Complementary & Alternative Health

Complementary & Alternative Health Interventional Therapies for all types of chronic and acute pain conditions Alternative Medical Treatments for Pain Conditions eg injuries, diseases ect

The Dizziness Muscle: Why your neck is causing brain fog πŸ€”Do you frequently suffer from unexplained dizziness, a "heavy"...
08/04/2026

The Dizziness Muscle: Why your neck is causing brain fog πŸ€”

Do you frequently suffer from unexplained dizziness, a "heavy" feeling in the head or a sharp tension headache that settles right behind the eyes? Have you checked your vision and hydration, but the foggy feeling still won't go away?

Most people assume these are just regular migraines or signs of exhaustion. But if these symptoms are paired with a stiff neck, you might be looking in the wrong place entirely. You are likely dealing with a mechanical lockdown of the SCM muscle.

THE NECK ANCHOR:
What exactly is pulling on your skull? The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is a thick, powerful muscle on both sides of the neck. It attaches right behind the ear (at the base of the skull) and runs all the way down to the collarbone. It's job is to turn the head and tilt the chin.

The biomechanics of the glitch, when spending hours leaning forward looking down at a computer or phone, you create extreme "forward head posture".

THE MECHANICAL NIGHTMARE: Because the heavy head is hanging forward, the SCM muscle has to remain completely contracted to stop the head from falling. Over time, it adapts, physically shrinks and locks into a concrete-like spasm. When the SCM locks up, it creates a mechanical nightmare.

The trigger points inside this muscle are referring pain to different areas. The tension chokes local tissues and sends chaotic sensory signals to the brain, which manifests as dizziness, ringing in ears, blurred vision and pain behind the eyes.

TREATMENT:
Your brain feels foggy because your neck is in a structural vice.
Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Primary Restriction vs Secondary Pain: understanding the hidden biomechanics πŸ€”Pain is often not where the real problem s...
07/04/2026

Primary Restriction vs Secondary Pain: understanding the hidden biomechanics πŸ€”

Pain is often not where the real problem starts. The area a patient feels pain is frequently a secondary compensation, while the true cause lies elsewhere in the body as a primary restriction.

Biomechanically, the body functions as a continuous kinetic chain. A restriction at the pelvis can alter spinal loading, rib mechanics and shoulder movement. Similarly, a restriction in the upper spine can change pelvic alagnment and hip mechanics.

PRIMARY RESTRICTION - THE ROOT CAUSE:
A primary restriction is a segment of the body that has lost normal mobility, commonly in the upper cervical spine, thoracic spine, pelvis or hip. When one region becomes stiff or dysfunctional, the body must adapt to maintain upright posture, balance and visual alignment.

These restrictions often exist without obvious pain, initially making them easy to miss during assessment.

SECONDARY COMPENSATION & PAIN REFERRAL:
When a primary restriction is present, adjacent or distant regions are forced to move more than they should. Over time, these overworked areas develop muscle tension, joint stress and inflammation, becoming the sites where pain is felt.

This is why patients may complain of low back pain, buttock pain, shoulder pain or neck discomfort. Even though the true biomechanical fault is located elsewhere.

WHY TREATING ONLY THE PAIN, OFTEN FAILS:
Treating the painful area alone may provide temporary relief, but if the primary restriction is not corrected, symptoms often return. This explains why many people experience recurring pain despite repeated treatments that focused only on the site of pain/discomfort.

CLINICAL & REHABILITATION PERSPECTIVE:
Effective rehabilitation requires identifying and correcting the primary restriction, restoring normal joint motion, muscle balance and movement patterns.

Once the root cause is addressed, secondary pain area are relieved naturally as the body no longer needs to compensate.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Pain is often the final signal, not the first problem. To achieve lasting results, the entire body should be assessed as a connective system rather than only focus on the symptoms.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

02/04/2026

Let's explain the different colours of mucus πŸ€”

Have you been puzzled by the colour of mucus in their different hues? Firstly you should know where mucus is produced, the sinus cavities. The sinus cavities not only generate the viscous substance, but also act as a crumple zone, resonance box, lighten the head weight.

Mucus is vital to our health. It moisturizes air coming in through the nose, also traps and help expel germs, bacteria, foreign particles, viruses and other pollutants, besides lubricating the various parts of the breathing mechanism. So you see, mucus is not all that bad.

