Complementary & Alternative Health

07/12/2025

05/12/2025

TIP FOR THE DAY:

I see a lot of my patients who walk with a crutch or stick, due to injured hip, knee, leg or feet. They walk with a limp and struggle with balance. They were never shown the correct way of using a crutch or stick.

You never use it on the side or the injured leg. No, you place the crutch or stick on the opposite side (healthy side). Remember the crutch or stick is only there to stabilize your body, do not place your full body weight on it.

That is the reason why so many people strugle with gait and balance. Try it, and see how your walking and balance improve 👍🙂

04/12/2025

Plantar Plate Injuries. The hidden cause of forefoot pain 🤔

The plantar plate is a key stabilizer under your toes. When it is strained or torned, every step can feel painful. Early assessment and proper loading strategies are essential to prevent further damage and restore the cause. If you're feeling persistent pain under the ball of your foot, don't ignore it. Your feet carry you through everything.

WHAT IS THE PLANTAR PLATE?
The plantar plate is a strong fibro-cartilaginous structure supporting the metatar-sophalangeal joints. It resist excessive toe extension and distributes pressure during gait. Injury occurs when this tissue becomes over stretched or chronically overlooked.

WHY DO PLANTAR PLATE INJURIES OCCURE?
These injuries often develop from repetitive forefoot loading, poorly fitted footwear, running, volume spikes or biomechanical issues like excessive pronation. Over time, stress weakens the ligament, leading to partial or complete tearing.

COMMON SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms include localized pain under the affected toe swelling, instability and discomfort when pushing off during walking. Patients may also notice toe drifting, lifting or difficulty bearing weight on the forefoot. High risk movements are movements requiring repetitive push-off such as running, dancing, jumping and fast directional changes, place significant strain on the plantar plate. Barefoot throwing and high-heeled footwear can also increase stress on this structure.

HOW IS THIS INJURY TREATED? Assessment of gait mechanics, foot posture, load distribution and joint mobility to identify the cause. Early detection prevents progression to toe deformities and ensures the ligament is protected during rehabilitation. Rehab focuses on off-loading the forefoot, strengthening intrinsic foot muscles and correcting biomechanics in order to restore stability and reduce re-injure risk.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Plantar plate injuries require targeted care to prevent chronic instability or toe deformities. Therapy restores, stabilizes, improves foot mechanics and supports a safe return to walking, running and high-impact activities.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

03/12/2025

Understanding the Myodural Bridge in chronic headaches/migraines 🤔

How an overlooked connection between your neck, dura and CSF (cerebro spinal fluid) flow can trigger severe headaches. Many people struggle with chronic headaches, neck pain, dizziness, pressure, visual strain or post-concussion symptoms without realizing the root cause may lie in a powerful, but rarely discussed, anatomical structure at the base of the skull. This struggle is the myodural bridge (MDB).

Recent anatomical, histological and MRI research confirms that the MDB forms a direct physical connection between deep suboccipital muscles, the cervical spinal dura mater, the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane and cranio-cervical junction structures. The region responsible for cerebro-spinal fluid movement and brainstem stability. This connection means that muscle tension in your upper cervical spine can literally pull on the dura and alter pain and sensory processing in the brainstem.

WHY THE MYODURAL MATTERS?
The MDB stabilizes the dura and prevents it from folding or buckling during movement. Excessive tightness or asymmetry in the suboccipital muscles can create abnormal dural strain, resulting in headaches that radiate to the temples, eyes or forehead. The MDB assist cerebro-spinal fluid circulation. The MDB plays a role in proprioception and cervico-occular integration.

This connection helps co-ordinate head and eye movement, balance and inner-ear reflexes, cervical spine alignment and brainstem sensory processing. Dysfunction in the MDB often accompanies chronic dizziness, motion intolerance, convergence strain, vestibular mismatch, autonomic symptoms, neck instability and headaches after concussion or whiplash. Trauma strongly affects the MDB.

HOW IT'S TREATED:
ARP-wave is used to target deep cervical muscle tension and neuro-muscular "protective loops" that lock the suboccipital muscles into chronic guarding. The goal is to normalize the neuromuscular tone pulling on the MDB.

