The Gelson Osteopathic Clinic

15/12/2025

Staying at the forefront of osteopathic care means continually learning, sharing ideas, and connecting with colleagues.
This week in London reminded us that great healthcare is built not just on knowledge, but on collaboration, perspective, and balance.

Taking time to learn, reflect, and recharge ultimately helps us support our patients better — in body and mind.

06/12/2025

Georgia's loving the twinkling trees at St. Andrew's Corbridge! As we count down to Christmas, remember to take time to enjoy the little things. Not only do they bring us joy, but they also support our well-being. By embracing the magic of the season, you'll lower stress levels, sleep better, and feel more energized. Here's to a healthier, happier December!

27/11/2025

✨ St. Andrew’s Church in Corbridge is twinkling again! Pop by the Christmas Tree Festival (Fri 28 Nov – Tues 2 Dec) and don’t miss the Gelson Osteopathic Tree—dreamed up by our brilliant receptionist, Carol. Her poem will have you in stitches! 🎄💫

26/11/2025

Look at that vista. Come and see it for yourself! Everyone is welcome.

25/11/2025

🧊 Cool (Literally) Facts
1. Not actually “ice-cold”
Most athletic ice baths are 10–15°C (50–59°F)—cold enough to trigger benefits without freezing you solid.
2. Your body goes into “survival mode”
Cold exposure activates the fight-or-flight response, releasing norepinephrine—a neurotransmitter that boosts alertness and mood.
3. You burn more calories afterward
Ice baths stimulate brown fat, the special kind of fat that burns energy to generate heat. More brown fat = slightly higher metabolism.
4. They can reduce inflammation—but not always
Ice baths lower inflammation short-term, but frequent use may reduce long-term muscle growth if done immediately after every workout.
5. Cold plunges can improve willpower
Regular exposure builds mental resilience; athletes often use it to train calmness under stress.
6. Polar swimmers have superpowers
People who trained for extreme cold (like Wim Hof practitioners) show unusually high cold tolerance and can control breathing and heart rate better than average.
7. The “ice bath high” is real
Cold plunging can release beta-endorphins, giving a euphoric, energized feeling afterward.
8. Your skin tightens instantly
Cold causes blood vessels to constrict, making skin look temporarily smoother and tighter—nature’s short-term facelift.
9. Professional athletes swear by them
From NBA stars to Olympic runners, post-training ice baths are practically a ritual for speeding up recovery.
10. Even 30–60 seconds can help
You don’t need a long plunge—short exposures can still improve circulation and boost mood.

20/11/2025

1. Physical Health Benefits

a. Reduces inflammation and muscle soreness
• Cold water constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation in muscles and joints.
• Commonly used by athletes after intense workouts to speed up recovery.

b. Boosts circulation
• When you enter cold water, your body redirects blood to vital organs.
• After exiting, blood vessels dilate, improving overall circulation.

c. May support weight management
• Cold exposure can activate brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat.
• This can slightly increase calorie expenditure.

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2. Mental Health Benefits

a. Increases alertness and mood
• The shock of cold water triggers adrenaline and endorphin release, boosting alertness and improving mood.
• Many swimmers report feeling invigorated and “energized” after ice swims.

b. Reduces stress
• Regular cold water immersion may train your nervous system to handle stress better.
• Some research suggests improved resilience to anxiety and depressive symptoms.

c. Potentially improves focus
• The intense sensory experience can train mental toughness and concentration.

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3. Immune System Support
• Some studies indicate regular cold exposure may enhance immune function, increasing white blood cell counts.
• It might reduce the incidence of certain minor illnesses, though evidence is still emerging.

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4. Skin and Circulation Effects
• Cold water can tighten skin and improve circulation near the surface.
• Many people report a feeling of increased vitality and clearer skin after ice swims.

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⚠️ Important Risks and Precautions
• Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure can dangerously lower body temperature.
• Cold shock response: Sudden immersion can cause gasping, rapid heart rate, or fainting.
• Heart conditions: Can trigger cardiac events in people with heart problems.
• Acclimate gradually: Start with cold showers or brief dips before attempting ice swimming.

Rule of thumb: Limit initial sessions to 1–2 minutes, stay near the shore or exit point, and never swim alone.

16/11/2025

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16/11/2025

the _gelson_osteopathic_clinic Benefits of
Ice Baths

Cold water therapy helps with muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and constricting blood vessels. Athletes use it to recover faster.

Recovery Boost
Contrast therapy enhances circulation and accelerates healing.

Circulation Benefits
Cold exposure improves blood flow and cardiovascular resilience.

Possible Mental Benefits
Ice baths may stimulate endorphins, dopamine, and norepinephrine, improving mood and reducing stress.

Immune Function
Cold exposure may improve immune response, but more research is needed.

Safety Precautions
Ice baths aren't suitable for everyone. Avoid if you have health concerns: heart conditions, high blood pressure, circulatory disorders and Raynaud's disease and avoid before strength training. Talk to your GP if you have any concerns before taking ice baths. Ensure you research both benefits and risks prior to ice baths.

24/10/2024

Autumn at the Clinic, taken by Chris.
What a stunning view, we are so lucky.

26/01/2024

The calm after the storm, taken from the balcony of Chris's room.

28/12/2023

19/12/2023

We would like to wish all our patients and friends a very Merry Christmas 🎄and a fantastic New Year 🎉from Chris, Rachael, Georgia, Natalie, Pauline and Carol.