What Foot & Heel Pain Treatment in Norwich, Norfolk ???

Heel Pain

Mark came to our clinic here in Norwich in a great deal of PAIN in his FOOT and more now he is .“Pain Free, yes after 18 month’s of constant pain he is now pain free in his heel and  back he is now back participating in sport once again and enjoying life. “

Mark told us “ About 24 months ago I started suffering with a pain in my left heel and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. During the next 12 months I tried various methods to resolve the issue from Adjustable boots to massage balls for your feet all which gave me limited relief for short periods of time.

"About 24 months ago I started suffering with a pain in my left heel and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. During the next 12 months I tried various methods to resolve the issue from Adjustable boots to massage balls for your feet all which gave me limited relief for short periods of time.

I was recommended to contact, “Get fit stay fit Norfolk and talk to Steve, make an appointment for an assessment.”

I met Steve at his treatment room and he set about assessing my problem with my heel, however what I got was a complete MOT….Steve asked a series of questions about my current well being, completed a physical and set about assessing me.

“So, just my heel your thinking, oh No, I also mentioned to Steve that I suffered from Backache from time to time and the occasional headache as well but the main issue was with my heel.”

It soon became clear that my backache was as a result of me walking differently because of the pain in my heel. Steve suggested a course of Bioneuro Therapy coupled with a deep massage.

To be honest, I was sceptical with the approach as I hadn’t seen this type of therapy before, however in for a penny in for a pound as they say, as I thought I’ve got nothing to loose.

Early results were frustrating for me as I was getting some relief for short periods of time but the pain continued for some time. I attended Steve’s clinic weekly and continued with the course of treatment. Steve was also dealing with my back issue and also used Bioneuro Therapy coupled with a deep massage in this area as well and what he called Neuromuscular Manipulation 

I cant say that I enjoyed all of the deep massages (No pain no Gain comes to mind) at the time, but the rest was ok and the  benefit of this coupled with the Bioneuro Therapy had  started to pay dividends.

I hadn’t expected an instant cure and maybe I was hoping for a quicker result.

Steve explained to me that the damage had been done over a long period of time and would take time to heal , but you get to a tipping point when the healing starts to progress and things really do feel better, it is easy to forget how much pain you were in. 

This is how it happened to me, the periods where I was pain free started to extend between treatments and the treatments became less frequent that has now brought me to my current status…….Pain Free, yes after 18 month’s of constant pain I’m now pain free in my heel and my back.

I’m now back participating in sport once again and I’m enjoying life.  

Regards

Mark

For Raven Giving up Kick Boxing Was not an Option

Kick Boxing

Raven attended Getfitstayfit Norfolk earlier this summer with server knee pain.

Steve ,carried out a full knee exam and found his knee to be very unstable, a few home truths had to be told to this young man as to what he may be facing.

A torn Meniscus and Posterior Cruciate Ligament damage were Steve’s findings, his knee was locking and giving way.

 

“I have been in the Sports Injury business for many years, but Ravens Injuries were some of the worst I had seen in a long time.”

This young man is a serious Martial Artist, Kick Boxer and Coach, a knee injury  was devastating news for him.

We started to be treat Raven on the BioNeuro MK2 Sigma Q, to help get some sort of function back  into the knee,

then on Raven next visit he informed us “That after the first treatment  session his knee did NOT lockup at all,” so  Steve knew he had something to work with .

Steve, explained to Raven how the nerve pathways  worked in the knee on the muscles and ligament’ s, setting up a treatment plan, knowing

Raven would have to be referred  to see a Orthopaedic  Surgeon in Norwich due to the Trauma in the area the surgery concerned and with conditions that would affect the Musculoskeletal system (the bones, joints, ligaments ,tendons, muscles and nerves)  it would be important for him to be in the best shape possible for this surgery.

The first appointment with the surgeon was arranged, an MRI scan was ordered, the result ,showed numerous problems this sort of injury affected so much and would need

. “A dogs dinner “ was the description the surgeon gave it . “I will try to do all I can to save the knee “. These were his closing words as procedures for surgery where started.

 “A dogs dinner “ was the description the surgeon gave it . “I will try to do all I can to save the knee “. These were his closing words as procedures for surgery  where started.

In the meantime while waiting for Surgery it was our job to keep Ravens Muscles supple and flexible in preparation for the operation, the aim being to make things easier for the surgeon to do his work.

Further weekly sessions of BioNeuroMK2, continued along with Neuromuscular Therapy and Massage, the need for No More Deterioration was important,  thankfully Raven being young and very physically fit, also understanding the importance of continued exercise was able to keep on top of things.

Raven, is deeply dedicated to his sport he was also in training for a title fight . “I was totally gob smacked ,people in the gym did not know I had a problem .” Said Raven, we were a bit concerned at this, but there was no longer any  locking or giving way ,no instability with this mans knee at all.

