GET BACK TO BASICS IN 2012

Jonathan and Kermin are urging you to remember the basics of good posture and spinal health when you stride into the New Year to tackle your New Years fitness resolution!

As the annual clamour to get in shape after the excesses of Christmas and the party season gains momentum, the New Milton Chiropractic Clinic is asking you to review a Healthy Spine checklist before putting on the training gear and possibly risking an injury.

Jonathan says that while many of us are keen to make amends for overdoing the rest and refreshment in the Christmas New Year period, it is important to ensure we have a healthy spine before hitting the gym and the training track; ‘Whether it was overindulging with too much seasonal merriment, chasing after holidaying kids, going to parties, or jostling for bargains in the sales, our backs have been put under enormous additional strain over the past weeks. However, the rush to get in shape in response to this can actually do more harm than good if the basics of good spinal health are not adhered to. Many people are in fact, putting their bodies at risk’.

Before starting a new fitness regime, we suggest that you look out for the following symptoms of poor spinal health:

• Having difficulty turning your head so that your chin makes it to your shoulder

• Struggling to bend down so your hands drop below your knees when your legs are straight

• Experiencing stiffness in your body or joints when waking up in the morning

• Soreness or stiffness during walking

• Difficulty putting on socks and/or shoes whilst standing

Your overall level of fitness can be affected by the health of your spine. As 2012 unfolds, we are urging everyone to get the basics right – such as employing correct posture, walking upright, having good nutrition – before getting in shape. If you do, your resolutions are more likely to become a reality, rather than the many that are so often left unfulfilled at this time of year.

WALKING AND POSTURE

Walking is a terrific form of exercise. It strengthens your body and helps position your spine in its natural shape – upright but curved in the right places.

Modern lifestyles – such as office work and extended use of computers or mobile devices – can force us to be less active or adopt sedentary positions leading to postural strain, issues with balance and coordination, and even pain.

When walking properly you naturally adopt proper posture. Because regular walking will also help to build up your core strength (an important ingredient in maintaining good posture) it will help you to maintain better posture during your other daily activities.

A good posture permits you to breath better, keeps muscles, ligaments, bones and internal organs in their natural position. This reduces fatigue, wear and tear of joints and relieves stress, improving health and enhancing your appearance.

Our advice;

-Walk at least half an hour each day: Nordic Walking is excellent for an upper and lower body workout both together ( website :http://www.nordicwalkingforhealth.co.uk ).

-Do the three minute StraightenUp Exercises every morning, Straighten Up UK is a simple three minute exercise programme for all ages, designed to help strengthen the spine and improve posture. This can be downloaded from the British Chiropractic Association website – :http://www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/straightenup .

Here at New Milton Chiropractic Clinic we recommend that anyone trying to get in shape in 2012 finding symptoms of poor spinal health should consider a visit to a chiropractor and be checked to make sure you are ready to go for the New Year.

Chiropractors are experts-

Chiropractors are experts at analysing posture and spinal problems; with five year university training they can provide expert care, exercises and lifestyle advice. We make special effort to keep abreast of new evidence for particular treatments and exercise regimes.

The New Milton Chiropractic Clinic is long established, serving the community since 1982. It has been in the caring hands of Jonathan Melhuish DC, BSC. MCC (orth), since 1991. He and his colleague Kermin Lawyer DC MSc. BSc. are members of the British Chiropractic Association and registered with the General Chiropractic Council.

AWARD STATUS

We were awarded the PPQM (Patient Partnership Quality Mark) by the College of Chiropractors in January 2009 and are delighted to announce although the bar has been raised since then we have been given the 2012 award. It recognises excellence in providing patient care and standards.

Chiropractors provide safe, effective treatment and we are proud to say the PPQM award recognises our commitment to meeting and exceeding patients expectations of their treatment, environment and care.

MASSAGE

Karen Shutler (LSSM dip) is our Sports/Remedial massage therapist. Some benefits of massage are: breaking down of muscle tightness, increasing blood flow and waste product elimination, improving flexibility and reducing aching and stiffness. The massage techniques used complement chiropractic treatment, accelerating the healing process.

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