Symptoms vary from person to person, but a migraine often feels like a very awful headache. What makes it worse is that there can be many other symptoms that accompany this headache — like a throbbing pain on one side, problems with your sight, like seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights and some people report feeling dizzy. Others might also experience numbness or tingling feeling too, that feels like pins and needles.

In the UK, around 10 million people aged 15-69 suffer from this disabling neurological illness and that accounts for around 1 in 7 of us. The problem is: the exact cause of migraines still isn’t fully known.

Here’s what we do know

According to the Migraine Trust, genetics have a big role to play. The Trust states that up to 60% of the reason people get migraines is because of their genes.

And it’s these genes that can make migraine sufferers more sensitive to changes in their environment — like lifestyle factors and triggers — that can bring on an attack.

For example, some triggers could include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Stress and tiredness
• Skipping meals or not eating regularly
• Caffeine overload
• Not getting enough exercise
• Starting their period
• Certain foods
• Dehydration
• Alcohol
• Change in weather

Now for the good news

For many, there are things you can do yourself to ease or reduce migraines. For example, this might include sleeping or lying down in a dark room, avoiding your triggers, getting plenty of sleep and managing stress levels. You might also take a painkiller, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to help dull the pain.

But for others, they’re left feeling adrift without a compass.

For those who are wondering what way to turn, we wanted to list a couple of non-pharmasuitical treatments to try which can help you get to the root cause of the problem instead of just masking it.

Is cranial osteopathy good for migraines?

In a nutshell: it can be! Cranial Osteopathy is a much subtler and gentler branch of Osteopathy.

It works by detecting areas of tension and displacement within the bodily tissues, helping to reposition and restore the health of affected tissues. Often used on babies and children, cranial treatment can also work wonders on adults by alleviating damage and preventing it from reoccurring.

According to a 2024 review, this holistic practice “shows promise” as a complementary approach for managing headaches, with positive effects on pain relief and functional improvement.

Acupuncture for migraines

We also find acupuncture to be one of the most successful courses of treatment for migraines.

The ancient practice involves the insertion of acupuncture needles at certain pressure points in the body and this works to restore mental and physical wellness. The tried and tested complementary therapy releases endorphins and allows the free flow of energy to continue.

According to one 2024 study, acupuncture can be “effective” for treating migraines. Researchers concluded that 16 sessions of acupuncture with a frequency of three sessions/week and a treatment duration of 1.5 to 2 months was the best bet.

While the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) — which is the independent, government-funded body in the UK that provides evidence-based guidance and advice to improve health and social care — suggest that a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over five to eight weeks is best.

About Osteopath and Acupuncturist Denise Callaghan

Denise Callaghan’s Orpington and Bromley Clinics specialise in Osteopathy, Acupuncture and herbal remedies suitable for treating the whole family.

As a registered member of the British Acupuncture council and the British Medical Acupuncture Council, Denise also uses acupuncture. Having trained with experts in China, the birthplace of Acupuncture, Denise has since become an expert in the field, subsequently becoming aware of the great benefits of the treatment.

Suffering with migraines, headaches and any other aches, pains and ailments? Don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more about how we can work together to get to the root cause of the problem and hopefully prevent it from reoccurring.

The post More than just a headache — the tried and tested treatments that can help with migraines appeared first on Denise Callaghan.

The good news is that sciatica does not always last forever! And according to a new, small, randomized clinical trial published in the 2024 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine, acupuncture might offer relief.

In the study, researchers randomly assigned 216 people with sciatica caused by a herniated disk to get either 10 sessions of real acupuncture or a sham procedure over four weeks.

The result? When compared to those who got the sham procedure, those who had real acupuncture reported having less leg pain and better physical function, which lasted up to a year.

But first, what is Sciatica caused by?

“Believed to affect anywhere between 13% to 40%* of people during some point in their life, Sciatica is the name given to the condition where there is pressure on the sciatic nerve,” Osteopath Denise Callaghan says. “Whether it’s inflammation, a disc, bone or muscle that’s pressing on this nerve, this neurological pain differs to back ache as it culminates in a burning, tingling and numbness as opposed to ache or pain.”

For example, sciatic could be caused by:

• a slipped disc — also called a prolapsed or herniated disc, this is when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine bulges outwards
• spinal stenosis — this is the name given to the condition that causes a narrowing of the spinal canal. This results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
• spondylolisthesis — this occurs when one of the vertebrae bones in your spine slips forward
• a back injury — this could be caused by lifting, bending or by having an old injury that led to pressure on the nerve. It could also be the result of poor posture and repetitive strain.
• Muscle spasm in the piriformis muscle — this can compress the sciatic nerve.

