The primary benefits of Pilates are core muscle strengthening and posture correction. Here are some specific benefits you may experience:
Increased strength, muscular control, flexibility, and mobility
Improved posture and balanced muscles
Improved joint health and bone density
improved balance
Rehabilitation for back pain and extremity pain
Improved pelvic health
Decreased pregnancy-related pain and strengthened core postpartum
Whether it’s a recent knee injury or a nagging pain that just won’t go away, you’ve decided to seek help. You’re probably wondering, ‘Should I see a doctor or a physio for my knee pain?’
The answer depends on your symptoms. While physiotherapists can treat a variety of knee injuries and reduce pain successfully, there are situations in which you should contact a doctor.
Covid-19 and its many vaccines has probably been one of the most discussed topics over the last year. With the current mandates in place for WA regarding the covid 19 vaccine and boosters, you may be curious as to how to support your body naturally before and after the vaccine. While research is generally limited regarding the benefits of natural immune support alongside the covid vaccine, there are a few things you can try to prevent the incidence of unwanted side effects and boost recovery after. We asked our Naturopath, Meagan Grossman, what measures we need to take before we have our Covid-19 vaccine (or any vaccine for that matter).
Zinc
Zinc plays an important role in the immune system. It also promotes wound healing, improves digestive function, and is involved in taste and smell. Consuming foods that are high in zinc such as oysters, red meat and cashews may be helpful in supporting your immune function following vaccination. If you are vegan, vegetarian or not consuming enough of the foods that are high in zinc; supplementation may be beneficial. It is always best to consult with a naturopath regarding any supplementation to ensure you are taking a supplement that is most suitable to your needs.
High dose vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is essential for immune system function. Consuming foods that are high in vitamin C may be beneficial for immune support and recovery post covid vaccine. Some foods high in vitamin C include:
Supplementation of vitamin C can also be helpful but again, it is always best to consult with a Naturopath to get the right product for you.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin as the sun’s UV rays are converted by the body into vitamin D. With a lot of the population working indoors, low vitamin D levels are generally common among Australians – particularly during the colder months. Vitamin D is important for optimal immune function and bone health. While most of our vitamin D comes from the sun, some foods contain high amounts of vitamin D.
Ways to increase intake of vitamin D:
Cardiovascular support
Support cardiovascular health by increasing your intake of omega 3 rich foods such as fatty fish or start supplementation of a good quality fish oil. Herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Astragalus membranaceus may also be helpful in supporting cardiovascular health post vaccination.
Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine is rich in antioxidants and plant constituents that may assist in supporting the whole body following vaccination.
When considering a diet plan or supplementation, it is always best to consult with a Naturopath to ensure the product is right for you and your needs. Do not start supplementation without consulting with a health practitioner first as it may interfere with the current medication you are taking.
Take away
Diets high in fatty fish, a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts are important to maintain optimal health during times of increased stress (ie. following a covid 19 vaccine). Getting outdoors often is important to ensure optimal vitamin D levels are maintained. If you feel your diet is not meeting its nutrient requirements, discuss a diet plan with a nutritionist and consult with a Naturopath if you feel supplementation is necessary.
Plantar Fasciitis also known as Plantar heel pain (PHP) or Plantar fasciopathy is a common condition that affects the heel in over 2 million people each year. It is estimated that almost 10% of the general population is affect by PHP at some point in their lives.
Bacteria is all around us – including inside and outside our bodies. In years gone by, beneficial bacteria were only considered in relation to our gut, however, as it turns out, we are completely covered in a balance of good and bad bacteria. In your gut alone, you will find about 100 trillion balanced good and bad bacteria. Collectively, these bacteria make up what is called the gut microbiome. There is a bidirectional relationship between the gut and the brain which is termed the gut-brain axis. There is also a balance of bacteria on our skin which maintains skin health and prevents infections and bacterial overgrowth.
Almost everyday we talk to our patients about the role of your immune system in pain and inflammation.
It’s easy to forget that the immune system that is responsible for fighting germs and illness is the same immune system that produces the inflammation that heals sprained joints or causes arthritic joint pain.
It’s also easy to forget that inflammation in itself is not good or bad. It’s a response from specific cells and systems in the body in response to a perceived threat.
While chronic inflammation can have negative effects on your heart, arteries, and brains, we need acute inflammation to help heal from injuries and to fight off infectious diseases.
A key lynchpin to an appropriate immune and inflammatory responses goes back to the brain and nervous system.
