Straighten Up!
Have you noticed the ladies of Yoxall walking with perfectly straight backs and shoulders held back? If so, then they will have been taking the advice of the January speaker, Jenny Hudson, a practising chiropractor with the Uttoxeter Chiropractic Clinic who was our very interesting and enthusiastic speaker this month.
Jenny is a very experienced practitioner; after qualifying around 10 years ago and working in South Wales and Norfolk she met her husband and relocated to Uttoxeter. The clinic uses no drugs or surgery and is registered with the government. Chiropractors are required to keep up to date within their profession and Jenny is currently studying for a master’s degree in Clinical Biomechanics whilst looking after two small children.
Every patient is treated differently and with respect. Jenny's youngest patient was one week old and her oldest was 94. She encounters a range of problems, from frozen shoulders to tennis elbow and damaged discs. Problems due to osteoarthritis are very common at the clinic. Treatment involves manipulation, mobilisation, ultra sound, exercises and stretching of the affected areas. The clinic works closely with G.P.s who are usually very helpful and will organise MRI scans and blood tests. Osteoarthritis affects around 8 million people in the UK. You are more likely to suffer if you are in the following groups: female, overweight, previous joint injuries, in your late 40s, have suffered from gout. Most joints in the body can be affected and sufferers can have good and bad days but there is no evidence to support the theory that weather has an effect. There are no specific blood tests for osteoarthritis, x-rays are useful but they have their limitations. Advice is given about pain management and help with the symptoms. The type of footwear chosen is advised and other details like learning to relax the muscles.
The second condition Jenny talked about was osteoporosis which affects 1 in 2 females above the age of 50. Up to 30% of bone mass can be lost. Osteoporosis can be diagnosed by a heel scan. If detected early it is a manageable and treatable condition. There are often no symptoms but if suspected GP, s will arrange screening.
Jenny emphasised the beneficial effects of exercise. It can be in many different forms, be quite informal and need not cost a fortune. The main requirement is to keep moving. If not used muscles get loose and floppy. Her advice is to not overdo it, take it steady and always make time for some form of exercise. We all came away from the meeting determined to improve our posture and our exercise frequency.
January 2013 marks our 93rd birthday, we were formed in 1920. Dates for our book, craft and walking group were given. Craft competitions and outings were also highlighted. Our next meeting is on February 13th when Gaynor Woodward will be talking about bears and bear making. Visitors are very welcome and for further details contact Penny Bailey on the link at the bottom of the page.