“I know, when you are in pain it can be hard to remember a time before it,” Denise says. “But the latest findings show that acupuncture can help ease the pain.

How does acupuncture work for sciatica?

 “Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that works by stimulating certain pressure points within the body,”  trained acupuncturist Denise explains.

The stimulation of these pressure points releases endorphins and allows the free flow of energy to continue.

“It’s been used for more than 3,000 years to help maintain the body’s overall balance,” Denise adds.

See for yourself

For example, this was the case for Mike who was one of Denise’s patients. “I had suffered from sciatica for months and the GP offered nothing but painkillers and vague promises that it might ‘eventually’ get better,” he writes. “So bad was the pain that walking more than a few hundred yards was difficult and l had all but given up on gardening and cycling.”

After being recommended to Denise, after three sessions he said he was “pain free”, “fully mobile” and “back on my pushbike and working on my allotment”.

“Treatment is professional, reasonably priced and l would recommend Denise to anyone suffering with sciatica or back pain,” Mike adds.

Other treatments for sciatica

But here’s the upside. Acupuncture isn’t the only way to combat sciatica.

1. Movement can help. “That said, when you are in pain moving is probably the last thing you want to do,” Denise acknowledges. “However it’s best practice for those living with sciatica to get up and walk short distances.”
2. Watch your posture. “A poor posture can be a contributing factor to sciatica,” Denise explains. “So along with moving a bit more, if you do spend a lot of time sitting behind a desk, sit upright in the back of your chair and keep your shoulders in line with your hips and with your chin back. And while standing, stand straight with your shoulders gently back and your chin tucked in.”
3. Try Osteopathy — According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, manual therapy including soft tissue osteopathy and mobilsation and a structured exercise program, with stretching, should be considered in the management of lower back pain and sciatica.

If you are suffering with your sciatica and are in pain, why not get in touch? Osteopath Denise is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and The British Medical Acupuncture Council and has more than 35 years’ experience in the field. She has helped a number of people during that time.

*https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/sciatica-lumbar-radiculopathy/background-information/prevalence/

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Most common in young to middle aged women; there is sadly no cure, although the symptoms can be controlled to make daily life easier.

The exact cause of this debilitating condition is unknown. But researchers believe it may be related to chemicals in the brain, plus there could be a genetic predisposition.

Often, it is triggered by a stressful physical or emotional event, like the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a relationship or an operation or physical injury.

Famous sufferers of Fibromyalgia include Lady Gaga. In an interview with Vogue, she said of the illness: “Chronic pain is no joke. And it’s every day waking up not knowing how you’re going to feel.”

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterised by generalised and often heightened pain in the muscles and tendons of the body.

Diagnostic criteria list up to 18 symmetrical tender points on the body but in fact the condition often includes a wide range of associated signs and symptoms, such that it is often referred to as a Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

These include:

• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbance
• Temperature dysregulation e.g. Raynauds
• IBS
• Irritable bladder
• Depression/anxiety
• Poor memory/attention span
• Headache, dizziness, occipital pain
• Mechanical low back pain
• Sciatic pain

There is significant co-occurrence of Fibromyalgia with hypothyroidism (under active thyroid), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma.

One uniting feature of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia is that they can be associated with poor regulation in the autonomic nervous system of the body.

Onset of Fibromyalgia is often associated with prolonged stress and poor sleep. These prevent the body from repairing and healing in the normal way and can trigger a “cascade” of the above symptoms as the body’s normal regulatory mechanisms gradually go awry.

Why it’s hard to diagnose

The problem is: there is no single definitive test for Fibromyalgia. And due to the list of varying symptoms, it is often hard to get a diagnosis. In fact, one review suggests that it could take up to four years to diagnose.

“I often find that patients suffering with Fibromyalgia feel as though they are not being listened to,” Osteopath Denise Callaghan explains. “Before they visit my Bromley-based clinic they have often sought help from their GP, where they would have described their list of symptoms and had various tests done — but in most cases, the results come back all clear.”

“This can leave the patient feeling a number of things,” Denise continues. “From confusion and self-doubt to invalidation. But as an Osteopath, I know that every body and everybody is different and just because nothing shows up on your blood tests or scans, it doesn’t mean to say that you are not suffering.

“I have written before about having a disproportionate response to injury. And Fibromyalgia is no different. Symptoms can differ from person to person and fluctuate over time.”

