Accidents and Trauma Happen !!!

Accidents and Trauma Happen

Accidents and trauma happen, but with a deep  soft tissue injury,  it can take in some cases, as long as a broken bone to heal.

When a client comes to our clinic, getting into the deep tissue to help with restoration and recovery is the most important thing, to help reduce the healing time and need for medication, so they can get back to their lives.

Jess had taken a rather bad fall down a flight of steps, thankfully nothing was broken, but the soft tissue damage was so great both A&E and her own GP said she would be looking at a good 3 months before getting back to normal. as a nursing assistant Jess was so upset because of the impact this would have on her job.

Steve had already been treating her brother for a back injury, he advised her to come to see Steve  in the hope that Steve could help.

He did and while having treatment with Steve Jess reduced the need for pain medication and she is off the crutches, 3 weeks into the treatment sessions and Jess was looking to start back at work.

We use the Bioneuro along with Neuromuscular Techniques to achieve a good clinical outcome.

When a client comes to our clinic, getting into the deep tissue to help with restoration and recovery is the most important thing, to help reduce the healing time and need for medication, so they can get back to their lives. Jess had taken a rather bad fall down a flight of steps, thankfully nothing was broken, but the soft tissue damage was so great both A&E and her own GP said she would be looking at a good 3 months before getting back to normal. as a nursing assistant Jess was so upset because of the impact this would have on her job.

Jess sent us some before and  after photos after her last treatment, along with this message

“Steve is incredible, I fell over a few weeks ago causing trauma to my foot and ankle and I was left on crutches, after a couple sessions Steve got the swelling down and more movement in my toes, where I could weight bare and only use one crutch. A couple more sessions and I just know I’ll finally be able to go back to work as a nursing assistant. Not only does he help people get better, he’s just a really lovely and friendly guy which makes the experience all that much better and relaxing.

I would recommend Steve to anyone!!!”

Jess sent us some before and after photos after her last treatment, along with this message “Steve is incredible, I fell over a few weeks ago causing trauma to my foot and ankle and I was left on crutches, after a couple sessions Steve got the swelling down and more movement in my toes, where I could weight bare and only use one crutch. A couple more sessions and I just know I’ll finally be able to go back to work as a nursing assistant. Not only does he help people get better, he’s just a really lovely and friendly guy which makes the experience all that much better and relaxing. I would recommend Steve to anyone!!!”
Jess had taken a rather bad fall down a flight of steps, thankfully nothing was broken, but the soft tissue damage was so great both A&E and her own GP said she would be looking at a good 3 months before getting back to normal. as a nursing assistant Jess was so upset because of the impact this would have on her job. Steve had already been treating her brother for a back injury, he advised her to come to see Steve in the hope that Steve could help. He did and while having treatment with Steve Jess reduced the need for pain medication and she is off the crutches, 3 weeks into the treatment sessions and Jess was looking to start back at work.

Why Are Our Young Football Players Still Taking So Many Painkilling Drugs ???

Own Goals can be Painful

While watching Last  Sunday’s Morning News, yet again the subject of

Footballers and the  increase taking of powerful painkilling medication was being discussed

We all know that for any team it is all about the results on the field that is important, but is it really at the cost of the long term health of your main assets, Your Team’s Players.

This is worrying, these days when we know the long term damage of Painkilling medication, yet we have some brilliant Neuromuscular therapist, Bodywork Therapist and  Non invasive and non chemical  treatments out there, why are they still using painkilling medication as a Stop Gap, injuries need to be treated,

Recovery & Rehabilitation or Over Medication

Muscles when they are Hypertonic , are more prone to injury these guys need their muscles to be more supple ,  they need treatment not masking  tape practice. Players need to be looked after , then teams will get the best out of them and less injuries.

Hearing what  Professor Dvorak said about , half of players competing at the past three World Cups routinely took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and  that it  had become a cultural issue, part of the game.

This is what Professor Dvorak had to say  

“This is Elite footballers’ “abuse” of legal painkillers risks their health and could “potentially” have life-threatening implications ” He says some clubs prioritise success over player welfare, leading to players feeling “pressured” into taking medication to overcome minor injuries and play in important games.

While according to Former England defender Danny Mills ,”Painkillers in football have always been widespread – “and always will be, I’ve been in many dressing rooms where I’ve seen other players pressured into playing with painkillers,”

When you hear that this is what is happening to young players  that have just started their career, it is even more of a concern, children want to grow up and become Footballers, that is great news,” but do we want our children to grow up to be put in the situation that we are seeing young players going through now .”

Footballers have only a short career as it is they should not be spending it in pain that is masked with the use of painkillers, then end up with surgery as most do in later life.

Let’s treat the players as we should and keep them in top form, they need to have good treatment

I am not talking about wrapping them up in cotton wool. I mean good regular therapy . They need to be on the pitch playing not on the bench in pain.

Footballers have only a short career as it is they should not be spending it in pain that is masked with the use of painkillers, then end up with surgery as most do in later life

Early intervention is essential for Trauma related injury, Reduction in the need for Pain killing Drugs they only Mask Pain they do not heal 

The Bioneuro Sigma Q System works with the patients own body to help the healing process begin a lot faster , our bodies natural instinct after injury is to heal, The Bioneuro system can help deliver its effective energy direct to the injured area increasing nerve and blood supply , waking up moribund nerves regenerating nerve pathways there by accelerating recovery. 

We know Massage releases the “feel good factor” and there is a reason for that it is not all about just relaxing, massage helps release Endorphins and Dopamine, it is the physical input that the therapist applies to the patient and how it is applied that makes the difference.

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.

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.

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

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 Icecold 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.

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

Painkillers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Own Goals can be Painful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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