LBhealthcare – Living Better

We are pleased to announce that we now offer traditional acupuncture at LBhealthcare. 

Traditional acupuncture as practised by the acupuncturists at LBhealthcare, members of the British Acupuncture Council, is based on Chinese medicine principles that have been developed, researched and refined for over 2,500 years.  Traditional acupuncture is holistic, not focussed on isolated symptoms.  It regards pain and illness, whether physical or mental, to be a sign that the whole body is out of balance.

Acupuncture works

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary medicine. The Chinese and other eastern cultures have been using acupuncture to restore, promote and maintain good health for thousands of years.

Acupuncture is now widely used and accepted all over the world and in the UK there are currently nearly 3,000 qualified acupuncturists registered with the British Acupuncture Council, our professional body.

Therapy Manager Rob Edmondson said “I believe this is an important addition to our therapeutic offer at LBhealthcare.  We offer a number of complementary therapies and traditional acupuncture will I am sure prove to be an important part of that offer.”

Caroline Curnock has just joined LBhealthcare in Whiteley practising Shiatsu and Acupuncture. 

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing full body massage therapy which originated in Japan. It is based on the same principles as acupuncture but, instead of using needles, the therapist uses finger pressure together with gentle manipulations and stretches to balance the body’s energy and maintain good health, enhancing vitality and stamina.

How does Shiatsu work?

Oriental theory describes the world in terms of energy; everything is a manifestation of the vital force called qi which flows through the body like a system of rivers, called meridians. Imbalances in the natural flow of energy can lead to physical, psychological or emotional disorders. Shiatsu works to balance these energies through working along the meridians, tonifying any deficiency, sedating excess and bringing the body back to equilibrium, removing any knotted areas and relieving pain.

Who Can Benefit from Shiatsu?

The treatment is very gentle and is suitable for people of all ages, Common conditions which can be helped by Shiatsu include back pain, headaches, migraines, whiplash injuries and neck stiffness, joint pain, menstrual problems, digestive problems, asthmatic symptoms, sports injuries, depression and stress.

What happens in a treatment?

Each treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs. A full case history is taken at the outset and this is followed by an appropriate treatment. Shiatsu is performed through clothing on a futon on the floor, or on a chair if necessary. It is best to wear loose fitting trousers and a top. Sessions last approximately 50 minutes.

Findings from the European Shiatsu Federation research study at the University of Leeds found that 89% of Shiatsu receivers felt calmer and more relaxed, up to 60% of regular Shiatsu receivers slept better, receivers rated their symptoms as significantly reduced throughout the 6 month study and 86% said that Shiatsu was effective in treating stress and tension, structural and postural problems, low energy and fatigue.

Therapy Manager, Rob Edmondson, commented  “We are delighted that this therapy is now available at LBhealthcare in Whiteley.”

We are pleased to announce that a Urology Clinic, run by Urological Surgeon Richard Lockyer is opening at LBhealthcare in Whiteley, Fareham.

Richard is happy to see patients with any urological problems. There are a large spectrum of symptoms and diseases in Urology. If, following initial assessment and/or investigations, Richard feels there is a more appropriate expert for your symptoms or diagnosis, then he will be happy to refer you on to an expert colleague.

He runs private outpatient clinics at the Spire Southampton, LBhealthcare in Whiteley, Fareham and the Wessex Nuffield. He is able to offer surgery at either the Spire or Nuffield Hospitals.

Bookings can be made via his secretary, Janet Burnage on 02380 764357 and, in keeping with General Medical Council guidance, you should obtain a referral letter from your GP.

Commenting, Therapy Manager, Rob Edmondson said “This is an important addition to the services we provide at LBhealthcare.  Our facilities are second to none and we are pleased to be able to offer facilities for surgeons to see patients here.”

Babies and young children frequently show signs of distress or pain for which it is difficult to identify the cause. This may be the time when Craniosacral Therapy can help.

For young babies there is often residual trauma from the experience of birth where the bones of the head come through the birth canal. The cranium is designed to pass through the birth canal intact and normalise within a few days but the molding mechanics can be overwhelmed by the assistance of forceps or ventouse. An abnormally long duration of compression in the birth canal, drugs, fear or even a fast birth can be problematic too for both Mum and baby and of course elective or emergency Caesarean sections may cause subsequent difficulties.

