Chantal Lowry Physiotherapy

Headache & Jaw Pain
The TMJ connection. A small joint with a Big Function
What causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorders?... There are several causes for TMJ dysfunction, including: - Dental issues, including bite misalignment - Joint alignment issues or muscle strain - Injury to the head or neck - Degenerative conditions
Here are several ways your TMJ might be trying to get your attention: 1. Headaches 2. Dizziness and Vertigo 3. Ear Pain, Fullness, and/or Ringing 4. Head, Neck, and/or Shoulder Pain 5. Cognitive Difficulties 6. Facial and/or jaw pain 7. Bruxism / Spasms 8. Eye pain .....
Taking the next step: If you continue to experience jaw pain or any of the symptoms above, it might be time to try a different TMJ treatment. Claudia has a special interest and post graduate training in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction If you need any further information about this or if you would like to book an appointment, give us a call on 07803837797.
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Is Sacroiliac Dysfunction the Cause of Your Back Pain?
The sacroiliac joints are a vital component, that connect your spine to your pelvis and dysfunction of these is more common than you might think.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can often be experienced as Lower Back Pain, Sciatica, Hip Pain and Groin Pain. Symptoms are usually experienced while walking, standing and going from sit-to-stand.
... Sacroiliac dysfunction is usually caused by, either too much movement (hypermobility) or too little movement (hypomobility), between the Sacrum and Iliac bones.
The good news is that this is a condition that can easily be diagnosed and treated. Management of sacroiliac pain consists of: • Reducing pain, inflammation and muscle spasm around the sacroiliac joints. • Restoring normal movement and alignment to the joints, usually through joint manipulation. • Rehabilitation of the core and muscles around the sacroiliac joints to provide stability to the region again.
This is a very brief overview of how to deal with sacroiliac dysfunction. If you would like more information regarding this, or to book an appointment, give me a call on 07803837797.
Chantal
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So pleased to hear of all the great results after the Belfast marathon this Sunday. Congratulations to Declan and all the others who took part. I'm delighted I was able to help along the way!

We are at the Daisy Ball raising funds in aid of the Cancer Fund For Children. Please have a look at this wonderful charity.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! The clinic is open again for business, if you need an appointment don't hesitate to give us a call on 07803837797. Chantal

Hi, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New year!
I will be returning to work on the 4th of February after giving birth to little Taylor. I am looking forward to seeing you all again.
On another good note, the wonderful Claudia, who has been working in the clinic in my absence will be staying on as well.
... The diary is now open for appointments.
Best wishes.
Chantal
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Stop Headaches and Migraines Now!
A large number of people experience headaches and migraines on a regular basis and don’t know what to do about it. The pain can be debilitating and severely affect ones quality of life.
Medication gives temporary relief, but is not the answer to saying goodbye to your headaches and migraines forever.
... I have a special interest and have completed postgraduate training in the treatment of headaches and migraines and the treatment approaches I use have been found to be very successful in the management of headaches and migraines.
If you would like more information regarding this or to book an appointment, give me a call on 07803837797.
Chantal
www.chantallowryphysio.com
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https://www.facebook.com/249202825176109/ posts/1665508660212178/

Back and Pelvic Pain during Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time full of joy and excitement in a woman's life. Unfortunately for many women this time can be plagued with pain and discomfort.
Back and pelvic pain is especially common during pregnancy. There are many reasons for this including hormonal changes (esp. relaxin), postural changes, the uterus putting pressure on vessels and nerves and weight gain.
... There are a few things you can do yourself to help the pain and discomfort such as: -Gentle exercise -Wearing a pelvic belt -Resting when necessary -Maintaining good posture
If after trying these tips you are still experiencing pain and discomfort, it is time for physiotherapy intervention. I have helped many women through painful pregnancies and will work with you to make your pregnancy as comfortable as possible.
The clinic offers a very comfortable and private environment for treatment and I have facilities to allow front lying for treatment right to the end of your pregnancy.
For more information or to book an appointment, give me a call on 07803837797.
Chantal
www.chantallowryphysio.com
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Happy Easter everyone!!!!
Just to let you know, the clinic will be closed Monday and Tuesday. I open again on Wednesday for business as usual. Have a great long weekend!
Chantal

