Back2Balance

16/07/2024

Plantar fasciitis!
What is the plantar Fascia?
Plantar fasciitis is probably the most common cause of pain under the heel. It is an overuse injury caused by repetitive overstretching/ loading of the plantar fascia which then becomes inflamed. Symptoms can come on gradually and are often worse first thing in the morning but ease a little when the foot is warmed…It is more common in sports involving running, dancing, or jumping.
Although overuse is usually thought to be the cause of plantar fasciitis, there are a number of factors which can increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

- Overpronation❌

- High arched foot (pes cavus)❌

- Wearing inappropriate footwear❌

- Overweight individuals❌

- Tight muscles❌
✅Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include

- Dry needling✅ This technique involves inserting fine needles into trigger points within the fascia to relieve pain, improve function and illicit a targeted inflammatory response.(picture shown)

- Cross-fiber deep friction massage✅This involves applying pressure across the fibers of the fascia to break down scar tissue and improve elasticity.

- Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)✅ This technique uses specialized tools to mobilize the soft tissue and reduce pain.

- Cupping✅ This method involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps improve blood flow and reduce pain.
These treatments, combined with a tailored rehabilitation program that includes stretching and strengthening exercises, can effectively manage and alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
If you think you’re suffering with PF… please get in touch and get it sorted once and for all.
Back2balance

10/07/2024

Not in the client collecting business….

For most of my career, My diary has been full with clients. I’m not bigging myself up here…. It’s the truth. Yet, I’m always accepting new clients. You’ll never see a “Not currently accepting new clients” message on my page.

So If my diary’s been full, why accept new people? Simple. I have very high turnover 😊
I’m not in the client “collecting” business like I see in other places.
I aim to address peoples’ issues, empower them with tailored rehabilitation to keep things good, and then part ways, either on a periodic maintenance program (optimal) or to see them again if something new comes up.

When you think about it, shouldn’t high turnover be the goal?

There is that saying… “a patient cured is a patient lost” … well not necessarily. I work on helping my clients get back to whatever level of functionality their goal is …. They then come back if they experience any other issues… they also pass on my details to others.
This surely is how we all should be? 🤷🏻‍♂️

Tell me… what is your thoughts when you see physios, chiros, osteos, sports therapist saying they are no longer accepting new clients? 🤔

09/07/2024

Sciatica Nerve Pain

Sciatica is often characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:
* Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely in both legs)
* Pain that is worse when sitting
* Leg pain that is often described as burning, tingling, or searing (versus a dull ache)
* Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg, foot, and/or toes
* A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk
* Pain that radiates down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes (it rarely occurs only in the foot)

Sciatic pain can vary from infrequent and irritating to constant and incapacitating. Symptoms are usually based on the location of the pinched nerve.
While symptoms can be painful and potentially debilitating, it is rare that permanent sciatic nerve damage (tissue damage) will result, and spinal cord involvement is possible but rare.

Treatment

Dry needling has been shown to help with sciatic symptoms. By using tiny, hair thin needles, we can quickly decrease the muscle tightness of spinal muscles, resulting in decreased compression of the lumbar vertebrae.
Deep in your buttock/gluts is a muscle that runs diagonally from the outside of your hip to the lowest part of your spine.  This muscle, called the piriformis, can get short and tight or even be in spasm. In 85% of the population, the sciatic nerve runs just beneath the piriformis and in the other 15% it runs through the muscle.  The sciatic nerve can become compressed and irritated when the piriformis is taught or in spasm creating symptoms of sciatica down the back of the leg. Dry needling also illicit a targeted inflammatory response to decrease any inflammation of the nerve sheath… manual treatment should always be combined with a tailored rehabilitation plan also.
Picture below is dry needling for sciatica and Piriformis syndrome.
If you are suffering.. don’t suffer any longer.
For more information or to book an appointment, please get in touch.
Back2Balance

02/07/2024

Keir Harvie going to put on another clinic 💪🏻🤙🏻

A Bantamweight Barn Burner for Glasgow 🔥

Keir Harvie faces off against Rory Evans in what promises to be an explosive bout at 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

🎟️ 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: bit.ly/4bGrEdx

02/07/2024

Frozen shoulder!
Frozen shoulder or it’s medical name Adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Over time, the shoulder becomes very hard to move.
After a period of worsening symptoms, frozen shoulder tends to get better, although full recovery may take up to 3 years. Physical therapy, Sports therapy and Dry needling with a focus on shoulder flexibility, is the primary treatment recommendation for frozen shoulder and can speed up recovery from the condition.
Causes

Frozen shoulder causes are relatively unknown but it most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and occurs in women more often than men. In addition, people with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing frozen shoulder.
Symptoms

Pain from frozen shoulder is usually dull or aching. It is typically worse early in the course of the disease and when you move your arm. The pain is usually located over the outer shoulder area and sometimes the upper arm. Another common symptom is limited active and passive glenohumeral range of motion of ≥ 25% in at least two directions most notably shoulder abduction and external rotation.
The treatment shown is dry needling for frozen shoulder.
Don’t suffer any longer! If you think you may have this condition please get in touch!
Back2Balance

27/06/2024

This week’s throwback is from my time as part of the medical team, where I served as their Youth Development Physio. It was a fantastic couple of years managing the game day and training day medical needs of these talented young athletes.

**Responsibilities of a Matchday Physio:**

1. **Pre-match Assessments:** Conducting thorough physical assessments to ensure players are fit to play ensuring prematch hydration and nutrition is happening and any sports taping is done.