MUCUS COLOUR:
Mucus colour is produced in part by the kind of cells the immune system reproduce to combat disease, foreign intrusions ect. This, coupled with other symptoms, serves to identify the kind of malady or condition we may be experiencing at the time. Some food we eat can also produce histamine or mucus as well as colour eg white mucus is associated with drinking milk.

Physical environment also affect the production of mucus and it's colour eg dry air can produce light yellow mucus. Colour of mucus itself cannot determine a condition inside the body.

CLEAR WATERY MUCUS:
This is the mucus that is normal and that should be secreted by the sinus membranes continually. It keeps the breathing mechanism functioning correctly and therefore it is produced abundantly, one or two pints per day. Sometimes it's production is so abundant that it drips through the nose.

This can be a sign of an irritation caused by an allergic reaction to the environment, cold virus or rhinitis (hay fever). Usually it's just a reaction to a temporary irritation that may go away by itself.

GREEN MUCUS:
It can be an indication of a bacterial infection. Especially if the green nasal mucus is accompanied by fever and pain and it has been experienced for several days.

Green mucus can also be a sign of bronchitis if one or more of the following is present, coughing, fatique, shortness of breath after non-vigorous physical excercise, wheezing and discomfort in the chest area.

YELLOW MUCUS:
Coughing up yellow mucus can be a sign of a sinus infection,n especially when the colour changes to a dark yellow. It can also be a sign of bronchitis if its accompanied by the symptoms already described for bronchitis under green mucus.

Sometimes yellow mucus can follow sinus pressure, if the mucus has stagnate and a sinus infection has set in.

PINK MUCUS:
This colour mucus should be regarded as a sign of a potential serious condition. If pink mucus is accompanied by fatique, weakness, sudden weight gain from fluid retention, lack of appitite, swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, decreased alertness, shortness of breath when lying down, persistent cough, rapid or irregular heartbeat and swollen abdomen.

BLOOD IN MUCUS:
Producing a little blood-tinged sputum (saliva mixed with mucus) is not uncommon and not potentially serious. On the other hand, coughing up blood can be caused by a variety of lung conditions.

Seek medical attention πŸ˜‰πŸ‘

Thoracic Rib Cage Pain. Let's explain πŸ€”The thoracic diaphragm is considered the major muscle of respiration. It separate...
31/03/2026

Thoracic Rib Cage Pain. Let's explain πŸ€”

The thoracic diaphragm is considered the major muscle of respiration. It separates the thoracic cavity, containing the heart and lungs, from the abdominal cavity and performs an important function in respiration. As the diaphragm contracts during inhalation, creating more space for the chest cavity, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases allowing more room for the lungs to expand.

The thoracic diaphragm has important fascial connections to the sternum, the ribs, the thoracic/lumbar spine, to abdominal organs as well as the iliopsoas muscle, which can cause major issues too. During inhalation, the diaphragm flatten, creating more space for the chest cavity to expand allowing more room for the lungs to expand.

There are 3 large openings in the diaphragm through which structures pass between the thorax and abdomen, the aortic, the esophageal and the caval openings/hiatus plus a series of smaller ones which are important for blood and lymph circulation.

The diaphragm is also involved in non-respiratory functions, helping to expel vomit, f***s and urine from the body by increasing intra-abdominal pressure and preventing acid reflux.
The phrenic nerve (C3-C5) keeps the diaphragm alive. Diaphragm muscle trigger points can lead to referred pain in the rib cage or shoulder.

The diaphragm can cause spine or stomach issues, it can prevent injuries, increase endurance and even support recovery as this muscle is involved in breathing mechanism and blood circulation.

TREATMENT:
Diaphragm/Thoracic Rib Cage treatment is available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

What is COPD? Let's explain πŸ€”Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that block airflow...
31/03/2026

What is COPD? Let's explain πŸ€”

Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make if difficult to breathe. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that make up COPD. Damage to the lungs from COPD can't be reversed but it can be managed. Smoking is the main cause of COPD. The harmful chemicals in smoke can damage the lining of the lungs and airways.

CAUSES:
COPD happens when the lungs become inflamed, damaged and narrowed. The main cause is smoking, although the condition can sometimes affect people who have never smoked. The likelihood of developing COPD increases the more you smoke and the longer you've smoked.

Some cases of COPD are caused by long-term exposure to harmful fumes or dust. Others are the result of a rare generic issue which means the lungs are made more vulnerable to damage.

SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms might become increasingly severe and difficult to ignore. You may have symptoms as the lungs get increasingly damaged. Even mild forms of excercise, such as going up a flight of stairs can cause shortness of breath. Wheezing is a form of higher-pitched loud breathing that occurs often during excercise. Exhalations, tightness in the chest, coughing for a long time, with or without mucus. Need to clear mucus from lungs daily.

Colds, flu or other respiratory diseases on a regular basis. Energy deficiency in later stages of COPD, fatigue, swelling of the feet, ankles and legs and weight loss. Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes in the lungs. It irritates then the tubes swell. Chronic bronchitis is also a cause for COPD. Emphysema affects how the lungs transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Asthma is not a cause but you can have both asthma and COPD.

TREATMENT:
Treatment focuses on clearing mucus build up in the lungs. Open airways for better airflow. Strengthening lung muscles. Clinical examination, where the lung sounds are evaluated. Crackling sounds are common in COPD.

There are 2 distinct types of crackling sounds detectable in the lungs, coarse and fine. Course crackles are typically in COPD.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

What is Meralgia Paresthetica? πŸ€”Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes tingling, numbness and burning pain in ...
26/03/2026

What is Meralgia Paresthetica? πŸ€”

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes tingling, numbness and burning pain in the outer thigh. It's caused by compression of the nerve that provides feeling to the skin covering the thigh. The large nerve supplies sensation to the front and side of the thigh.

Meralgia paresthetica is also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment. Meralgia means "pain in the thigh" and paresthetica means "burning pain, tingling or itch".

CAUSES:
Meralgia paresthetica results from the compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which travels from the spinal cord through the pelvic region, down the outside of the thigh.

The compression can occur due to swelling and inflammation, injury or pressure. Factors causing the compression include injury or surgery in the hip area, diabetes. Wearing tight fitted clothes, scar tissue near the inguinal ligament, pregnancy, wearing a heavy tool belt as well as fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica only occurs on one side of the body, in the front of the upper thigh. They include pain which may extend down to the outer side of the knee. Burning, aching, tingling or numbness in the thigh. Increased pain sensitivity and worse pain after walking or standing for long periods. Meralgia paresthetica doesn't directly cause issues with your muscles or movement.

TREATMENT:
Treatment for meralgia paresthetica focuses on relieving compression on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve through hip flexor stretching, myofascial release, strengthening the gluteal muscle and core. Nerve gliding techniques.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Let's explain Pelvic Pain πŸ€”Pelvic pain can be concerning because it's a symptom of so many conditions. It's a pain felt ...
25/03/2026

Let's explain Pelvic Pain πŸ€”
Pelvic pain can be concerning because it's a symptom of so many conditions. It's a pain felt in the lower abdomen, from below the navel, down to the p***c area. Pelvic pain can affect both men and women, it can be acute or chronic with varying degrees of pain, depending on the cause. Common pelvic pain in such as menstrual cramps or pregnancy, whereas common pelvic pain in men, such as prostatitis or enlarged prostate.
CAUSES: You can have pelvic pain for many reasons. There are several organs in the pelvic region. Issues with any of these organs can lead to pain. Nerves, muscles and other tissues in this area can also cause pain if it becomes irritated or injured. Some of the most common causes include appendicitis, urinary tract infections, kidney infection or kidney stones diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, nerve conditions as well as hernia.
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms associated with pelvic pain include pain during in*******se or while sitting down, lower back pain or pain radiating into the thighs. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating or gas. Painful or frequent urination as well as irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge, in men re**al bleeding. Fever and vomiting in serious cases. .
The nature of the pain can take on different qualities, such as dull, stabbing, pricking, sharp or cramping sensation and may be acute or chronic. The pain can radiate to the back, waste, hips, thighs or groin area.
TREATMENT: Medical practitioners may refer you for treatment when pelvic pain is caused by musculo-skeletal abnormalities in order to treat muscle spasms and strengthen the muscles from below the navel down to the pelvic area that supports internal organs including the p***c, bladder, uterus, falopian tubes or intestines. Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Let's explain Pelvic Pain πŸ€”Pelvic pain can be concerning because it's a symptom of so many conditions. It's a pain felt ...
25/03/2026

Let's explain Pelvic Pain πŸ€”

Pelvic pain can be concerning because it's a symptom of so many conditions. It's a pain felt in the lower abdomen, from below the navel, down to the p***c area.

