Recovery from Chronic Whiplash for Karen at Getfitstayfit Norfolk

Karen had suffered from Chronic Whiplash having to live with it for 15yrs

Karen had suffered from Chronic Whiplash having to live with it for 15yrs

Debilitating back and shoulder pain ,battling on through every day, taking  pain killers to enable her to do daily tasks, as a mum of three young children life could be a struggle,

Trying other therapies to no avail, leading Karen to believe that she would never get any better .

Karen came to us at Getfitstayfit Norfolk . We treated her with,  The Bioneuro Therapy System Sigma Q (ΣQ®)  and Hydrotherm Massage System.  As a Therapist, seeing the deep muscles reactivated is always a  powerful thing, because

“I know that  with only orthodox massage it would be almost impossible to achieve.”

Please watch  Karen’s of her injury and her treatment with Steve Kirby of Getfitstayfit Norfolk.

Help with Muscle Pain and Recovery after Surgery in Norwich Part 2

The Road to Recovery Starts here! ICE has helped I was told by my surgeon that there would be some bruising in the area. Obviously you can’t ICE on the scar area, but it was the muscles that needed to calm down, so I iced my back for 10 mins every two hours in the Multifidus region. This I believe has aided my recovery in the early days following surgery.

The Road to Recovery Starts here!

 ICE has helped

I was told by my surgeon that there would be some bruising in the area. Obviously you can’t ICE on the scar area, but it was the muscles that needed to calm down, so I iced my back for 10 mins every two hours in the Multifidus region. This I believe has aided my recovery in the early days following surgery.

Diet and Fibre

Essential that you realise you are going to have to go to the loo to evacuate your bowels, your natural instinct, is to hold back as you don’t want to push and one thing you don’t want to do is strain, unfortunately tables such as painkillers can bung you up a bit and make it harder to go, you need to be prepared for this, so think fruit and fibre,  and whole grain fibre cereals they will help , and yes the fruit and berries do make a big difference, orange juice , and drink plenty of water. If you know you are going into hospital, then help yourself by getting into a routine of eating in this way and have your body prepared having a smooth conclusion to this matter, will help you to feel so much better.

Diet and Fibre Essential that you realise you are going to have to go to the loo to evacuate your bowels, your natural instinct, is to hold back as you don’t want to push and one thing you don’t want to do is strain, unfortunately tables such as painkillers can bung you up a bit and make it harder to go, you need to be prepared for this, so think fruit and fibre, and whole grain fibre cereals they will help , and yes the fruit and berries do make a big difference, orange juice , and drink plenty of water. If you know you are going into hospital, then help yourself by getting into a routine of eating in this way and have your body prepared having a smooth conclusion to this matter, will help you to feel so much better.

The Exercises I used and found most helpful

Clenching your Gluteus muscles, supports your lower back on movement and lifting

As I said Stability and support of your lower back are vital .Your Gluteus Maximus being  the largest muscle is great for aiding movement such as sitting ,standing and stretching and co-ordination of actions to reduce pain when clenched. ‎

Get those muscles back in action gently.

The area will be bruised, but the ICE will help with that, as soon as you feel able they need to start being worked. This is done by “lifting your tummy button up towards your back”. Yes, it does take practice! When you are proficient, you can then work up to four sets of ten, holding this for four seconds at a time.

 1st  Sitting upright in a chair, back straight legs slightly apart  breath in through your nose take a deep breath  and clench your glutes at the same time, you will feel your bottom rise slightly and your tummy lift towards your back .)

2nd Again sitting upright in chair legs slightly apart lift hands towards forehead each side, while holding forehead, breath in clench glutes and then slowly rotate your body from the central position to your right, then back to the central, then to the left, the back to central, repeat this again in four sets of ten, holding this for four seconds at a time. Please remember to do this slowly if at any point you feel pain then stop.  One thing I did find with this was it got rid of the build of wind that you seem to have after the abdominal surgery which in its self can be very painful.

3rd Walking a short distance is also greatly beneficial try starting with about 10 minutes a day, then building steadily from there; take it steady it is not a race

 “I would love to have a massage”, but you think you can’t, you feel it could and it would help greatly, but “Normal Orthodox massage would not in my professional opinion be appropriate as lying in a Prone position The area of surgery is a local contra-indication”.