Babies who find it hard to settle or suckle may be suffering from shock in their system and this can make them hyper-vigilant. It is difficult for them to trust that their world is safe, especially if they had to be separated from their mothers at birth and their nervous systems become programmed to be more in ‘flight or fight’ mode, affecting numerous systems within the body.

With very gentle touch, the Craniosacral practitioner pays attention to the subtle rhythms at the core of the body and the membranes and fluids surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Treatment is often given while the baby is suckling or being held by the parent. Craniosacral Therapy focuses on the expression of health within the body to heal itself rather than specific diseases and there is no manipulation.

Problems that often respond well include:

• difficult or assisted birth
• breast feeding and suckling problems
• sleep disturbance
• colic and digestive upsets
• bonding difficulties
• excessive crying
• restlessness
• failure to thrive

At LBhealthcare we are fortunate to have a Craniosacral Practitioner. For further information or an appointment please call 01489 569888 or admin@lbhealthcare.co.uk

The Bowen Technique is a gentle yet powerful therapy that is becoming more widely known in the UK. It was developed by Tom Bowen in Australia and named after him following his death in the early eighties. It has since flourished and spread across the world.

Bowen consists of a gentle sequence of moves using fingers and thumbs, rolling over muscles and soft tissue, working on precise points on the spine and other specific areas of the body. The action of this type of move can elicit a powerful healing effect. Some of the points used coincide with major acupuncture points on the meridian system and seem to trigger a response in the connective tissue or fascia throughout the body.

After each sequence the therapist will leave the room for short periods, which allows the client to go into a deeply relaxed state. Frequently subtle adjustments often occur naturally that can then initiate the healing process in the body, without using any force at all.

One of the keys to effective treatment is finding the location of the original problem. For example, a low back condition might be related to an old head injury, or a shoulder problem might have been set off by a fall on the opposite hip. The incident could have been long forgotten but still ‘stored’ as a body memory, held in a frozen state for many years. Bowen work seems to allow the body to ‘unfreeze’ those areas that have been compensating.

Bowen can be used to treat most musculoskeletal conditions, including back, neck and joint, tendon and muscular problems. It may release shock from traumatic injuries resulting from events such as road traffic accidents. Other conditions that can be treated with the Bowen Technique include asthma, hay fever, migraine, stress, depression, water retention, fibromyalgia, post dental trauma and jaw disorders, IBS, chronic fatigue, sports and repetitive strain injuries.

Treatment at regular intervals can help manage stress and boost energy levels and the immune system. Men, women, children and babies of all ages can be treated. LBhealthcare in Whiteley is now pleased to offer the Bowen Technique. If you would like more information or to book an appointment please contact us on 01489 569888 or admin@lbhealthcare.co.uk

Cranio-sacral therapy is a very gentle, non-invasive ‘hands on’ therapy which does not use manipulation.It has been developed from discoveries about the body’s subtle and complex anatomy and physiology made by osteopaths in the USA over 100 years ago. They found that the bones of the cranium were not fused as previously thought but had a subtle motion along with organs and other structures. Each follow their own particular pattern of movement including the cerebrospinal fluid which bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord in a tide-like ebb and flow. This motion is barely measurable with instruments, but the hands of a trained therapist are able to perceive it.

In response to physical or emotional stress or trauma, the body’s tissues contract and may stay contracted for many years, especially when the shock is severe or accompanied by strong emotions. This frequently gives rise to restrictions in the body’s functioning and causes problems over the years. These effects may be both physical, such as back pain, migraine or digestive disorders and emotional, such as anxiety or depression. Restrictions in the body’s functioning show up in the way that craniosacral motion is expressed.

Craniosacral therapists are trained to feel this subtle motion in the body and can use it to find where there is congestion or restriction. Sensing the patterns the body is holding, the therapist provides an opportunity for the body to let go of shock and its restriction and return it to an easier way of functioning. This frees the energy which the body was previously using to hold itself in contraction.

Usually the client will lie on a treatment table while the therapist’s hands make a light contact, often with the feet or head or under the end of the spine at the sacrum. There may be a deep sense of relaxation and other sensations such as heat, tingling or pulsation. One of the benefits for the patient can be an increase in the level of energy available and greater ease on a physical, mental or emotional level.