Pelvic pain can affect both men and women, it can be acute or chronic with varying degrees of pain, depending on the cause. Common pelvic pain in such as menstrual cramps or pregnancy, whereas common pelvic pain in men, such as prostatitis or enlarged prostate.

CAUSES:
You can have pelvic pain for many reasons. There are several organs in the pelvic region. Issues with any of these organs can lead to pain. Nerves, muscles and other tissues in this area can also cause pain if it becomes irritated or injured.

Some of the most common causes include appendicitis, urinary tract infections, kidney infection or kidney stones diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, nerve conditions as well as hernia.

SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms associated with pelvic pain include pain during in*******se or while sitting down, lower back pain or pain radiating into the thighs. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating or gas. Painful or frequent urination as well as irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge, in men re**al bleeding. Fever and vomiting in serious cases. .

The nature of the pain can take on different qualities, such as dull, stabbing, pricking, sharp or cramping sensation and may be acute or chronic. The pain can radiate to the back, waste, hips, thighs or groin area.

TREATMENT:
Medical practitioners may refer you for treatment when pelvic pain is caused by musculo-skeletal abnormalities in order to treat muscle spasms and strengthen the muscles from below the navel down to the pelvic area that supports internal organs including the p***c, bladder, uterus, falopian tubes or intestines.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

The Gluteal muscles have an essential function to counteract on anterior pelvic tilt. Let's explain πŸ€”The gluteal muscles...
24/03/2026

The Gluteal muscles have an essential function to counteract on anterior pelvic tilt. Let's explain πŸ€”

The gluteal muscles are known as a muscle group consisting of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae muscles. They are found in the gluteal region, an area overlying the posterior aspect of the pelvic girdle and the proximal part of the femur.

These muscles help stabilize the upper body and pelvis, aid in locomotion and extend the hip. The gluteal muscles act on the hip joint, mainly to facilitate abduction and extention of the thigh.
Gluteus maximus is an important muscle for activities of daily living, displays of explosive athletic performance and stability of certain joints in the body. It is our most powerful hip extensor.

If the gluteus medius and minimus were not contracting properly, the pelvis would drop towards the opposite side and the trunk would lean towards the opposite side. This is because the gluteus medius and minimus act to stabilize the pelvis eg. single leg stances.

WEAK GLUTEAL MUSCLES have been associated with a variety of lower limb issues. It may lead to other muscles or tissues to become overloaded through a cascade of events eg. patellofemoral pain, gluteal Tendinopathy, iliotibial band syndrome, trochanteric bursitis and greater trochanteric pain.

Strong gluteal muscles contribute to good posture and proper alignment of the pelvis. The gluteal muscles work in synergy with the core muscles to transfer forces between the upper and lower extremities.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Strong gluteal muscles are important for proper pelvic alignment, propulsion during walking, running and standing on one leg. It also help support the lower back during lifting and help prevent knee injuries. Gluteal muscles are the focus of many excercises including deadlifts, squats, resistant band side steps, bridges and walking.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

HOME EXCERCISE TO ACTIVATE INHIBITED GLUTEAL MUSCLES:

First lay on your back with knees bent. Keep your core braced. Without arching your lower back, squeeze your buttock muscles to get them engaged first. Then lift up while keeping your glutes contracted.

At the top, squeeze your glutes as hard as possible for about 5 seconds before going down slowly.

Repeat 4 times πŸ˜‰

Hip version & Lower limb Biomechanics. Understanding anteversion, retro version and movement patterns πŸ€”The orientation o...
23/03/2026

Hip version & Lower limb Biomechanics. Understanding anteversion, retro version and movement patterns πŸ€”

The orientation of the femoral neck relative to the femur shaft plays a major role in determining hip mobility and lower limb movement patterns. This structural characteristic is known as hip version and generally falls into 3 categories. Anteversion, retroversion and neutral alignment.

These anatomical variations influence how the hip rotates, how the feet point during walking and even which squat or lifting positions feel most natural.

FEMORAL ANTEVERSION occurs when the femoral neck is angled, move forward relative to the femoral cordyles. This orientation increases the available internal rotation of the hip while limiting external rotation. As a result, a pigeon-toed posture, where the feet point inwards.

Biomechanical ly, narrower stances in excercises such as deadlifts or standard squats often feel more comfortable because the hip joint aligns better with its natural rotational capacity.