Bio Nuropulse in action

The massage benefits of Post Operative Massage, we have found are the relief of pain, increase blood circulation, nutrients being transported to aid restoration of the injured area The major benefit that I can evidence is vasio  dilation ( Size of blood vessels increasing).Thus helping to relax the muscle and making it less tight /hypo-tonic.  The Neuromuscular techniques used in treatments, enable the release and breakdown of Adhesions that may have formed due to the  excessive release of collagen while our body was building up the Granulation tissue/ scar tissue   necessary , to repair the injured area, we all realise that, after tissue injury we all  develop scarring to some extent, this is the bodies way of healing the damaged area, it is when it  this  Granulation tissue continues to be produced that problems can occur.

By working with the patient laying supine,  the area of surgery being a local contra indication is avoided.  Also this reduces the need of reliance on pain reducing  pharmacological input,  “I was prescribed painkillers at the hospital, as I am sure everyone is, but they did not agree with me as is the case for a few people.

Treatment For A Painful Back In Norwich, Getfitstayfit Norfolk Says “We All Need Good Treatment”

Treatment For A Painful Back In Norwich

One of my clients recently, told me that  prior to coming to my clinic, she had been told.

“Everyone has back problems and you’ve just got to live with it”.

I believe that is a  almost criminal comment. My question is why is this the case and why do we accept it.?

When someone has a Painful Back they should have treatment for it.

Pain comes in several different forms, from the dull nagging ,sharp and sudden, to the pain we have with  Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis .

There are many reasons,but not dealing with muscular pathologies, surely is not the right way to go.

We should not just be expected  to accept it and live with it. This is the field in which we work at Getfitstayfit Norfolk.

If a joint is out of out of alignment it will easily cause multiple issues, one being the lack of good blood supply, then concerns with the nervous system creating pain. Hyperirritable area’s in taut muscle are never a good thing.

Trigger points often appear, also known as trigger sites or muscle knots,( just for the record although called muscle knots a muscle can not knot as it has an origin and an insertion ) are described as hyperirritable spots sarcomeres  in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taunt bands of muscle fibres

Research  has improved considerably in the knowledge of what a Trigger Point Formation is, this is when a dysfunctional endplate occurs, commonly associated with a strain or the over building of muscle tissue that can then be damaged, stored  calcium is realised at the site that creates a oxygen nutrient deficit.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is needed in order to remove the excessive calcium the problem is that ATP is decreased by the tightening of the tissue this then restricts the blood supply . The persistence’s of high calcium  level resumes  causing  Acetylcholine (ACh), release creating  a viscous cycle.

Trigger points often appear, also known as trigger sites or muscle knots,( just for the record although called muscle knots a muscle can not knot as it has an origin and an insertion ) are described as hyperirritable spots sarcomeres in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taunt bands of muscle fibres Research has improved considerably in the knowledge of what a Trigger Point Formation is, this is when a dysfunctional endplate occurs, commonly associated with a strain or the over building of muscle tissue that can then be damaged, stored calcium is realised at the site that creates a oxygen nutrient deficit. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is needed in order to remove the excessive calcium the problem is that ATP is decreased by the tightening of the tissue this then restricts the blood supply . The persistence’s of high calcium level resumes causing Acetylcholine (ACh), release creating a viscous cycle.

Why we can help You.!

The need is to stop the cycle. We specialise in Neuromuscular injury, with cutting edge equipment Neuromuscular Injury Techniques.

The equipment we us is the Bioneuro Therapy System Sigma Q (ΣQ®) designed to deal with, Trigger points, muscle injury and recovery.

It works into deep muscles and nerves which are difficult for a traditional massage therapist to manipulate to enable quicker recovery and “Pain Free Movement “

Runners Knee How Bad IS IT, Advice in Norwich Norfolk.

Runners Knee How Bad IS IT, Advice in Norwich Norfolk

It always amazes me how a type of injury or condition can become synonyms with certain types of  activities or people.  My concern is by simplifying the name of the injury , are we simplifying the injury itself. 

For instance Policeman’s Heel, Athletes’ Foot, Golfers Elbow, Tennis Elbow or Housewives/ Housemaids Knee, (this affects roofers more than any one else),  Builders Back and of course Runners Knee, really are these things a diagnosis  ?

The answer is No they are not, in some case’s it is what we would call an coverall for a few problems, used because the exact problem has not been fully diagnosed for what ever reason.

With muscular injuries this can be the case, because of transferred pain or more than one group of muscles being affected, it should not however take away  the serious of the injury, or the treatment needed just because it has a simple name.