Then the day of the pre-operation  assessment came . Raven contacted us and said, “Steve I went, but I felt very guilty, every other patient there, was for surgery with a similar problems to mine, but they were in wheelchairs or on crutch’s, while I was walking normally” said Raven.

The operation took place at  Norfolk and Norwich under an incredible Orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Charles Mann MBBS, FRCS(Eng), FRCS(Ed), FRCS(Orth), whom we respect and admire greatly , along with his team, having completed the surgery,  he then gave Raven  a small gift,  part of the damaged cartilage that he had removed and told him

 

“Well ,we have saved your knee .”

Further Bioneuro treatment will now help in a rehabilitation program and restore full function quicker than orthodox physiotherapy.

One last word from Raven . ” Thank God for  Steve, The Bioneuro Treatment , and a great surgeon “

A fighter who we know has return, stronger and fitter to achieve his goals ! 

One last word from Raven . ” Thank God for Steve, The BioNeuro Treatment , and a great surgeon “. A fighter who we know will return,stronger and fitter to achieve his goals !

Return To The Green And Bowls, Earlier Than Anticipated, for Michael Thanks to Getfitstayfit Norfolk

Bowls

Hobbies that involve exercise and socialising are enormously beneficial to both our physical and mental well being.

So when Michael developed a frozen shoulder his time away from his Outdoor and Indoor Bowls was not only painful but frustrating for him.

Previous shoulder issues treated only with rest and medication will not properly rehabilitate and are prone to re-injury until properly conditioned by corrective exercise, therapy treatment, Sports Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy and manipulation . Exercises alone will not gain full pain free restoration and quality of life.

” I had been to my doctor and was told that I had tendinitis and needed an injection in the shoulder, but there was possibly a 24 week wait, the pain was growing worse and life was getting more difficult and my chances of playing in competitions were proving difficult , I  knew I had to do something about it.”

Michael then came to see Steve Kirby at Getfitstayfit Norfolk.

Michael responded to treatment very well right from the start using the Bioneuro and Neuromuscular Techniques with Sports Massage, Steve was able to help Michael gain Pain Free Movement without the need for the Steroid injection.

In a very Short Time Michael was back on the green enjoying his game and his Social life.

“After my very first session with Steve my shoulder felt so much Better with the majority of my movement restored;” enthused Michael “After two more sessions with Steve my shoulder felt completely better.”

It is now three months since Michael’s treatment he has had a great season of Competition  Outdoor Bowls  with out so much as a twinge.

Steve and I went to see Michael at a match and get some photos, also to thank him for the referrals he had sent our way.

It was great to see how well he was doing, although we had made Michael very happy and his game is now back on top form, one of his competitors may not have been to happy , he came to us and asked.

“Why have you fixed him we were doing so well while he was injured”.

 

“Well you can’t please everyone, but we are so glad we were able to please Michael.” 

In a very Short Time Michael was back on the green enjoying his game and his Social life. “After my very first session with Steve my shoulder felt so much Better with the majority of my movement restored;” enthused Michael “After two more sessions with Steve my shoulder felt completely better.” It is now three months since Michael’s treatment he has had a great season of Competition Outdoor Bowls with out so much as a twinge. Steve and I went to see Michael at a match and get some photos, also to thank him for the referrals he had sent our way. It was great to see how well he was doing, although we had made Michael very happy and his game is now back on top form, one of his competitors may not have been to happy , he came to us and asked. “Why have you fixed him we were doing so well while he was injured”.

When Steve came to Getfitstayfit Norfolk , He was not in the best of form and wanted to do the” 100km Race to The Stones”

100km Race

Sometimes  you get a client that you just know you were meant to help , they have a goal they have to achieve and you need to help them achieve it.

Steve is one such client , we always do our very best for our clients it is our aim to help all our clients be the best they can be.

When someone comes to you with the sort of goal Steve wants to achieve then you know you have to take out all the stops .

When Steve came to me , he was not in the best of form we talked and he told me what he wanted to do,  his answer  stopped me in my tracks it was ” Simple I have  decided to run 100km non stop! A Race to the stones”

Here is some of Steve’s story . It is long , but it deserves to be read it will I hope touch your heart as it did mine  

So how to do this? “Simple – decide to run 100km non stop”

Did you know 17 babies are stillborn everyday in the UK.

Their beautiful little lives are ended before they have even begun.

17 families devastated every day

Before I go further just let that really sink in for a second…..

My name is Steve and back in 2009 my wife and I became one of those statistics.

What I am going to do is a personal milestone, to acknowledge that although I will never forget my first boy I feel I have come through the other side.

Today I have 3 beautiful healthy kids and an absolute inspiration of a wife and The time is right to “pay it back” to one of the supporting charities that helped my wife through her most darkest hours – SANDS 

I want to rewind back to 2009. It is very easy to do because even 6 years on the sequence of events and emotions are burnt on my mind.

