfolk

Shoulder Trauma in Norwich

Norman had a very Painful Shoulder Injury.

He came to us after he had been struggling for 12 years, his body had adapted to his injury  and he tried to cope with it, compensating in things like turning his head , lifting his arm , putting on a shirt or jacket. “He believed he would just have to live with it”

Being a self employed man feeling he could not take time off work because he had a family to look after, Norman continued to work ,but was always in pain.

Don’t take it from us have a look at His Testimonial, how we helped him to get back to fitness, how he can turn his head again and how he now gets a good nights sleep something he had not had since the accident.

Cold Air and how it the affects our Muscles & Joints

Cold Air and how it the affects our Muscles & Joints

Did you know that you muscles react to cold air similar to a barometer

In the cold months that are now upon us, unlike the weather we have had this last couple of weeks, cold air brings with it lower barometric air pressure.  This means gas expands when heated and contracts when cooled so the lower air temperature it will causes the air to constrict the result is lower pressure. Well this is the same affect on your muscles they constrict and tighten . This lower air pressure, causes the soft tissue around your joints to expand in response, and it infringes on the joints, which can cause pain that radiates into the muscles making them more prone to cramps and spasms and generate more pain.

Are You Prepared ?

 

This is why you must warm up and stretch, it is so important when training in lower temperatures, apart from anything else you need to do this for you cardiovascular system.

Even if you are going into a warm gym to do your training, remember your muscles would have got cold prior to getting in there. be kind to them they have a lot of work to do.

We have been writing about getting your body ready for Spring When we have all been use to Winter for so long. Our muscles are Tight and Contracted, no one wants constricted muscles it is not good for you, its like being in a Straight Jacket, struggling to get out.

Cold Air will also affect any Pre-existing Conditions people have

If you sufferer from Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, or have any joint injury you are going to feel it in the cold weather more, because of the nature or these problems they are more  susceptible to cold weather  and how it effects your joints and muscles you are already experiencing pain, so when the winter months come  the changes in temperature and weather will exacerbate your condition, it  brings with it more problems than you  already have. We all know that  Arthritis causes swollen joints, so  when the soft tissue expands around the joints, it causes more pressure and pain.

Regular Maintenance in the form of Neuromuscular Therapy along with Sports Massage can help immensely in the winter months for anyone with Joint pain, and this is a time of year when you need to keep more active, to keep warm, so Therapy massage will enable you to do this.

Along with the Bioneuro, that will aid circulation that in turn will help towards the reduction of pain especially in people with Arthritis 

it works in a way that it can get into the joints that normal massage may not be able too.

With  Neuromuscular Techniques, remedial massage, we can deal with a lot of the Muscular Skeletal problems that can be caused by the cold weather.

We want you to enjoy the cold months keep exercising, enjoy time with your family outdoors, Winter need not be all doom and gloom.

Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome, in Norwich and Norfolk ?

Sciatica

Sciatic Pain or Piriformis Syndrome can present similar symptoms, but which is it. ?

Recently many people have come to our clinic , presenting  with what they thought to be

The Dreaded Sciatica!  believing it is something they are going to have to live with. So what is it, how do we know we have it, how does it affect us and most of all how do we get rid of it ? Because believe me when I say” If you have ever had Sciatica you want to get rid of it.”

What is Sciatica ?

Although Sciatica is a relatively common form of Low Back Pain and Leg Pain, the true meaning of the term is often misunderstood. Sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the root of the nerve, causing the pain. This point is important, because treatment for sciatica or sciatic symptoms often differs, depending upon the underlying cause of the symptoms and pain levels. One thing is for sure Sciatic pain is produced when you have pain along the sciatic nerve. 

What causes it Sciatica ?

is usually caused by a  spinal disc herniation  (rupture) of the inner part of the disc that surrounds the outer disc .of by compression of the Lumber Nerves L3,L4,or L5 causing pain in the lumbar region (Lower back), compression of the sciatic nerve itself or the Sacral Nerves  S1,S2 or S3, thus hitting the sciatic nerve and radiating to the buttocks and to the back of the thigh.

How do you know what is causing it ?