How Osteopaths can help

Osteopaths may be able to help with both diagnosis and treatment of Fibromyalgia. A thorough osteopathic case history will allow us to understand the range of symptoms and, through assessment of movement and gentle touch, the Osteopath will be able to gauge the state of the tissues and how to treat appropriately for relief of symptoms.

Osteopaths are highly aware of the role of the autonomic nervous system in health and illness and have many gentle and effective ways of interacting with it to rebalance neurological tone and stimulate the healing process.

There’s more

But along with more than 35 years’ experience as an Osteopath, Denise is a registered member of the British Acupuncture council and the British Medical Acupuncture Council, after training with experts in China, the birthplace of Acupuncture. So Denise can strive to help with Fibromyalgia pain through the use of this complementary or alternative medicine.

“Acupuncture involves penetrating acupuncture points through the skin using and manipulating thin needles to improve the body’s energy flow or ‘qi’, maintaining overall health and vitality,” Denise explains. “In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for treating chronic pain.”

More research is needed, but studies suggest that there is ‘increasing evidence’ to show that the use of acupuncture as an adjunct to exercise, physical therapy, or pharmacological treatment, could be used as part of a multi-modality treatment plan for fibromyalgia.

If you, or someone you know has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or is suffering from any of the symptoms listed above then why not book an appointment? Denise Callaghan has more than 35 years’ experience in the field and has worked with a number of Fibromyalgia patients in this time.

*https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/

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And according to Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report 2025, it’s something the majority of us suffer with. The report shows 91% of all 4,418 adults surveyed said they have experienced ‘high pressure’ or ‘stress’ at some point over the last year. While one in three adults say they experience high or extreme levels of stress, ‘always’ or ‘often’.

As an Osteopath and Acupuncturist, I’ve seen a rise in the number of patients seeking help from stress. Unfortunately, at some point in our lives, we all go through periods of stress. But when this constant stress is left untreated, it can lead to chronic stress which can result in various undesirable health problems, like high blood pressure, anxiety and more.

To help, I use the Five Element Acupuncture theory.

What is acupuncture?

Before we dive into the Five Element Acupuncture theory, it’s important to understand how acupuncture works.

Acupuncture is based on the understanding that there are passages within the body known as meridians in which energy, or Chi, flows through. It is believed that destruction of these paths causes physical and emotional imbalance.

Therefore, the insertion of acupuncture needles works to restore mental and physical wellness by stimulating certain pressure points within the body. This stimulation releases endorphins and allows the free flow of energy to continue.

It’s been used for more than 3,000 years to help maintain the body’s overall balance.

And studies have shown that this form of alternative medicine may specifically benefit stress/anxiety disorders. That’s because acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules.

The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, and in turn, reduce sensitivity to pain and stress and promote relaxation. The calming nature of this complementary theory is therefore believed to decrease the heart rate, lower blood pressure and relax the muscles.

So, what is the Five Element Theory?

The Five Element Acupuncture theory was a recent subject of discussion at a continuous learning development workshop I attended at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine at the end of last year. But it’s a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory that I’ve been using for decades and one that dates back to 200 BC.

In TCM, the five elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water and each element is associated with different biological functions, colours, emotions, organs, meridians and seasons.

For example:

• Wood – this relates to your liver, gallbladder and eyes and is known as the anger emotion.
• Fire – this relates to your heart, small intestine and tongue and is known as the joy emotion.
• Earth – this element relates to your spleen, stomach and mouth and is known as the worry emotion.
• Metal – this element relates to your lung, large intestine and nose and is known as the grief emotion.
• Water – whereas this element relates to your kidney and bladder and is known as the fear emotion.

As a Five Element Acupuncturist and Osteopath, I treat the person and not the symptom, getting to the root cause of the problem. And one way I can do this is by using the Five Elements Theory to help me identify the Constitutional Factor (CF) which helps me correct the imbalance of energy within the body.

The CF is usually the first element to go out of balance and will be exhibited in the patient. For example, amongst other things, someone might be exhibiting anger, which, after using sensory cues from the patient including colour, sound, odour and emotion, could tell me their ‘wood’ element is out of balance. Therefore I would focus on the specific meridians associated with the CF.

The evidence

One 2017 study said the concept of the five elements could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between cells.

Whereas a 2020 article, which looked at the Western medicine, homeopathic medicine, and TCM, concluded that: “Considering the Five Elements theory in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient could lead to a deeper and more effective diagnosis and treatment.”

