By Ross Gemmell

Understanding Frozen Shoulder and Effective Treatment at Northallerton Osteopaths – Hale House

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and debilitating condition that affects the glenohumeral (ball and socket) joint. It is characterised by stiffness, pain, and a progressive loss of movement, making everyday tasks like dressing, personal hygiene, and even sleeping incredibly difficult. At Northallerton Osteopaths – Hale House, we offer specialised treatment to help alleviate shoulder pain, improve mobility, and restore function using a non-invasive and effective approach.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact causes of frozen shoulder are not fully understood, but the condition often arises due to factors such as trauma, post-surgical recovery, poor posture, rotator cuff injuries, and underlying medical conditions like diabetes. It is most common in individuals aged 40 to 60 and can sometimes affect both shoulders. The condition typically progresses through three stages:

• Freezing Stage: Severe pain, particularly at night, with increasing stiffness (lasting 3-8 months). Pain is typically deep in the shoulder or on the outer arm.
• Frozen Stage: Pain diminishes slightly but mobility remains severely restricted (lasting 4-12 months).
• Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in range of motion and reduction in pain (lasting 4-12 months). Treatment and early intervention has been shown to reduce the length of time of each stage.

The Link Between Rotator Cuff and Frozen Shoulder

The shoulder joint is a complex structure composed of multiple muscles and tendons, including the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor). These muscles not only facilitate movement but also stabilise the joint. Dysfunction or injury in the rotator cuff can contribute to frozen shoulder symptoms by restricting movement and causing compensatory stiffness and pain.

Effective Treatment: The Neil-Asher Technique

At Northallerton Osteopaths – Hale House, we utilise the Neil-Asher Technique, a non-invasive and scientifically backed approach that helps reduce pain and restore movement naturally. This technique does not force the shoulder but instead works with the body’s natural reflexes to stimulate healing. A study conducted at Addenbrooke’s Hospital found this method to have an 85% success rate in reducing pain and improving mobility. Our Osteopaths Ross & Felix deliver this technique specifically, along with our Osteopaths Amy, Lucinda and Cath who already succesfully treat Frozen Shoulder but are also implementing this technique into their practice.

How Does the Neil-Asher Technique Work?

1. Pain Reduction: Initially, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation around key shoulder tendons, particularly the biceps tendon.
2. Reflex Activation: A sequence of gentle massage and joint movements is applied to trigger reflex responses within the muscles, encouraging the brain to reset signals to the shoulder muscles.
3. Restoring Function: This approach improves coordination, reduces stiffness, and enhances mobility without the need for forceful manipulation or surgery.

Why Choose This Over Conventional Treatments?

Traditional treatments for frozen shoulder often include anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy that may involve pushing the shoulder into painful ranges of motion. In severe cases, manipulation under anaesthesia is suggested, but this is not always effective and carries risks. Our approach at Northallerton Osteopaths is different:

• We do not force movement but instead use targeted trigger point techniques to stimulate natural healing.
• Results can be seen in as few as 4 sessions (with a range of 4-13 sessions).
• The technique is completely natural and works in harmony with your body’s biomechanics.

Get Relief from Frozen Shoulder Today

If you are struggling with shoulder pain, rotator cuff injury, or limited movement due to frozen shoulder, our specialised treatment at Northallerton Osteopaths – Hale House can help. The Neil-Asher Technique offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to regain mobility and reduce pain.

Contact us today to book a consultation and start your journey to recovery!

By Amy Crompton

Understanding Low Back Pain and Sciatica: Can You Really ‘Slip a Disc’?

In our last post, we clarified that not all low back pain and buttock/leg pain equals sciatica. Today, we’re addressing a common concern many people have: “I think I must have slipped a disc.”

First and foremost, let’s put your mind at ease—it’s not actually possible to ‘slip’ a disc. The term can create unnecessary fear and misunderstanding about spinal health. To help clarify, let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of the spine and what really happens when discs are involved in pain conditions.

Understanding the Structure of a Disc

Spinal discs are composed of three essential components:

• Nucleus Pulposus – A gel-like center that helps absorb shock.
• Annulus Fibrosus – A tough outer ring of connective tissue providing structural integrity.
• Endplate – A cartilaginous layer that connects the disc to the vertebrae above and below.

Common Disc-Related Conditions

You may have heard of several terms used to describe disc issues, including:

• Disc Bulge – When part of the disc pushes out beyond the vertebra, potentially causing irritation to nearby structures.
• Disc Herniation – A condition where the nucleus pulposus protrudes through the annulus fibrosus. This is further classified into three types, depending on the degree of herniation. In some cases, a disc herniation may compress a nerve and lead to sciatica, characterised by radiating pain down the leg.

Is My Pain Caused by a Disc Issue?

While discs can become pain-sensitive due to inflammation or degenerative changes (commonly known as ‘wear and tear’), it’s important to remember that disc-related pain doesn’t always mean you have a herniation or bulge. In fact, there are many other potential causes of low back pain and sciatica-like symptoms, such as muscular imbalances, joint dysfunction, and nerve entrapments.

Don’t Fear Your Discs – The Body Heals!

