Core stability is defined as “the capacity of the muscles of the torso to assist in the maintenance of good posture, balance, etc., especially during movement”. Reading this definition it comes as no surprise how important it is. In fact I believe that just about every movement we do in day to day life involves the core.
A few of the exercises I’ve posted from my Newton Abbot clinic address this and much of my time as an osteopath is helping patients rebuild these areas or treatment often caused by a weakness in their core.
Regaining strength and flexibility will lead to greater confidence which will in turn encourages more movement. Please call me if you’d like help with this in come and see me if you’re in the TQ12 or TQ13 area of Devon.
Lockdown restrictions are easing and so now is the time to start easing those restrictions that may have built up in your body.
After a few unprecedented months of being limited by lockdown we now have the freedom to move a little more. We are still living in times of stress and those stresses easily find their way into our bodies. This can cause us to hold pain and tension especially in our neck, low back, shoulders, jaw and even our face and nostrils. This causes pain which reduces our movement which increases stiffness and around the vicious circle goes. Osteopathy can help this!
There are some videos of stretches to do that will help you on News page of my website but sometimes we need a helping hand from an osteopath to get things going again. I’m pleased to say the clinic has been open for a few months now using the appropriate infection control and PPE. So please contact me at Newton Abbot (TQ12) or Ashburton (TQ13) for a chat about how I could help you find the Freedom to Move again.
Many more people are working from home during these challenging times. I thoroughly recommend setting up a good, dedicated (if possible) working space at home. Of course this can be very difficult with lack of equipment, lack of room and sharing your space with family, children, housemates etc.
Despite these challenges there are usually things that can be done to at least improve our environment. The following short video is a taster of some of the things to look into.
I also recommend that if this is likely to be a long term arrangement that some investment in equipment should be looked at if one’s finances allow it. It’s also worth discussing this with your employer as they may be able to assist in the purchase of kit.
The least expensive and most useful addition is a laptop stand which can be used with a separate keyboard, mouse and/or trackpad. This lifts the screen up meaning the head doesn’t drop down. Looking down at a screen increases neck pain and tension, and puts strain through the shoulders. It even adds to low back pain and soreness as the centre of gravity moves forward and the lumbar muscles have to work harder. If we are in discomfort and pain then our ability to focus and concentrate is impacted leading to reduced efficiency in our ability to work well.
Document holders work in similar ways and are also inexpensive. They keep the head looking forward in a more neutral way.
A good chair (and importantly) properly set up will significantly help to reduce pain. Ideally one that will tilt as we lean our weight forward and back depending on what we are doing are the desk. The one above is an excellent example and kindly loaned by the people at Back World in Exeter, near my osteopathic clinics in Newton Abbot and Ashburton. You will also receive great advice on setting up a home work station.
Please feel free to contact me if you’d like some advice on your particular situation.
