What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage used to relieve muscle tension or limited movement of joints. This type of massage concentrates on realigning deeper layers of muscle and tissue, where the massage strokes help break down pockets of tense tissue that are causing pain. The concentrated pressure on these specific areas releases the tension, allowing for better blood flow and joint movement.

What is Different about it?

Numerous types of massage can be used to treat a patient. One of the main deep tissue massage benefits is that the hands and fingertips can be used along with other body parts, such as the elbows and forearms, to reach deeper layers of muscle tissue. The massage strokes of a deep tissue back massage, for example, would go with and against the muscle grain, with considerably more pressure than other types of massage. This added pressure from the strokes allows the pockets of tense tissue to be broken down, serving to relieve chronic pain or tension.

Here are some other types of massage used to treat pain:

• Swedish massage – this is the most well-known type of massage, one which is the foundation for other types of massage. Massage therapists perform this type of massage to stimulate circulation, and relieve neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain. Swedish massages typically employ various strokes that relieve tension and stress, and relax the muscles: friction, tapotement, vibration, effleurage and petrissage. Deep tissue massage incorporates much of the same strokes as Swedish massage, and works if the patient can tolerate additional pressure to get relief from chronic pain.
• Sports massage – this type of massage is aimed towards those who compete in sports professionally. This involves manipulation of the soft tissue and the muscles to prevent or improve sports injuries. Sports massage incorporates many of the Swedish massage techniques, along with occasional proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching to improve mobility and flexibility. There are several similarities between deep tissue massage and sports massage, where many of the strokes and techniques are shared in both. The caveat with sports massages is that they typically focus on one particular area of rehabilitation after an injury, whereas the spectrum for deep tissue massage therapy is broader and is mainly designed to treat chronic pain.
• Lymphatic drainage – this type of massage encourages the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues. London Wellness Centre do not offer this type of massage as a therapy, as we do find deep tissue massage to be a more effective method of releasing toxins in the body. Deep tissue massage strokes aim to flush toxins away too, just by regenerating the muscle tissue. With lymphatic drainage, the toxins in the body are flushed through the lymph nodes, with the massage transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells in the lymph system.

What should I do Before and After my Massage?

If you are experiencing deep tissue massage therapy for the first time, here are some recommended steps to take to ensure you are getting the most out of the procedure.

Before your massage:

• Drink plenty of water, though not to the point where you feel uncomfortable lying down on your stomach
• Limit your food intake; do not eat a heavy meal beforehand. The intense pressure could cause discomfort if your stomach is full or still trying to digest large amounts of food
• Be relaxed. Arrive early to your appointment so you have time to unwind

After your massage:

• Drink plenty of water afterwards, to help your body flush away any toxins released from your system, and to help your body recover. Many people feel light-headed after a deep tissue massage and water will help to ease that sensation
• Ice any inflamed areas, particularly in areas where the deepest pressure was applied. Conversely, your massage therapist may also recommend also applying heat to some areas, which is known as hot shunting. These areas might be tender before the pain starts disappearing and both hot and cold shunting are ideal for keeping the blood flowing to the affected areas
• Avoid strenuous activity straight away so as not to exert the muscles too much
• Stretching the muscles can help to reduce stiffness and tenderness

Can a Chiropractor help?

Yes. If you are experiencing any of the below types of pain, you should absolutely visit a chiropractor. Multi-skilled chiropractors are experienced in providing tailor-made treatment plans for all of the below. People have claimed that deep tissue massage helps with any of the below:

• Pulled back muscle treatment
• Muscle and joint pain
• Upper back pain treatment
• Burning lower back pain
• Trapped nerve in shoulder
• Sciatic nerve pain

Deep tissue massage benefits you in many ways. A good series of massages along with chiropractic care can assist you with indigestion, stress and sleep, as well as treat chronic pain. A combination of both massage and chiropractic therapy will give you the fastest recovery, in the most pain-free way. Here at London Wellness Centre, we provide the best deep tissue massage which we offer at both our London Bridge and Canary Wharf clinics.

To book a consultation, click here.

Other Useful Information

What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage used to relieve muscle tension or limited movement of joints. This type of massage concentrates on realigning deeper layers of muscle and tissue, where the massage strokes help break down pockets of tense tissue that are causing pain. The concentrated pressure on these specific areas releases the tension, allowing for better blood flow and joint movement.