Low-force upper cervical manual therapy is used in precise, gentle techniques to restore proper upper-cervical biomechanics. Pulsed electro-magnetic field therapy to help regulate cellular repair, inflammation and nervous system recovery, improve circulation and relax hypertonic cervical tissue.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

01/12/2025

Let's explain the connection between the Trigeminal System, Neck Pain and Vestibular Integration 🤔

The trigeminal system (cranial nerve V) is one of the most powerful sensory networks in the entire nervous system, linking the face, jaw, eyes, dura, upper cervical spine and deep brain stem centers that regulate pain, autonomic tone, balance and head-eye control.

When this system becomes irritated or conditions like whiplash, TMJ dysfunction, upper cervical strain or chronic inflammation occur, it can create a cascade of neck pain, dizziness, visual strain, imbalance, facial pressure, headaches and autonomic dysfunction.

WHY THE TRIGEMINAL SYSTEM MATTERS FOR NECK PAIN?
The trigeminal nucleus caudalis and the upper cervical spine (C1-C3) share overlapping circuitry within the trigemino-cervical complex. This means, irritation in the neck can activate the trigeminal system. Irritation in the jaw/face/TMJ can activate the neck. Both systems converge on pain processing pathways that project into the brain stem vestibular nuclei.

This is why patients with chronic neck pain often also have facial pressure, TMJ tightness, light sensitivity, headaches, dissiness and difficulty turning their heads. The linkage is anatomical, neurological and reciprocal.

HOW THE TRIGEMINAL SYSTEM CONNECTS TO VESTIBULAR SYSTEM: The trigeminal nucleus sends dense projections to the vestibular nuclei, the reticular formation, the superior colliculys (eye-head integration) and the cerebellum (nodulus, flocculus). These pathways directly influence balance, gaze stability, eye movements, postural tone and autonomic responses (nausea, heart rate and anxiety sensation).

WHY WE CALL IT VAGUS 2.0?
Like the vagus nerve, the trigeminal system heavily influences autonomic tone pain modulation, heart rate variability, brain stem integration, emotional reactivity and sensory filtering. But unlike the vagus, trigeminal stimulation is immediate, high-gain, multi-sensory and directly connected to vestibular and cervical nuclei. It gives us a faster, more targeted access point into the autonomic and sensory-motor systems, especially in complex vestibular concussion and cervical cases.

HOW WE TREAT THIS CONDITION?
In order to create a comprehensive approach for complex neck pain, dizziness and visual-vestibular dysfunction, we combine upper cervical motor control, trigeminal and TMJ integration, vestibular and oculomotor rehab, neuro-modulation and cervical proprioception.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

27/11/2025

Painkillers vs Manual Therapy. Which one addresses the root cause? 🤔

UNDERSTANDING PAINKILLERS: Painkillers provide temporarily relief by blocking pain signals or reducing inflammation. They help manage acute symptoms but don't correct the bio-mechanical or neuro-muscular imbalances that often cause recurring pain or dysfunction.

NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF PAINKILLERS:
When taking painkillers, it does two things. First, it depresses the central nervous system, making it more difficult for pain signals to reach the brain. Second, it attaches to op**te receptors to block pain signals coming from the body. Long term effects of painkillers trick the brain into thinking it needs the painkiller in order to feel good, which decreases the body's ability to produce "feel good" chemicals and endorphins on its own.

It also takes a heavy toll on the nervous system eg slower breathing, slowed body mechanics ect.

PAIN RELIEF vs FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION:
Painkillers manage discomfort but rarely improve function. Manual therapy promotes tissue healing, restores normal movement and re-educates muscles to work effeciently, ensuring long-term pain reduction and better body mechanics.

Sports therapy integrates manual therapy with corrective excercises to restore strength, balance and neuro-muscular control. It treats the source of pain, not just it's expression.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Painkillers relieve, manual therapy resolves. Pain relief is important but true recovery comes from identifying and correcting the cause.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

26/11/2025

Ice or Heat? Which one to use with which injury 🤔

Ice or Heat? Choosing the right therapy can speed up your recovery after training or injury. Ice helps calm inflammation and numb sharp pain, while heat relaxes tight muscles and improves circulation. Knowing when to use each can make all the difference in your healing.