Take Runners Knee for instance.  The real name is  Chondromalacia patellae (CMP)

This is what Wikipedia has to say about it

While the term Chondromalacia sometimes refers to abnormal-appearing cartilage anywhere in the body,it most commonly denotes irritation of the underside of the kneecap (or “patella”). The patella’s posterior surface is covered with a layer of smooth cartilage, which the base of the femur normally glides effortlessly against when the knee is bent. However, in some individuals the kneecap tends to rub against one side of the knee joint, irritating the cartilage and causing knee pain.

This is what Wikipedia has to say about it While the term Chondromalacia sometimes refers to abnormal-appearing cartilage anywhere in the body,it most commonly denotes irritation of the underside of the kneecap (or “patella”). The patella’s posterior surface is covered with a layer of smooth cartilage, which the base of the femur normally glides effortlessly against when the knee is bent. However, in some individuals the kneecap tends to rub against one side of the knee joint, irritating the cartilage and causing knee pain.

The condition may result from acute injury to the patella or chronic friction between the patella and a groove in the femur through which it passes during knee flexion. Possible causes include a tight iliotibial band, Neuromas, bursitis, overuse, malalignment, core instability, and patellar maltracking.

Pain at the front or inner side of the knee is common in both young adults and those of more advanced years, especially when engaging in  football gymnastics cycling rowing tennis ballet basketball, horseback riding, volleyball, running, figure skating, snowboarding, skateboarding, and even swimming. The pain is typically felt after prolonged sitting.” Skateboarders most commonly experience this injury in their non-dominant foot due to the constant kicking and twisting required of it. Swimmers acquire it doing the breaststroke, which demands an unusual motion of the knee

See what I mean it is not so simple and it is not restricted to Runners,

One thing that is apparent, there is pain and you need to rest it and  get treatment, or it will not get better,  just categorising the problem as Runners Knee, will by itself not sort out the problem, you still need to put a treatment package in place with your Doctor so ask the question ” What sort of Runners Knee is it”. Don’t just assume, and don’t let your Doctor just assume you know what it is, you need to have answers you need the right treatment, mainly because you don’t want to make it worse, you may need to wear a knee brace or you may be on your way to a meniscus problem and surgery.

One thing that is apparent, there is pain and you need to rest it and get treatment, or it will not get better, just categorising the problem as Runners Knee, will by itself not sort out the problem, you still need to put a treatment package in place with your Doctor so ask the question ” What sort of Runners Knee is it”. Don’t just assume, and don’t let your Doctor just assume you know what it is, you need to have answers you need the right treatment, mainly because you don’t want to make it worse, you may need to wear a knee brace,Don’t just assume, and don’t let your Doctor just assume you know what it is, you need to have answers you need the right treatment, mainly because you don’t want to make it worse, you may need to wear a knee brace or you may be on your way to a meniscus problem and surgery.

You need an idea of recovery time, don’t forget, when a professional athlete has an injury they have down time to recover, you may not  have that time period, you have to work, what you do in work may irritate the injury. All these factors have to be taken in to consideration. Something that some one with knee problems needs to be aware of they are nearly always degenerative,  don’t assume it will go away it may settle down for a time, but things can trigger it off again and you can be your own worse enemy.

Piriformis Syndrome Suffered For 23 Years Restored To Fitness In A Few Weeks By Getfitstayfit Norfolk For This Norwich Lady

I started to get a sore hip about 23 years ago, it’s on set coincided with starting to drive. It hurt on and off for about 16 years, it was inconvenient at times, but not too bad. Then just over 7 years ago my whole lower back and hamstrings became very tight and sore pretty much all the time. There were periods when my Piriformis muscle was so painful I could not stand still for more than 2 minutes.

J came to our Clinic a couple of months ago, first time on meeting it was clear this was a lady who was so stressed, because she was in great pain, and felt that she had never been listened too about her injury, she needed help so Steve was determined to get to the root of the problem and sort it out.

“I started to get a sore hip about 23 years ago, it’s on set coincided with starting to drive. It hurt on and off for about 16 years, it was inconvenient at times, but not too bad. Then just over 7 years ago my whole lower back and hamstrings became very tight and sore pretty much all the time.

There were periods when my Piriformis muscle was so painful I could not stand still for more than 2 minutes.

Sometimes when my whole lower back would lock up so it would take about 5 minutes to bend myself into a chair and to straighten out again when I wanted to get up. The flare up’s were awful, my back used to take about 3 months to calm down.

