So many of us have “sprained” an ankle. That general term for “I fell and hurt my ankle and it’s still sore”. In medical terms a sprain is when there is a “stretching or tearing of ligaments” so it’s a useful catch all term for joint injuries that need a bit of rest and Ice but not much more. But a recent study suggests that there might be longer term…
During the summer I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by the gorgeous Nicole King for Marbella Now on RTV Marbella. My section starts at 5.18 and lasts for about 10 minutes. I love the song they have used – “I’m feeeeeeeling good!”. We’re mainly talking about my new Headache Clinic as Nicole’s son suffers from migraines and came to see me. A lovely chat and a great video tour…
Often, when I say that I can help people’s migraines and severe headaches by assessing and treating their neck their response is, “but my neck doesn’t hurt”. And yet . . . it’s still involved. How nerves work Nerves are designed to send messages from their end to the brain. That’s all they know how to do. If there is a problem at any point along that route all the…
What is the Carpal Tunnel? The Carpal Tunnel is located on the palm side of your wrist. It is a tunnel to protect the median nerve which controls index and middle finger function. If there is any kind of blockage, pressure or inflammation in this tunnel it puts pressure on the nerve, creating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms Carpal Tunnel syndrome typically starts with a vague aching in your wrist that…
I’m a physiotherapist in private practice. I work for myself. If I don’t see patients I don’t make any money. But there is the eternal argument between my accountant and myself regarding my business – I will refuse to treat certain patients. Now there is a HUGE amount that physiotherapy can help with, far more than it is usually credited with BUT if a patient is not suitable for the…
A few months ago I was chatting to a woman I’d met a few times at various networking meetings and she mentioned she had a condition called achalasia which is quite unusual. The lower oesophageal (bottom of the oesophagus ) muscles and sphincter start to degenerate and, critically, the nerves which control these muscles. Patients commonly have problems swallowing, chest pain and regurgitate food and drink. She explained how she’d…
I am privileged to work with an amazing audiologist, Peter Ormrod, who specialises in treating tinnitus. Interestingly one of the first things we spoke about when he came to work with us was tinnitus treatment. What is tinnitus? Tinnitus is when you can hear a sound that doesn’t have an outside source. The perception of this sound varies, some describe a high pitched whistle, others a buzzing, or even the…
Chronic lower back pain is becoming a big problem. In the UK, USA and Australia it is fighting to be the number 1 reason people are off work. So what is the solution? Lumbar Fusion Surgery? Although there are a number of different methods all involve joining or fusing together 2 of the bony discs in the spine so that they no longer move, the theory being that it is…
Migraines are notoriously difficult to treat. They often don’t respond very well to medication or the medication itself can have unwanted side effects. And you usually know they’re coming . . . . Migraines with Aura Some people experience symptoms before an attack called an aura. flashing lights, zigzag patterns or blind spots in your vision stiffness, a tingling sensation or pins and needles in your neck or shoulders feeling…
I’m not a fan of cortical steroid injections. Repeated research has shown that while the initial pain relief can be significant, prolonged and repeated use starts to break down the tendons within the joint, like a fraying rope. Which inevitably leads to more pain and more problems. Tennis Elbow is a complicated condition, often misdiagnosed and therefore mistreated, it isn’t uncommon to hear of patients having had treatment for many…