I remember waking up in the morning and I could see on my wife’s face that something wasn’t right. She looked at me with a knowing look. She said she hadn’t felt the baby move for sometime. My first reaction was “don’t worry its probably asleep”.

“It” because we didn’t know if it was a boy or a girl

So we contacted the maternity ward and they said to come straight in. That 30 minute drive felt like 3 hours. Eventually we reached the maternity ward and I will always remember the room we went into it was Bay B. Ironic I thought.

The midwife hooked us up to the machine that checks for the baby sounds. My feelings were, just wait for it, and the heartbeat will be there any second like some train or horse. However the midwife was rooting around over and over and over again.

She then said I’m just going to call the doctor ! I can not describe the wave of panic that comes over you at that point and my wife looked at me for comfort.

My heart was coming out of my chest I had no words or comfort. I just held her hand and started to pray for a good outcome. I’m not religious but it’s funny how you look for higher assistance when you are subjected to such desperate situations.

Just then a very smartly dressed consultant came in wearing a dickie bow of all things. It’s funny the things you remember that aren’t important to the situation.

He then took hold of the machine and moved the pads around. This was for at least a minute and then all of a sudden like the cold light of day calmly said to us I am very sorry but there is no pulse

BANG !! – There it was Probably the single most worst thing you will ever hear in your life.

Your child, the one your beautiful wife has carried, suffered for and loved for 9 months was dead. My wife was in her 39th week!

I can not describe what that change of emotion from one day elation to the next of devastation does to you.

Your body goes into self protection mode. You go numb, you feel your not in your own body, you are in denial but yet when you tell family and friends you become surprisingly calm as their emotions start to outpour.

the next day or so is a blur of bad news rippling across your family and friends and receiving massage after message of sympathy which at the time you just fob off.

And the real kicker, we are put into a room next to the delivery suite where you guessed it, we are hearing healthy babies born. Of course we don’t begrudge these people but you do ask the question why us ?

You can’t mull over it, you won’t be getting an answer on that !

So the next huge challenge if we hadn’t already had enough. My wife has to deliver our stillbirth son. Now I have always had respect for my wife, but I cannot describe how this increased in that delivery room that day.

I have no words for what emotions she must have felt along with the pains of labor. Only she knows.

What I do know is that day cemented my love and respect for her. After a good few hours my wife finally gave birth to our son. The emotion – elation !!

How can this be you could ask? Again I have no answer. He looked perfect only the mere fact he wasn’t Alive. That is very hard to take when you physically have him in your arms.

We were very grateful for the short time we had before we had to hand him over to the hospital for funeral arrangements.

That’s right funeral arrangements for your newly born child. Doesn’t compute does it !

However I have never taken a step back to appreciate where I really am in this recovery 2016 is a year of reflection and positive action On New Year’s Eve I made a promise myself to start such action. The first port of call was to raise money for the charity that supported my wife through her darkest hours. This charity is SANDS (Stillbirth & Neo natal Death)

The midwives were absolutely brilliant and they took hand prints and footprints. I thought it was a little strange but I am thankful for that as today we have these safely stored away in his memory box. We also took countless photos as well.

When we arrived home we were greeted with all the little clothes we had brought in preparation and of course the empty nursery.

My wife could give a better account of how empty we felt. For me it was a day for the wife 9 months of anticipation.

Over the coming days we sat down and organised the funeral. The hospital were great in arranging the funeral which was held on site and I managed to summon up enough strength to say a few words. I needed to do that.

We chose a few songs that we thought appropriate and to this day if I hear them on the radio I have to turn it off. It takes me right back to the little coffin sat in front of us.

At this point I would like to recognize and thank various people. Our families, Our friends.The consultant.The mid wives,The vicar,The crematorium

Our boy was scattered on a beautiful garden area specific to children. With a wooden and brass star surrounded by flowers and heather. It’s such a peaceful place and we visit on regular occasions to swap over toys.

This put a line under the first chapter but the following months became a challenge.  As we started to grieve In isolation my wife craved support and I craved a bloody great hole which I could hide in.

I felt bad that I couldn’t support my wife In the manner she desired so much but this led her to a new network of support and although I don’t know these people personally they played the biggest part in this recovery. This was simply a group of extraordinary women that had been through the same thing and had set up a social network support group.

My wife spent countless hours speaking to them and this certainly helped where she was at, along with the counselling and the support of count the kicks & SANDS, I could see my wife turning a small corner.

I chucked myself into work and sport.

For a period of time I could sense the only option was to go our own way and separate as we were kind of dragging each other down and slowing the recovery.

However I had a moment of genius and my wife reluctantly agreed – we got a dog. It was a border collie pup and my God did we bite of more than we could chew. He was a terror, but at the same time he was brilliant – he certainly took our mind’s of day to day mundane emotions.

Guess what a few months later my wife was pregnant – this was 2011 by now.

The dog got shipped to the folks who still have him today and he’s a little more calmer than when we had him.