What is Different about it?

Numerous types of massage can be used to treat a patient. One of the main deep tissue massage benefits is that the hands and fingertips can be used along with other body parts, such as the elbows and forearms, to reach deeper layers of muscle tissue. The massage strokes of a deep tissue back massage, for example, would go with and against the muscle grain, with considerably more pressure than other types of massage. This added pressure from the strokes allows the pockets of tense tissue to be broken down, serving to relieve chronic pain or tension.

Here are some other types of massage used to treat pain:

• Swedish massage – this is the most well-known type of massage, one which is the foundation for other types of massage. Massage therapists perform this type of massage to stimulate circulation, and relieve neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain. Swedish massages typically employ various strokes that relieve tension and stress, and relax the muscles: friction, tapotement, vibration, effleurage and petrissage. Deep tissue massage incorporates much of the same strokes as Swedish massage, and works if the patient can tolerate additional pressure to get relief from chronic pain.
• Sports massage – this type of massage is aimed towards those who compete in sports professionally. This involves manipulation of the soft tissue and the muscles to prevent or improve sports injuries. Sports massage incorporates many of the Swedish massage techniques, along with occasional proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching to improve mobility and flexibility. There are several similarities between deep tissue massage and sports massage, where many of the strokes and techniques are shared in both. The caveat with sports massages is that they typically focus on one particular area of rehabilitation after an injury, whereas the spectrum for deep tissue massage therapy is broader and is mainly designed to treat chronic pain.
• Lymphatic drainage – this type of massage encourages the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues. London Wellness Centre do not offer this type of massage as a therapy, as we do find deep tissue massage to be a more effective method of releasing toxins in the body. Deep tissue massage strokes aim to flush toxins away too, just by regenerating the muscle tissue. With lymphatic drainage, the toxins in the body are flushed through the lymph nodes, with the massage transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells in the lymph system.

What should I do Before and After my Massage?

If you are experiencing deep tissue massage therapy for the first time, here are some recommended steps to take to ensure you are getting the most out of the procedure.

Before your massage:

• Drink plenty of water, though not to the point where you feel uncomfortable lying down on your stomach
• Limit your food intake; do not eat a heavy meal beforehand. The intense pressure could cause discomfort if your stomach is full or still trying to digest large amounts of food
• Be relaxed. Arrive early to your appointment so you have time to unwind

After your massage:

• Drink plenty of water afterwards, to help your body flush away any toxins released from your system, and to help your body recover. Many people feel light-headed after a deep tissue massage and water will help to ease that sensation
• Ice any inflamed areas, particularly in areas where the deepest pressure was applied. Conversely, your massage therapist may also recommend also applying heat to some areas, which is known as hot shunting. These areas might be tender before the pain starts disappearing and both hot and cold shunting are ideal for keeping the blood flowing to the affected areas
• Avoid strenuous activity straight away so as not to exert the muscles too much
• Stretching the muscles can help to reduce stiffness and tenderness

Can a Chiropractor help?

Yes. If you are experiencing any of the below types of pain, you should absolutely visit a chiropractor. Multi-skilled chiropractors are experienced in providing tailor-made treatment plans for all of the below. People have claimed that deep tissue massage helps with any of the below:

• Pulled back muscle treatment
• Muscle and joint pain
• Upper back pain treatment
• Burning lower back pain
• Trapped nerve in shoulder
• Sciatic nerve pain

Deep tissue massage benefits you in many ways. A good series of massages along with chiropractic care can assist you with indigestion, stress and sleep, as well as treat chronic pain. A combination of both massage and chiropractic therapy will give you the fastest recovery, in the most pain-free way. Here at London Wellness Centre, we provide the best deep tissue massage which we offer at both our London Bridge and Canary Wharf clinics.

To book a consultation, click here.

Other Useful Information

What is a Trapped Nerve?

A trapped nerve occurs when there is too much pressure on a nerve, or the surrounding area. The central nervous system is protected by the spine, which ensures the body’s overall stability. A trapped nerve in the back, shoulder or neck is usually caused by a nerve that’s been damaged, usually because pressure has been placed on the nerve by the surrounding bones, cartilage, tendons or muscles.