Sometimes when my whole lower back would lock up so it would take about 5 minutes to bend myself into a chair and to straighten out again when I wanted to get up. The flare up’s were awful, my back used to take about 3 months to calm down. When it was really bad, I certainly couldn’t do everyday things like bend down to look in a draw or pick something off the floor. The worse thing was I never knew what was going to set it off, I got so paranoid at trying to prevent a flare up I kept diaries to try and second guess what might aggravate it. I took a cushion everywhere with me as hard chairs were a big no no. It was a really miserable existence.

When it was really bad, I certainly couldn’t do everyday things like bend down to look in a draw or pick something off the floor. The worse thing was I never knew what was going to set it off, I got so paranoid at trying to prevent a flare up I kept diaries to try and second guess what might aggravate it. I took a cushion everywhere with me as hard chairs were a big no no. It was a really miserable existence.

When I explained these limitations to my doctor, rather than being concerned that an otherwise very healthy 38 year old, that until recently used to play rugby and run regularly, was unable to bend over due to extreme muscle tightness and lower back pain, she suggested that I stop trying to bend down! That was it, that was all she had to offer. Oh, that and some drugs to dull the pain.

Eventually I left the job I loved so that I could work part time as I thought sitting at a desk all week might have been part of the problem. It didn’t really make much difference.

Over the years I have seen all manner of back people, chiropractors, physios, osteopaths, sports masseurs, occupational health specialists, you name it, I just wish they were on performance related pay because none of them managed to make much of a difference and I have spent a fortune. It wasn’t just the odd appointment either, I saw one guy regularly at the Spire hospital for over a year.

I think it would be fair to say most of them just wanted to know which bit hurt at the time and they would then work on that area. No one seemed interested in the underlying problem i.e. the cause of my tight leg and back muscles that I knew was causing all the problems.

I asked many times, believe me, I just never got an answer.

Then during the summer holidays this year, after struggling to walk the half mile to the local park with my sons so they could practice a bit of rugby, I decided enough was enough.

At the time it was my Piriformis muscle that was really bad so I Googled ‘Piriformis/Norfolk’ (as not all specialists even believe in Piriformis syndrome, let alone know what to do with it) and Steve’s details were top of the search list. Piriformis Syndrome

Steve agreed to fit me in that night at his home clinic. Rather than doing the usual massage on the area that I was used to from other physios, he put my feet in a bucket of water and then connected me to the mains. To be honest I thought at best he was a bit eccentric and at worst he was going to kill me. I was actually quite disheartened. After reading his web site earlier, I had felt more positive about seeing Steve than I had most of the other specialists I had seen over the years. It was that old cliché of ‘could he be the one?’

I asked many times, believe me, I just never got an answer. Then during the summer holidays this year, after struggling to walk the half mile to the local park with my sons so they could practice a bit of rugby, I decided enough was enough. At the time it was my Piriformis muscle that was really bad so I Googled ‘Piriformis/cure/Norfolk’ (as not all specialists even believe in Piriformis syndrome, let alone know what to do with it) and Steve’s details were top of the search list. Piriformis Syndrome

I was clinging on for Hope.

After the appointment, I didn’t feel much better and was feeling really down, but the next morning I woke up and I just knew something was different. Not just better, but different. I have been seeing Steve for about two months now and for the first time in 23 years I feel nearly normal and I know he is going to make me pain free. When Steve first started treating me he promised he would make me pain free and although that promised cheered me up no end, I didn’t really believe him. Not deep down.

Steve’s view is that if a back hurts, there is a problem that needs fixing. Find the source of the problem and fix it – for good.

So many so called professionals have told me to expect to have back pain, that everyone has back pain, that it’s normal. To get on with it, to accept it, to live with it, accommodate it.

And the really sad thing is, I was actually starting to listen to them! I gave up a job I loved and was bracing myself for an old age blighted by a back that was surely only going to get worse.

Well now I feel fantastic. I have got a new job – full time again – I feel like I did when I was 20. I feel so ‘normal’ I still can’t believe it. It’s been so long I can hardly remember what normal is.

Every time I bend down to get something out of a cupboard, I notice that I don’t hurt or have to do the task by kneeling on the floor. Every morning when I first get out of bed and don’t have to walk to the bathroom semi bent because I can’t straighten up for a while, I notice it. I think I will be noticing it for a long time.