The next 9 months were a paranoid one as you can imagine, however, thankfully under some great consultant led care my wife gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy.

As the months went by and we got acclimatised to being parents, I couldn’t help but think about what if our stillborn boy and our new son were together, but this wouldn’t be the case as we wouldn’t have had them together like that and you think that your new son wouldn’t then be here.

It’s a weird thought process but I can imagine parents that have had rainbow babies would understand.

A rainbow baby is one that is born after a stillbirth if you were wondering.

So fast forward to 2016. Add two further beautiful children, add two parents that have learnt a lot of empathy towards parent hood, add two very loving and respecting parents and you have the foundation of a happy future.

Of course you will have ups and downs but having gone through what is the worst scenario a parent could we are well prepared to hit any challenge head on as a family unit.My Beautiful, Strong & Living Wife – Lucy,My First Boy who I will never forget – Roan, My Kids, my legacy  – Evan, Noah & Maggie,

7 years on from losing our son there has been a number of life events that have, shall we say taken priority of the rawness of loss.

Our beautiful kids, work, personal activities etc….

However I have never taken a step back to appreciate where I really am in this recovery 2016 is a year of reflection and positive action

On New Year’s Eve I made a promise myself to start such action.

The first port of call was to raise money for the charity that supported my wife through her darkest hours.

This charity is SANDS (Stillbirth & Neo natal Death)

So how to do this?  “Simple – decide to run 100km non stop”

Take these tablets, they said

Take these tablets

I had been doing some heavy lifting and thought nothing of it ,lifting fish tanks into awkward positions . Thinking nothing of it ,but my back did !.

Being normally very active and very  physically able  living with one or two aches did not worry me . Waking up ,that morning I found myself in excessive ,depilating pain .Looked at my self in the mirror and I was standing at 75degrees !. Certainly not normal.

Struggled to see the GP who said “Take these tablets ,five boxes in all . Diazepam, naproxn and other stuff . The GP ,then went on to say . “If things are not right in four or so days come back and then it will take a few weeks and we will do some investigation to see if we can help you further “

Taking the tablets ,they made me sleep feel very  depressed . I needed help !. I found Steve’s details called him 

Recovery & Rehabilitation or Over Medication

Got to Steve’s . He fully assessed me  injury wise and started to work . This was  on a Sunday ,I was so thankful.  Then ,put me on a machine called “Bioneuro” explaining I had damaged very deep muscles which would be very difficult to massage

Back Pain Relief

Well, almost instant relief ,freedom to move .NO PAIN !. Warmth .That’s what Bioneuro has done for me . Five box’s of tablet’s did not do that !.

Followed by Neuromuscular injury manipulations ,this was a touch of heaven on earth. Steve ,worked on my leg, it has been damaged for a few years.

The combination of the Bioneuro ,Clinical Neuromuscular  Injury Therapy techniques has restored me.

Powerful ,I feel ,taller ,pain free, supple, warmer  and a lot happier  because I can sleep  ,that’s with no tablets needed ,great!.

That’s what Steve has done for me and he can do for you too.

Back Pain Relief Well, almost instant relief ,freedom to move .NO PAIN !. Warmth .That’s what Bioneuro has done for me . Five box’s of tablet’s did not do that !. Followed by massage and manipulations on the Hydrotherm bed ,this was a touch of heaven on earth. Steve ,worked on my leg, it has been damaged for a few years. The combination of the Bioneuro ,Hydrotherm Massage with Clinical Neuromuscular Therapy techniques has restored me. Powerful ,I feel ,taller ,pain free, supple, warmer and a lot happier because I can sleep ,that’s with no tablets needed ,great!. That’s what Steve has done for me and he can do for you too.

Back Pain In Norwich, How The Hydrotherm Massage Therapy Helped.

How The Hydrotherm Massage Therapy Helped Back Pain In Norwich

Being a Sports Massage and Injury Therapist, involved in manual therapy since 1991

I have always strived to achieve the best clinical outcome for patients that come to me,  with acute and chronic muscular pain.

Patients with Acute Back pain being my main concern

Then I met “John Holman” The CEO of  John Holman Therapy Solutions with his Hydrotherm  Massage System” after seeing the Hydrotherm in action I decided I would have a system in my own clinical practice, on completing his  course and assessment, I then brought the Hydrotherm, to use as a standard tool in my clinic at Blofield, having it permanently set up for for use, for my clients.

It has enabled  me to intervene and help many clients that may otherwise, have had difficulty in having lower back injury treatment.

This is a  email  received this morning , from Janet  a client who was in such a position.

Hi Steve

Wanted to give my back and knees a good workout before waxing lyrical, about your gorgeous bed and your massage skills.  I can now say after several miles of cliff paths, that my back and knees are the best they have been for many years, I think my main problem now is lack of general fitness which really I need to work on.

so for your quotable quote, as my daughter Julia says ‘Steve is Fab and has got a warm water bed to die for”

From me I have to say you have made walking a pleasure again I don’t roll any more, my back is better than it has been for 20 years and I love your warm comforting Hydrotherm Massage Bed it makes all the other treatments extra specially good.

