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Welcome to our blog! As a physiotherapist and acupuncturist, I often see the powerful effects of consistent, healthy habits on physical well-being. Integrating these practices into your daily routine can significantly enhance your treatment outcomes and overall health. Here’s a guide to help you generate new habits that align with your journey to wellness.

Understanding the Science of Habit Formation

Habit formation is a process that requires understanding and patience. Here are the key stages:

  1. Cue: This is the trigger that initiates the behaviour. For instance, setting an alarm to remind you to stretch.
  2. Routine: The behaviour itself, like performing a specific exercise or relaxation routine.
  3. Reward: The benefit you receive from the behaviour, such as reduced pain or increased mobility.

Repetition and consistency are crucial. Research shows that it takes approximately 21 days to form a new habit, but this can vary based on the complexity of the habit and the individual.

Steps to Generate New Habits

  1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
    Don’t overface yourself; start with small, manageable goals. For example, if your goal is to increase flexibility, begin with a 5-minute stretching routine each morning. Gradually work with your physio to increase the duration and complexity of the exercises.
  2. Create a Structured Plan
    Develop a detailed plan outlining when and how you will implement the new habit. Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule your new routine.
  3. Track Your Progress
    Keeping a journal or using a habit-tracking app can help you monitor your progress. Record how you feel before and after each session to see the benefits over time.
  4. Find an Accountability Partner
    Share your goals with a friend, family member, or your physio. Regular check-ins with someone who supports you can provide encouragement.
  5. Reward Yourself
    Celebrate your progress! Rewards can be as simple as acknowledging your consistency or treating yourself to self-care activities.

Specific Habits for Physiotherapy and Acupuncture Patients

Here are some habits tailored to enhance the benefits of your physiotherapy and acupuncture treatments:

  1. Daily Stretching
    Incorporate a 10-minute stretching routine each morning or evening, focusing on areas that need attention.
  2. Mindful Breathing Exercises
    Practice deep breathing or mindfulness for 5-10 minutes daily.
  3. Hydration
    Make it a habit to drink enough water throughout the day to aid in muscle recovery.
  4. Regular Movement
    If you have a sedentary job, set a timer to stand up and move around every hour. Simple activities like walking before work or during lunch breaks can make a big difference.
  5. Healthy Eating
    Focus on a balanced diet to support your body’s healing process.

Overcoming Common Challenges

  1. Lack of Motivation
    Remember why you started and visualize the benefits. Joining a community or support group can also provide motivation and encouragement.
  2. Time Constraints
    Integrate habits into your existing routine. For instance, do stretching exercises while watching TV or practice deep breathing during your commute.
  3. Physical Discomfort
    Start slowly and listen to your body. Modify exercises to suit your comfort level and gradually increase intensity as you build strength and flexibility.

Conclusion

Forming new habits is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and self-compassion. By integrating these healthy habits into your daily routine, you’ll not only enhance the effectiveness of your treatments but also foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Remember, the journey to wellness is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small!

Feel free to reach out if you need personalized advice or support on your journey to forming new habits. Stay healthy and motivated!

For more tips and personalized guidance, visit our website www.essexphysio.co.uk or schedule an appointment with us today! Tel: 01245325037

As we reach the midpoint of the year, June presents a perfect opportunity for reflection and recalibration. For many, the start of the year is filled with resolutions and goals aimed at improving health and well-being. However, as the months progress in a headlong rush, it’s easy to lose sight of these objectives amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

As physiotherapist/acupuncturists we believe this is an ideal time to check in on your physical and mental health.

Here are some steps you can take to assess your progress and adjust to ensure you stay on track for the rest of the year:

1. Reflect on Your Goals

Take a moment to revisit the health goals you set at the beginning of the year. If you wrote them down read them back to yourself aloud. Have you been consistent with your exercise routine? Are you maintaining a balanced diet? Have you been taking steps to manage stress effectively? Reflecting on these goals will help you understand why you made them in the first place, where you stand now and what adjustments might be necessary.

2. Listen to Your Body

Our bodies have a way of communicating with us, and it’s essential to pay attention to these signals. Are you experiencing any persistent aches or pains? Do you feel more fatigued than usual? These could be signs that your body needs some attention. Consider scheduling a check-up or consultation with one of our senior physiotherapists to address any concerns.