The same article said this was because practitioners may be able to work with a more “complete and integrated view of the human being” and manage to treat from the root of the problem and not just the symptom.

Pointing you in the right direction

Whilst many people try practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or deep breathing to help reduce stress, if you are suffering from chronic stress, I would consider adding acupuncture to your list.

Denise is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and The British Medical Acupuncture Council. Having trained with experts in China, the birthplace of Acupuncture, Denise has since become an expert in the field, subsequently becoming aware of the great benefits of the treatment. If you’re intrigued to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact the Bromley-based clinic or book in for a treatment.

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Under the circumstances, aches and pains in pregnancy are, of course, very common. But did you know that 1 in 5 mothers-to-be develop pelvic girdle pain (or PGP)?

What is PGP and what causes it?

Time for a quick anatomy lesson. The pelvis area lies between the stomach and the top of the thighs. The main section, the bony pelvis aka the pelvic girdle, is shaped like a bowl and comprises four bones, including two hip bones at either side, the triangular sacrum at the back and the coccyx (tailbone) beneath.

These are connected by four joints, including two sacroiliac joints, that sit between each hip joint and the sacrum. The pelvic girdle has the important job of supporting and balancing the upper body while the space within it – the pelvic cavity – contains and protects the bladder, intestines, reproductive organs and rectum. There is also a gap in the middle through which babies pass when they are born. Beneath the pelvic cavity is the pelvic floor, a ring of muscles that control the movement of both rectum and bladder.

PGP is a collection of potentially painful symptoms caused by a combination of factors. The weight of the growing baby can cause changes to posture, leading to stiffness or instability within the pelvic joints. Lax ligaments arising from the production of relaxing, a ligament-softening hormone enabling the baby to pass through the pelvis during the birth, can also play a role.

Symptoms of PGP

Pelvic pain can begin at any time during pregnancy. But its type and location can vary between women, causing general aching or shooting pains down the backs of the legs. That’s why PGP can be confused with sciatica. The main symptom is pain, clicking or grinding that may worsen when walking, going up and down stairs, turning over in bed, getting in and out of a car, in:

• one or both sides of your lower back
• your hips
• the pubic bone
• the front or back of your thigh/back of your lower leg
• the area between your vagina and anus (perineum)
• your groin
• the sacroiliac joints

Treating PGP

Untreated PGP pain will not magically clear up on its own. In fact, it will get worse. So do seek help as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. Fortunately, PGP won’t harm the baby, doesn’t prevent you from having a vaginal delivery and usually clears up soon after giving birth.

During an appointment, I will take a detailed history of your symptoms and examine you carefully. If appropriate, I will use osteopathy to gently manipulate and loosen up your back, pelvis and hips, and/or acupuncture to reduce pain.

We’ll also discuss simple lifestyle changes and exercises to improve strength and stability. It’s important that your midwife/GP knows that you have PGP so they can help plan the delivery that best suits you as a PGP sufferer.

You can also help yourself:

• Limit activities that cause pain or destabilise your pelvis. That means not bending and twisting, crossing legs, standing on one leg, standing or sitting for long periods, lifting heavy weights or pushing heavy objects (such as a supermarket trolley, children’s buggy or vacuum).
• Rest, asking your partner, family and friends to help with household chores and looking after young children.
• Take stairs one at a time.
• Sleep on your side with legs bent and a pillow between them. Keep your knees together and squeeze your buttocks when turning over. Be careful, too, how you get out of bed.
• Wear supportive, flat shoes.
• Sit down to get dressed and keep your legs together when getting in and out of the car.
• Do pelvic floor exercises to counter the risk of stress incontinence (leaking urine when you sneeze or exercise). This occurs if the muscles at the base of the pelvis become slack thanks to the pressure of the growing baby and relaxed ligaments. Try eight or ten pelvic floor squeezes, three times daily.
• If something hurts, stop doing it immediately!

Please don’t suffer in silence!

I am here to help. Click here to book an appointment or to talk through your symptoms in more detail.

The post How to beat pelvic pain in pregnancy appeared first on Denise Callaghan.

Being in pain can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience. And it can affect you both physically and mentally.

“Niggles in the neck can stop you going about your everyday tasks,” Osteopath, Denise Callaghan, says. “For example, when you’ve got a pain or strain in your neck, it can limit your range of movement, stop you from driving and/or prevent you from working altogether. But that’s why I’m on a mission to spread awareness about how neck pain is caused, and how to prevent this musculoskeletal condition from occurring in the first place.”