We have nerves throughout our body; they are the sensors which allow us to feel any and every sensation. When there is tightness or inflammation of the nerve’s surrounding tissue, it can cause different kinds of pain for people. Trapped nerve pain can vary from muscle pain and slight stiffness in the affected area to more chronic, long-term pain. Here, we will outline just a few of the symptoms.

Trapped Nerve in Shoulder

Signs and symptoms for a trapped nerve in the shoulder blade include:

• Numbness or decreased ability to feel.
• Tingling in the limbs or directly on the affected area.
• Sharp, aching or burning sensations.
• Muscle weakness.
• Frequent feeling that limb has ‘fallen asleep’.
• Stinging pain such as pins and needles.

These symptoms could be indicative of a trapped nerve in the neck or perhaps the arms, another commonly impacted area. Trapped nerves can cause significant amounts of pain. For those experiencing pain from a trapped nerve in their neck or shoulder, the extent of the pain can be similar to that of sciatic nerve pain. Symptoms of sciatica will not crop up in the neck or shoulders, and instead can manifest in areas of the feet, knees, lower back and buttocks. People experiencing these symptoms may feel severe leg pain or hip pain, and the severity of pain can be similar for the neck and shoulders though, if a nerve feels trapped.

For your reference, we have a blog about how to relieve sciatica symptoms here.

How to get Rid of a Trapped Nerve in your Shoulder

A main type of treatment for nerve pain will centre on trying to relieve the sensation of stiffness that can be caused by trapped nerves in shoulders.

Treatment will focus on loosening the area to ease any pressure, relieve some of the tightness and reduce the inflammation which is causing the nerve to feel pressed. There are a variety of self-care methods of how to relieve a trapped nerve, which can be done at home or in the workplace.

• Change of posture. Poor posture might be one of the most common causes of trapped nerves, or at least one of the most common ways it is worsened. Sitting or standing in an incorrect position might be putting unnecessary stress on the body, thereby damaging the muscles and spine. Cushions, neck rests and adjustable chairs can help alleviate this issue.
• Ergonomics. Making some small changes in the workplace can go a long way. Adjusting computer screens to eye level, using an ergonomically friendly mouse and keyboard, or standing desks can help to keep areas stress-free and the spine moving.
• Painkillers. Pain relief medication such as ibuprofen is anti-inflammatory and can help reduce swelling, pressure and can relieve pain in cases of less extreme trapped nerves. We recommend consulting with a doctor beforehand, for the recommended dosage of pain relief for a trapped nerve.
• Stretching and yoga. Gentle stretches and yoga have been known to relieve tension and pressure across the whole body. Be mindful as stretching too deeply has been known to exacerbate certain symptoms.
• Hot and cold heat. Inflammation and swelling can be reduced significantly if someone experiencing symptoms of a trapped nerve alternates between heat and ice packs. The combination of both hot and cold heat increases fresh blood circulation to the affected area, which can end up being an effective form of pain relief. This is known as “hot and cold shunting”.
• Exercise. Low-impact exercises to keep the body energised, mobile and flexible are superb options to reduce symptoms as well as retain a good standard of health. Walking, cycling, swimming (among others), with plenty of stretches before and after the exercise, can reduce pressure and inflammation near the nerves while still keeping the body in shape.
• Deep tissue massage. This is a massage that works through several layers of soft tissue to help rehabilitate injuries, and relieve muscle tension and stiffness. Can massage help a trapped nerve, though? Yes, absolutely! They often provide an immediate form of pain relief, due to their effectiveness at relaxing muscles. Massage for trapped nerves works well because it allows a person to relax and lie still for some time, meaning their cortisol drops, which then allows the muscles to relax and repair more easily.

Can a Chiropractor help with Trapped Nerve?

Chiropractic treatment is focused on realigning the central nervous system, which as we mentioned, is vital to the overall health of the body. When things go wrong, chiropractors like the London Wellness Centre aim to isolate the origins of the nerve pain, as well as which nerve is trapped, and what they are trapped by.

We use methods of muscle testing, movement assessments and palpation (the process of using the hands and fingers to check a patient’s body) during our consultations.

Trapped nerves can often indicate more complex issues, therefore seeking remedies like deep tissue massage are effective, but for long-term help, you may want to consider visiting a chiropractor in London. The most effective form of treatment would be a combination of massage and chiropractic care.