Steve is amazing. He uses his ‘fizzy’ machine to sort you out. It really works miracles. And it feels fab, bit like a spa session!

Plantar Fasciitis , Plantar Fasciosis.or Capsulitis.Getfitstayfit Norfolk Asks Which Is It ?

Plantar Fasciitis , Plantar Fasciosis or Capsulitis

You may have heard of Plantar Fasciitis,  it is Painful, but you may not have realised that there is also Plantar Fasciosis or Capsulitis they are all different,

The main differences being  that with Plantar Fasciitis there is inflammatory swelling in the area  around  the connective tissue or ligament on the sole (bottom surface) of the foot.

This is a common condition and if treated immediately it may not degenerate.  The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the toes.

The best treatment is R.I.C.E. As the swelling goes down , then and only then can you start on stretching the area again some of the exercise’s  include a Tennis or golf ball and rolling it under the foot from the toes to the heel, massage of the area is very useful, but remember with out treatment and care it will degenerate, to become a long term injury. So take care rest when it is needed, keep on top of it, or it will beat you. What causes it, now here is the problem if you are a runner, or dancer the bad news is, it is often caused by overuse of the plantar fascia, increases in activities, weight or age.

This is a common condition and if treated immediately it may not degenerate. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the toes.You may have heard of Plantar Fasciitis, it is Painful, but you may not have realised that there is also Plantar Fasciosis or Capsulitis they are all different, The main differences being that with Plantar Fascitis there is inflammatory swelling in the area around the connective tissue or ligament on the sole (bottom surface) of the foot. This is a common condition and if treated immediately it may not degenerate. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the toes. The best treatment is R.I.C.E. As the swelling goes down , then and only then can you start on stretching the area again some of the exercise’s include a Tennis or golf ball and rolling it under the foot from the toes to the heel, massage of the area is very useful, but remember with out treatment and care it will degenerate, to become a long term injury. So take care rest when it is needed, keep on top of it, or it will beat you. What causes it, now here is the problem if you are a runner, or dancer the bad news is, it is often caused by overuse of the plantar fascia, increases in activities, weight or age.

The long term condition Plantar Fasciosis . The suffix “osis” implies a pathology of chronic degeneration this is  without inflammation. Since tendons and ligaments  do not contain blood vessels they do not actually become inflamed. Instead, injury to the tendon is usually the result of an accumulation over time of microscopic tears at the cellular level. Well folk this is still not looking good if you are a runner or dancer as these microscopic tears  need time to heal, we all know how dedicated runners are to there sport, but if not treated and time taken to rest , then running may no longer be an option. Better to rest when you need should, than to have to give up all together.

We don’t want this to happen, Prevention is the best way to go with this problem, first your feet are your best friends you need them never mind Stand by me this is a case of Stand on them and you need to be able to with out pain.

How do we know we have it

First of all there is , the pain, usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps of the day not a  great way to start the morning . Another symptom is that the sufferer has difficulty bending the foot so that the toes are brought toward putting on shoes the shin (decreased dorsiflextionof the ankle ). Also a symptom commonly recognized among sufferers of plantar fasciitis is an increased probability of knee pain, this is very presented among  runners

 

Capsulitis. 

This is pain that is  Sometimes felt in the  ball-of-foot it is  mistakenly assumed to be derived from plantar fasciitis, But this is a dull pain or numbness in the metatarsal region of the foot  and unlikely to be the plantar fascia inflamed and  more likely to be the  metatarsalgia, also called Capsulitis.  This is an inflamed flexor digitorum brevis muscle

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.

Looking after your feet. It is Essential.

If your a runner at some point your will get the urge to try for one of the Big Ones you will want the medal , so preparation is of the utmost importance. Having looked after a quite a number of runners at events including the London Marathon, I have seen some injuries cause by the wrong shoes from  gait to knee injuries, lower back problems and  messed up feet, a lot of these injuries could have been prevented by the right footwear, we recommend and advise our clients  to go to a good Sports shop, that know what they are talking about . The reasons why you need a certain shoe, from the shape to  the type of material  structure of the shoe. As Sports Injury  Therapist I don’t sell shoes, but I do have a very good relationship with  some Sports shops so I asked for advice  on your behalf from a very reputable company this is what Neil of Sportlink Running-Fitness Specialists  had to say.

” My main warning would be to just be very careful who you buy from online i.e. always buy from a running specialist!!

I have been in this trade for 25 years and have seen so many changes during that time. I know the industry inside out having also worked with a number of manufactures as well.

