We’ve asked the experts at Harris & Ross about the importance of taking care of our physical health, as well as the benefits that occur when we do.
Q&A with Ollie Taylor, podiatrist
Why is taking care of our feet so important?
Understanding biomechanics can be vital in preventing pain and dysfunction within the body. What occurs at the foot and ankle can have a direct impact further up the body and as such should be assessed from a biomechanical perspective. Identifing abnormal movement patterns and imbalances can help prevent injury.
Given the importance of the foot to movement and function all over the body, podiatry is integral to our overall health and wellbeing. I can help diagnose and treat various foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis (pain on the bottom of the foot), Achilles tendinopathy, knee pain, corns, calluses and more. By addressing these issues early on, you can prevent them from worsening and causing more significant problems.
Q&A with Becky Ball, hydrotherapist and physiotherapist
What conditions can hydrotherapy help with?
Hydrotherapy can be beneficial in the early stages of injury recovery and post-surgery as part of a partial weight-bearing exercise regime.
It can help with fractures, ligament injuries or reconstructions (such as ACL reconstruction – a type of knee surgery), muscle tears and injuries, tendon and meniscal (knee cartilage) injuries, surgery and joint replacements. It can also help manage longer-term injury, illness or disability: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease.
The slow, controlled motions of hydrotherapy have many benefits. The water supports the patient’s weight and allows for an increased range of joint movement while it strengthens muscles, improves balance and coordination. It also stimulates endorphins which helps the patient’s muscles to relax, easing pain and reducing tension. Through these exercises, we’ll gradually get you back into more rigorous activity, monitoring your progress and making sure you are on track to making a complete recovery.
Q&A with Livvy Partington, sports massage therapist
What benefits does a sports massage offer?
Sports Massages are not just for athletes! Whatever your profession, it is crucial to look after your physical and mental wellbeing. Regular sports massages improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension and enhance athletic performance. They can help prevent injuries by identifying and addressing muscle imbalances, as well as aiding in a faster recovery by increasing blood circulation and reducing muscle soreness.
Sports massages also provide mental relaxation and stress relief. The soothing effects of massage therapy can help you manage anxiety and tension, promoting overall wellbeing and mental clarity, which are essential for peak performance, no matter what your goals are.
Harris & Ross
Manchester | Altrincham | Wilmslow | Wigan
Tel: 0161 832 9000 | www.harrisandross.co.uk
