Apparently just 30-45 minutes of brisk walking a week can improve your brain function when you are older.

Read the full article in The Times www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/science/article4008696.ece

Another great reason to try Nordic Walking, just a few lessons and a set of poles and you are all set to go.

Contact Debbie at The Mill Clinic for lessons and find out more about how Nordic Walking is fantastic for all ages and fitness levels.

I know the weather may be less than inviting at the moment, but it won’t be long before it gets better (we hope!) so nows the time to get started on those Nordic Walking lessons!

Finally after all those months or years of pain you have had a hip, knee, shoulder or foot operation, but now do you know what to do to get walking or moving again, or is it still swollen and painful much longer than you expected? These are brilliant operations but you also need to do some work to get yourself back to health.

You may have one or more sessions of physiotherapy, sometimes this can be weeks or months after the operation. 

Did you know that Osteopaths are trained in rehabiltation techniques and methods, and manual therapy such as Osteopathy or Massage will significantly help the healing process. 

Make an appointment or call for advice and find out how we can help even before you have the operation. 

If you have osteoarthritis of the knees or hips studies have proven that it is better to do some exercise than do no exercise.

You can get pain relief and better function and movement if you exercise especially if it involves increasing strength, flexibilty and aerobic capacity. (www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f5555)

Nordic walking is the ideal exercise for osteoarthritis, you work both your upper & lower body, no gym membership, and it gets you outdoors!

So why not give it a go? More information can be found on Nordicwalking4health.co.uk or pop in to the clinic or call Debbie (the Osteopath) on 07545 642223

Osteopathy Can Help Neck and Shoulder Problems

Osteopaths regularly treat neck or shoulder pain and stiffness. Injury may come from whiplash, osteoarthritis or even just sleeping awkwardly. Trapped nerves can also sometimes cause pins and needles in the arm or hand.

However if you also feel unwell, have a fever, dizziness, nausea, severe headache or suddenly feel numb you should urgently seek medical help.

Prolonged repetitive tasks like sitting in front of a keyboard or games controller, as well as stress and anxiety, can all result in neck and shoulder stiffness, pain and headaches.

When we first get into a car we adjust the seat and wheel and of course make sure the headrest is in the correct position! (Prevents whiplash) But how many of us adjust our position when we sit in front of our computer? Using laptop slouched on the bed or whilst perched on the sofa is fine for watching TV or a film, but if you are using the keyboard for any length of time you really should sit up at a table.

Here are some tips on how to sit to use a computer to help reduce neck and shoulder problems.

• Make sure your back is supported, use a cushion if necessary.
• Knees should be level with your hips (knee at 90 degree angle) you may need a foot rest or box or pile of books to achieve this especially if the table is too high (refer to next point). Feet need to be flat on the floor or box, not dangling or curled around the chair.
• Shoulders and arms must be relaxed which is at waist level, the wrists should be on the same level/line as the elbow.
• Screen at eye level.
• Get up and stretch regularly.
• “iPad shoulder” is caused from bending your neck and holding an iPad for pronged periods. Prop it up to watch the screen at eye level or at least swap hands that are holding it frequently.

Debbie Crumpton – Registered Osteopath

Welcome to The Mill Clinic Website.

We are a Natural Health Clinic serving the districts of Dartford, Gravesham and Sevenoaks. Open six days a week, our friendly clinic can provide natural health and wellness treatments for all ages from head to toe.

That’s because we have Osteopathy, Podiatry (Chiropody), Deep tissue & Sports Massage, Hypnotherapy and Counselling and Psychotherapy professionals available in one place for both your physical and mental well being.