Here at The Wellness Place, we sure do love our coffee! In fact, after water, coffee is reported as one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. There is nothing better than a good ol’ cup of coffee first thing in the morning, however, only a few years ago we were learning about the dangers of coffee consumption particularly regarding blood pressure, racing heart and impaired sleep. Luckily for our energy levels, the research is now suggesting some interesting health benefits linked to coffee.
Remember when your mother used to say things like, “Eat all your vegetables.” And, “Look both ways before you cross the street.” Well, let’s not forget her mantra, “Sit up straight!” I catch myself reminding my kids on daily basis too.
So many people today work in sedentary jobs that require them to sit for most of the workday. However, whether sitting at a desk, a football game, or in front of a television set, good posture is imperative to your spinal health. And poor postural habits are a leading contributor to neck and back pain.
It has been a concern of mine in the last few years to note even a more drastic change in the spinal presentation of youth and teenagers with reverse spinal curvature in the neck and accentuated curvature in the mid-back regions. While I consider that there are many reasons behind this, I would also stipulate that the introduction and utilisation of hand-held devices have something to do with this rapid change.
Checking Your Posture
Let’s take a look at how you’re sitting right at this moment.
If you answered “No” to any of these questions, you are probably exerting undue stress on your spine; this will eventually cause back pain.
Change How You Sit
Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to sit in the same position for more than 40 minutes. Chronic slouching can lead to semi-permanent postural and structural changes and may affect the discs between the vertebrae to cause them to bulge or become herniated.
Take the time to stand up and stretch your back and legs or take a short walk periodically. Australian Chiropractors’ Association has released a widget that can be downloaded for free on your computers to remind you every 30min to change your posture, take a mini-break, go for a walk or do some stretches. I highly regard this initiative.
If you’re already finding that back pain is creeping into your life, give us a call on 08 9379 3838.
The Wellness Place offers pre-natal massage with the comfort of our exclusive pregnancy massage table. Our highly experienced and qualified team of therapists are available to help ease your aches and pains caused by the changes your body will undergo over the next 9 months.
Pregnancy or Prenatal massages are slightly different from the typical relaxation massage that you may have gotten in the past but the benefits are mostly the same. During pregnancy, the body goes through some amazing and wonderful changes as your baby grows but those changes cause you to feel aches and pains throughout your whole body. At The Wellness Place we have an adaptive pregnancy massage table that allows you to have a safe and comfortable massage which can accommodate the bodies growing belly and breasts and not cause discomfort while lying down.
Research has shown that massage can reduce the stress hormones in the body and relax and loosen your muscles. It also can increase blood flow around your body or to a certain area which is extremely important while you’re pregnant. Prenatal massages can aid your lymphatic system and if you don’t know, the lymphatic system is super important during pregnancy. While the growing foetus has the placenta which filters most of the harmful toxins in the body, it doesn’t stop viruses from entering their bodies. The lymphatic system helps to filter the body of harmful toxic build up, viruses, reduces inflammation and cleanses the blood cells. (it also aids in the reduction of swelling in your feet!!)
During pregnancy, regular prenatal massages may not only help you to relax, but may also relieve:
So, if you are at this exciting time of your life, why not reward yourself with some relaxation and time out on the massage table! Or if you are in a bit of pain with your pregnancy, let us help you! It’s time to look after you!
Related: Bowen therapy is another gentle option for easing muscle tension during pregnancy.
Probably one of the most gratifying aspects of practicing health care is witnessing each patient’s journey from pain to relief. Eyes brighten. Postures improve. Hope returns.
It’s a great feeling and mentally gratifying. This only becomes possible when you share your experience with others and inspire them to begin care. As the old saying goes, the biggest thank you we receive as health practitioners is a referral.
So if you know someone who may benefit from care, please “share the love” and let them know about your experience.
Here’s a few simple ways you can help others:
Request information. We have educational materials designed to help introduce your family or friends to care offered at The Wellness Place. Just ask or direct them to our website.
Tell family and friends. Share your experience and your journey from pain or difficulties you may have had to your current state. You would be surprised to know how many others may be looking for some solutions or help.
Bring them along. Do you know someone who could benefit? Bring that person along with you on your next visit so he or she can tour our practice, meet the team and ask questions.
Arrange a time for a chat. All our practitioners are very happy to have a conversation with any of your family/friends who may be wondering if the care can assist with their condition. Let our friendly admin team arrange a time for one of the practitioners to contact you to have a “chat”.
The Wellness Place continues to thrive because of delighted patients like you telling others about today’s safe and natural approach to healthcare.
We cannot thank you enough and appreciate your support.