Talk to me about the neck

From your posterior scalene and your platysma, to your sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and your trapezius — your neck is a complex structure, made up of more than 20 muscles.

Along with protecting nerves that carry sensory and motor information from the brain to the rest of the body, a well working neck enables you to turn your head and flex it in different directions.

“Your head is highly mobile and, in comparison, your neck is very small,” Denise says. “The average head can weigh anywhere between 2kg to 5kg and, along with being supported by your neck muscles, it’s balanced on just 7 vertebrae (bones) separated by shock-absorbing discs. If not properly looked after and cared for, your neck can be easily strained.”

Causes of neck pain

As we touched on, bad pillows, awkward sitting or sleeping positions and/or poor posture are all to blame for neck pain.

“I’ve seen a lot of people suffer from a wry neck (torticollis), which is when the head becomes painfully twisted to one side,” Denise explains. “While sometimes, it’s to do with simple wear and tear of the discs and small joints as we age.”

Tech neck (i.e. hunching over screens), sports injuries and/or turning too quickly can also cause a strain or tension in this region.

Another common cause can include stress and when tension builds up in the muscles at the back of the neck and shoulders, this can lead to pain and/or tension headaches.

But now for the good news

Prevention is better than cure. And thankfully, there are a number of tips and tricks to have in your health and wellbeing arsenal to help prevent neck pain.

1. Stay active: It comes as no surprise to hear that exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. And when it comes to keeping neck pain at bay, it’s no different. Exercise helps to keep muscles flexible and joints mobile. So, when sitting for prolonged periods, simple movements like carefully moving your neck from side to side, or rolling your shoulders back so they’re not hunched up to your ears, can help.
2. Adopting a good posture: When standing, stand up tall and straight, with your shoulders back, your head level and your feet around shoulder-width apart. When sitting, sit upright and well back in the chair with a cushion at the small of your back. Shoulders should be in line with your hips and draw your chin back. If you’re on a screen, have your computer or phone at eye level. And if you’re using a phone, hold it to your ear, rather than use your shoulder to do so.
3. Invest in a quality backpack: It can be tempting to use tote bags or handbags to carry all your must-haves. But all that heavy lifting on one side can irritate your shoulders and neck. Instead, if you’re carrying a heavy load, invest in a quality backpack that distributes the weight evenly.
4. Stay hydrated: The NHS recommends drinking between 6–8 cups of fluids a day, which is roughly 1.5–2 liters — and for good reason. The discs between the vertebrae in the spine have a high-water content. Hydrating yourself with plenty of water ensures they (and you) stay healthy and happy.

Treatments to help with neck pain

If you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of having neck pain, there are a number of tried and tested Osteopathic treatments that can help.

• Osteopathy. This involves the massage and manipulation of locked joints. Osteopathy can help relieve the neck from stiffness.
• Electrotherapy and ultrasound. Electrotherapy and ultrasound work to reduce inflammation, stiffness of joints and decrease muscle spasm while improving blood and lymph supply.
• Acupuncture. Acupuncture works by stimulating certain pressure points within the body. The stimulation of these pressure points releases endorphins and allows the free flow of energy to continue. It’s been used for more than 3000 years to help maintain the body’s overall balance.

Get in touch

If you are struggling with neck pain, and have been in pain for the past couple of days (or more), please don’t suffer in silence. Denise Callaghan is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and The British Medical Acupuncture Council and has more than 35 years’ experience in the field. She has helped a number of clients overcome this bothersome injury. Get in touch here.

*https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peoplenotinwork/economicinactivity/articles/risingillhealthandeconomicinactivitybecauseoflongtermsicknessuk/2019to2023

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If you’re not careful, lower back pain can occur through our own lifestyle choices. For example, poor posture, sedentary behavior and sudden awkward movement can lead to back troubles. It can also be associated with stress or feeling run down.

In the medical world, these examples are referred to as non-specific lower back pain, which is believed to be the cause of 90% of all cases.  While medical conditions, like sciatica or a slipped disc, can be the cause of the painful problem too.

So how can you alleviate back pain naturally? And what can we do to prevent the onset of back pain?

1. For starters, keeping active will help

You know how the old adage goes: ‘use it or lose it’. And this rings true when it comes to looking after the health of our back.

“In particular, aerobic exercise, like jogging, running, cycling, swimming or even walking, can help,” Osteopath Denise Callaghan explains. One systematic review found that this type or workout increases the blood flow and nutrients to the soft tissues in the back, ‘improving the healing process’ and ‘reducing stiffness’ that can result in back pain.