UNDERSTANDING ICE THERAPY:
Ice therapy reduces inflammation, swelling and acute pain by constricting blood vessels and numbing tissues. It's most effective immediately after an injury or intense training session to control tissue damage and minimize inflammation.

WHEN DO YOU USE ICE?
Use ice during the first 24-48 hours after an injury, especially when swelling or redness appears. Ideal for sprains, strains or bruising where tissue inflammation and acute pain are primary symptoms.

UNDERSTANDING HEAT THERAPY: Heat therapy increases blood flow, flexibility and muscle relaxation. It's best for chronic pain, stiffness or tight muscles. Helping the body loosen soft tissue and prepare for movement or stretching.

WHEN DO YOU USE HEAT?
Apply heat after the inflammatory stage has passed, typically after two days or for ongoing stiffness. Perfect for tight muscles, chronic joint pain or before rehabilitation excercises.

COMMON MISTAKES:
Many people apply heat too early on a fresh injury, which can worsen swelling and inflammation. Always assess the stage of recovery before determining treatment timing, as this will help decide whether or not you're promoting or delaying healing. Never put ice on the back, always apply heat.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Use ice for acute pain and swelling and heat for stiffness or chronic tension. Both have powerful roles, the key is applying the right one at the right time for optimal recovery.

25/11/2025

Fascial Adhesions after injury or surgery. Important insights you need to know 🤔

WHAT IS FASCIA?
Fascia is a type of connective tissue that supports, protects and holds every organ, muscle, bone and nerve fiber in place. It's a web-like structure that provides support and enables movement, with a healthy state being flexible and wavy. When fascia is healthy it's pliable and stretchy, but it can become tight, restricted and painful if injured, leading a loss of flexibility.

WHAT ARE FASCIAL ADHESIONS? Adhesions occur when usually smooth fascial layers become thickened, sticky or fibrotic. This reduces mobility between tissues, creating tension and alter-biomechanics. Without proper treatment, adhesions can disrupt circulation, nerve function and muscle efficiency. Fascial Adhesions can quietly limit mobility and cause ongoing discomfort after injury or surgery. Understanding how it forms, is the first step towards healing.

WHY DO ADHESIONS FORM?
After injury or surgery, inflammation triggers the over-production of collagen. As healing occurs, these fibers may lay down irregularly, causing tissues to bond. Prolonged immobilisation and scar formation further increase the likelihood of fascial restrictions developing.

COMMON SYMPTOMS:
Fascial adhesions may present as tightness, pulling sensation, reduced range of motion, sharp pain during stretching or local tenderness. Many patients also experience weakness, movement asymmetry or discomfort that persists long after the initial healing period.

HOW DO ADHESIONS AFFECT MOVEMENT?
Adhesions restrict tissue glide, forcing compensatory motion in nearby joints and muscles. This altered bio-mechanics increases stress on surrounding structures, reduced performance capacity and can contribute to recurrent injuries or chronic pain syndromes.

TREATMENT:
Fascial adhesions requires active, targeted therapy. Treatment includes myofascial release, instrumental assisted therapy, cupping, stretching, neuro-muscular and progressive loading. These techniques break down restrictions, improve tissue glide and restore functional capacity, essential for returning to pain-free movement.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 😉👍

20/11/2025

What does the Rotator Cuff do? Let's find out 🤔

Your rotator cuff keeps the shoulder and upper arm stable when you move and use the arm. The muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff surrounds the shoulder joint and hold the bones together.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball-shaped upper end of the humerus (head), fits into a socket in the scapula. The rotator cuff is made of four shoulder muscles. Let's explain each one.

The Supra-Spinatus let's you rotate and lift the arm. It stretches from the top of the scapula to the upper end of the humerus. The Sub-Scapularis let's you hold the arm outstretched, away from the body.