2. **Injury Management:** Providing immediate care and treatment for injuries sustained during the game along with affective communication with the head coach.

3. **Rehabilitation Plans:** Developing and implementing post-injury rehabilitation programs.

4. **Warm-up and Cool-down Routines:** Designing and overseeing effective warm-up and cool-down exercises to prevent injuries along with the coaching staff.
5. **Emergency Response:** Being prepared to handle any on-field medical emergencies.

The highlight of my tenure was an unforgettable trip to Ireland for a game against the team. It was an incredible experience to be part of such a dedicated and passionate group.

26/06/2024

Embrace Strength Training for a Healthier You! 🏋️‍♀️

As a Sports therapist and powerlifting coach, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of strength training, also known as resistance training, in your fitness routine. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your athletic performance, prevent injuries, or simply maintain a robust and healthy body as you age, strength training is essential.

**Benefits of Strength Training:**

1. **Injury Prevention:** Strengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments helps stabilize joints and reduces the risk of injuries.

2. **Increased Bone Density:** Resistance training stimulates bone growth, which is crucial for preventing osteoporosis, especially as we age.

3. **Improved Metabolism:** Building muscle mass increases your resting metabolic rate, helping with weight management.

4. **Enhanced Functional Strength:** Everyday activities become easier and more efficient with a stronger body.

5. **Better Balance and Coordination:** Strength training improves neuromuscular control, reducing the likelihood of falls.

6. **Mental Health Boost:** Regular exercise, including resistance training, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Today’s workout was all about deadlifts, a powerhouse exercise for building total-body strength. I the complemented it with some targeted assistance work to ensure balanced development and injury prevention. 💪

Remember, it’s never too late to start. Let’s lift, strengthen, and protect our bodies together!

Let me know if you’re training today 👇🏻

25/06/2024

Got knee pain?
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)
Jumping sports like basketball and volleyball can cause patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper's knee. Repeated jumping puts stress on the tendon, leading to inflammation and pain just below the kneecap.
Patellar tendonitis affects the attachment points of the quadriceps tendon at the top of the kneecap and the patellar tendon at the bottom of the kneecap and tibial tuberosity. Pain is concentrated on the patellar tendon but can also occur at its insertion into the tibial tuberosity. The tendon plays a key role in straightening the knee and absorbing shock during jumps. Repetitive stress can cause minor trauma and inflammation. Continuous knee movements can further stress the tendon, especially if it doesn’t track properly.
# # # Common Causes:
- Repetitive jumping and landing
- Running and kicking
- Ignored minor injuries to the patellar tendon
# # # Symptoms to Watch For:
- Pain and inflammation in the patellar tendon
- Swelling and tenderness around the kneecap
- Discomfort during knee extension or kneeling
# # # Why You Shouldn't Ignore It:
- Untreated inflammation can lead to further irritation
- Potential for tendon rupture or damage to surrounding tissues
# # # Effective Treatments:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)
- Anti-inflammatory meds
- Dry needling
- Deep friction massage
- Custom rehab programs to strengthen the tendon
Picture is of dry needling and red light therapy on the patellar tendon!
Don't let knee pain hold you back!
Book your appointment today!
Back2Balance

23/06/2024

Is pain or injury getting you down? 💥Come get it seen to and let’s get you pain free 😊.
Appointments available this week.
Click the book now button to get booked in or please get in touch 😁.
Back2Balance

18/06/2023

🎉 Happy Father's Day, MEN🎉

Today, we celebrate the incredible men who embody strength, resilience, and unwavering love as fathers. This special day is dedicated to all fathers, including those who may find themselves separated from their children and tirelessly fighting for their right to be in their lives. You are not alone in your journey, and your dedication and perseverance are truly commendable.

To every dad who might not see their children today, remember that your love and bond transcend physical distance. Your presence and impact in your children's lives are immeasurable, even if circumstances prevent you from being together at this moment. Keep your spirits high and continue to fight for the precious connection you share with your little ones. We stand by you and believe in your strength.

We also want to acknowledge and celebrate the fathers who are actively working on themselves to become the healthiest Kings for their families and children. The journey of self-improvement is not always easy, but it is a testament to your commitment to creating a loving and nurturing environment for your loved ones. By striving to be the best versions of yourselves, you inspire those around you and pave the way for a brighter future.

On this Father's Day, let's come together and support one another. Cherish the joyous moments you share with your children and families, whether in person or from a distance. Take pride in the love you give and the positive influence you have in their lives. Remember that every step you take toward being the best father you can be is a step toward building a stronger, more loving world.

So, Men, have an amazing Father's Day! Celebrate yourselves and each other. Embrace the love and admiration that surround you. Today, we honor your commitment, your resilience, and your unwavering dedication to fatherhood. You are an inspiration to us all. Keep shining and keep being the incredible dads that you are!

Happy Father's Day, with heartfelt wishes from me to you🙌❤️⚔️

09/05/2023

👋 Meet the Faculty! 👨‍🏫

We're excited to announce that we'll be introducing you to the amazing educators who make up the faculty of Back2Balance Academy! 🎓

Over the next few days, we'll be sharing a series of posts that highlight the backgrounds, expertise, and passions of our faculty members. We have an incredible team of professionals who are dedicated to helping you achieve balance and wellness in all areas of your life. 💪

Stay tuned for our first faculty spotlight, coming soon!