Bunions are often dismissed as “just a bump”, but they indicate that the mechanics of the foot have changed. The technical term is “hallux valgus”, which refers to the angle of the big toe bones. Bunions involve a deviation of the big toe towards the second toe, with a corresponding prominence on the inner edge …
Lower Cross Syndrome shares a lot of similarities with Upper Cross Syndrome. Both describe predictable patterns of muscle imbalance that develop in response to modern lifestyles. Whereas UCS affects the shoulder girdle, LCS acts on the pelvic girdle. Beverley frequently sees lower cross patterns contributing to low back, hip, and pelvic pain. However, the label …
“Shin splints” is a common label for pain along the inner edge of the shin bone, particularly in runners and people who have recently increased their activity levels. While it’s often described as an inflammatory condition, current evidence suggests the picture is more complex. Beverley uses this evolving understanding to guide treatment and recovery. What …
Pain is not just a structural issue. Hormones play a significant role in how pain is perceived, processed, and how we recover from it. This is why symptoms can fluctuate across the menstrual cycle, menopause, and present differently in men and women. As a holistic osteopath, Beverley considers hormonal influences as part of your assessments …
What Is Upper Cross Syndrome? Just like Lower Cross Syndrome, Upper Cross is a pattern of muscular tension and weakness. Whereas the former affects the lower back and pelvic girdle, the latter focuses around the shoulder girdle and up into the neck. Tension in one group of muscles encourages overstretching and weakness in their antagonistic …
The patellofemoral joint is the joint between the kneecap and the rest of the knee. It’s unusual in that it sits within a tendon. It plays a remarkable role in magnifying the efficiency of the quadriceps. Without it you would have to try a lot harder to straighten your leg. Anatomy of the Patellofemoral Joint …
CRPS is a pain science condition characterised by physical symptoms alongside the pain. It typically affects an area of the body that may have recently had a small injury, like a mild sprain. CRPS symptoms can include severe pain, changes to skin colour, external feelings of warmth or cold, and changes in hair or nail …
Inside our limbs, muscles are grouped into compartments, separated by a layer of connective tissue. Alongside the muscles there are veins, arteries, and nerves. If there is swelling within a compartment, it can reach a point where the pressure cuts off blood flow and irritates the nerves. This is compartment syndrome. There are two types: …
Chest pain can be worrying, especially when there’s a potential threat of heart or lung conditions. But if those have been excluded by your doctor, the pain may be musculoskeletal. In this case, the culprit might be the joints between your ribs and breastbone. This is known as costochondritis. What is Costochondritis? Costochondritis is a …
Often mistaken for a trapped nerve, referred pain causes aches and pains beyond the problematic area. When the lower back or pelvic joints are involved, it can cause an ache down the thigh as far as the calf; but a few details make it easy to distinguish from true sciatica. What is Referred Pain? Any …