McTimoney Chiropractic Association launches new patient videos

The McTimoney Chiropractic Association

The McTimoney Chiropractic Association is proud to announce the launch of a new set of patient-focused videos.

The videos are designed to actively engage patients by giving them information about the McTimoney Chiropractic technique.

The set of videos brings to life patient experiences, thereby offering explanation and clarification of the use of the McTimoney Chiropractic technique. Each video covers a different topic area including an overview, McTimoney chiropractic for Animals, Sports Chiropractic and chiropractic for Families.

The introductory video, which is now available to view on the website, explains what to expect at your first visit and in on-going sessions as well as the value of chiropractic care for all the family, from babies to older people. As well all the explanatory videos, patients describe the benefits of the treatment to their specific needs. As the technique has also been proven to be very effective for animals, some shots and descriptions include both competition animals and family pets.

The second short film details the use of the McTimoney chiropractic method for sports people of all levels, whether already in training, pre-training or recovering from injury. If the patient is interested in either recreational sports or full training as a professional athlete, McTimoney chiropractic can provide immense benefits.

The third video outlines the use of the chiropractic technique for sporting animals and pets, with the owners describing in their own words the benefits and changes to their animals following treatment. For the sports animal, owners explain how their animal becomes more supple and balanced, and is therefore able to perform better and for longer, with resulting higher marks. For pets, the owners concentrate on keeping their animals healthy and happy and this focus is clearly explained.

The final video describes the work of the McTimoney Chiropractor in helping children, babies and pregnant mothers. We hear from parents, young people and pregnant mothers about the benefits they have seen or felt after receiving treatment.

The website will be updated with the remaining videos in the series over the next few weeks.

Sleep Easy with Dunlopillo and McTimoney Chirpractic Association

March is National Bed Month.

The McTimoney Chiropractic Association and Dunlopillo provide some top tips for preventing neck and back pain whilst sleeping.

March is National Bed Month. We all need a comfortable and decent night’s sleep whatever our age and most of us will have experienced back or neck pain when sleeping on an incorrect mattress or pillow. The McTimoney Chiropractic Association, in alliance with Dunlopillo, has brought together some top tips to help avoid back or neck pain in bed.

• Check your mattress - is it time for a new bed? If you find you are sleeping less well than you did a year ago, or if your mattress is sagging in the middle, or you are waking up with aches and pains, it may be time for a new bed. A good mattress will offer support allowing the correct alignment of your spine and body as you sleep.

• Choose your pillows carefully – use a pillow that is right for the position you normally sleep in and one which allows the neck to be in a natural position. For instance, if you sleep on your back or front, you will need a slimmer pillow than if you sleep on your side.

• Sleeping position – lying on your back or on your side creates less stress on the back and neck than other positions; also try to avoid being in one position for too long.

• Create a calm and relaxed environment - which is well ventilated and without draughts. Try to relax before going to bed. Try things that help relax both the mind and the body, such as a warm bath or listening to some music. The Sleep Council offer several great ideas on their website.

• Watching TV - If you like to watch TV in bed, ensure you are in a position that is comfortable for your back and neck. Avoid slouching against the pillows and creating a banana shape in your back as this stresses the spine, muscles in your back, neck and shoulders.

• Take a minute in the morning - take a minute to wake up and try some gentle stretches. Avoid bending or doing anything strenuous until your spine and joints have had time to ‘wake up’.

How to choose a bed

• Ideally Dunlopillo and the Sleep Council recommend you think about changing your mattress at least every seven years. Expect, and prepare for, the seven year hitch!

• Your mattress should offer support and be comfortable. Your height, weight and sleeping position will define the type of mattress you need. Ensure that your partner is comfortable as well - and that the bed is large enough for both of you. Sometimes split mattresses which zip together are the answer for those with different needs.

• Try lying on your side - your spine should be parallel to the mattress and the mattress should neither sag in the middle nor bow. Sagging means the mattress is too soft, and bowing means the bed is too hard.

• Your mattress and base work together so try to think of them together, and don’t buy either in isolation.

• Once you have a couple of choices, spend at least 10 minutes lying on each bed in your normal sleeping positions. Make sure your partner is with you so you can ensure the final choice suits you both.

The McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA) and Dunlopillo have together produced a leaflet explaining how to get the best from a good night’s rest. If you would like a copy, contact the MCA on 01491 829211.

FACTFILE:
The Sleep Council – www.sleepcouncil.org.uk

About McTimoney

McTimoney chiropractic is a precise, gentle and effective technique, used regularly by many to help manage back, neck and joint pain. The technique is suitable for the whole family: from newborn babies and pregnant women to grandparents – and even your pets.

McTimoney chiropractic involves checking the whole body and, where necessary, performing gentle adjustments to help realign the individual bones of the skeleton. This technique allows the nervous system to work as well as it possibly can, bringing about optimum health and wellbeing in the body.

McTimoney chiropractic has been found helpful for thousands of people for over 30 years and it is growing by nearly 150,000 new patients per year.

New Year, New back?

The British Chiropractic Association provides tips for taking care of your back when exercising.

With the New Year comes new enthusiasm and commitment to improving your health through exercise. But, after a lull of lazing about over Christmas, launching yourself into a full-on physical programme could put you at risk of back and neck pain.

Tim Hutchful, British Chiropractic Association (BCA) chiropractor, comments: “Exercise puts added pressure on our joints and muscles, which could cause issues for your back and neck if not introduced to your body in a safe way.”

Kick-start your New Year routine and maintain optimum posture with the following advice from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA):

It’s All in the Prep

Before you begin any exercise programme, it is really important to check that there are no medical reasons why you cannot commence the activity, particularly if you are not normally physically active. Consult your GP if in doubt.

 A BCA chiropractor can advise you on how to approach a new exercise routine and tell you what signs to look for if you’re overdoing it

Make sure you get the right attire for your chosen activity. Wearing clothes that are too tight when exercising could constrict your movement and lead to injury. You should also make sure you have appropriate footwear for the type of exercise you are doing – most specialist sportswear retailers will be able to guide you on this.

With all exercise, you need to warm up first. Don’t go straight into it, start with lighter movements like walking or jogging to lessen the chance of muscle strain

Use Equipment Properly
When using weights, make sure your legs are at least hips’ width apart and lift with bent knees. Never keep the knees straight, as this could lead to over-stretching and cause damage to your back. Avoid bending from the waist too, as it will increase stress on your lower back

A weight held at arm’s length can have the effect of being up to five times heavier, so try to work with weights closer to the body to help avoid injury. Always face the direction you want to carry the weight and lift using a relaxed, straight back without twisting

If using machines, make sure the seat is positioned correctly for your height. You want to avoid stooping or reaching when using equipment, or you could over stretch your back

Dedicate Time to Your Back

· Whilst you are ‘in the zone’, why not throw in some stretches and exercises specifically designed to strengthen your back? Easy to learn and do, the British Chiropractic Association has developed a sequence of precise, slow stretches, each with a specific purpose. To see the exercises, watch them in action on a downloadable vodcast, view an online step by step guide or request free leaflets, go to www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk