Newsletter January 2008
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Happy 2008 to all our patients. Lets hope its healthy and happy for everyone.
Usually January is a quiet time for us Osteopaths, as most of our patients are recovering from the Christmas spending but we are expecting to be a little busier this year judging by the number of Wii’s that were sold for Christmas. I’ve been told it’s like an aerobic workout in your living room so make sure you all warm up properly before you start. To date one of our staff has had problems sitting after playing the 10 pin bowling game, while another has given her mother a black eye! You have been warned!!!
CLINIC NEWS
Our clinic continues to thrive, that’s mainly due to all those patients out there who very kindly refer other patients to us. We rely very heavily on this “word of mouth” referral which accounts for approx. 70% of our total number of new patients. So a big thank you to all of you who have put in a good word for us.
Sacro-iliac strain
The sacro-iliac joints (SI’s) are two in number and are found between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the ilium which forms part of the pelvic rim. If they are strained they cause low back pain with or without referral to the groin and front part of the thigh.
Research findings implicate the SI joint in up to 90% of low back pain. Whether the primary cause is sacro-iliac, myofascial, facet or discal, most lumbar and pelvic girdle muscles will be involved.
The sacro-iliac joints are ligamentous joints, allowing them to stretch during the latter stages of pregnancy. Hence the strains, are commonly found in pre or post partum ladies.
Equally strains are seen in acquired hypermobile patients like dancers and gymnasts, or they can be due to trauma, degenerative or compensatory reasons. Another high risk group are builders, nurses and vets where sudden changes in loading can occur, but also overdoing the hoovering or using a lawn mower can put strain through the sarco-iliac joints.
Osteopathic treatment is used to mobilise restricted joints, often one SI is over mobile (hypermobile), while the other is relatively under mobile (hypomobile) and by mobilising the restricted joint the pelvis is balanced just like getting the tracking right in your car.
In some cases though, the sacro-iliacs can be so hypermobile and inflamed that they are not able to respond to treatment. In these cases sacro-iliac belts are used to support the pelvis, reduce the movement at the sacro-iliac joint and therefore allow the strained ligaments to heal.
One of the best SI belts currently on the market is the Serola SI Belt which we stock in our Clinic and retails at £32.50. Ask your Osteopath for advice.
Osteoarthritis
This is “wear and tear” arthritis or degeneration, also known in spinal joints as “spondylitis”. A number of foods are thought to be beneficial for joints which are osteoarthritic, likewise some foods are thought to aggravate symptoms of pain and stiffness in arthritic joints.
Foods that are most beneficial:
Green vegetables, Carrots, Seaweed, Watercress, Avocado, Parsley, Bananas, Celery, Pecans, Okra, Kale, Alfalfa, Cod liver oil, Soya Milk, Soy, Apple cider & honey,
Seeds (pumpkin/sunflower), Brown Rice, Garlic, onions, Egg yolks, Figs and molasses,
Cherries, Dandelion.
Foods that should be reduced in the diet
Citrus (orange, lemon, grapefruit etc),
Dairy products, Fried Foods, Wheat, Tomatoes, Meat, Aubergine, Refined carbohydrates, Potatoes, Alcohol, Peppers,
Salt, Tobacco.
Vitamin C plays a major role in the prevention and repair of injuries. It is involved in the formation of collagen, which is important for the growth and repair of body tissue, cells, gums, blood vessels, bones and teeth. Several studies have demonstrated that Vitamin C has a positive effect on cartilage.
Vitamin A is involved in collagen synthesis and wound healing, the structural and functional requirement in any diet. Sources:- Fish liver oil, liver, carrots, green and yellow vegetables.
Zinc functions along with vitamin A in many metabolic processes. Dietary zinc has been shown to reduce wound healing time significantly and limit inflammatory responses. These are just two among numerous functions. Sources;- wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, pumpkin seeds, eggs, ground mustard, chickpeas, lentils, baked beans, oysters (very high).
Vitamin E and Selenium – These two nutrients function together and increase the others effectiveness. They decrease wound healing time and are important in controlling inflammatory processes. Studies show that vitamin E has an ability to inhibit the breakdown of cartilage as well as stimulate its production. Sources:- Muesli, fish, avocado, brazil nuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, vegetable oils, broccoli, brussel sprouts, leafy greens, spinach.
Flavonoids – This group is extremely effective in reducing inflammation and stabilising collagen structures. Sources:- They are found in the white segment or ring of fruits and vegetables, and also in green tea and wine. Cherries, blackberries, blueberries and red grapes are all excellent sources.
Vitamin B6 – This is required for the synthesis of normal collagen and maintenance of cartilage structures.
Sources:- fish, egg yolk, wholegrain cereals, bananas, avocados, nuts, seeds and some green leafy vegetables.
Magnesium and Boron are important in maintaining bone health. Boron appears to reduce urinary calcium excretion by 44%, and play a role in converting vitamin D into the form required for it to help in calcium absorption.
General Advice – Avoid foods known to impede mineral absorption such as tea, coffee, bran and excess wholemeal bread. Tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, paprika, tobacco and potatoes adversely affect some people and it is worth considering removing them from your diet, if possible, for a least a trial period. As far as possible simple carbohydrates (such as sugar), processed, and concentrated carbohydrates should be avoided; complex-carbohydrate (as in those found in fruits, vegetables, pasta etc.), and high fibre foods should be emphasised. It has been shown that a diet high in unleavened bread can reduce the absorption of calcium and zinc, both of which are essential to the prevention of osteoporosis. An acid (phytic acid) found in wheat and oats binds with calcium, causing it to be unavailable to the body.
Supplements – Numerous studies have shown Glucosamine Sulphate produces better results than non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g. aspirin) in relieving the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. By getting at the root of the problem it not only improves the symptoms – including pain – but also helps the body repair damaged joints. It does however take a while to achieve results, and a period of at least three months is suggested before the benefits are felt.
Obviously there are only so many changes that you will be prepared to make to you diet. For this reason it may be worth considering taking a good quality one-a-day supplement.
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INCREASE IN FEES Unfortunately due to increasing running costs we will have to increase our fees from March 1st 2008. New patients will pay £39 (increased from £37) and follow up patients will be charged £34 (compared with £32 at present). We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but I am sure you will all appreciate the genuine reasons behind the increases. |
Easter Closure Times
The Clinic will be closed on:
Friday 21st March
Saturday 22nd March and
Monday 24th March, 2008.
www.pontypriddosteopaths.co.uk