3. Reassess Your Routine

As life changes, so do our schedules and priorities. What worked for you in January might not be as effective now. Evaluate your current routine and make necessary adjustments. This could mean fitting your exercise in in bite-sized chunks through the day, changing up a boring exercise routine, trying different relaxation techniques, or even changing your diet to better suit your needs.

4. Prioritise Self-Care

Self-care is often the first thing to be neglected when life gets busy. Use this mid-year mark to recommit to self-care practices. This could include regular massages, balancing acupuncture sessions, booking a coaching session to help you out of a rut, or simply taking time each day to unwind and relax.

5. Seek Professional Guidance

If you’re struggling to stay on track or unsure of how to address certain health issues, seeking professional guidance can be incredibly beneficial. Our physiotherapist/acupuncturists, sports massage therapist, and wellness coach can all help create a personalised plan to address your specific needs and goals.

By taking the time to assess what is working for you and what isn’t you can successfully make necessary adjustments, to ensure you’re on the right path to achieving your health and wellness goals for the year. Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes!

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and improve overall health. Despite its growing popularity, many people still have misconceptions about acupuncture and how it works.

In this article, we’ll demystify acupuncture and explore its benefits for pain management, including its effectiveness in treating tension headaches.



What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. It’s based on the belief that there is a vital energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) that flows through the body and that imbalances in the flow of Qi can cause illness and pain. By inserting needles into specific points along the body’s energy pathways, an acupuncturist aims to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Pain Management

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for pain management, including tension headaches. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are caused by muscle tension, stress, and poor posture. Acupuncture has been shown to relieve tension headache pain by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a form of acupuncture that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body instead of using needles. It’s a great option for those who are needle-phobic or who prefer a gentler approach to treatment. Acupressure has been shown to be just as effective as acupuncture for pain management, including tension headaches.

How Acupuncture Works

The exact mechanism by which acupuncture works is not yet fully understood. However, there are several theories as to how it may help to alleviate pain and improve overall health. One theory is that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Another theory is that it improves circulation and promotes the flow of Qi. Regardless of how it works, acupuncture has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for a range of conditions, including pain management and tension headaches.

Acupuncture From Essex Physiotherapy

Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of pain management that has been used for thousands of years. Whether you’re experiencing tension headaches, back pain, or other types of pain, acupuncture can help to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall health.

If you’re interested in trying acupuncture, get in touch with Essex Physiotherapy Clinic today and experience the benefits for yourself.

Playing sports is a great way to stay active, healthy and fit, but it can also come with a risk of injury. Some sports injuries are minor and can be treated with rest and over-the-counter pain medication, but others can be more serious and require medical attention.

To avoid sports injuries and keep playing at your best, here are some tips from Essex Physiotherapy Clinic.



Warm Up Properly

Warming up before you start playing is essential to avoiding sports injuries. A proper warm-up should last 10-15 minutes and include light exercise, such as jogging, followed by dynamic stretching. Dynamic stretching involves moving your joints and muscles through their full range of motion, which can help to improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.

Use Proper Technique

Using a proper technique is important in avoiding sports injuries, especially when it comes to high-impact sports like basketball, football and running. Pay attention to the way you move your body, and make sure to engage the right muscles for each activity. If you’re not sure of the proper technique, ask a coach or physical therapist for help.

Get a Sports Massage

Sports massage can help to prevent sports injuries by increasing circulation, reducing muscle tension, and improving flexibility. Massage can also help to reduce the risk of overuse injuries, such as jumper’s knee and tennis elbow, by promoting proper alignment and posture. At Essex Physiotherapy Clinic, our sports massage therapists can help to keep you playing at your best.

Take Breaks and Rest

Overuse injuries, such as jumper’s knee and tennis elbow, can develop when you don’t take enough breaks and rest. Make sure to take breaks and give your body time to recover, especially if you’re feeling pain or discomfort. If you’re experiencing an injury, see a physical therapist as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage.

Stretch After You Play

Stretching after you play is just as important as stretching before you play. Stretching can help to reduce muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and prevent injury. Make sure to stretch all of the muscles you used during your activity, and hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds.

Sports Injury Help In Chelmsford

Playing sports is a great way to stay active and healthy, but it’s important to take steps to prevent sports injuries. By warming up properly, using proper technique, getting a sports massage, taking breaks and resting, and stretching after you play, you can reduce your risk of injury and keep playing at your best.