FEMORAL RETROVERSION occurs when the femoral neck is angled more backwards relative to the femoral shaft. This configuration increases external rotation capacity while limiting internal rotation. People with retroversion may naturally stand or walk with their feet slightly turned outward, referred to as a duck-foot posture.

For these individuals, wider stances, such as sumo deadlifts or wider squat positions, often allows the hips to move more effectively without forcing the joint into restricted internal rotation.

NEUTRAL HIP VERSION: Between these two extremes lies a neutral hip version, where internal and external rotation are relatively balanced. People with this alignment usually tolerates a wide range of movement patterns and excercise positions without restriction. From a biomechanical perspective, hip version influences how forces travel through the hip, knee and ankle joints.

When movement patterns align with a person's natural hip anatomy, the joint surface maintain optimal contact and muscular forces are distributed efficiently. However, forcing the hip into positions that exceed its structural rotation capacity can lead to compensations in the pelvis, knees or lower back.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Understanding hip version highlights an important principle in biomechanics. Not everybody is build the same. Differences in bone structures can influence movement mechanics, posture and preferred excercise techniques. Rather than forcing identical positions for everyone, training and rehabilitation should respect each person's anatomical variations.

When excercises match the natural orientation of the hip joint, movement becomes more efficient, joint stress is reduced and performances can improve.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Let's explain Restless Leg Syndrome πŸ€”Restless leg syndrome can occur at any age and tends to get worse with age. It can ...
19/03/2026

Let's explain Restless Leg Syndrome πŸ€”

Restless leg syndrome can occur at any age and tends to get worse with age. It can disrupt sleep, which interferes with daily activities. It's also more common in women than men.

Restless leg syndrome isn't related to a serious underlying medical condition. However, it sometimes occur with other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, damage to the nerves in the hands and feet which relates to chronic conditions such as diabetes and alcohol use disorder.

CAUSES:
Often may include an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine sends messages to control muscle movements. Sometimes restless leg syndrome can run in the family.

Pregnancy or hormonal changes may worsen restless leg symptoms, especially during the first trimester whereafer symptoms will dissappear after birth. Iron deficiency is also another cause.

SYMPTOMS:
The main symptom of restless leg syndrome is an urge to move the legs. It's common to experience uncomfortable sensations that start while resting.

The sensation of restless leg syndrome lessens with movement. Stretching, juggling the legs, pacing or walking may lessen the symptoms. Symptoms normally start at night time. Night time leg twitching may be associated with another condition called periodic limb movement. This condition causes legs to twitch and kick during sleep.

TREATMENT:
Restless leg syndrome symptoms can range from being mild to having a serious impact on people's lives due to lack of sleep. Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms through nerve mobilization techniques, targeted stretching excercises, neuro-gliding (nerve flossing), manual therapy as well as hot/cold therapy.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Did you know that your tongue serves as a lymph-draining organ? πŸ€”A well-positioned and strong tongue plays a crucial rol...
18/03/2026

Did you know that your tongue serves as a lymph-draining organ? πŸ€”

A well-positioned and strong tongue plays a crucial role in effectively cleansing toxins from your system.

The mucous membrane of the tongue can absorb substances such as medications, which is why some tablets, fluids or sprays are placed underneath the tongue for sublingual administration, rather than being swallowed. Here is how the tongue contributes to lymphatic drainage.

THE TONGUE & LYMPH DRAINAGE: The tip of the tongue drains into the submental lymph node located under the chin. The middle of the tongue drains into the submandibular node, which can be felt under the jaw bone. Towards the back and down towards the throat, the tongue drains into the deep cervical nodes that run through the neck. It's important to note that lymph drainage relies on movement.

Proper tongue movement is a skill that many people are unaware of.
The lymphatic drainage of the tongue consists of intramuscular and submucosal plexuses. These are arranged into 4 sets, apical, marginal, central and dorsal. Apical Set - drains top of tongue and frenulum lingua.

Marginal Set - drains side of the tongue anterior to the sulcus terminalis. Central Set - drains dorsal surfaces of anterior 2/3 (in front of vollate papillae). Dorsal Set - drains posterior 1/3 of the tongue, including vollate papillae.

TONGUE MOVEMENT EXCERCISE: Open your jaw as wide as possible. Extend your tongue as far as it can go, while keeping it straight horizontally. Slowly move it from side to side, touching each corner of your mouth. (Repeat 10 times).

Place your tongue on the floor of your mouth and lift it to the palate behind the upper front teeth. (Repeat 10 times) πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

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