There are lots of processes that shoes have to go through during the manufacturing of a quality shoe i.e. moulding, temperatures, time, etc, etc and this is just for the midsole. However and as with all industries some times there are one or two problems whereby product is not finished correctly and end up being sold via the grey market to wholesalers in bulk i.e. grade two and even grade three product.

Looking after your feet. It is Essential. If your a runner at some point your will get the urge to try for one of the Big Ones you will want the medal , so preparation is of the utmost importance. Having looked after a quite a number of runners at events including the London Marathon, I have seen some injuries cause by the wrong shoes from gait to knee injuries, lower back problems and messed up feet, a lot of these injuries could have been prevented by the right footwear, we recommend and advise our clients to go to a good Sports shop, that know what they are talking about . The reasons why you need a certain shoe, from the shape to the type of material structure of the shoe. As Sports Injury Therapist I don’t sell shoes, but I do have a very good relationship with some Sports shops so I asked for advice on your behalf from a very reputable company this is what Neil of Sportlink Running-Fitness Specialists had to say .

Any good running specialist would not touch this product with a barge pole!!

We certainly will not, but do see it several times when customers come back to us with a pair of supposed top quality shoes that have broken down very quickly due to soft midsoles or the customer is injured due to the midsoles being too hard.

We can tell straight away just by feel and sometimes from the codes inside the tongue. Anything more than 25% off trade is basically old stock which has to be cleared, but after a maximum of two years oxidation of the EVA foam is likely to have taken place or as already stated the product could be faulty. At Sportlink as I am sure at The Runners Centre and Pilch as well, you can be sure that you will always be sold product of the highest quality. Running shoes are the most important piece of kit you will buy, so always be 100% sure before buying

Lower Back Pain for Hannah Due to PSD Came to Getfitstayfit Norfolk For Treatment.

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

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

When you work with people that have suffered an injury and are in pain, you have to treat the whole person and you build up a relationship  with them, we hate to see our clients in pain and the sooner we can get them out of pain the better,

One of the best things about this job is seeing a client recover and be pain free.

“After having four children quite close together, the pressure of pregnancy and birth had weakened my lower back and unfortunately led to a severe prolapsed disc.”

Hannah is a lovely lady, but my first meeting with her was quite upsetting, she could not stand  or walk with out aid she was in so much pain, her husband was doing his best for her, but with four children they needed help, I was so glad I was able to be the person to help them. She had suffered with PSD during and after her pregnancies, that had left her with Pelvic and Back Issues.

Here is her Story.

After having four children quite close together, the pressure of pregnancy and birth had weakened my lower back and unfortunately led to a severe prolapsed disc. I thought labour had been painful, but the pain I was experiencing with my back was on a par!

A friend had recommended Steve to me and as I could barely walk, and only then with assistance, Steve very kindly came out to my home. I had several treatments with Steve and each time I made noticeable improvement, both in pain relief and mobility.

It was only after a few treatments with Steve that I had my MRI which confirmed a L4-L5 prolapsed disc. I was told in my orthopaedic assessment that it was severe enough to warrant surgery as I was suffering with sciatica and trouble with my waterworks as a result. However, by the time I met with the surgeon to discuss the operation I was told the operation was no longer necessary due to my massive improvement, I no longer had sciatica and my mobility and pain had reduced significantly.

The surgeon asked what treatment I had been undergoing and I told him about Steve and  The Bioneuro Therapy System Sigma Q (ΣQ®). He had never heard of it, but said to keep at it because it was obviously working!

“I can’t thank Steve and Jacqui enough, they were an answer to prayer. I was in so much pain and the relief their Bioneuro Therapy System Sigma Q (ΣQ®) treatment they gave me was remarkable. They were both so kind and encouraging along the way, I didn’t just feel like I was a patient, but a friend. Thank you!”

Suffering With Chronic Back Pain Till Treated By Getfitstayfit Norfolk

Suffering With Chronic Back Pain

Sat on the floor unable to get up because of the intense pain , wondering if this was how her life was going to be.

Sara a keen Harpist  came to Getfitstayfit Norfolk, after her husband had come home to find her, Sat on the floor in the kitchen unable to get up and in intense pain, she had been through so much and was and her wits end. He told me, Sara had had a couple of rather bad accidents, causing trauma related injuries and nothing was working to get this, use to be very active lady back to how she was.

For him seeing his wife in constant pain and unable to help her himself, his question to me was “Do you think you can help”.