Can I eat myself better?
During treatment patients often ask me, “is there anything I can do to help myself?”
Usually I would have informed them about some good self -management techniques along with home exercises to be performed in between physiotherapy sessions, but an area I am increasingly interested in and that is gaining popularity within the medical community is the role nutrition plays in the pain we experience. To be specific, the topic of pro-inflammatory and anti-...inflammatory foods.
Without getting to scientific I would like to explain a bit about the inflammatory response I am referring to and how we can affect this.
Our immune cells excrete something called proinflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for the up regulation of inflammatory reactions. An abundance of proinflammatory cytokines has been liked to diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, depression and other neurological disorders.
More recent evidence suggests that certain cytokines cause the initiation and the persistence of pathologic pain by directly activating nociceptive sensory neurons. Certain inflammatory cytokines are also linked to nerve injury central sensitization.
To put it plainly the more inflammation we have the more at risk we are for certain diseases, pain and death.
Not all hope is lost though, recent research shows that along with a healthy lifestyle and stress reduction strategies, certain dietary changes can influence inflammatory cytokine production.
Diets that are high in refined starches, sugar and trans-fats promote inflammation, whereas diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, natural antioxidants and fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains reduce inflammation.
I do realise the above is a bit of a mouth full, but to simplify things I have compiled a list of foods that are generally accepted as Anti-inflammatory foods: • Turmeric • Fatty fish • Nuts and seeds esp. flaxseed • Fruits esp. berries • Wholegrain • Green leafy vegetables • Olive oil
Foods to avoid are: • Sugar • Refined Carbohydrates • Trans-fats
I do not suggest making any dietary changes without consulting your GP first esp. if you have co-existing morbidities, but I would like to encourage people to think about what they are putting in their bodies and what effect this is having on their health and then go and do your own research to decide what is best for you.
Chantal.
• Jun-Ming Zhang, and Jianxiong An, Cytokines, Inflammation and Pain Int Anesthesiol Clin. 2007 ; 45(2): 27–37. • Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser, Ph.D. Stress, Food, and Inflammation: Psychoneuroimmunology and Nutrition at the Cutting Edge, Psychosom Med. 2010 May; 72(4): 365–369. • Harvard Women’s Health Watch, Food that fight Inflammation, June 2014
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I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New year! The clinic will reopen on the 2nd of January.
Chantal

Great visual example of the process of childbirth.

9 Tips To Prevent Neck Pain
Neck pain & stiffness is becoming more and more common. There are many internal and external factors that cause neck pain, but the two I would see most often is stationary work positions and poor posture.
Stresses placed on the neck due to poor posture can cause muscle tightness, alignment issues of the vertebrae of the neck, esp. around C5 and C6 and irritation of the nerves in the neck, all which leads to pain!
... There are things you can and should do yourself to prevent neck pain through poor posture. This includes:
1.Maintaining a good upright sitting and standing posture 2.Adequate ergonomic assessment of your workspace 3.Take regular breaks from you workstation, stand up and walk around. 4.Make sure you sleep on one firm supportive pillow 5.Avoid sleeping on your stomach. 6.Stretch your neck in all directions regularly throughout the day 7.Avoid carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder 8.Try to lift objects evenly with both hands if possible 9.Make sure to wear a supportive and properly fitting bra.
If you find that after trying these tips you are still experiencing neck pain then it is important you see a professional. The neck is a very sensitive area to work on and requires various different treatment techniques that often includes manipulation of the cervical spine. It is thus important to do your research and make sure you see someone with the required level of education and experience to treat your symptoms safely and effectively.
If you require any further information regarding this or if you would like to book an appointment, you can give me a call on 07803837797.
Chantal
www.chantallowryphysio.com
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Thank you for the review Gemma.