We offer both deep tissue massage and methods of chiropractic treatment in both London Bridge and Canary Wharf.

If this is of interest, book a consultation today and see how we can provide the best form of help with nerve pain.

Other Useful Information

We all know how important both regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet are to our physical and mental wellbeing.

Whether it’s playing a sport, doing yoga, running, pumping iron or anything else, the rewards you reap are not without their fair share of risks. It’s important to remember to take care of your body, not just by maintaining a healthy fitness regime that works for you, but by ensuring you are aware of – and take care of – any injuries that may arise.

Regardless of your age or athletic condition, chiropractic care might just be the tool you need to improve your physical potential. Chiropractors are consulted by top level athletes to improve their function and health, and it’s often found that visiting a chiropractor (specifically a London sports chiropractor) regularly will ensure future problems are prevented.

There is plenty on offer for health fanatics this month. London Wellness Centre, specifically the Canary Wharf branch just happens to be at the heart of some exciting fitness events taking place in December. It’s important to keep your health at the forefront of your mind even when the weather is cold, and if you are planning on working up a sweat when the air is this icy, bear in mind you aren’t far from a chiropractor in East London should you need one!

You can check out some of the nearby fitness events here. Just know that while we wholeheartedly encourage you to get out there and keep your body engaged, we also ask that you exercise (pardon the pun) caution with injuries that may arise.

Lululemon – Ink & Flow

• Exercise: Yoga
• Date: 15^th December 2019
• Start time: 10:00am
• Location: Lululemon Canary Wharf

Leading sportswear brand Lululemon will be hosting a mindful 45-minute vinyasa session, in collaboration with London yoga and calligraphy company Ink & Flow. The workshop will explore each participant’s creativity and be truly introspective, while keeping the body engaged and the mind focused. Organiser Kirstie Bird is known for her energetic and dynamic vinyasa sessions, which she hosts every Thursday.

Some common injuries that can come as a result of yoga could be lower back pain, neck pain and possible irritation of hamstrings, wrists and elbows. While yoga is recommended to improve your flexibility and possibly even relieve sciatica symptoms it is important to remember there is more to it than contorting your body into unique shapes. Recognise the body’s warning signals telling you to take it easy, and don’t force yourself into bending into a position you’re already struggling with.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10K

• Exercise: Running
• Date: 7^th December 2019
• Start time: 9:30am
• Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

This monthly 10 kilometre run across one of London’s most picturesque and iconic areas, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, has been established since 2014. Approximately 500 runners take part every month, and is a great opportunity to either chase a personal best or just get the blood pumping in a welcoming environment with other runners. It’s suitable for anyone of all abilities, the only prerequisite being that entrants must be 15 or over. More information about the run can be found here.

It’s likely that many of you will have heard of ‘runner’s knee’, which is caused by swelling under the kneecap. However, there is always a chance that a different kind of leg pain might come as a result of running long distances, particularly if a runner hasn’t done a good amount of stretching or warming up. Most high impact sports cause injuries at speed, which mean potentially damaging tissues, ligaments and tendons, which are attached to your joints. Therefore should you experience any pain in the buttocks or lower part of the back, or in the hip area, a chiropractor will be able to assess where that pain is coming from through muscle testing. Alternatively, dry-needling and deep tissue massage therapy are all available through London Wellness Centre in Canary Wharf.

Donna Moore & Jenny Todd Strongman/Strongwoman Workshop

• Exercise: Strongman & Strongwoman
• Date: 8^th December 2019
• Start time: 10:00am
• Location: The Commando Temple

The Commando Temple, a gym that focuses on aspects of powerlifting, calisthenics and strongman/strongwoman training, will be the place of a workshop not to be missed by any enthusiast in heavy lifting. Former World’s Strongest Woman Donna Moore and Jenny Todd, Britain’s Strongest Woman and Europe’s U-82kg Strongest Woman will be hosting a ‘hands-on’ seminar and workshop on strongwoman and strongman training, techniques and skills. With guidance from two of the most powerful women in the world, this workshop is not one to be missed if you have an affinity for lifting and moving heavy objects!