If you’re experiencing an injury, get in touch with Essex Physiotherapy Clinic for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

Relaxation therapy is a highly effective treatment for frozen shoulder, a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. At Essex Physiotherapy Clinic, we offer a range of relaxation therapies, including physiotherapy and sports massage, to help alleviate pain and improve range of motion.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of relaxation therapy for frozen shoulder pain and why it’s a valuable addition to your treatment plan.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It can be caused by injury, surgery, or certain medical conditions, and can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reaching overhead or tying your shoelaces. Symptoms of frozen shoulder typically include pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

The Benefits of Relaxation Therapy for Frozen Shoulder Pain

Relaxation therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for frozen shoulder pain. The goal of relaxation therapy is to help you feel relaxed and reduce stress, which in turn can help to alleviate pain and stiffness. Physiotherapy and sports massage are two of the most common types of relaxation therapy used to treat frozen shoulder.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a type of relaxation therapy that involves specific exercises and techniques to help improve range of motion and alleviate pain. At Essex Physiotherapy Clinic, our trained physiotherapists will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan to help improve your range of motion and reduce pain. Physiotherapy can also help to prevent future injury and improve your overall physical function.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a type of relaxation therapy that involves the use of specific techniques to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of the body. It can help to improve circulation and reduce pain. At Essex Physiotherapy Clinic, our trained massage therapists will work with you to develop a customised treatment plan to help alleviate your pain and improve your range of motion.

Relaxation Therapy In Chelmsford

Relaxation therapy, including physiotherapy and sports massage, is an effective treatment for frozen shoulder pain. By reducing stress and improving range of motion, these therapies can help to alleviate pain and improve your overall physical function.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits of relaxation therapy and schedule a consultation at Essex Physiotherapy Clinic today.

How to get rid of a headache? We’ve all been there: A pounding pain which just won’t seem to go away however hard you try. Persistent and irritating, a constant pain is likely to cause discomfort in your daily life, and may even result in absences at work, cancelled plans and less enjoyment doing the activities you usually enjoy. Consult this handy guide and allow Essex Physiotherapy Clinic to take you through some of the most effective and proven methods for relieving a headache WITHOUT the need for a constant stream of painkillers and medication.

Physical Therapies

Though physical therapies aren’t typically seen as the solution to a persistent migraine headache, there are plenty of benefits to be found from consulting an approved physical therapist in an effort to resolve a continuous issue. Addressing poor posture and muscle damage may be beneficial when targeting a headache which has become a recurring problem, and a physical therapist may fulfil this by introducing stretching techniques, soft tissue mobilisation and informative guidance on how to properly align your head and neck to reduce muscle tension.

Stress Management Techniques

Many tension headaches are due largely to a build-up of stress, and of course one of the best ways to get on top of such issues is by managing your workload and circumstances surrounding any accumulation of tension. Unlike medication, mindfulness and relaxation techniques won’t have any side-effects or ramifications, in fact, stress management techniques can even help you in everyday life to cope with other problems. Meditation and deep breathing exercises are adaptable to your circumstances, and can be practised almost anywhere, morning, noon and night.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine which involves thin needles being painlessly inserted into the body. The intended purpose of this technique is to stimulate sensory nerves within particular areas, and while our recommended course of action for headaches is to undertake acupuncture treatment twice a week for a two week period, some clients can find themselves noticing relief after just one session. chronic tension type headaches can really cut into your life, so why not let us get to the root of the problem at Essex Physiotherapy Clinic?

Cognitive Therapy

The unpredictable nature of headaches and their cause mean that no one course of treatment is the very best, however cognitive therapy exists to try and find a specific solution based on your lifestyle and needs. Therapy may be used to treat headaches by identifying and managing prominent headache triggers, or even treating related conditions like depression, anxiety, obesity, or sleep disturbance. There isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, and therapists will look to get to the very core of the issue.

At Essex Physiotherapy Clinic, our aim is to provide affordable physiotherapy solutions, to provide you with a satisfactory outcome. When you visit us, our experienced therapists will be available to help you at every step. Serving clients across Chelmsford and the wider surrounding area, we even offer online consultations to allow individuals to access our expertise regardless of location. Any questions? Contact us today!

While you may be aware of acupuncture and the genuine benefits it provides, there are an array of other alternative therapies and healing techniques which are proven to assist with continuous pain and injuries. If you’ve explored many various options, and nothing seems to be working, these effective techniques may be just what you require. Assuming you’re a complete novice to Reiki, this guide will take you through the foundations of this Japanese energy healing method, with Essex Physiotherapy Clinic well-equipped to keep you informed.