Well that was back in April so it has been a while, a lot of work and determination from both Sara and myself, but folks we have got there this week, we have finished treatment, I will see Sara for the occasional maintenance massage, but this lady has now got her life back and I am so proud, her spirits are soaring and soon so will the Kite.

For him seeing his wife in constant pain and unable to help her himself, his question to me was “Do you think you can help”. Well that was back in April so it has been a while, a lot of work and determination from both Sara and myself, but folks we have got there this week, we have finished treatment, I will see Sara for the occasional maintenance massage, but this lady has now got her life back and I am so proud, her spirits are soaring and soon so will the Kite.

Here is her testimonial.

 

Steve, I hardly know how to thank you for literally giving me back my life.

I am 74yrs old (young now!) and for the last fifteen years or so have suffered from increasing pain, stiffness and weakness in my hips, knees, legs and feet.  MRI and X-rays showed nothing other than  some ‘age-related degeneration’!   Appointments with the Rheumatologist (3) and Neurologist resulted in drugs and painkillers.  Diagnosis…possibly fibromyalgia (fibrositis) and when the inflammation got worse, polymyalgia, for which I had 18 months of steroids.  Over the years I have had three episodes of plantar fasciitis and several Achilles tendon flare-ups.  Each time the problems were treated with cortisone injections….very painful, with relief… until the next time!

Over the years I have tried variously, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Bowen Therapy, Acupuncture, Physiotherapy  (at least three different sessions of 6 treatments), therapeutic and sports massage, orthotic shoe inserts herbal treatment, vitamins, more exercise/less exercise, antidepressants, prayer and healing.

With the pain and stiffness, I was becoming increasingly ‘disabled’, unable to walk far, get up after sitting, or in the morning, without my crutches.  Car journeys, even short ones, were a nightmare (I’ve stood by the car, shaking because of the pain)  Literally , with so much weakness and burning pain in my legs and feet, I was unable to get up off the floor unaided, as my arms were becoming more painful and weaker.

Exercise and hobbies, mine are flying dual string Peter Powell kites and Playing the Harp)both became impossible.  I felt very low.

Then I met you, Steve.   Immediately, you understood how much tension and inflammation there was in my muscles. Your considerable skill and insight, coupled with the use of The Bioneuro Therapy System Sigma Q(ΣQ®) and massage on the Hydrotherm Massage system, we began slowly to produce results.  My mood lifted and I began really to believe that I would get better.  Your ability to think laterally, meant that we had got to ‘Plan C’ when the breakthrough occurred. Powerful ultrasound via the Bioneuro helped to loosen up the muscle tissues and  my system to restore circulation and blocked neural pathways.  Muscles began to ‘fire’ again.

I tell all my friends and they can see the difference, so you should be inundated with requests for help! 

Now that I have been signed off and passed as fully fit, may I tell you what an enormous debt of gratitude I owe you?  I can now look forward to my remaining years with joy and enthusiasm.

Bless you

Sara

Give your Achilles Tendon a Bit of a Lift? Part 2

Further Problems/ Injuries that occur Paratenonitis is an acute Achilles injury causing inflammation usually due to overuse, affecting the Tendon Sheath or Paratendo “In really acute cases, the tendon can be a sausage shape, because of the severity of the swelling. This is a common one for runners especially after a long run. They may also feel stiffness and discomfort at the beginning of the run, but as you guys always seem to try to push through the discomfort. a word of warning “This will typically aggravated the injury, when you need to relieve it by rest please do so If left untreated, Paratenonitis will progress to the point that any running becomes extremely difficult.”

Further Problems/ Injuries that occur 

Paratenonitis is an acute Achilles injury causing inflammation usually due to overuse, affecting the Tendon Sheath or Paratendo “In really acute cases, the tendon can be a sausage shape, because of the severity of the swelling. This is a common one for runners especially after a long run. They may also feel stiffness and discomfort at the beginning of the run, but as you guys always seem to try to push through the discomfort. a word of warning  “This will typically aggravated the injury, when you need to relieve it by rest please do so If left untreated, Paratenonitis will progress to the point that any running becomes extremely difficult.”

The area approximately two inches above the Calcaneus attachment is most susceptible. In this area, the Achilles tendon does not have good blood supply or cell activity, so injury can be slow to heal. The tendon receives nutrients from the tendon sheath or Paratendon. When an injury occurs to the tendon, cells from surrounding structures migrate into the tendon to assist in repair. Some of these cells come from blood vessels that enter the tendon to provide direct blood flow to increase healing. With the blood vessels you also get nerve fibres’.