Discs don’t have to be a source of fear—our bodies have an incredible ability to heal and adapt. As osteopaths, we focus on understanding the ‘why’ behind your pain, not just the ‘what’, to provide a tailored approach to your recovery.

How Osteopathy Can Help with Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to managing low back pain and sciatica by addressing not only the affected area but also the underlying causes. Treatment may include:

• Soft tissue techniques to alleviate muscle tension.
• Joint mobilisation to restore movement and reduce stiffness.
• Exercise prescription to support long-term recovery and prevent recurrence.

If you’re unsure whether osteopathy can help with your back pain, feel free to contact the clinic and request a call back from Amy. Remember, osteopaths treat much more than just back pain—we cover everything from head to toe!

Take the First Step Towards Pain Relief

If you’re struggling with low back pain or sciatica, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Understanding the true nature of your condition is the first step toward effective treatment and recovery.

For more insights into back pain management, follow our page and stay informed on how osteopathy can help you stay pain-free and active.

Navigating the differences between dietitians, nutritionists, and nutritional therapists can be confusing. While these professionals all operate within the sphere of nutrition, their training, methodologies, and scopes of practice differ. 

Dietitians

Most dietitians work within healthcare systems like the NHS, whether in hospital settings or out in the community, as part of multi-disciplinary teams which can include doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals. They help patients to manage their symptoms and conditions within the context of multi-disciplinary healthcare care. 

Examples of the types of strategies that dietitians implement include enteral feeding, where a patient has a functioning gut but is unable to ingest food through their mouth so that food has to be fed into the gut through a special tube. They can also advise on suitable oral nutritional supplements in the form of sterile liquids, semi-solids or powders which contain nutrients needed for patients with conditions such as short bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel distulae, dysphagia and other disease related malnutrition. Dietitians tend to work with patients who have been referred to them by GP’s or other healthcare professionals due to a medical diagnosis.

Dietitians qualify with either a 3 or 4 year BSc degree in dietetics or if they already have a health sciences degree, they can also qualify with an additional 1 year Master’s programme. The terms ‘dietitian’ is a legally protected title and dietitians are regulated by the British Dietetic Association (BDA).

Nutritionists

The term ‘nutritionist’ is not legally protected, but “registered” nutritionists are governed by the Association of Nutrition (AfN) who acts as a voluntary regulator. Registered nutritionists undertake a 3 or 4 year undergraduate degree or a one year postgraduate course in nutrition science. They then choose one of five specialisms (from nutrition science, public health, food, sports & exercise or animal nutrition) and complete a portfolio of their work experience. By demonstrating this experience, this allows them to become registered with the AfN. The AfN has a register of registered nutritionists which can be checked on their website.

Registered Nutritionists provide nutrition information to people at an individual, group or population level or to carers or keepers of animals such as in the farming industry. They work within charities, industry, academia, policy and healthcare or in a freelance capacity. Registered nutritionists can also work with people who have pre-existing medical conditions in collaboration with health-care professionals or, if working independently, provide general nutrition information to individuals as long as its not for the nutritional management of a medical condition. 

Nutritional Therapists

Nutritional Therapists are regulated by one of three bodies: Federation of Nutritional Therapy Practitioners, General Regulatory Council of Complementary Therapists or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). They are additionally members of a professional body, the British Association for Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) or the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners. There are several routes into becoming a registered Nutritional Therapist, however in order to register with BANT, NTs must complete either a 3 year (BSc) degree from a recognised university with accreditation for nutritional therapy practice. Those already holding a degree can also study post-graduate qualifications such as a Master’s course to become registered. Accredited courses include practical experience in clinic settings where students see clients one-to-one, supervised by a qualified NT, to ensure they reach the necessary clinical competencies as laid out in the National Occupational Standards (NOS).

Nutritional therapists mostly work independently, offering one-on-one consultations to both healthy individuals and those with health conditions. Their approach is holistic, viewing the body as an interconnected system and focusing on root causes rather than just symptom management. NTs recognise that everyone is unique – both in their biology and medical history, but also in their circumstances – and as such they work collaboratively with their clients to ensure that changes are implemented in a way that works for each individual. NTs develop plans that may include dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, supplements, and referrals for specialised testing and can support clients with a broad spectrum of health concerns such as fatigue, IBS and depression. Nutritional therapy is considered a form of complementary medicine, emphasising whole-body wellness and sustainable lifestyle changes. 

Nutritional therapists sometimes use specialised laboratory tests to assess clients’ health, focusing on physiological functions rather than just symptoms. The aim of nutritional therapy practice is to optimise the function of body systems and bring the body back into balance.  

If you want to learn more about Nutritional Therapy or check the register for Nutritional Therapists, you can visit the BANT website: https://bant.org.uk/ 

In the realm of osteopathy, achieving recognition for outstanding commitment and patient-centric care is a momentous achievement.

This special award from the Institute of Osteopathy (iO) is all about recognising osteopathic practices that listen to their patients, provide great care, and go the extra mile in service and quality. On their first time entering the award, Northallerton Osteopaths at Hale House not only met these criteria but excelled in them, helping them reach the final in the UK Practice of the Year 2023. The entire team is over the moon, and they want to thank everyone who played a part in this fantastic achievement.