Reiki Explained

A form of alternative medicine which gained popularity in Japan but was quickly adopted overseas, Reiki uses a technique known as ‘palm healing’ to accelerate physical or emotional healing. Whether being performed to lessen the impact of a sporting injury, or as a means of relaxing both the body and mind, Reiki is increasingly favoured by everyone from athletes to those with persistent back pain and spinal aches. Established by Japanese healer Mikao Usui in the early 1900s, Usai taught his system of Reiki to more than 2,000 people during his lifetime, and it soon took off in Europe.

How Does It Work?

Reiki’s teachings aren’t strictly proven to cure or rectify any specific conditions, and it is a pseudoscientific theory based on metaphysical concepts, although the feelings of relaxation and security a course of treatment can provide is undeniable. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing, practised and administered by professionals who have trained extensively. It involves the use of gentle hand movements, with the intention to guide a flow of healthy energy through the client’s body.

The Benefits

When performed successfully, Reiki can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, lessen anxiety, and even reduce physical pain. It is also suggested that this Japanese healing method can help the body to remain in a state of relaxation, potentially healing more quickly from damage brought on by stress or injury. When used alongside conventional medical care, Reiki may even help out with serious health conditions or post-surgery recovery, so why not try it for yourself?



Other Treatments From Our Clinic

Not simply limited to unconventional forms of therapy, we offer various treatments tailored to suit individual needs, with manual therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, electrotherapy, exercise, ergonomics and stress management all covered. Ultimately, our goal is to match you up with a form of therapy and friendly professional to suit your needs, so trust us to take you through your options in a thoughtful manner.

At Essex Physiotherapy Clinic, we maintain a highly experienced team of physiotherapy professionals, able to support you by easing your physical discomfort and seamlessly alleviate stress. We offer a huge array of fantastic physiotherapy treatments, from our clinic, via a home visit or even as an online consultation if required. Any questions? Contact our team.

Relaxation therapy may be an unfamiliar concept to you, but it is set to rise in popularity well into 2023. Though there are plenty of conventional forms of therapy available at Essex Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd including physiotherapy and massage therapy, newbies to mindfulness as well as those well aware of meditation and guided relaxation can benefit equally. Allow us to take you through this miniature guide to relaxation therapy, including the significant advantages, the way in which this alternate form of therapy can enhance your daily life, alongside the varied stress management methods used by therapists to relax the body and mind.

A New Type Of Therapy

You may not be as aware of relaxation therapy compared to common methods employed by professionals, which focus predominantly on targeting muscle groups, areas of tension or sensory nerves. More holistic than traditional forms of stress relief and therapy, relaxation therapy largely relates to the concept of unwinding via instructional videos, soundtracks, recordings or music compilations, paired with a relaxing and quiet physical environment to accompany this visual or auditory experience. The environment in question could be your home, a secluded spot or somewhere completely different. This is one of the best things about relaxation therapy – the choice is yours!

Everyone Can Benefit

Due to the flexible nature of relaxation therapy, many audiences and groups can benefit from it, be that via an organised gathering or enjoyed solo. If your job is particularly stressful, this may be a sensible activity to perform in the evening, while others may prefer to experience it first thing in the morning before anything else. Families, work groups and school-age children will all benefit from exposure to guided relaxation therapy, much simpler and arguably more mentally stimulating than other options. Our practitioners are even able to provide specific guidance to you depending on your circumstances.

Seamlessly Release Stress

When experiencing stress, your body will release hormones, which increase blood pressure and raise your heart rate. The long-term effects of stress on your body are well-documented, and may include an increased risk of heart disease or experiencing a stroke later in life. Stress can also lead to weight gain, prolonged muscle tension and respiratory issues. Regularly catering to your mental health and actively seeking to relieve stress via relaxation therapy will pay dividends in the future, as relaxation techniques can actively lower your blood pressure and heart rate, alongside an array of other benefits.

Established for over three decades as a local business, our practice has long been the trusted choice among clients in the Chelmsford area. Searching for physiotherapy and holistic treatments to improve your health and wellbeing? Our expertise lies in a number of areas. Contact the team today, for everything from traditional treatments, to acupuncture and relaxation therapy.

