Osteopath Direct, osteopathy & sports injury clinic specialise in all forms of muscle and joint pain and can quickly determine the cause of your pain and discomfort, and advise you on an appropriate course of treatment.

We specialise in treating busy office workers who need appointments at short notice.  Our clinic is centrally located to High Holborn, Clerkenwell, Farringdon, and Fleet Street, offering early morning, lunchtime and late evening appointments.

For appointments and further information please call 0843 28 98 848 or email info@osteopathdirect.co.uk

Osteopath Direct, osteopathy & sports injury clinic,  specialise in all forms of muscle and joint pain and can quickly determine the cause of your pain and discomfort, and advise you on an appropriate course of treatment.

We specialise in treating busy office workers who need appointments at short notice.  Our clinic is centrally located to High Holborn, Farringdon, Clerkenwell, Fleet Street & Hatton Garden, offering early morning, lunchtime and late evening appointments.

For appointments and further information please call 0843 28 98 848 or email info@osteopathdirect.co.uk

Osteopath Direct specialise in all forms of muscle and joint pain and can quickly determine the cause of your pain and discomfort, and advise you on an appropriate course of treatment.

We specialise in treating busy office workers who need appointments at short notice; Our clinic is centrally located to High Holborn, Farringdon, Clerkenwell, Fleet Street & Hatton Garden offering early morning, lunchtime and late evening appointments.

For appointments and further information please call 0843 28 98 848 or email info@osteopathdirect.co.uk

Osteopath Direct, osteopathy & sports injury clinic specialise in all forms of muscle and joint pain and can quickly determine the cause of your pain and discomfort, and advise you on an appropriate course of treatment.

We specialise in treating busy office workers who need appointments at short notice.  Our clinic is centrally located to High Holborn, Clerkenwell, Farringdon, and Fleet Street, offering early morning, lunchtime and late evening appointments.

For appointments and further information please call 0843 28 98 848 or email info@osteopathdirect.co.uk

Heavy bags can put pressure on the discs between the vertebrae which can cause long term back pain in small and still-developing bodies and children can suffer muscular pain, headaches, tingling and numbness in the arms and legs and even mobility problems.

Whilst Osteopath Direct Holborn & City branch mainly treat adults, we often end up treating our patients the children and therefore see some of the damage caused by carrying excessive loads. We advise that children should never carry more than about 15% of their own body weight and parents can help by packing their children’s rucksacks and making sure that the heavier items are nearer to the child’s back. Heavier items on the outside of the bag tend to throw out the child’s centre of gravity out of balance, which leads to bad posture and increases the chances of them straining their back.

Other suggestions from Luke Dillon include:

•  A backpack is usually more comfortable than a bag that puts strain on only one shoulder, but even a backpack shouldn’t be overloaded.
• When buying a bag, buy a sturdy, well-designed bag with wide, padded shoulder straps that reduces pressure on the neck and shoulder area. Buy a bag with adjustable straps which can be altered as the child grows.
• Check your child’s posture after he has put the bag on. If you notice your child leaning forward or slouching, check if the bag is too heavy or if it has been packed incorrectly.
• Make sure your child is only carrying the items they need for school that day – remove any unnecessary books and equipment
• An increase of and more use of permanent child lockers for storing equipment or books that can be left at school.

The long term effects from carrying heavy bags include strains on the neck and shoulder leading to headaches, fatigue and an early development of poor posture along with strain to arms and wrists

Another challenge to children’s health, and one which is specifically an issue for girls, are shoes in the form of high heels and flat pumps.  Wearing high heels (anything over 2”) is especially stressful on the joints of the foot because the whole weight of the body is forced into a narrow, pointed area.

High heels can contribute to knee and back problems because of the way wearers are forced to pay attention to their balance and to take shorter strides. Heels also force the thigh muscles to work harder, putting extra strain on the knee joints and tendon that runs from the knee cap to the thigh bone. Compared with walking barefoot, high heels increase the pressure on the inside of the knee by around 26 percent and over time this increased pressure on the knee can lead to osteoarthritis.

