In a previous post "Should I Go Barefoot Or Stick With Trainers?" Simon explored some thoughts on the barefoot running technique that has become popular in minimalist circles.

Simon's objective review of the different fore foot strike patterns revealed he has himself adopted a slightly altered running position but clearly points out that barefoot running is not for everyone. In his own case, an over-pronator with a leg length discrepancy reliant on the use of orthotics, he makes a good point that barefoot running is probably not the best idea for him.

We all need to take such an honest and reflective view of our own biomechanics and medical history if considering the barefoot running style.

Here are two videos that will add insight and provoke thoughts well worth considering …

Most people have heard about the feel good endophins our bodies reward us with after just 20 minutes of exercise. Did you know that these pain fighting peptides play only a small part in the exercise-happiness relationship?

Here is a wonderful infographic titled "The Happiness Effect" explaining what's going on inside of us when we're stressed and why raising our heart beat is a fantastic antidote.

What is peculiar about osteoarthritis, for example of the lumbar spine, is trying to predict who will and won't suffer from pain symptoms. Studies have repeatedly shown that some arthritis sufferers have significant ‘wear and tear’ of the lumbar joints but experience no pain at all - whereas others may have more mild wear and tear changes yet suffer from debilitating pain and dysfunction.

As such there is poor correlation between the extent of the arthritis and the severity of the pain symptoms which may arise. For this reason we also need to be careful to avoid putting all back pain suffered by those in their more senior years as being ‘arthritis’ as this may not be the case.

Indeed arthritis may be the cause, but there are many other reasons someone may be suffering from back pain. At times arthritic changes seen on MRI for example may be a chance finding and not actually the cause of the pain at all. A good clinical assessment is usually able to determine whether the pain is arthritis related.

In a recent article "Am I Exercising Enough To Lose Weight?" I spoke about the Paleo or otherwise called 'Primal' or 'Caveman' eating way. I recently came across this infographic outlining the Paleo concept and so thought it would be a good idea to offer it here as a useful resource for those of you who may be interested to know more about it. 

View the infographic below. Enjoy. 

Baby Lia Ryley - born 30th April

We are excited to announce the arrival of Simon and Lorraine's second child. Lorraine and baby are in great health and resting well. Thank you for all the kind wishes we have received. 

Lorraine will be on maternity leave until November 2013 and until her return Simon, Katie and Paula will be taking very good care of Lorraine's clients. 

May 2013 Dublin Events

Dublin City Soul Festival May 23rd – 26th

This is Ireland’s feel-good festival, raising funds for the Musical Youth Foundation children’s charity. If you fancy a mood uplifting and vibrant place to be this might be the perfect choice later this month.
Visit the official website here

Bloom 2013 in Phoenix Park May 30th - June 3rd

My client has been doing very well in treatment for a right sided adhesive capsulitis, otherwise known as a ‘frozen shoulder’. Following a successful integrated treatment approach my client has progressed to the third stage of the frozen shoulder continuum where stiffness as opposed to pain is the main problem.

In this article I demonstrate the effectiveness of treating this condition with a combination of medical acupuncture, also known as dry needling, and manual therapy techniques.

Not long ago the news media was dominated by the horse meat scandal. Unless you followed closely you may be a little confused about how it started and where horse meat entered the consumer food chain.

I came across this handy infographic recently that displays a sort of time-line of events. Ireland features numerous times and it includes an interesting piece on where America sits within the global horse meat market.

I recently received my first pair of custom made orthotics. I have to admit I felt as though this purchase decision was a bit of a leap of faith on my part. Other than my structured-cushioning running shoes designed for over-pronators I have previously taken no further consideration for my tendency to walk and run with flat feet which liked to roll inwards.

I share a few photo's of my new orthotics below as well as a comparison photo of my inward ankle roll with and without the orthotic in place. 

Why I opted for a pair of custom orthotics

There were a few reasons - the first; an ache and frequent twinge in both of my knees that was hanging around long enough to cause some concern. In the absence of any recent trauma I considered what might be causing the discomfort. I had recently switched to a new brand of trail running shoe which could have been a contributing factor.

I also have never forgotten the video-recorded running gait assessment I completed at the Asics store in London last year which revealed my relatively severe ankle misalignment on foot strike. Hence my choice to wear structured-cushion running shoes.

Ireland is clearly not immune to the rising levels of chronic illness and health threatening lifestyle trends that are causing worldwide concern for current and future generations.

We are told that mortality rates have decreased significantly for circulatory diseases as well as cancers. But at the same time research suggests an increasing number of people being diagnosed with such chronic illnesses. If modern medicine is sustaining life despite decreasing levels of general health and wellbeing - then there is still much to be done.

In this article we share important news about

• The Irish government's new framework for improved health and wellbeing 2013 - 2025
• Some key health facts about our Irish community
• How we can influence our health dramatically by following certain lifestyle recommendations
• Which recommendation has the greatest potential impact for reducing our risk of death from disease

How can we propose a definitive treatment or cure for a chronic pain condition, such as Fibromyalgia, when we don’t fully understand what causes it? The answer is we can't be definitive but Physiotherapy can offer effective pain relief. 

With numerous medical drugs available, some of which may be just as likely to harm as they are to help, it’s no wonder sufferers are seeking non drug alternatives such as exercise, acupuncture and gentle forms of manual therapy.

Fibromyalgia sufferers experience widespread pain affecting the muscles and fibrous tissues throughout the body. Symptoms may result in disturbed sleep, general fatigue and sometimes depression. The exact cause is unknown and as yet there is no cure for the condition. We do however have an understanding of how the body’s physiology may change with Fibromyalgia in a manner which results in heightened pain sensitivity.