It goes without saying that strongman/strongwoman training is a very high-risk type of training. Common injuries that spring to mind are shoulder pain when lifting arms, back and knee pain or even neck stress. It’s not uncommon to hear that bulging discs can come as a result of poor posture when lifting weights, and long-term impact might lead to sciatic pain symptoms.

Sports Chiropractor London

Should you be already planning on attending any or all of these East London fitness events this month, bear in mind that London Wellness Centre is nearby, and we are available at the weekends by appointment. We even offer functional medicine treatment.

For any type of muscle and joint pain that you could experience through any kind of fitness or sport, we will be able to help you. Don’t just assume that all will be healed by putting ice on your bad knee for a while, because while that might help temporarily, for long-term relief, visiting a chiropractic clinic is where you start. We provide a huge range of chiropractic treatments, as well as chiropody and podiatry and psychology, meaning that you are really getting the best value of care for injuries to your body.

For more information, or to book a consultation with our Canary Wharf Wellness Centre, click here.

Other Useful Information

What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage used to relieve muscle tension or limited movement of joints. This type of massage concentrates on realigning deeper layers of muscle and tissue, where the massage strokes help break down pockets of tense tissue that are causing pain. The concentrated pressure on these specific areas releases the tension, allowing for better blood flow and joint movement.

What is Different about it?

Numerous types of massage can be used to treat a patient. One of the main deep tissue massage benefits is that the hands and fingertips can be used along with other body parts, such as the elbows and forearms, to reach deeper layers of muscle tissue. The massage strokes of a deep tissue back massage, for example, would go with and against the muscle grain, with considerably more pressure than other types of massage. This added pressure from the strokes allows the pockets of tense tissue to be broken down, serving to relieve chronic pain or tension.

Here are some other types of massage used to treat pain:

• Swedish massage – this is the most well-known type of massage, one which is the foundation for other types of massage. Massage therapists perform this type of massage to stimulate circulation, and relieve neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain. Swedish massages typically employ various strokes that relieve tension and stress, and relax the muscles: friction, tapotement, vibration, effleurage and petrissage. Deep tissue massage incorporates much of the same strokes as Swedish massage, and works if the patient can tolerate additional pressure to get relief from chronic pain.
• Sports massage – this type of massage is aimed towards those who compete in sports professionally. This involves manipulation of the soft tissue and the muscles to prevent or improve sports injuries. Sports massage incorporates many of the Swedish massage techniques, along with occasional proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching to improve mobility and flexibility. There are several similarities between deep tissue massage and sports massage, where many of the strokes and techniques are shared in both. The caveat with sports massages is that they typically focus on one particular area of rehabilitation after an injury, whereas the spectrum for deep tissue massage therapy is broader and is mainly designed to treat chronic pain.
• Lymphatic drainage – this type of massage encourages the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues. London Wellness Centre do not offer this type of massage as a therapy, as we do find deep tissue massage to be a more effective method of releasing toxins in the body. Deep tissue massage strokes aim to flush toxins away too, just by regenerating the muscle tissue. With lymphatic drainage, the toxins in the body are flushed through the lymph nodes, with the massage transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells in the lymph system.

What should I do Before and After my Massage?

If you are experiencing deep tissue massage therapy for the first time, here are some recommended steps to take to ensure you are getting the most out of the procedure.

Before your massage:

• Drink plenty of water, though not to the point where you feel uncomfortable lying down on your stomach
• Limit your food intake; do not eat a heavy meal beforehand. The intense pressure could cause discomfort if your stomach is full or still trying to digest large amounts of food
• Be relaxed. Arrive early to your appointment so you have time to unwind

After your massage:

• Drink plenty of water afterwards, to help your body flush away any toxins released from your system, and to help your body recover. Many people feel light-headed after a deep tissue massage and water will help to ease that sensation
• Ice any inflamed areas, particularly in areas where the deepest pressure was applied. Conversely, your massage therapist may also recommend also applying heat to some areas, which is known as hot shunting. These areas might be tender before the pain starts disappearing and both hot and cold shunting are ideal for keeping the blood flowing to the affected areas
• Avoid strenuous activity straight away so as not to exert the muscles too much
• Stretching the muscles can help to reduce stiffness and tenderness

Can a Chiropractor help?