Unfortunately you don’t you just feel the pain, your Doctor or therapist will be able to explain more, but sometimes only a scan will tell you what is really going on, but here are a few causes. When sciatica is caused by compression of a dorsal nerve root(radix) it is considered a lumbar radiculopathy(or radiculitis when accompanied with an inflammatory response). This can occur as a result of a spinal disk bulge or spinal disc herniation (a herniated intervertebral disc), or from roughening, enlarging, or misalignment (Spondylolisthesis) of the Vertebrae , or as a result of  degenerated discs that can reduce the diameter of the lateral foramen through which nerve roots exit the spine. We do know that Sciatica due to compression of a nerve root is one of the most common forms of  radiculopathy  and is often postural caused by an anterior pelvic tilt.

How do you know what is causing it ? Unfortunately you don’t you just feel the pain, your Doctor or therapist will be able to explain more, but sometimes only a scan will tell you what is really going on, but here are a few causes. When sciatica is caused by compression of a dorsal nerve root(radix) it is considered a lumbar radiculopathy(or radiculitis when accompanied with an inflammatory response). This can occur as a result of a spinal disk bulge or spinal disc herniation (a herniated intervertebral disc), or from roughening, enlarging, or misalignment (Spondylolisthesis) of the Vertebrae , or as a result of degenerated discs that can reduce the diameter of the lateral foramen through which nerve roots exit the spine. We do know that Sciatica due to compression of a nerve root is one of the most common forms of radiculopathy and is often postural caused by an anterior pelvic tilt.

Pseudo Sciatica or non-discogenic Sciatica ?

Also causes symptoms similar to spinal nerve root compression, is most often referred pain due to damage to facet joints in the lower back and is felt as pain in the lower back and posterior thighs. Pseudo sciatic pain can also be caused by compression of peripheral sections of the nerve, usually from soft tissue tension in the piriformis or related muscles

Piriformis Syndrome.

Also causes a sciatic issue. People have come to us with Piriformis Syndrome , as it also a cause of sciatic pain is the muscle tightens thinking they have Sciatica and leaving it just taking pain killers when if they would have come sooner we could have treated it very quickly as Piriformis Syndrome is caused when someone has been sitting for a long period of time, through working at a desk, not stretching, driving for long periods of time. The sciatic nerve runs close to the Piriformis muscles and muscle irritation and tight muscles create pain. Also hip external rotation can create this condition e.g. driving a manual vehicle . The Piriformis is a a muscle in the gluteal area. Known also as a lateral rotator, working along with five other muscles they do a major job to keep you in action.

I thought labour had been painful, but the pain I was experiencing with my back was on a par!

Sciatica may also occur during pregnancy.

As a result of the weight of the fetus pressing on the sciatic nerve ladies we know this is painful and we sympathize with you, yes it can cause leg spasms. While most cases do not directly harm the foetus or the mother, indirect harm may come from the numbing effect on the legs which can cause loss of balance and falling.

There is no standard treatment for pregnancy induced sciatica, we can help with gentle massage doing your leg exercises, swimming,

making sure you clench the glutes when you get up and please do that slowly.

If you did need help or advice please give us a call.

Why we can help you to get better quicker.

With a combination of  Neuromuscular Techniques Rehabilitation Massage and The Bioneuro Therapy System Sigma Q (∑Q®)that works deeper that acupuncture allowing us to get to the root cause, help release your Piriformis muscle, ease the Sciatica Symptoms that will result in you being a pain free.

Carpal Tunnel, Cubital Tunnel or Guyon’s Tunnel Syndrome Help In Norwich Norfolk

Carpal Tunnel

Ok folk’s Carpal tunnel, Cubital tunnel or Guyon’s tunnel syndrome

Most people have heard of Carpal tunnel syndrome, not many know of Cubital Tunnel and how many of you know about Guyon’s tunnel syndrome. Cubital tunnel and Guyon’s tunnel syndrome are other names for Ulnar nerve entrapment, but in different parts of the arm.

Guyon’s Tunnel Syndrome. Is a common nerve compression affecting the Ulnar nerve as it passes through a tunnel in the wrist called Guyon’s canal It is a similar problem to Carpal tunnel syndrome, but involves a completely different nerve. With Guyon’s tunnel syndrome you will get a feeling of pins and needles in the ring and little fingers, this may also progress to a burning sensation or pain in the wrist and hand it may then be followed by decreased sensation in the ring and little fingers. I reckon a few avid cyclists are going to recognize this symptom as one common cause of this syndrome is from pressure of bicycle handlebars.