See you soon

Janet

Pain why you should not ignore it.

Pain why you should not ignore it

Muscular Pain 

We know what it is , we know how it makes us feel, we also know that

it is a warning  when something is wrong.

So what do we do?

Take Pain killing Tablets to Mask it and Carry On, Ignore the Pain, Work through the Pain , lets face it No Pain No Gain.

What a load of Rubbish, Please Folks Vote for None of the Above,

Reasons why.!!!

If you mask muscular pain you have a very good chance of doing more damage, by masking the pain and ignoring it you are hiding the symptoms and the root cause, do not get me wrong here,there is a place for Pain Killer Medication,but if you are having to take them all the time , then alarm bells should be ringing, they are not a solution to the problem the solution should be getting it dealt with.

If you mask muscular pain you have a very good chance of doing  more damage, by masking the pain and ignoring  it you are hiding the symptoms and the root cause, do not get me wrong here, there is a place for Pain Killer Medication, but if you are having to take them all the time , then alarm bells should be ringing, they are not a solution to  the problem the solution should be getting it  dealt with.

Working through the pain and pushing yourself even when you are in pain if you do not need too, if your not a Super Hero or have some point of self destruction button that you want to press.

Why would you do that to yourself, Big muscles are all very well , but if you can’t lift  your own child with out being in agony what is the point.

Muscles need to be kept in shape , but if muscles are full of Trigger Points they can not be worked , Folks it is  Counter Productive. It will not help , to have muscles working to their full potential they need to be supple, free from pain , and have Fluid Movement . 

Please Think of Your Body as the Whole Thing and you have it for a long time , we all hope .

So why would you damage it and ignore it when it is telling you that something is wrong and that you need to fix it.

You want to improve your body and want it to work for you.

Keeping your body fluid and free from Muscular injury is the  Best way,

For that to happen you need to be in tune with your body, Massage and Neuromuscular Techniques   .

We Will Help You To Be The Best You Can.

Please Think of Your Body as the Whole Thing and you have it for a long time , we all hope . So why would you damage it and ignore it when it is telling you that something is wrong and that you need to fix it. You want to improve your body and want it to work for you. Keeping your body fluid and free from Muscular injury is the Best way, For that to happen you need to be in tune with your body, Massage and Neuromuscular Techniques

Sporting Injuries, Do not let them ruin your life.

Sporting Injuries

Ben came to Getfitstayfit Norfolk with 2 Chronic Sporting injuries, that were causing problems for him, possibly even to the point, that he would not have been able to continue, on the career  path he had set himself on and worked very hard to achieve.

This is his Testimonial

I started playing rugby at the age of 10, which most of you will know has its fair share of lows when it comes to injury. When I was aged 11 ,I picked up an injury to my groin whilst playing which would further deteriorate for the next 7-8 years without proper treatment.

I was able to continue playing but would often finish games early due to the smallest of impacts causing me unbearable pain. This had a big affect on my personal game as my specific position required skills that demanded that area of my body to be fit and this injury made playing extremely difficult.

A couple of  months ago I had my first treatment with the Bioneuro Sigma-Q & Hydrotherm Massage system with Steve Kirby. I was going for treatment to my groin and also my shoulders.

The last couple of years I had suffered from multiple dislocations to one shoulders and muscle ruptures in the other shoulder. This meant that I would rest until I thought the injuries had recovered and as soon as I started weight training the injury would re-occur, often worse than before.

The scar tissue and damage to the muscles were so bad it would prevent me from even lifting my arm due to the pain.

The session with my shoulders lasted 1 hour where the  Bioneuro Therapy   worked extremely deep into the muscle. At the end of the session Steve performed hands on massage with me laying on the Hydrotherm massage bed (boy was it warm and so relaxing)  he then advised me of  my training plan for the next week.

During the following week I was able to weight train, pain free for the first time in 2 years.

I then had treatment the Bioneuro System treatment on my groin. I was concerned at what effect this would have as Steve had assessed the injury and identified that the there was major tension to the muscle surrounding the groin.

After 2 session of the  Bioneuro & Hydrotherm Massage system the flexibility in my groin is the best it’s been in 8 years

and I now have pain free mobility which I never thought I would regain.

The benefits of the Bioneuro  & Hydrotherm are better than anything I have experienced in injury clinics before, and believe me I’ve had my fair of treatment.