Acupuncture therapy may seem daunting to some (especially if you have a fear of needles!), though this tried and tested form of therapy is brilliant for assisting in a number of tricky situations. Originating and developing from a component of traditional Chinese medicine, this popular practice is perhaps a lot less complex and worrying than you would first imagine. Trusted specialists at Essex Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd administer acupuncture treatment on a daily basis, therefore we’re well-placed to answer some of the most common questions surrounding this stimulating treatment.



Can Anyone Receive Acupuncture Treatments?

Though acupuncture treatments are readily available for individuals of most ages and health conditions, there are some stipulations as to who can safely experience the treatment. The very young, elderly and vulnerable, alongside individuals with bleeding disorders may be deemed unsuitable for acupuncture. Surprisingly, pregnant women can safely be administered with acupuncture treatments, though this status should be disclosed before any treatment is administered. If you’re unsure of your status in regards to receiving treatment, consult this page for additional information.

Is It Painful Or Uncomfortable?

Generally speaking, no treatment will be completely painless due to the varying pain thresholds and skin sensitivity of recipients, though predominantly the only discomfort felt during acupuncture will amount to a tingling ache when the needles are inserted. Contrary to common belief, acupuncture needles will only be inserted lightly into areas of skin, and as the needles are very thin, the recipient of treatment will often not even feel these small objects. A member of staff will brief you on the acupoints before any treatment begins.

What Are The Benefits Of This Therapy?

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, casting aside the reputation that acupuncture doesn’t work or only works on a very basic level. These procedures are now often used in many NHS GP practices, as well as trusted pain clinics and hospices worldwide to treat pain. chronic long-term pain, tension-type headaches and migraines can all be treated with acupuncture, while joint pain, dental pain and postoperative pain may be remedied with a course of acupuncture therapy.

Are There Any Alternatives?

Alternatives to acupuncture for pain, tension relief and stress management include physiotherapy and massage therapy, both of which are offered by our Essex-based professionals. Many are turning towards online courses and mindfulness too, able to be performed in the comfort of your own home.

At Essex Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd, we offer a huge variety of beneficial physiotherapy treatments in a calm environment. Working with clients in an individualised manner, our offering includes home visits as well as online consultations when appropriate. If you’re seeking quality physiotherapy, we’re here to support your needs, so simply give us a call.

Competing in sports is one of the best ways to keep fit, both mentally and physically. Whether kicking a ball around with friends, or taking part in organised events and challenges, there are so many benefits to getting your heart racing and socialising. Despite the enjoyable nature of organised sport activities, there is scope to pick up injuries, many of which are disruptive to everyday life. Read on and allow the experts at Essex Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd to take you through some of the most frequent sport-specific injuries, alongside how we can help out.

Tennis And Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are very similar in nature, manifesting as two painful conditions occurring due to overuse of the forearm muscles near the elbow joint, or areas near the wrist. Clinically known as ‘lateral epicondylitis’, this condition will worsen over time if not treated, and will likely restrict your ability to partake in activities which would otherwise be pain-free. Regularly affecting golfers and tennis players due to the repeated motions of gripping a racket or club, physiotherapy is one of the most common ways to combat it.

Thrower’s Shoulder

Not only is thrower’s shoulder is common in sports that involve throwing, but also in swimming and activities where the shoulder is forced to regularly carry weight in a repeated motion. The main treatment for thrower’s shoulder is long-term rehabilitation, and notable symptoms include pain radiating from the front of the shoulder and side of the arm, while this painful affliction may first become evident while throwing or competing.

Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee can affect individuals competing in many sports which include high-intensity running, be that within an athletics context, football or rugby. Characterised by frequent knee problems and a continuous throbbing pain, this issue will sometimes worsen when you walk downstairs or downhill. Acupuncture treatments are often beneficial when dealing with runner’s knee, while a lengthy spell of resting the limb will also likely help.

Cycling Leg Cramps

Cycling leg cramps are irritating if you cycle to work or commute via bicycle, though thankfully these cramps are often only temporary. Some of the more prominent causes of cycling leg cramps are dehydration and overexerting yourself on the roads. Periods of rest will likely resolve this issue, though medical intervention may also be necessary if irritation persists. Physiotherapy exists to relieve many common symptoms, so it’s well worth enquiring about.

At Essex Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd, Our objective is to provide affordable physiotherapy solutions for varied injuries and issues. When you visit, our experienced therapists will help you every step of the way, listening to you carefully and commencing treatment with requests and individual needs in mind. Any questions before you come to see us? Simply give us a call!

Don’t shoulder the burden alone.

Contact our team of experienced physiotherapists today.