2.  Always remember to bend properly

Maybe you’re doing some DIY and trying to reach tight crooks and crevices, picking up your little one, or with summer on the horizon, perhaps you’re flexing your green fingers in the garden?

Whatever you’ve got on your plate, whether you’re ‘cutting in’, picking up heavy soil or lifting your child in and out of a swing, it’s important to practice the proper lifting technique. “This involves you keeping your back straight as you bend at the knees and keeping the load as close to your body as possible,” Denise says.

3. Try drinking more water

One research paper found that inadequate water intake could be the predisposing factor for lower back pain, particularly in the younger population.

“Water helps to keep our joints lubricated,” Denise says, “Along with delivering nutrients to cells, keeping our organs functions properly and preventing infections.” So it’s a wise idea to keep hydrated all year long.

4. Stretching can help

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: stretching is something we should all be doing on a regular basis. Especially if you spend most of your day sitting down at a desk or in a prolonged position while catching up on TV.

“Stretching can improve posture, boost your flexibility, and rid back aches and pains,” Denise says. “It can also keep your muscles strong and healthy, along with relieving stress.”

5. Consider making use of cold or heat therapy

Cold therapy, AKA Cryotherapy, and heat treatment is everywhere right now. But these tried and tested temperature treatments aren’t just a health and fitness fad. They work! And depending on how you’ve hurt your back, you may be able to make use of these as part of your back rehab.

According to one review: “Low-level heat therapy provides pain relief, improves muscular strength, and increases flexibility. Therefore, this effective, safe, easy-to-use, and cost-effective non-pharmacological pain relief option is relevant for the management of non-specific mild or moderate low back pain in current clinical practice.”

While another 2022 study found that cryotherapy, combined with therapeutic exercises, had a positive effect on lower back pain reduction in patients with lumbar spine osteoarthritis.

Still in pain?

That’s where Denise can help. As stated by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, manual therapy, including osteopathy, acupuncture and a structured exercise program should be considered in the management of patients with low back pain.

So if you are seriously struggling with back pain do get in touch by ringing 07971 466178 or drop Denise an email on info@denisecallaghan.co.uk.

Denise has more than 35 years’ experience in the industry and uses a range of osteopathic techniques such manipulation, acupuncture and electrotherapy, to help you overcome the problem.

Denise can also offer ergonomic advice and provide you with a list of exercises to do.

*https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain

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It’s thought as many as 40% of the UK population* suffer from at least one symptom of a digestive problem at any one time, which can negatively impact a person’s quality of life.

If you’re included in this percentage, you’re probably looking for solutions to help rid your tummy troubles (whether it’s Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia) — and if that’s the case, stick right here. We’ve delved into the science and answered just how acupuncture can help with gut issues.

But first, what is your gut?

Along with breaking down the food you eat, your gut works hard to absorb all the nutrients that support your body in its basic everyday functioning.

Your gut is often called the ‘second brain’ and refers to your gastrointestinal tract which is made up of your mouth, pharynx (throat), oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus.

A recent survey found that an average gut measures in at a whooping 22–30 feet long and it’s home to trillions of bacteria, viruses, yeasts and other microorganisms, which is known as your gut microbiota. Recent research has found that your gut microbiome can affect just about every organ in our body.

How do you know if you have an unhealthy gut?

“Well, as the old saying goes, it’s important to listen to your gut,” Osteopath Denise Callaghan says. “If you’re suffering with constipation, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and/or bloating, it’s possible you might have an imbalance in your gut.”

Research has shown that in extreme cases, having a gut imbalance can lead to chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But here’s the good news: thankfully, there are a range of ways in which you can boost the health of your gut.

How can you improve your gut health?

A small number of studies have found that prebiotics in food and supplemental form (like those green powders you’ve probably spotted all over social media) can work to regulate gut inflammation and help to alleviate constipation.

While it’s also widely accepted that increasing fibre intake, lowering stress levels, limiting ultra-processed foods, drinking more water, eating foods rich in polyphenols (like blueberries, plums, cherries, apples and strawberries) and adding more fermented foods to your diet can help.

But there’s another saving grace to add to the list — and that’s acupuncture.

What is acupuncture?

On the surface, you could be fooled into thinking that the art of acupuncture (which uses ‘painless’ needles) would cause you more pain than relief. But it’s quite the opposite. In fact, acupuncture has been used to relieve pain and restore your body’s overall balance for thousands of years.