As with most things, moderation is the key here. Wearing the same type of shoe all the time can force your foot into an unnatural position.  Flat shoes are usually easier on your feet than heels, but with no shock absorbency and little heel support, there is a risk of developing a painful condition called plantar fasciitis (pain on the soles of you feet) and calcaneal bursitis (pain under your heel). “

The answer is to change your style of shoes regularly and avoid the extremes – don’t wear heels that are too high or shoes that are too flat.”

First and foremost, be physically and mentally relaxed. Wear comfortable clothes and suitable shoes.  Dehydration is often a cause of headache and discomfort so drink plenty of liquid and avoid too much caffeine and alcoholic beverages.

Avoid prolonged sitting.  Walk about when possible. Shake legs once in a while.

Do the simple in-flight exercises below to exercise the foot, leg, hip and back muscles and improve blood circulation.

Gentle massaging of the feet, legs, body and arms has beneficial effects.

If you experience discomfort such as pain and swelling of your legs, or rapid or difficulty breathing, please seek immediate medical attention on arrival.

1. Neck Bends

Slowly bring your head forward while keeping your hands still until your chin touches your chest. Then, bend you head as far back as it will go.  Repeat several times.

2. Neck Roll

With shoulders relaxed, drop ear to shoulder and gently roll neck forward and to the other side, holding each position about five seconds.  Repeat five times.

3. Shoulder lifts

Start with both shoulders at neutral position.  Lift your right shoulder upwards while moving your left shoulder downwards.  Repeat this movement five times, altering both shoulders.

4. Forward Flex

With both fee on the floor, and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs towards your ankles.  Hold this stretch for 15 seconds and then slowly sit back up.

5. Knee to Chest

Bend forward slightly. Clasp hands around left knee and hug it to your chest.  Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Keeping hands around knee, slowly let it down. Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times.

6. Knee Lifts

Lift your leg, with the knee bent, while contracting you thigh muscles. Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times for each leg.

7. Thigh Flexes

Make a fist with both hands and place them between your knees.  Squeeze isometricallly as for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 3 times.

8. Foot Pumps

Start with both feet on the floor and point feet upwards as high as you can.  Then put both feet flat on the floor.  Lift heels high, keeping the balls of your feet flat on the floor. Continue cycle in 30 second intervals.

9. Ankle Circles

Lift feet off the floor, draw a circle with the toes, simultaneously moving one foot clockwise and other foot counter clockwise.  Reverse circles.  Do each direction for 15 seconds. Repeat as desired.

ENJOY THE FLIGHT

Our Holborn & City osteopath clinic is located along High Holborn a short distance from Holborn and Chancery Lance tube stations and the south end of Gray’s Inn Road and Holborn Viaduct.

Directions to our Holborn & City clinic

Opening Times and fees

Book an appointment

The clinic is based along High Holborn and easily accessible from Chancery Lane, Farringdon, St Paul’s and Temple tube stations and Blackfriars, City Thameslink and Farringdon rail stations. We are a short walk from Hatton Garden, Royal Courts of Justice, Central Criminal Court, Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Smithfield Market.

Directions to our Holborn & City clinic

Opening Times and fees

Book an appointment

Our Holborn & City osteopath clinic is near to Clerkenwell. Farringdon and City Thameslink rail stations are all close by, along with Chancery Lane, Holborn and St. Paul’s underground stations. The clinic is based along High Holborn, close to Hatton Garden, Gray’s Inn Road and Chancery Lane.

Directions to our Holborn & City clinic

Opening Times and fees

Book an appointment

The clinic is based along High Holborn and easily accessible from Chancery Lane, Farringdon, St Paul’s and Temple tube stations and Blackfriars, City Thameslink and Farringdon rail stations. We are a short walk from Hatton Garden, Royal Courts of Justice, Central Criminal Court, Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Smithfield Market.

Directions to our Holborn & City clinic

Opening Times and fees

Book an appointment