How to Keep Winter Aches at Bay

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, many people experience changes in their body with increased stiffness, aches and pain. This is a widely accepted phenomenon, with research suggesting that the decline in temperature and increase in air pressure causes the tendons, muscles, and surrounding tissues to expand. Everybody will react differently to the change in weather. However, those with arthritis and chronic pain are more likely to feel the effect of the cold on their joints. Despite this, there are several steps that you can take to reduce the risk of the cold causing joint issues.

Here are our top tips to combat those winter aches:

1. Keep Warm 

Although this is easier said than done, you can ease the shock on your joints by dressing in layers, taking warm showers or baths, and warming your house and car. This will help to prevent your muscles from tensing up to combat the cold.

1. Eat Healthy

Comfort eating is a common occurrence in the winter months. However, this can lead to unwanted weight, which puts further strain on your joints, such as the knees. Instead, focus on eating a balanced healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, but don’t deny yourself the occasional treat. 

1. Stay Positive 

Evidence shows that having a positive outlook affects our pain levels. Therefore, as the winter creeps in further, focus on doing what you love, arrange to see friends and find the small pleasures in these winter months.

1. Keep Mobile 

It is tempting to become less active during the winter. However, long periods of inactivity can increase joint pain and stiffness. Regular exercise will help build muscle to protect your joints from impact and strain, ease stiffness, help maintain bone density and improve your circulation. If you don’t want to brave the cold, there are many indoor activities that you can partake in, such as swimming, yoga or a simple mobility YouTube video.

Remember: The Woodstock Chiropractor has a YouTube channel with videos for lots of different stretches and mobilisation techniques to keep you moving.

How can chiropractic care help with stress and anxiety?

If you are suffering from anxiety and stress, there are many in the same boat as you. These are synonymous with the modern-day lifestyle. As the cases are on the rise worldwide, people are questioning what they can do to avoid or manage the symptoms of these conditions. Many of them are turning to chiropractic care to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress – and they are having success.  

First let’s discuss how stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms. When the body is in a state of stress it releases a chemical called cortisol which puts your body into ‘fight or flight’ mode. To do this, it will tense your muscles so they are ready action and able to deal with the potential stress ahead. In short bursts this is fantastic coping mechanism however if this stress becomes chronic it can manifest itself with physical symptoms.

Whilst this can be different for everyone, common physical symptoms include muscle stiffness, inability to relax, headaches, fatigue, and muscle pain. These physical symptoms only add to the mental health issues attached to anxiety and stress. Chiropractic care can help to alleviate these symptoms and reduce the struggle of dealing with stress and anxiety.

After conducting a full case history and physical examination your chiropractor will be able to identify how they can help with your physical symptoms. Chiropractors are specialists in treating musculoskeletal (muscle and bone) issues and use a variety of different techniques to do so, such as dry needling, trigger point therapy and chiropractic manipulation as well as providing a comprehensive exercise rehabilitation plan to aid in your recovery at home. 

So, whilst chiropractic cannot get rid of stress or anxiety it can go a long way in helping to alleviate many of the physical symptoms that are caused by stress and anxiety.

Corona Virus 🦠 Update: Keep Calm and carry on, let science lead the way!

As the world is feeling a little chaotic at the moment, we wanted to inform, educate and inspire our community and let you know we are here for support. 

Matthew Scroggs BSc (Hons), MSc (Chiro), MBCA, MRCC, DC
 Clinic Director

First of all...Keep Calm and Carry on!
(Despite all the media hype and panic!)
LEAD WITH SCIENCE 👨‍🔬 👩‍🔬

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️We are open and busy as usual⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The 'Corona' word...🙈

Here at TWC we wanted to reassure every patient in our community that we are taking all necessary precautions in accordance with Public Health England. 👩🏼‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

➡️All areas are being sanitised with anti-viral , our cleaning team are performing deep cleans regularly, hand sanitiser is being employed by all and gloves are available. No hazmat suits and gas masks though! 🧼 🧽

➡️We all need to take responsible action to prevent the spread of C-19 and so if you are displaying any specific coronavirus symptoms,  ☎️ please call us to reschedule and follow advice to look after yourselves. ☎️

➡️By taking a few sensible precautions and working together (what a community we have!) we can reduce the effects of of the infection and reduce the disruption to daily life! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

To reassure you: (see photos below 🤗)

✅ 96.5% of people tested in the UK were NEGATIVE
 

✅ 92% of people who have had the virus have recovered

✅ 93% of people who currently have the virus are in a mild condition (advised to stay at home, relax!)
 

➡️Remember, our elderly with underlying health conditions are at the highest risk 👴 👵

Things YOU can do to BOOST you immune system

✅ Stay hydrated - dehydration leads to increased cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and can impact immunity.

✅ Keep moving - this increases your lymphatic function and clears out bugs from your body. Exercise also decreases stress, thereby helping your immune system. Taking a brisk walk in fresh air and in the sunshine is ideal.

✅ Maintain a healthy diet - lots of vegetables and berry fruits will keep your body supported with essential immune boosting vitamins.

✅ Vitamin C - is a wonderful immune booster (we are well stocked up in the clinic!)

✅ Vitamin D - the sunshine vitamin. Adequate levels of vitamin D3 are highly protective against viral infections.

We are here to support the community-stay tuned for more from The Woodstock Chiropractor

www.thewoodstockchiropractor.com

💥“The Woodstock Chiropractor wins national quality award”💥

We are a Multi-Award Winning Chiropractic Clinic!

The Woodstock Chiropractor 👨🏼‍⚕️ 👩🏼‍⚕️ of Oxford Street, Woodstock, has been awarded the Patient Partnership Quality Mark (PPQM) by The Royal College of Chiropractors for a second time! 

The PPQM is awarded 🥇 to a small number of chiropractic clinics that demonstrate  👉🏼excellence 👈🏼in meeting patient expectations in a range of areas. 🙌

The decision to award the PPQM is made by a panel who from the Royal College of Chiropractors.

The award was announced at a ceremony in London by the Chair of the Royal College’s patients committee.

Clinic Director, Matthew Scroggs👨🏼‍⚕️, said

“The award of the Patient Partnership Quality Mark recognises this clinic’s commitment to meeting the expectations our patients have when they visit us for advice and treatment. 

The aim of our clinic team is to continually improve our levels of service and clinical care. Our latest award encourages us that we are achieving this!”