It is suitable for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly, and can be especially helpful when treating fragile and acutely painful conditions.

We are delighted to announce that this therapy is now available at LBhealthcare in Whiteley. To make an appointment telephone 01489 569888 or e-mail admin@lbhealthcare.co.uk

On 15th May 2009 LBhealthcare officially joined the BUPA Approved Physiotherapy Network.  This means that the practice has been successfully assessed in a large number of areas of quality assessment, patient care and providing excellent value for money.  Commenting, Therapy Manager Claire Tanner said  “I am delighted that LBhealthcare has received this recognition from one of the largest private health insurers in the country.  Our therapists strive to do the very best for our patients and this recognition is a very positive recognition of that fact.”

LBhealthcare is also a BUPA approved and Aviva approved MRI Centre and a BUPA Wellness Centre.

LBhealthcare is pleased to announce that in addition to our popular pregnancy screening we can now offer abdominal, pelvic and renal ultrasound scanning.

An abdominal ultrasound scan is the first line of investigation for a variety of diseases and conditions. It is used to examine the internal organs of the abdomen, including the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta. It can show blood flow both to these organs and in the main blood vessels of the abdomen.

Aneurysm (ballooning) of the abdominal aorta can be seen readily on abdominal ultrasound. The identification and monitoring of this condition often saves lives. Research studies suggest that a routine ultrasound scan is worthwhile for all men aged 65. This is because most people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm do not have symptoms. Following a routine scan, surgery can be offered to men found to have an aneurysm over 50 mm wide. Follow up scans can be offered to monitor those with smaller aneurysms.

In 2008 the government announced that over the next five years ultrasound scan screening will be rolled out to enable all men aged 65 and over to be screened. It is offered only to men as the condition is much more common in men than in women.

Patients are sometimes referred for abdominal ultrasound because they feel generally unwell or blood test results are abnormal. The ultrasound may identify the reason for this and therefore help the doctor to plan your treatment.

Specialist Sonographer Kate Gunter said:  “We are pleased that we are able to offer extra ultrasound screening scans which allow our patients to get very fast reassurance at a time convenient to them.  We do ask that a GP referral is first obtained.”

New Pilates Beginners Course starting in February 2009.

Modified Pilates can help to:

• Get back in shape after having a baby
• Ease back, neck or pelvis pain
• Improve posture and flexibility
• Ease stress

If you are interested please contact us. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Laura Panaech, LBhealthcare’s Modified Pilates instructor said “Pilates is a complete exercise method developed by its founder Joseph Pilates over the course of a lifetime dedicated to improving physical and mental health. Pilates focuses on building your body’s core strength and improving your posture through a series of low repetition low impact stretching and conditioning exercises.By core strength, we are talking about your back, abdominal and pelvic muscles which form your cylinder of stability. Pilates goes far beyond your core muscles however and not only provides a complete body workout (you will be working muscles you didn’t even know you had!), but also helps you develop an awareness of how your body works, helping your mind and body to work in harmony.”

We are delighted to announce that 2009 sees the launch of Private GP Services at LBhealthcare. 

The service is offered by Dr Alastair Wilcockson MB, ChB, DipSportMed, FFSEM, MRCGP who graduated in 1986 from Sheffield University. He spent the next 9 years in the Army serving in Germany, Northern Ireland and first Gulf War. During this time he qualified as a General Practitioner.

After leaving the forces he studied Sports Medicine at St Mary’s London for a year. Since then he has been dividing his workload between General Practice and Sports Medicine. He helped set up the Rehabilitation Unit in Portsmouth Dockyard for injured service personnel.

He now works for both the Football Association and Rugby Union, including a local Championship Football team. He provides medical support and advice for the Royal Navy Boxing team and various local boxing clubs. He also specialises in Diving and Aviation Medicine and takes a keen interest in Travel Medicine.

Claire Tanner, LBhealthcare’s Therapy Manager said “I am very pleased that Alastair is joining us to offer convenient services at our one-stop healthcare centre in Whiteley.  We are always looking for ways to expand our services and a convenient, cost-effective GP service offering appointments to suit our patients is a natural step forward.”