I started playing rugby at the age of 10, which most of you will know has its fair share of lows when it comes to injury. When I was aged 11 ,I picked up an injury to my groin whilst playing which would further deteriorate for the next 7-8 years without proper treatment.I started playing rugby at the age of 10, which most of you will know has its fair share of lows when it comes to injury. When I was aged 11 ,I picked up an injury to my groin whilst playing which would further deteriorate for the next 7-8 years without proper treatment. I was able to continue playing but would often finish games early due to the smallest of impacts causing me unbearable pain. This had a big affect on my personal game as my specific position required skills that demanded that area of my body to be fit and this injury made playing extremely difficult. I was able to continue playing but would often finish games early due to the smallest of impacts causing me unbearable pain. This had a big affect on my personal game as my specific position required skills that demanded that area of my body to be fit and this injury made playing extremely difficult.

To go from severe pain to completely pain free training in just one session pushes the boundaries of what I thought possible, especially considering the severity of my injuries. Thanks to Steve Kirby and the Bioneuro Sigma-Q & Hydrotherm Massage system, I can stay fit for life.

“We are pleased to say that Ben is now working with a Top Rugby Club and pushing forward with his career.”

Painful Calf Strain, How we at Getfitstayfit Norfolk CAN HELP YOU

Painful Calf Strain, How we at Getfitstayfit Norfolk CAN HELP YOU

Here at Getfitstayfit Norfolk, we have treated quite a few people with Strains and Sprains.

We can assure you a Calf Strain is very painful, it can keep you off work for several weeks.

We know this is a typical  Football Player Injury along with Groin Strain and Hamstring.

Calf Strain can quite often after a Thigh Strain, which in its self is extremely painful , this then can add on further injury time if it is not managed well keeping players from playing for a number of weeks 

Not everyone has that luxury, of down time to get better after such an injury, if they are playing socially for fitness and fun with friends.

They need to get back to work in a shorter time period, they also need to be back on form.

So what causes this sort of problem and how can it be fixed ?

A calf strain is an injury characterized by tearing of one or more of the calf muscles and typically causes pain in the back of the lower leg.Here at Getfitstayfit Norfolk, we have treated quite a few people with Strains and Sprains. We can assure you a Calf Strain is very painful, it can keep you off work for several weeks, now we know a certain Liverpool Football Player has now got a Calf Strain having only just got over a Thigh Strain, which in its self is extremely painful , he it seems will be unable to play for another few weeks. Not everyone has that luxury, they need to get back to work in a shorter time period, they also need to be back on form. So what causes this sort of problem and how can it be fixed. First of all what is the problem . A calf strain is an injury characterized by tearing of one or more of the calf muscles and typically causes pain in the back of the lower leg. There are 2 major muscles that are affected one of which originates from above the knee joint this is the Gastrocnemius the other of which originates from below the knee joint is the Soleus, Both muscles insert into the heel bone via the Achilles tendon, we all have probably had a twisted ankle at one time and Achilles has a lot to answer for.

First of all what is the problem ?

A calf strain is an injury characterized by tearing of one or more of the calf muscles and typically causes pain in the back of the lower leg.

There are 2 major muscles that are affected one of which originates from above the knee joint  this is the Gastrocnemius the other of which originates from below the knee joint is the Soleus, Both muscles insert into the heel bone via the Achilles tendon, we all have probably  had a twisted ankle at one time and Achilles has a lot to answer for.

What causes it ?

During contraction (Pulling of the muscle ) of the calf, tension is placed through the calf muscle. When this tension is excessive due to too much repetition or high force, the calf muscle can be torn.

There is always a background, or root cause to this problem some

of these factors can be.

  • Not warming up the muscles sufficiently
  • Inappropriate/incorrect training
  • Poor flexibility in the calf
  • Bio-mechanics may be out of line causing poor foot posture
  • Ankle joint stiffness
  • Calf weakness
  • Inadequate rehabilitation following a previous calf strain
  • Decreased fitness level
  • Fatigue due to excessive training
  • Neural tightness (Calf muscle tightness is defined by any activity or situation in which those muscles stay contracted beyond or independent of physical exertion).
There is always a background, or root cause to this problem someof these factors can be. Not warming up the muscles sufficiently Inappropriate/incorrect training Poor flexibility in the calf Bio-mechanics may be out of line causing poor foot posture Ankle joint stiffness Calf weakness Inadequate rehabilitation following a previous calf strain Decreased fitness level Fatigue due to excessive training Neural tightness (Calf muscle tightness is defined by any activity or situation in which those muscles stay contracted beyond or independent of physical exertion).

What is the outcome of a tear? 

This may be from a small partial tear, whereby there is minimal pain and minimal loss of function, to a complete rupture which may require surgical reconstruction.

Why are Strains and tears are graded  from level 1 to level 3 ?

  • Grade 1 Tear: ) A small number of fibres are torn resulting in some pain, but still allowing full function. Rest is needed.
  • Grade 2 Tear: ) A significant number of fibres are torn with a moderate loss of function.(Most calf strains tend to be in the Grade 2 Level)
  • Grade 3 Tear: ) All muscle fibres are ruptured resulting in major loss of function. Very painful and can take a while to come back from this.