“Acupuncture works by stimulating certain pressure points within the body,” trained acupuncturist Denise, who is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and The British Medical Acupuncture Council, explains. “The stimulation of these pressure points releases endorphins and allows the free flow of energy to continue.”

The benefits of acupuncture are far and wide reaching. “It can be used for a wide range of ailments from back pain and fibromyalgia to gut problems, too,” Denise adds.

How does acupuncture help with gut issues?

Did you know an entire communication system between the brain and gut exists? This is more commonly referred to as the gut-brain axis. And, as studies have shown, acupuncture is believed to ‘regulate gastrointestinal motility’ through autonomic nerves (which are a network of nerves that extend throughout your head and body).

Meaning? As researchers concluded in this study, acupuncture treatment can be effective for a variety of disorders of gut–brain interaction including the likes of functional dyspepsia, IBS, and functional constipation.

While a trial, published in The Lancet found acupuncture can improve the symptoms and inflammation of those with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease.

Of course, any health issue can be stressful. And a gut one is no different. But that’s where acupuncture really comes into its own.

Clinical studies have shown that this form of alternative medicine may specifically benefit stress/anxiety disorders as it’s believe to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, and in turn, reduce sensitivity to pain and stress and promote relaxation.The calming nature of this alternative treatment is therefore believed to decrease the heart rate, lower blood pressure and relax the muscles.

While if you have a little one whose ‘tummy hurts’, Denise has a diploma in Paediatrics from The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine after undergoing an intensive one-year course that saw her master the art of Tui Na and Shonishin.

The former focuses on approximately 100 acupoints, lines and areas (most of which are particular to children) and uses a practitioner’s hands to stimulate these points through massage to promote balance and harmony within the body.

While the latter is referred to as acupuncture for kids, however it does not use needles and is pain-free.

Go with your gut

Denise has more than 35 years’ of experience in the field and uses an array of different osteopathic techniques including the practice of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. She studied at the British College of Acupuncture before travelling to China to perfect her technique.

If you are troubled by any of these problems, or you or your child are in pain, please don’t suffer in silence. Book in for a treatment today or drop me an email to find out more how acupuncture could help you and your gut!

*https://www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk/articles/digestive-problems.html

The post Can acupuncture help with gut issues? We’ve got all the science-backed answers appeared first on Denise Callaghan.

Another factor that might have something to do with running’s popularity is the fact it’s an accessible type of fitness. No matter whether you’re running the London Marathon, attending your first Parkrun or just going for a quick run around the block —  you only really need a good pair of running shoes and a dose of motivation to get going.

But whether you’ve just started your running journey or you’ve been doing it for years, recent research has shown that half of regular runners tend to pick up an injury or niggle each year, with patellofemoral pain syndrome (aka runner’s knee) being one of them.

Getting the low down on patellofemoral pain syndrome

“This knee condition is an overuse injury,” Denise Callaghan, Osteopath, explains. “And, as its nickname suggests, it’s one of the most common overuse injuries amongst (you guessed it…) runners. But it can be a cause of concern for people who play other sports, like tennis or badminton.”

The most common symptom of this condition can include a dull pain around the front of the knee or behind your kneecap (so your patella).

This pain can occur when you’re:

• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Descending stairs
• Squatting
• Kneeling
• Running
• Sitting down
• Standing up

But some might experience swelling, popping or grinding in the knee.

Of course, and as we touched on, there’s no denying the many (and seemingly never ending) benefits running can bring. From supercharging your mental health and strengthening muscles, to improving cardiovascular fitness and helping you maintain a healthy weight.

“But just like any form of movement, if you’re overusing your muscles, you haven’t warmed up correctly, or your joints aren’t being supported — you can do yourself a mischief,” Denise adds.

So, how is runner’s knee caused?

Over the years there have been a few theories of how patellofemoral pain syndrome is caused.

One train of thought is that this condition is caused by having poor biomechanics. While adopting a poor running form has been blamed too.

But according to the most recent research, which was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the only risk factor for developing runner’s knee was having ‘quadricep weakness’.

If you’ve ever had an injury, or you suspect you have one now, you’ll know how worrying, stressful and debilitating it can feel.

So how can you avoid or rid runner’s knee?

Well, along with taking a rest from running, using cold packs, elevating your leg and stretching and strengthening your lower body, it’s been proven that manual therapy or soft tissue massage of the lower limb can also be effective for knee pain.

Exactly how Osteopathy can help

As one report found, just six sessions of manual therapy can help to increase knee flexion and improve activity in people with knee pain.

In the report, researchers concluded: “Manual therapy is effective in improving knee flexion and stair climbing in patients with anterior knee pain. There is a trend towards a small improvement in pain.”