Yes. If you are experiencing any of the below types of pain, you should absolutely visit a chiropractor. Multi-skilled chiropractors are experienced in providing tailor-made treatment plans for all of the below. People have claimed that deep tissue massage helps with any of the below:

• Pulled back muscle treatment
• Muscle and joint pain
• Upper back pain treatment
• Burning lower back pain
• Trapped nerve in shoulder
• Sciatic nerve pain

Deep tissue massage benefits you in many ways. A good series of massages along with chiropractic care can assist you with indigestion, stress and sleep, as well as treat chronic pain. A combination of both massage and chiropractic therapy will give you the fastest recovery, in the most pain-free way. Here at London Wellness Centre, we provide the best deep tissue massage which we offer at both our London Bridge and Canary Wharf clinics.

To book a consultation, click here.

Other Useful Information

Should I see a Chiropractor?

Here at London Wellness Centre, we understand the difficulty people can have in seeing a chiropractor during normal working hours. Those who go through the 9-to-5 grind every week are pressed for spare time enough as it is, and sometimes, it’s just not possible to fit in that deep tissue massage or chiropractic assessment from Monday through to Friday.

Perhaps you might be a:

• Shift worker
• Teacher
• Office worker
• Tradesperson
• Emergency services worker
• Frequent traveller
• Busy parent
• Soon-to-be-mother
• Care worker

Regardless of your profession, each type of work carries varying responsibilities and tasks which, although you might not realise it at first, can be causing your body pain. Some responsibilities (listed below) can put undue stress on our posture and muscles.

• Sitting for hours at a desk
• Carrying a baby
• Heavy lifting
• Bending down for long periods of time
• Being on your feet for hours at a time
• Handling heavy equipment

 

Back Pain Treatment

One of the most common types of injury we treat is back pain. Back pain is one of the more complex complaints we treat. It’s important that back treatment is sought because it can affect all different areas of the body, and a burning sensation in your back between shoulder blades might be the symptom of a bulging disc or a possible trapped nerve.

It’s fair to say, no matter what your job entails, if you’re experiencing muscle and joint pain, shoulder pain or are having symptoms that bear similarities to sciatica, then it’s wise to get in touch with the best local chiropractor you can find.

Sports injuries and pregnancy pain should be tended to immediately so as to prevent the symptoms from manifesting into a major, larger-scale problem. Seemingly emergency situations don’t necessarily always require a visit to A&E, just because finding a back specialist in London at short notice might prove challenging.

What’s more, what if you can’t find a chiropractor open on weekends? Not all chiropractors offer flexible times for appointments outside of Monday-Friday. The types of people who struggle to get to medical appointments during the average working week are arguably the most at risk to injuries.

Well luckily for you, London Wellness Centres are open every weekend!

 

Weekend Wellness

If you need a back pain clinic, our two London-based centres are open at weekends, helping to ease the pain of a busy lifestyle. With two prime locations in Canary Wharf and London Bridge, they are reachable for anyone, conveniently situated near train, tube, DLR stations, and bus routes. We also have late-night appointments available for anyone feeling the strain of a sedentary lifestyle, or for anyone who simply can’t make time for a working daytime appointment.

We can offer same-day appointments nearly every day, and are open longer hours for people who struggle to find the time to make those appointments.

There is no need to wait until Monday to find that “chiropractor near me”. Get in touch with London Wellness today and find out how we can treat your pain immediately.

At London Wellness, we not only aim to treat patients and relieve their immediate symptoms, but to educate, support and encourage you to improve your overall health and wellness to lead healthier, happier lives.

Even if you need a programme of treatment, the fact that we are a weekend chiropractor means we can treat you at a time that works for you. We believe that’s a huge part of improved wellness in itself. If you can move well, it can help you think and feel well as a result. You can’t afford to put those aside.

So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with our world-class chiropractors today. Take the care you need to so that you can remain on top of your game in other areas of your life.

Other Useful Information

One of our most frequently asked questions is about the difference between an osteopath and chiropractor and physiotherapist.

If you’re wondering whether to choose a chiropractor, osteopath or a physiotherapist for your back pain, you might be surprised to learn the results can be very different. The difference between an osteopath and chiropractor might seem minimal but, look deeper into the methods they use and you’ll find out who is likely to be more effective in treating your pain.

