Osteopathy In Action, Osteopath Huddersfield, Osteopathy Huddersfield, Physio, Back pain, Neck pain, Sciatica,sports injuries, Shoulder pain, headaches, physio Huddersfield

A new website ……a new name …… a new member of staff ….and
a new newsletter!

Our website has been re-designed to provide more information about osteopathy and the practice. We hope you find the new format user friendly. This has led to the launch of a new web address – thebackman.net. This is hopefully an easier web address to remember and to spell! The practice name will continue to be Osteopathy in Action. However, osteopathy is not just about treating back problems. It is also an effective form of treatment for musculo-skeletal problems, sports injuries and headaches. You can also benefit from advice to help you cope with the physical stresses of everyday life at work, at home and at play.

We are delighted to welcome a new member of staff - Michelle Ellwood. Michelle has come on board initially for one day a week as ‘Practice Manager’. Her primary role is to work on promoting the clinic and ensuring that Osteopathy in Action continues to provide a friendly, effective and professional service. She also works as a radiography lecturer at the University of Leeds along with being a Mummy to 3-year Joshua Jack.

The new website will provide an opportunity to write regular newsletter updates, ‘top tips’ and health advice. In this newsletter you can read about ‘plantar fasciitis’, a painful heel pain that can affect about 1 in 10 of the population. You can also find ‘top tips’ about coping with heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

Coming soon...............

Plantar Fasciitis can be treated effectively

Osteopathic treatment, gentle stretching exercises and orthotics can provide effective results. Osteopathy in Action works in consultation with Andrew Root (BSc, DpodM, MChs, SRCh) to specialise in the assessment and treatment of foot problems. Andrew is a foot podiatrist whose expertise lies in the area of biomechanical foot assessments and makes ‘made to measure’ orthotics. If orthotics are recommended, the osteopath will take a mould of each foot using plaster of paris. This will capture the exact shape and the fit of your foot. This will be sent to Mr Root who will make your individual orthotics and return them to Osteopathy in Action.

Life has been busy with work, family and maintaining my professional development. I’ve recently completed a psychology course on back pain – this has helped me to understand the emotional and psychological affect that pain can have on our patients. I also learnt that psychological strategies as well as manual therapy can help patients with long term pain.

Thank you to Michelle (my wife), Julia and Verena for their help, support and hard work with Osteopathy in Action.

Best wishes, David

I find it hard to believe that it is almost 3 years since I started as receptionist working along with David and Julia at Osteopathy in Action. They say time flies when you are enjoying yourself. I must be having a ball because the last 3 years have just flown by. Should any of you think I seem to have aged over the last few months then it’s most likely due to me becoming a Grandma for the first time. I find myself in great demand for baby sitting duties. To be honest I wouldn’t want it any other way .The practice is going from strength to strength and we now have a great new website which I recommend you all to view.
I wish you all well. Verena

We are planning to carry out a patient survey to find out what you think of the services we offer. Your feedback is very important and will help us to ensure that we provide an effective and professional service.

1. Stand 2-3 feet away from a wall. Keeping the knees straight and feet and heels on the ground, lean onto the wall. You should feel the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon tighten. Keep this position for 15 seconds then relax. Do this 2-3 times. Repeat this routine three times a day.

2. You may repeat the above exercise with the knees bent.

(These exercises tend to be easier with one leg slightly in front of the other)

We recommend you check all exercises with your osteopath!

Rest the foot and only do gentle exercises – avoid running, excessive walking or standing;
Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors;
Wear shoes with cushioned heels and good arch supports;
Painkillers such as paracetamol can ease the pain; anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can also help;
Regular gentle stretching exercises will loosen up the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia (see opposite)

See http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068803/

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes heel pain and pain in the sole of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the Plantar Fascia, a pad of fibrous tissue and fat - that runs from the heel to the ball of each foot. This pad reinforces the action of ligaments in maintaining the shape of the foot, in particular the arches. Repetitive activity or overuse of our feet causes this pad to stretch. Sometimes when this happens, small tears appear in the pad, which become inflamed. This usually happens near or at the point where the pad is attached to the heel, which is why it feels painful.

Plantar Fasciitis is particularly common among sportspeople and others who are on their feet a lot (it's also known as jogger's heel, tennis heel and even policeman's heel)

But other important factors include wearing high heels (not often the cause for men) and suddenly becoming more active for one reason or another (or changing the type of exercise you do). It also tends to occur more often as people get older and develop osteoarthritis. Being overweight and walking abnormalities can also be the main causative factors.