 

 

Grade 1 Tear: ) A small number of fibres are torn resulting in some pain, but still allowing full function. Rest is needed. Grade 2 Tear: ) A significant number of fibres are torn with a moderate loss of function.(Most calf strains tend to be in the Grade 2 Level) Grade 3 Tear: ) All muscle fibres are ruptured resulting in major loss of function. Very painful and can take a while to come back from th

So what can be done, to help people who may have done this sort of damage ?

If it is a Grade 3 tear then surgery is the only real answer, but help with pre opp is of real benefit and will aid towards post opp rehabilitation.

Keeping the rest of the muscles supple makes the surgery easier, less chance  of Muscle imbalances, will keep your

Bio-mechanics in line, aiding with flexibility.

Grade 2 tear, this is all about promoting healing and the sooner it can be dealt with the better early intervention, rest and elevation as much as possible, initially ICE is your friend.

This is where we can help greatly with the cutting edge equipment The  Bioneuro Sigma Q, we can help with the promotion of healing long before, other manual methods of intervention, therefore cutting down healing time and the  need for Pharmaceutical  intervention,  this also applies to a Grade 1 tear. Have a look at Johns testimony to see how we helped him after his Strain.

 Getting people back to fitness is what we do,

Sprained,Painful Swollen Ankle, John Came To Getfitstayfit Norfolk For Help

Swollen Ankle

Most of us at some time have twisted, or Sprained our Ankle in our lives.

Then ended up with our leg raised, ice around the ankle , then hobbling around for a couple of weeks, It is not pleasant, when it first happens it is that sick feeling and the worry that it may be broken, the pain can be that intense, then the relief when, A&E say.

 

“It’s only a Sprain ” then the realisation that you are still in a lot of pain, you have to hobble around and you have to rest it for weeks.

“It’s only a Sprain ” then the realisation that you are still in a lot of pain, you have to hobble around and you have to rest it for weeks.

John did this very thing to his ankle and he did not do anything by half.

Twisting his ankle when he missed his footing down a rabbit hole, was not the ending he had expected after a morning of flying his kite, he ended up in A&E to be told that 4 weeks off work or more was likely to be the consequence of his accident, time that John could ill afford, he then decided to come and see Steve Kirby  here at Getfitstayfit Norfolk for help to get back to recovery a lot sooner.  Have a look at his testimonial.

Sam, An Experienced Horse Rider,Shares Her Testimony And Advice About Her Back Injury.

Sam came to Getfitstayfit Norfolk, with a serious back complaint. Her life for many years has been involved with the equestrian sector, as a rider and also looking after a lot of horses. She know’s all to well the need, to be fit and free from injury for people to get the best out of the horse. Working with horse’s all day and knowing how much owners will always make sure the horse is in good condition, she like many other’s, has not necessarily considered her own well being as much as she should. As experienced horse rider, she shares her Testimony and Advice about her Back Injury, with other riders.

Sam came to Getfitstayfit Norfolk, with a serious back complaint.

Her life for many years has been involved with the equestrian sector, as a rider and also looking after a lot of horses.

She know’s all to well the need, to be fit and free from injury for people to get the best out of the horse.

Working with horse’s all day and knowing how much owners will always make sure the horse is in good condition, she like many other’s, has not necessarily  considered her own well being as much as she should.

 As experienced horse rider, she shares her Testimony and Advice about her Back Injury, with other riders.

Sam came to Getfitstayfit Norfolk, with a serious back complaint. Her life for many years has been involved with the equestrian sector, as a rider and also looking after a lot of horses. She know’s all to well the need, to be fit and free from injury for people to get the best out of the horse. Working with horse’s all day and knowing how much owners will always make sure the horse is in good condition, she like many other’s, has not necessarily considered her own well being as much as she should. As experienced horse rider, she shares her Testimony and Advice about her Back Injury, with other riders.

It is, as she say important for  the rider to be at one with the horse, to have

Fluidity in Motion ,

A riders injury can affect a horses ability  to perform at it’s best , as every jolt and jar the rider feels  as pain, the horse will feel their restriction in their reaction to the pain in their subsequent movements. to propel a horse forward you need to to be balanced.

Please watch Sam’s testimonial and her advice to other  Horse riders and owners.

 

The Importance of “Fluid Motion when on Horseback”

Advice About Her Back Injury

Here in Norfolk we have some great places If you are a horse rider, from Training Stables, Show jumping rings, Pony Trekking, we even have a Polo Club at Langley Abbey, we thank Sally Lloyd from the Norfolk Polo club, allowing us this photo, but to have a look at some other photo’s and find out more, please have a look at their website.