It is believed, that these nerve fibres are the cause of the pain. So while it is healing it will cause you a lot more pain, some say “It is like having an Arrow in your heel” Not very fair but unlike Achilles painful fate, you’re not going to die from it and there are things you can do to help yourself, but recovery from an sever Achilles tendon injury can take anything up to 12 or even 16 months, a long time if you are a runner that is why I always say “Early Intervention is better than long recovery time’s”

So what is Tendinosis? Well the point is most pain within the Achilles tendon, may be classified as Tendinosis. This may be because it involves tendon degeneration, whether it has inflammation or not. In addition, the tendon may become weakened and lose its structure. Aging plays it own part in this process, repetitive injury, or a minor trauma, through occupation or sports. Whatever the reason, “Without proper treatment and healing time, of the area Tendinosis will eventually progress to partial or complete ruptures, if you continue to put high pressure on them, that are physically demanding.

So what is Tendinosis?

Well the point is most pain within the Achilles tendon, may be classified as Tendinosis.

This may be because it involves tendon degeneration, whether it has inflammation or not. In addition, the tendon may become weakened and lose its structure. Aging plays it own part in this process, repetitive injury, or a minor trauma, through occupation or sports. Whatever  the reason, “Without proper treatment and healing time, of the area  Tendinosis will eventually progress to partial or complete ruptures, if you continue to put high pressure on them, that are  physically demanding.

What Can You Do To Help or Prevent Achilles Problems?

 

Let’s start with the obvious

Preventive exercises aimed at strengthening the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles,

This means,  repetitions of slowly raising and lowering the body while standing on the affected leg, (Calf Raises)   using the opposite arm to assist balance and support if necessary, starting with the heel in a hyperextended position. (Hyperextension is typically achieved by balancing the forefoot on the edge of a step, a thick book, or a barbell weight. so that the point of the heel is a couple of inches below the forefoot. You don’t have to wait till there is a problem to do this exercise use it in your regular stretches,

Don’t take on too much too fast, slowly Increase the intensity and the difficulty of an exercise and running program do not put strain on your Achilles.

An ultimate must here !

Always Use appropriate footwear. The more arch support, the less strain there is on the heel and associated muscles. Wearing heel pads to reduce the strain on the tendon, and remember, if you start to show signs that there is a problem occurring.

Don’t leave it and hope it goes away, you can’t run it off, and it won’t just go away.

Use Standard RICE Treatment with Ice, cold compression therapy then please seek help. Early intervention can save you from lots of problems later.

 If you have an injury and need more advice give us a call, but please don’t leave it.

A few weeks rest or less, from running is better than 12 months or not ever again. 

 

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.

Severe Pain Across Lower Back And Down Both Legs

Severe Pain Across Lower Back And Down Both Legs

I had severe pain across my lower back and down one or both legs.

This is Jennie’s story, she came to me with a number of issues and it was a long process, it had its ups and downs , but Jennie is a determined woman and we worked through the downs  to achieve the very positive ups , she wanted her life back and not a drug induced existence, of which she was having to deal with because of the Morphine Patches , of which I can happily say she no longer needs. At first it she came to me  weekly, but as she progressed she only needed to see me once a month, now it is and when she feels she needs too and the difference in Jennie is quite something.

I was unable to carry on a normal life. I was then put on to Morphine patches which did help -but for the rest of my life? Steve has given me hope. After 18 months, with treatment on the Bioneuro Dry System I am taking little or no painkillers. I have just walked 3 miles with my dog and can look forward to a future.

“Hello

I contacted Steve Kirby on August Bank Holiday 2011,he offered me help straight away. I had been in severe pain for over 4 years after pulling my wet dog out of the river. I had severe pain across my lower back and down one or both legs. No specialist-Orthopaedic, Neurologist or Rheumatoid offered any help. Following MRI scans[which showed several bulging discs I was given steroid and analgesic injections with no effect.

I was also given Denervation [burning of the nerves]  to stop the pain. That did not work either.

I was unable to carry on a normal life. I was then put on to Morphine patches which did help -but for the rest of my life?

Steve has given me hope. After 18 months, with treatment on the Bioneuro Dry System I am taking little or no painkillers. I have just walked 3 miles with my dog and can look forward to a future.”