Exercise and rehabilitation with specific stretches and exercises designed to strengthen your lower limbs can also help, Denise says.

‘Kneed’ help? Contact us to get your knee back on track

If you believe you are suffering with runner’s knee — or any joint pain in your body — do get in touch.

Denise has been an Osteopath for 35 years’ (and counting) and has treated many runners over that time, including those struggling with patellofemoral pain syndrome, Achilles tendonitis and more.

So, if you are suffering, reach out. We’re here to help and get to the bottom of the issue and make sure you can get your health back on track (and hopefully in time for that run!).

The post Runner’s knee — everything you need to know about Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome appeared first on Denise Callaghan.

The tournament is being jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand and sees 32 nations compete on the international stage. There have been goals, penalty shootouts and, unfortunately, a number of sporting injuries with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains and tears plaguing the game before it had even kicked off.

Giving sport injuries the boot

Injuries in sports are nothing new. In fact, according to one review published in the British Medical Journal, it’s been estimated that 1 to 1.5 million people attend accident and emergency departments in Britain each year with an exercise or sport-related injury.

In the review, a total of 29 different sports (including badminton, basketball, skiing and squash) accounted for these injuries. But it was football that topped the list, being held responsible for 65% of all soft tissue injuries.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way,” Osteopath Denise Callaghan says. “It’s great news that people are choosing to exercise. And it’s no secret that doing so has many beneficial outcomes. So to help keep you moving and exercising safely, I wanted to share some tips on how to give sport-related injuries the boot.”

1. Warm up
   It’s very important to warm up before any exercise, as it prepares your body for the movement you’re about to take part in. As the NHS states, doing so increases your heart rate and blood flow which enables more oxygen to reach your muscles. You could try some dynamic stretches like trunk twists, walking lunges or squats. Or try jogging on the spot to get your heart rate up.
2. Pace yourself
   Everybody is different. Which is why it’s important to listen to your body and go at your own pace. Pacing yourself will help you increase your endurance, increase your confidence and create a brilliant balance between your energy levels and your activity levels. Not to mention it will help you stay on track to reaping the many rewards exercise can bring.
3. Watch your form
   Whether you are in the gym or you have taken up running, form is everything. As is wearing the right equipment. If you’re lifting, remember to bend at the hips and knees and not at the waist and keep your back flat while bending, lifting, walking or sitting to help reduce the strain on muscles and ligaments. Always carry any heavy weights close to your body.
4. Stay hydrated
   Water helps to deliver nutrients to cells, keep our organs functions properly, prevents infections and keeps our joints lubricated. So do make sure you tick off your daily recommended water intake — which the NHS puts at 6 to 8 cups a day. And do remember to drink even more if you are exercising!
5. Rest
   We’ve spoken before about the art of recovery. In a fast-paced world, it’s something that we should all be dedicating time to. But actually taking the time out to rest and recover is something that can fall further and further down our to-do list. Mistakes happen when you or your muscles are tired. All of which can leave you with an injury, pain or taking more rest days than you wanted.

How Osteopathy can help avoid sporting injuries

If you have picked up an injury, don’t panic! Osteopathy is a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person’s muscles and joints. It’s been proven to increase the mobility of joints, relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, enhance the bloody supply to tissues and help the body to heal.

Plus, osteopathy helps to look for and remove the underlying cause of pain rather than just treating the symptoms with pain relief.

Osteopathy can do this through:

• Direct Soft Tissue Techniques
• Articulation
• Use of the Thrust Technique
• Use of the Muscle Energy Technique
• Counterstrain

And so can acupuncture

Acupuncture, which is an ancient Chinese technique that has been used for thousands of years, can help maintain the body’s overall balance.

“Clinical studies have shown that this form of alternative medicine can help to promote relaxation,” Denise says. That’s because acupuncture can stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, and in turn, reduce sensitivity to pain and stress and promote relaxation. “The calming nature of this alternative treatment is therefore believed to decrease the heart rate, lower blood pressure and relax the muscles,” Denise explains.

Deinse has helped many clients with their sporting ailments, including Mark. He said: “Thanks Denise, my knees are finally back to normal and I can return to playing football. I highly recommend Osteopathy if you are suffering from any sports injuries. Both Osteopathy and Acupuncture have really helped me out!”.

Have you got a sporting injury? If you are in pain, need some rehab, or your muscles need some relaxation, don’t suffer in silence. Get in touch with Denise to talk through your options.

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