You will also know that people who do not ride think it looks easy and that the rider is just sitting on the horse’s back, letting the horse do all the work, while all the rider has to do is give instructions when needed like, whoa and turn, I can assure you it certainly is not the case. There is much more to riding than the casual observer may realise. There is no such thing as passive horse riding.  Unlike any other sport you are in a position of joint dependence between you and another animal, more than just a team playing a sport together, you are in fact aiming to be at one with your movements and that of the horse becoming one fluid movement.

 

Here in Norfolk we have some great places If you are a horse rider, from Training Stables, Show jumping rings, Pony Trekking, we even have a Polo Club at Langley Abbey, we thank Sally Lloyd from the Norfolk Polo club,allowing us this photo, but to have a look at some other photo’s and find out more, please have a look at their website.

Be it at competition level or riding for fun, there is a unique correlation of the rider’s movement against the movement of the horse; this can prove to have extraordinary benefits for all elements of the human body. It is also vital if you aim to improve your level.

As we need to focus on the benefits and avoid any injury, yes we know these can happen so more reason to stay in shape , putting massage into a physical training regime  is and should be considered  a must and useful tool.

As much as we need to learn to ride and understand the horse, we also need to understand what our body is doing and the muscles it is using, we have to adapt to the horses muscles movements and use ours to the best of both our advantage, but how do you use your muscles, first of all you should realise that muscles do not control movement they only facilitate it.

Your Nervous system is the controller and throughout your body you have signalling stations, these are your Proprioceptors, they are at special points in the body, sending the information telling your body how and when it should move, without them we would become dysfunctional, we would not have coordination and would bump into things.  Proprioceptors send back all the valuable feedback so the nervous system responds and recruits muscle appropriately, creating tension or force that will then pull on the fascia that will in turn result in coordinated movement. This is why it is so important to keep muscles flexible; they will then be able to allow the Proprioceptors to keep sending the right messages.

Your Nervous system is the controller and throughout your body you have signalling stations, these are your Proprioceptors, they are at special points in the body, sending the information telling your body how and when it should move, without them we would become dysfunctional, we would not have coordination and would bump into things. Proprioceptors send back all the valuable feedback so the nervous system responds and recruits muscle appropriately, creating tension or force that will then pull on the fascia that will in turn result in coordinated movement. This is why it is so important to keep muscles flexible; they will then be able to allow the Proprioceptors to keep sending the right messages.

You do need however to keep on top of any injury,  if an injury occurs , don’t ignore it deal with it. So that your body is not left to over compensate in other areas, putting your body out of synchronization and adopting “Pain Avoidance behaviour”, is not a good idea, after all you want to keep that fluid synergy   between you and the horse

For different sports within riding you use your body differently, for instance if you were riding on a pony trek, or a afternoon leisurely exercise, this would still provide cardiovascular benefits, just an hour of horse riding can burn off more calories than jogging or riding a bike for 30 minutes, when you start to ride you will notice how your muscles will change and become in better condition.

There is a simple explanation for this, it is in the fact that as the rider you have to react to every movement of the horse by having to adapt to the correct position in the saddle, your muscles must contract and relax according to and in conjunction with the horse’s movement, in doing so, every single muscle of your body will naturally be toned and strengthened.

You will use your Transverse Abdominals muscles more, because of mounting and dismounting from the horse twisting and turning and bending and flexing, did you realise there are more than 29 muscles used in aiding core stability and you will use all of them, you will also use your Adductor’s when guiding the horse along with your TLF, ITB and your Glutes, that is a lot of muscle work on just what could be considered simple riding.

When you are doing Show jumping movements you will have to use more forward shoulder and neck movements, rise and fall movements using your Hamstrings down to your Soleus and Gastrocnemius, these are the muscles that can be very prone to tightness, regular Massage can help with keeping these muscles flexible.

As you grow in confidence with riding as you will, let’s face it, you will have to if you are going to be capable of having  control of an animal that is bigger than yourself, the horse does need to feel your confidence for them to feel confident in you, remember it is a partnership.

You may want to get involved with some of the other sports on horseback such as Dressage or Show jumping, or you may like a faster pace and become part of  in a team, you may take an interest in Polo.

This is a fast and invigorating sport, it is exhilarating and demands a lot of technique and flexibility, needing all your abilities, the muscles you will use a lot in Polo, will be your Core muscles.

There is no getting away from the fact that you have to work and keep all your muscles in shape, you will also find that you will build up your reaction times, you may not think it when you first start, but you will really become more mentally aware, of your surroundings, the game usually involves more manoeuvring and shorter plays, lower speeds and space limitations of an arena.

Advice About Her Back Injury

You will have to  use  your  Deltoids  and the upper body muscles when you have  to pull a horse up short , this will happen in a Mêlée  and as using your body to

pull a horse up quick takes a lot of effort, it will be worth developing these  muscles , but do not try over developing, you want them to be flexible.

Fluidity in Motion when on Horseback, is the key

As we say it is all about fluidity, adapting and improving, go to a game, find out about training, judge for yourself, find out what is right for you, but the main thing is to keep yourself fit for purpose.