Firstly, let’s look at a chiropractor vs physiotherapist. Both treat joint pain and musculoskeletal problems but they do so in different ways. Chiropractors will focus on manipulation (realigning joints) as a technique, whereas physiotherapists will use mobilisation through exercise and carry out occasional soft tissue work.

In addition, a chiropractor is neurologically trained (part of the reason for a different approach) and so they can consider the messages being sent around the body by the central nervous system.

Chiropractors always look to get to the root cause of a problem. For example, if you have back pain, why is it there? Is there a weakness or are you compensating for another injury. Whatever the reason turns out to be, the chiropractor’s neurological experience and understanding means they can effectively retrain your brain and body not to send the pain signals once any injury and inflammation has been dealt with.

When it comes to an osteopath vs chiropractor, the differences are more subtle. There is a difference in philosophy but each approach can be as effective as the other. We think our reviews show that chiropractic treatment is among the best available – and we wouldn’t cast aspersions on osteopathy professionals but our neuro-musculoskeletal specialisation stands us in good stead to understand how the central nervous system (which ultimately controls the whole of our body) is reacting to the injury or condition that is giving you pain.

What do our customers say?

We’ve had so many good reviews which make us very proud to do what we do. Here are some that might help you make the right decision when it comes to chiropractor vs physio vs osteopath:

“After years of suffering from a lower bad back (and seeing osteopaths) I decided to try my luck with a Chiropractor. Suffice to say I have not returned to the osteopath and chiro is my new way of life!” Becky

“I have chronic migraine and chiropractic is the only thing that I have tried that gives me any relief (and I have tried everything!)”  Alice

“I went from 8 weeks of excruciating pain to noticing a big difference after the first session and the pain reducing considerably. 5 sessions in and I’m starting to feel like my old self. Best decision I’ve ever made!” N.A

Other Useful Information

Sudden injuries can be painful.

So can waiting for hours at A&E. But what about a chiropractor? London Wellness Centres (LWC) explain why an emergency injury doesn’t necessarily mean a visit to the emergency room.

There’s nothing worse than waking up in severe pain or finding your back has seized up during the night and you can’t get out of bed.

What if your morning run turned out to be more eventful than planned and you turned your ankle?

It’s all about timing!

Sometimes, time can be a major factor in determining the severity of an injury. Sports injuries, in particular, often require immediate attention and, sometimes, getting a minor injury looked at quickly can stop it from turning into a major injury. Seeing a chiropractor could lessen the negative impact of an injury on your joints.

But, when it happens, people often baulk at going to Accident and Emergency or think they need to see a medical doctor before anyone else. At LWC we want people who have been injured to think “I need to see a chiropractor near me – as soon as possible.” In fact, we offer a free call with one of our experienced chiropractors to discuss any concerns you have. We think you’ll be hard pressed to find a local chiropractor who offers this service, which could be just what you need to help you decide your next course of action.

But, if time is of the essence, we can almost always offer a same-day appointment and we’re open long hours to cater for people who are working themselves, have childcare issues, or any other personal matter which makes making appointments difficult.

Part of our approach to treating an injury is to try to prevent, or minimise, the chances of it recurring. To achieve this, we will look carefully at your symptoms as well as carrying out a full medical check to find out whether there is a weakness in the area concerned. Of course, we’ll act quickly to alleviate your pain but we’ll also be very focused on avoiding that pain coming back.

Are you stuck?

One very common injury which would certainly be helped by visiting a chiropractor is back pain. In the event that you have lifted something too heavy or slept awkwardly, the pain you experience is likely to be ‘simple’ or ‘mechanical’ back pain. Because a chiropractor deals with all aspects of pain, including musculoskeletal, they would be able to provide instant help with this type of injury. In the event of back spasms, treatment is needed quickly to allow the patient to regain mobility. In this case, an emergency trip to the chiropractor is most likely to be the fastest way to treatment.

 

So, what are the important points to note about seeing an emergency chiropractor?

• Time is often important when treating unexpected injuries. Quick, effective treatment will reduce the impact of an injury.
• You don’t need a referral to see a chiropractor, you can approach us directly for an appointment.
• Chiropractors can ease existing pain and also treat you to minimise recurrence.

Other Useful Information

Cut your treatment waiting time and take control of your health

Many people think they need to see their doctor before they see a chiropractor, not realising that they can simply book and pay privately. At London Wellness Centres, we never treat a patient without conducting our own full diagnostic consultation so we become familiar with your body, your health and your fitness first to ensure you are in safe hands when treated.