The winners were announced at a wonderful event held at the iO Convention Centre as the year 2023 came to a close, followed by a lovely gala dinner. These awards highlight osteopaths who stand out for their innovation and quality in working with other healthcare providers. They are dedicated to offering top-notch care to the people in their communities.

Maurice Cheng, the Chief Executive of the iO, emphasized the pivotal role osteopaths play in maintaining people’s health. As the professional body for the osteopathic profession, the Institute of Osteopathy sought to celebrate those who exemplify the highest standards in the services they provide to their local communities. Cheng stated, “Osteopaths play a crucial role in keeping people healthy. As the professional body for the osteopathic profession, we wanted to celebrate those that have shown the highest standards in the services they provide to those living and working in their local area.”

For Northallerton Osteopaths at Hale House, reaching the final of the UK awards is a reflection of their dedication to excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the field of osteopathy.

Thank you to all our patients who made this happen due to their heartfelt feedback, it truly means a lot to us.

Along with Jo and Ross, all the team at the clinic wish to say a huge thank you to you all.

Thank you.

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with joy and anticipation. However, it can also bring a range of physical discomforts and challenges as a woman’s body undergoes significant changes. Osteopathy, a holistic approach to healthcare, offers numerous evidence-based benefits for pregnant women. In this blog post, we’ll explore how osteopathy can provide relief and support during pregnancy.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a healthcare discipline that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and how it influences overall health. Osteopaths, use manual techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent various conditions by improving the body’s natural ability to heal itself. This approach is gentle, non-invasive, and has been increasingly recognised as beneficial during pregnancy.

Pain Relief and Comfort

Pregnancy often comes with a myriad of discomforts, including back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica to name a few. Osteopathic treatment can be highly effective in relieving these discomforts. Evidence suggests that it can help alleviate musculoskeletal pain by improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing blood flow to the affected areas. By doing so, osteopathy can promote a sense of comfort and well-being for expectant mothers. Here’s a list of common conditions during pregnancy that Osteopathy can help with:

• Sacro-illiac Joint Strain
• Symphysis Pubis Disorder (SPD)
• Sciatica
• Low-Back Pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Facet Irritation (Lumbar Spine)
• Postural Issues
• Hip Pain
• Muscular Strains/Spasms

Posture, ‘Alignment’ and Mobility

As a pregnancy progresses, the body’s centre of gravity shifts, which can lead to changes in posture and alignment. This shift often places extra strain on the lower back, hips, and pelvis. Osteopathy can help pregnant women maintain better posture and alignment, as well as improve joint mobility. Due to the new mechanical loads on the body during pregnancy, it is common for certain joints to be put under increase strain. By addressing any musculoskeletal imbalances, an osteopath can relieve strain and help women adapt to their changing body, reducing the risk of pain and discomfort.

Stress Reduction

Pregnancy can be an emotionally and physically demanding time, and stress levels can rise. This is especially true if you are also in pain. Osteopathy is known for its relaxing and pain-reducing effects. Manual techniques employed by osteopaths promote relaxation, improve joint function, and can enhance the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. As a result, pregnant women often experience reduced stress levels and improved emotional well-being as their pain improves.

Preparation for Labour and Delivery

Preparing the body for labour and delivery is one of the most crucial aspects of pregnancy. Unfortunately, we cannot make the pain associated with the actual labour disappear. What we can do however, is address the conditions causing you pain from a mechanical origin, such as low-back pain, sciatica and so on. By ensuring that the musculoskeletal system is balanced and functioning optimally, osteopathy can contribute to a smoother, less painful labour experience and remove any additional causes for pain on top of the labour.

Pelvic Floor Health

The health of the pelvic floor is a significant concern for pregnant women. Osteopaths are trained to address issues related to the pelvic floor and prescribe exercises to strengthen the area. Exercises can help strengthen and balance the muscles in the pelvic region, providing expectant mothers with better control and comfort during pregnancy and postpartum.

Evidence-Based Research

The benefits of osteopathy during pregnancy are not merely anecdotal; there is a growing body of evidence to support its effectiveness. Research studies have shown that osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce pain and discomfort in pregnant women, improve their overall quality of life, and positively impact the birthing process. The evidence is particularly strong in cases of musculoskeletal pain, such as lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a unique and transformative experience for women, but it can also come with various physical challenges. Osteopathy offers a holistic, evidence-based approach to enhancing the well-being of pregnant women. Through pain relief, osteopathy plays a crucial role in supporting expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey.

If you’re expecting and looking for a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to address the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy, consider consulting with an osteopath. Their expertise and holistic approach can help you enjoy a more comfortable and joyful pregnancy experience.

References

The role of osteopathic care in Gynaecology and Obstetrics: An updated systematic review (2022) N Ruffini et al

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (2010) Osteopathic manipulative treatment of back pain and related symptoms during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. J C Licciardone et al.

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (2015) Pregnancy research on osteopathic manipulation optimizing treatment effects: The promote study A randomized controlled trial. K L Hensel et al