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Laughter is the best medicine

Recently there has been plenty of troubling events happening around us, both locally and worldwide.  Justifiably we are taking these events very seriously.  However, to balance this seriousness and to improve our physical and emotional health and well-being we need to remember to LAUGH!

A good giggle can lighten our mood, reduce anxiety, and help to release muscle tension, leaving us feeling more relaxed and buoyant.  One Korean study testing the effect of laughter therapy on patients in a long-term care hospital showed improved sleep and better general mood.

Laughing helps to increase circulation, lowers blood pressure, increases respiration and oxygen consumption which benefits cardiovascular health.

A hearty belly laugh tones your abs and burns calories.  Read More…

Exercises for back care

One of the most common reasons people come to me is back pain.  After immediate treatment, it is my experience that it is important to follow up with regular, gentle exercises and stretches to keep your back mobile.

These exercises can enhance your recovery and help avoid recurrence of pain.  If you have suffered with long term back pain you will know that it requires constant maintenance.

Book here if it’s time for a kinesiology treatment.

Download your PDF copy of Exercises for back care

 

Dead Butt Syndrome

Get your butt into gear with Kinesiology!

… over the years I have worked with many people suffering with lower back and hip pain, frequently associated with weak gluteal (“butt”) muscles and tight or over-working hip flexors (the muscles that lift your thigh to move your leg forward).

This syndrome has been dubbed “dead butt syndrome” or gluteal amnesia by mainstream medicine and if these issues aren’t addressed, the chances of long-term relief from pain is unlikely.

Dead butt syndrome commonly occurs in people who sit for extended periods. The glutes aren’t designed to bear weight for long periods of time and blood flow is restricted when tissues are compressed in a seated position. The glute muscles then start to shut down or ‘fall asleep’ and lose the ability to work when needed.

These muscles should be incredibly powerful but when they aren’t working properly other smaller, weaker muscles are called on to do the job. This causes strain on those smaller muscles and associated joints.

The constant flexed position of sitting can also cause the muscles at the front of the hip to become tight. The glute muscles are then unable to move through a full range of motion, causing them to become weaker.

You may be surprised to know ‘dead butt syndrome’ is not exclusive to sedentary people. Read More…

Flat belly please?

Last week I received my favourite kind of bonus payment after an appointment – a hug from a very happy client.

I noticed she had difficulty sitting up from lying down. She told me that even though she regularly exercised to strengthen her abdominals she had very little success in even feeling them work. I asked her if she would like me to see if I could help.

After a few tests and corrective techniques she was able to sit up more easily, and could actually feel her muscles working. She will still need to exercise to develop strong abdominals, but it should be easier and more productive from now on.

Sturdy abdominal muscles are an important part of developing a “strong core” – the area of your body commonly referred to as your midsection or torso.  A strong core involves all your muscles from the front, back and sides (plus more) to work together effectively to stabilize and support your entire body.

Would you like to have a flat belly? Do you suffer from back pain? Do you have poor posture? Have you tried abdominal strengthening exercises but can’t seem to get the muscles to work? Read More…

The healing power of a hug

 

Touch is not only nice.  It’s needed.  Research supports the theory that touch is necessary for our physical and emotional well being.

Therapeutic touch is recognised as an essential tool for healing; to help relieve pain, depression and anxiety, to bolster patients’ will to live and to help babies grow and thrive.

One special form of touch is the hug.   Read More…

Pain relief with Kinesiology

To achieve long term pain relief, several things need to be assessed and resolved.  Because Kinesiology incorporates many techniques, it can be an effective and thorough therapy to help you find the relief you are looking for. Read More…

Hot & Bothered? Take time to rest

In our busy ‘build up’ season it is extra important to take time to rest (and cool off).

Over the past few years I have come to realise how important it is to schedule rest into an exercise program.  Every Ironman training program I have looked at incorporates a rest day every week and a light training recovery week every month. Research in weight training has shown, that on average, people work 7% harder in subsequent sets after they have rested.  This means resting effectively, helps to improve your performance.

It occurs to me that the same principle applys in everyday life.  There seems to be recognition and admiration for people who work long hours and the ability to “push through” is regarded as a quality to strive for. Read More…

Pain relief for backs

Kinesiology is so effective at relieving your back pain because it looks at the causes of your pain. Usually the first step is to give you pain relief. I do this by rebalancing the flow of energy in the involved muscles by using reflex points and gentle muscle manipulation.  Then we look at the causes or triggers of your pain in the first place.  Read More…