Guyon’s Tunnel Syndrome.

Is a common nerve compression affecting the Ulnar nerve as it passes through a tunnel in the wrist called Guyon’s canal It is a similar problem to Carpal tunnel syndrome, but involves a completely different nerve. With Guyon’s tunnel syndrome you will get a feeling of pins and needles in the ring and little fingers, this may also progress to a burning sensation or pain in the wrist and hand it may then be followed by decreased sensation in the ring and little fingers. I reckon a few avid cyclists are going to recognize this symptom as one common cause of this syndrome is from pressure of bicycle handlebars. Or it can be also be caused by hard, repetitive compression against a desk surface while using a computer mouse. I would not be surprised if most of you have said I have suffered from that, some of you may do still. If not treated the problem will worsen and the result can lead to “ The claw hand or  Guyon canal stenosis”, or even  nerve compression at the wrist. This is an example of the Ulnar Paradox. Also, if the nerve is compressed at the wrist, the back of the hand will have normal sensation.

So folks don’t leave it,

When a person gets tennis elbow, one or more of the tendons in their elbow becomes. Painful. Swollen and tight the pain occurs at the point where the tendons of the forearm muscle attach to the bone. Twisting movements, such as turning a door handle or opening the lid of a jar, are particularly painful. In other words your arm aches so much that you don’t want to move it Please DO NOT REACH FOR THE HEAT PAD’S, GEL OR ANY THING LIKE THAT. The first thing you need is our old friend ICE and yes you will have to rest the arm, in around three quarters of cases of tennis elbow, the dominant hand (the one that is used the most) is affected.

Cubital Tunnel  Syndrome

This occurs when the Ulnar nerve is obstructed during its path along, the “you guessed it folks the   Cubital tunnel”, this is at the outer edge of the elbow. “A bit like the Norwich train into London on a bad morning” When compression of the nerve happens it often leads to a tingling or ‘pins and needles’ sensation in the little and ring fingers a lot of you may wake up some mornings with this feeling and folks this is the main reason why, though in most cases it is minor and will tend to come and go over time. Because folks it is possibly due to your sleeping habits as the common causes is sleeping with the arms folded up, so the hands are, at or under your neck and the elbow is sharply bent. This is when people frequently wake up with tingling in the fingers, because the nerve has been pinched or squeezed while you’re asleep, it is easy to remedy by simply altering you’re  sleeping position to avoid aggravating the elbow area. In more extreme cases however where tingling is persistent, Damage to or deformity of the elbow joint then increases the risk of Cubital tunnel syndrome.Also if  you have other nerve entrapments elsewhere in the arm and shoulder can lead to a higher risk for Ulnar nerve entrapment.

There are good reasons to get this treated and not just leave it thinking it will go away by itself because it won’t, some people who suffer from diabetes mellitus are in the higher risk category for any kind of peripheral neuropathy, including ulnar nerve entrapments along with people who use vibrating tools at work, or other causes of repetitive activities increase the risk.

You may have a cortisone injection for temporary relief,  you may then go on to need surgery as an option to move the nerve away from the area,  but with. 

The Bioneuro System Sigma Q(∑Q®) and Neuromuscular Injury Release Techniques we can help you without the invasive surgery or injection and it works

I will point out that although the, Ulnar nerve can be entrapped in several places near the elbow; the Cubital tunnel is the most common.

Hand Numbness or Ulnar Neuropathy This is experienced as pain and numbness of the small and ring finger, arm or wrist and is associated with pressure on the handlebars for long periods of time. This is more than likely to be an over use injury,

Carpal tunnel Syndrome

Most people have heard of Carpal tunnel syndrome  “ It use to be a typist  syndrome”, though these day with more and more of us using the keyboard at our computers  quite a few more people have been diagnosed with it , but do you know what it is and why and how it can be helped , it is in fact entrapment of the median nerve that  causes carpal tunnel syndrome, recognized by numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.  It is very rare to have compression of the radial nerve that would cause the numbness feeling to be at the back of the hand and thumb,

The difference between the Ulnar nerve condition and a Median nerve condition is that with the Median nerve the index and middle finger cannot be flexed when the patient is told to make a fist. However, in the Ulnar nerve the little finger and ring finger cannot be un-flexed if the patient is told to extend fingers. That is just one test and the most obvious. Some people are affected by multiple nerve compressions, this can then complicate diagnosis.

The main symptom of CTS is intermittent numbness of the thumb, index, long and radial half of the ring finger the numbness often occurs at night, the hypothesis being that the wrists are held flexed during sleep. Although recent literature suggests that sleep positioning, such as sleeping on one’s side, might be an associated factor. The pain and the numbness can be so intense that it can wake you up from your sleep that can lead to the person being depressed

The Doctor will consider this as Palliative treatments for CTS this includes the use of night splints and corticosteroid injections till they have to perform surgery. There are a lot more factors to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and we could write pages on it but information is out there, but if you need help with it we can help with 

The Bioneuro System Sigma Q(∑Q®) and Neuromuscular Injury Release Techniques can help you without the invasive surgery or injection and it works.

“Abuse of painkillers is putting the careers and long-term health of international footballers in jeopardy” say’s Fifa’s chief medical officer.

Painkillers

Dr Jiri Dvorak found that almost 40% of players at the 2010 World Cup were taking pain medication prior to every game. Ahead of Euro 2012, Dr Dvorak has urged football to wake up to the problem.

He told the BBC that younger players are imitating the seniors and taking painkillers far too frequently. Fifa’s medical team asked team doctors to provide a list of medications that players were taking ahead of each game in the 2010 World Cup.

Previous surveys at international tournaments established that many players were using large numbers of pain killing and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (nsaids).

“I think we can use the word abuse – because the dimension is just too much,” Dr Dvorak told the BBC.

Experts say that painkilling medication can be particularly dangerous in professional sport. In high-intensity exercise like football, a player’s kidneys are continuously working hard, making them more vulnerable to damage from strong drugs.

Dr Dvorak believes that a major factor in the growing use of painkillers in football is the pressure on team doctors to get injured players back on the pitch quickly.

“Unfortunately, there is the trend to increase the intake of medication. It is something that we have to really take seriously and ask what is behind it?”

Own Goals can be Painful

“The team doctors, most of them they are under pressure between the diagnosis and the appropriate treatment between the pressure to bring the player on the pitch, if they take them too long out they might be out of a job.”

This is  the report on Painkilling Drugs a worry to everyone, as they are prescribed on a regular basis to people who use them to MASK PAIN not to DEAL with it  and if you continue to use them they can be bad for you.

Yes there is a need for Pain Killing drugs that is not disputed, but if it is a Musculoskeletal problem that can be dealt with through Neuromuscular Release Techniques Sports Injury Therapy or Sports Massage  can help, then surely it is a better way to go. 

The unique advantage of the Bioneuro Dry Therapy System Sigma Q(ΣQ)® is that it can get to an area that may be difficult for Sports Therapy alone,  it penetrates Deeper unlike a Tens Machine that can only deal with surface issues.

Read more on our page about the Bioneuro Dry Therapy System Sigma Q(ΣQ)® and Testimonials from other clients, also listen what Fifa’s chief medical officer has to say about the “abuse” of painkillers on the BBC News Website.

 In a new report we have more information, Folks have a listen to this please This shows that Pain Killers do not help with Back Pain, so why do we still use them.? BBC World Service @bbcworldservice 2h2 hours ago, Easy access to powerful painkillers could be creating a hidden problem of addiction http://bbc.in/15ocAQL

This shows that Pain Killers do not help with Back Pain, so why do we still use them.? BBC World Service @bbcworldservice 2h2 hours ago, Easy access to powerful painkillers could be creating a hidden problem of addiction http://bbc.in/15ocAQL

David’s Testimonial For Getfitstayfit Norfolk

Injury Will Prevent The Fluid Golf Swing

Having struggled in my retirement from damaged ligaments in my shoulders, lower back.


I had pain and cramp in my thighs, at night there seem to be no rest from being in Pain.

I went to see Steve after reading about him in the EDP Norfolk magazine.

I have had four visits to date, two of which involved the use of the Bioneuro Therapy System Sigma Q(∑Q)®

The difference that the treatment I have been having, with Steve has made has been amazing.

I feel pain free, more agile and have a more positive outlook.

I can enjoy playing golf again something I thought I would not be able to do  and gardening without suffering afterwards.

I wanted to be able to do things , that I had not been able to do in my working life because of time ,but then to be unable to do them because of pain was so unfair , seeing Steve has changed all that.