Chiropractic medicine may be considered an ‘alternative’ therapy but it is a fully licensed healthcare profession and, as such, patients do not need to be under the care of a doctor to use our services. The difference between chiropractic treatments and a more traditional medical or surgical approach is that a chiropractor will look for the root cause of your illness or condition, rather than treating the symptoms, such as pain, numbness or frozen joints, with medication.

In fact, seeing a chiropractor for conditions such as lower back pain or a bulging disc can reduce the chance of needing surgery. That’s because, under traditional medicine treatment methods, around 47% of those who initially consult a doctor will end up having invasive surgery. For those whose first port of call is a chiropractor, this drops to 1%.

What does seeing a chiropractor involve?

At London Wellness, we start by giving you a thorough diagnostic consultation. This takes place during an initial 45-minute appointment, where we take a full medical history and find out about your lifestyle habits and nutrition. This helps us to understand whether there are any underlying contra-indications which might affect the outcome of our treatment.

We follow this up with an examination involving functional/postural, orthopaedic and neurological tests. We also look at your musculoskeletal movement and strength.

Once these tests are complete, our chiropractors can understand which parts of your body are not functioning to the best of their ability and therefore where you may experience pain or discomfort.

You will receive this information, along with a full report called a Report of Findings during your second meeting. This appointment is also where you receive an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and bespoke treatment plan to ensure you reach your goals.

How do I choose a good chiropractor?

It’s important that a chiropractor is willing to give you a personalised treatment. At London Wellness we carry out treatments after our thorough diagnosis appointment to ensure the treatment is focused on what your body needs.

London Wellness Centre is also accredited by The Royal College of Chiropractors with a CMQM (Clinical Management Quality Mark). This prestigious award is a sign that you are in safe hands with any treatment we undertake.

Other Useful Information

Because sciatica is not actually a condition in its own right (it’s the name given to a set of symptoms) every sufferer experiences it differently. For some it may last just weeks, for others, years. Some people might experience pain intermittently, and for some, it will always be present. The one sign that must be present to confirm that someone is indeed suffering with sciatica is pain below the knee.

Because sciatica can be caused by lots of different issues, methods for sciatica relief vary widely too. At London Wellness Centres, we’d always recommend seeing a chiropractor as the best treatment for sciatica pain. However, there are several stretches, exercises and lifestyle changes that may help relieve sciatica along with your formal treatment. Here are our top three.

1. Regular exercise

For all health and wellness needs, you can’t beat regular exercise. We’re not talking specific sciatica exercises here, just regular activity and movement to reduce stiffness and increase the blood flow to the muscles around the body. Poor posture, in particular extended time spent sitting down, can increase your chances of experiencing sciatic nerve pain and exercise will really help to ease sciatica symptoms.

We would also recommend swimming for sciatica sufferers, because this is a low impact, non-weight bearing exercise that allows you to alleviate sciatica symptoms without causing any further damage.

Specific sciatica exercises can be prescribed by your chiropractor and these will be well complemented by a regular exercise routine.

2. Workstation review

If you are desk-based, now’s the time to review the layout and design of your desk, chair and devices. When we look at what causes sciatic nerve pain, one of the most common issues is a poorly designed workstation. In other words, your chair may be the wrong height, your desk might not allow you to ‘tuck in’ sufficiently, your laptop or screen might encourage you to slouch or peer forward unnaturally. These are just a few issues that are highly likely to result in sciatica pain symptoms.

Currently on the rise in terms of sciatica causes is the use of handheld devices such as phones and tablets. These really promote poor posture and are often identified as what causes sciatica to flare up. Minimising time spent on devices or considering your posture while using them is key to finding sciatica relief.

3. Deep tissue massage

In addition to seeing a chiropractor for sciatica, we would recommend regular deep tissue massage to assist with sciatica pain relief. Because this type of massage works through many layers of soft tissue, it is particularly good for rehabilitating injuries and relieving muscle tension.

In addition, because it can release inflammation, deep tissue massage may provide immediate pain relief. You are then advised to follow up with a chiropractic treatment to establish the root cause of your sciatica and begin to put any problems right, avoiding future flare-ups.

Other Useful Information