It attaches to the middle of the scapula and stretches to the lower part of the humeral head. The Infra-Spinatus helps rotate the arm. It reaches from the bottom of the scapula and connects to the humerus behind the supra-spinatus.

The Teres-Minor helps turn and rotate the arm. It attaches to the outside edge of the scapula and attaches to the humerus beneath the infra-spinatus.

Tendons connect the muscles in the rotator cuff to the bones around them. Tendons are like levers that move the bones as the muscles contract and expand. When contracting the muscles in the rotator cuff, tendons pull the attached bones to move the shoulder and upper arm.

ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES:
Rotator cuff injuries are common because you use them so often for so many activities throughout the day. Injuries can happen suddenly or build up over time. Rotator cuff damage is a common sports injury.

The most common rotator cuff injuries include overuse syndrome, shoulder impingement syndrome (rotator cuff tendinitis), rotator cuff tears, shoulder sprains and swimmer's shoulder.

ROTATOR CUFF TEAR SIGNS:
Rotator cuff tears cause shoulder pain. You may feel a dull ache deep within the shoulder or the pain may feel sharp and stabbing. Sudden tears from trauma causes immediate, intense shoulder pain and arm weakness.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

19/11/2025

Why Neck Pain and Migraine go hand in hand 🤔

A new study offers a better understanding of neck pain associated with migraine, distinguishing it from cervicogenic headaches and other neck issues. To better understand this research, it's helpful to know more about a type of headache that involves neck and head pain called cervicogenic headache.

This type starts in the cervical spine (neck region). This means head pain arises from issues in the structures of the neck, including the bone, disk and nerves. These 3 areas cause the pain that goes from the neck to the head.

Cervicogenic headaches causes pain that affects one side of the head. Occipital neuralgia which causes pain due to irritation of the occipital nerve, may also cause one-sided head pain, sometimes these conditions occur together.

The occipital nerve is located in the back of the head and is connected to the cervical spine. The greater occipital nerve runs up the back of the head and the lesser occipital nerve runs towards the ear.

Cervogenic headaches often involves a reduced range of motion in the neck. As a result, the headache is made a lot worse through certain movements. New research looks into the relationship between migraine and neck pain.

The study found that migraine of this nature does not necessarily indicate that a person has issues with their neck muscles, tendons ligaments, connective tissue or bones (cervical musculo-skeletal dysfunction).

Although movement of the neck can be painful, the cause is more likely closer to the nerve area.

OUTCOME OF THE STUDY:
The outcome of these research studies have found that by performing individual preventive or acute treatments, migraine attacks as well as neck pain can be reduced. It's important for patients to have a personalized assessment to determine whether there are anatomical causes of their neck pain.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉

18/11/2025

What is Snapping Hip Syndrome (coxa syltans)? 🤔

Snapping Hip Syndrome is characterized by an audible and sometimes visible "snapping" or "cracking" sensation of the hip that generally occurs when the leg is moved in a certain way. There are two types of hip snapping.

External Snapping - this happens when you hear or feel the snap on the outside of the hip. Internal Snapping - this type is when the sound or feeling comes from inside the hip, near the groin, called iliopsoas coxa saltans.

CAUSES:
Tight muscles or tendons around the hip are the most common cause. It's often an overuse injury. Training for a sport puts a lot of pressure on the hips. Over time, the extra stress can irritate muscles and tendons. This can lead to inflammation that makes the tissue tighten up.

Other causes include natural variation in the hip joint, injuries, a complication from other treatments, cartilage issues or natural tight or short muscles and tendons.

SYMPTOMS:
Although snapping hip is usually painless and harmless, the sensation can be annoying. In some cases, snapping hip leads to bursitis, a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint. Symptoms usually shown a gradual onset of snapping or pain located laterally over the greater trochanter.

Deep painful sensation coming from within the anterior groin as the hip is moved from flexion into extension or external rotation.

TREATMENT:
Treatment starts with thorough assessment to identify the specific issue, following by manual soft tissue techniques to release tight muscles and tendons. Next stage focuses on specific stretching and strengthening excercises for the hips and glutes and concludes with functional training.

Treatment available, contact me for more info 👍😉