I am out and about seeing friends not having to take painkilling medication, enjoying my life I am just so glad that Steve has turned my retirement round for me .

Julia’sTestimonial For Getfitstayfit Norfolk

The Importance of “Fluid Motion when on Horseback

I have Osteoarthritis in my hips and have been under the consultant at the hospital.

I have been suffering severe pain in my right hip/leg.

The consultant was adamant that this was due to the arthritis and at my age refused to carry out a hip replacement.

Still unsure whether the pain was just due to the arthritis I decided to seek further advice. I am a keen horse rider and have not been able to ride since July due to the pain.

Well I visited Steve Kirby and had three sessions on the Bioneuro Dry Therapy System Sigma Q(∑Q)®

The pain eased considerably and I am now riding my horse with little to no  pain.

I will continue to visit Steve until I feel the need to stop, but feel I will need a top up whilst I am still riding.

Steve and his wife Jacqui are great people with a positive outlook on life and I would never have any hesitation in recommending them here’s to a Pain free 2012

Returning To Work Fit, Healthy And No Back Pain! Thanks To Getfitstayfit Norfolk

Back Injury Treatment

Dear Steve,

Thank you so much for helping me to get my back better.

I had suffered for a few weeks, the pain and lack of ability to move was getting worse.

 

I went to the GP. They gave me Pain Killers and signed me off sick for a month.

Then I saw your advert and called you, thankfully you were able to see me very quickly.

You assessed me and told me the muscles in my lower back were causing the pain. You put me on the Bioneuro Dry Therapy System Sigma Q(∑Q)® and also used Neuromuscular Injury Therapy Techniques and Sports Injury Therapy on my legs.

Then the day after I was able to move a lot better. I came to see you again, the same process took place and I felt great the best I had been in months. 

I have been back to see the GP and they are very pleased.

I’m also now returning to work fit, healthy and no back pain!

Many Thanks

Rob

Blofield, Norfolk

PAIN Was My Constant Companion, Till Helped By Getfitstayfit Norfolk

I was born with scoliosis and had a Spinal Fusion at three years old. The operation worked very well up until the age of around 20 when I started to notice lower back pain. This increased over the years leaving me struggling with chronic pain. I tried various things like epidural and nerve root injections but nothing seemed to work. In June 2016 I underwent surgery to correct the curve in my spine, taking a piece out and replacing it with a metal cage as well as two metal rods either side for support. Unfortunately during the operation The surgeon caught my spinal cord leaving me in Spinal Shock and temporally paralysed from the waist down, but within days I started being able to move my legs very slightly but I was unable to move my toes or my feet.

Pain, I Suffer with it all the time, so do 4 million people aged 30 suffer from work related injury,

 

Some pain is so severe that they must live on a cocktail of medication in order to cope. 

My PAIN started in 1982 after an accident at work. I was a serving member of the British armed forces. I had hurt myself a number of times over a 10 year period but the last fall did damage to my spine.

PAIN was my constant companion (you know what I’m saying) you learn to live with it because you need to work to pay the bills I drove a cab in London and then ran an employment agency. I wanted to live as normal a life as I could. I rode a motorbike a Yamaha fz750 then a Kawasaki.

I moved up to Great Yarmouth in 2010. I was on my bike one morning when a white van man from came out of a side turning and hit me.

My arm was knocked so far out of the socket it severed all the nerves; this resulted in massive muscle loss in my left arm. James Paget gave me 20 minutes physiotherapy every 5 weeks. It was PAIN, on top of more pain. I was looking for more physiotherapy.

Then I was introduced to Steve Kirby.

Steve gave me a 2 hour workout on the Bioneuro Therapy System Sigma Q(∑Q)® and that same day I came off my pain killers.

I get twinges now and then but it soon dies down to a slight throb. NO PAIN

I want people to know that PAIN is real and it will stop you from doing so much in life, please don’t let PAIN win.

Steve Kirby and his wife Jacqui, have changed my life and continue to do so, I have feeling in my fingers where I had none before.

Mr Cutts my orthopaedic consultant sent me to Mr Shields the Neuro consultant at Norfolk & Norwich who was pleased at the improvement I have made but all thanks to Steve Kirby.

So if you’re in PAIN give Steve a ring it will change your life for the better.

Steve