How do you keep your back healthy?

This week marks Back Care Awareness Week.  As an Osteopath with 25 years’ experience, Robin Kiashek says: “It’s often back issues that first prompt people to approach me”

In fact, according to the NHS, 70 percent of us will suffer with back pain at some point in our lives.  So, Robin has pulled together some quick top tips for protecting our backs throughout our adult life.

Back care under 30

Robin says: “I’m full of admiration for the invincible attitude of youth, whether it’s leaping out of bed and straight out for a run or feeling fully refreshed after just a few hours sleep on a friend’s sofa. But these habits are far from back friendly.”

Robin’s advice is to focus on the basics at this time of life:

  • Invest in the best bed you can afford.  Bear in mind that, from a support point of view, a divan rather than slat base will do a better job and potentially give your mattress a longer life.
  • It’s worth shopping around for a pillow that fits snugly into your neck and shoulders and supports your head.  On which note, many of us sleep with two pillows but one could well be better for you.  The aim is to lift your head slightly to keep your neck and back in alignment.
  • Stretching daily as a stand-alone activity can boost muscle and joint health, decrease the risk of day-to-day injury by improving flexibility, reduce tension and improve posture.

“I know that young people live busy lives but now is the time to lay those foundations for future back health and a few small adjustments to life now could pay dividends in the future,” Robin added.

Tips for back care under 50

Man with backache working from home

“The years between 30 and 50 can be tough on the back,” says Robin.

“Children may have come onto the scene and, in addition to endless joy of course, they bring lifting, carrying and general strain for the back.  There’s the child itself, but also all the paraphernalia – car seats, buggies to be collapsed and opened (while also holding a child) and the list goes on.

“This can also be the period of life when people are stuck by a sudden urge for fitness.”

So, Robin has a few words of wisdom around lifting generally and exercising:

 

  • An oldie but goodie – bend from the knees! If you’re lifting, then let your legs take some of the strain.
  • Keep it close – it’s easier and less strain on the back to lift things if you bring them closer to your body.
  • Avoid the hip pop – mainly one for parents but if you find you’re regularly balance a child on your hip then do try to alternate.
  • Baby steps – nothing to do with babies, this one refers to starting a new exercise or fitness regime. Enthusiasm and a desire for results can see people trying to run before they can walk when it comes to exercise.  But a slow progression gives your joints and muscles time to adjust to the new moves you’re asking of them.  And is less likely to see you injured and back on the couch!

Looking after your back at 50 plus

We all know the benefits of keeping active, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight.  But Robin has a few extra tips for those in their 50s when it comes to looking after your backs.

  • Remember the core. Strong core muscles help maintain your balance and can prevent unwanted strains or sprains. They can also significantly reduce your risk of back pain.
  • Incorporate some weight bearing exercises into your routine. These help with good bone density, which is essential for resistance to breaks and fractures. Everyone loses bone density as we get older, but this is particularly key for women due to the loss of Oestrogen.
  • Investigate those niggles. Back pain doesn’t necessarily mean you have an issue with your back, it could be referred pain from a neck, hip or even knee issue.  So it’s well worth trying to establish the source of any pain

Robin says: “I don’t necessarily subscribe to the train of thought that aches and pains are something to be tolerated as we age.  Some of my best successes have been with patients who had been living with chronic pain for months or even years.  But I’ve been able to vastly improve their quality of life by taking the time to investigate the source of the pain and work on that.”

If you are suffering from back pain then why not get in touch with Robin to find out how he could help?

Why is recovery so important?

Recovery After Exercise

On Sunday 11th September my son and I cycled the 55mile London to Brighton route.  And we were very pleased to raise just under £3000  for Macmillan while we did so.  I’m generally a fair-weather cyclist (and Peleton owner) so I trained for the ride beforehand and felt appropriately pleased/relieved/satisfied as I crossed finish line.
But what now?  How best to help my body recover from what – for me – was a significant challenge?

My top tips recovery after exercise:

Rest

After a significant challenge it’s important to be kind to your body.  Plan ahead and make sure you allow time to be still and to catch up on sleep.  The day of the ride was a long one.  We left the house at 6.30am and got home 12 hours later.  One Sunday evening the sofa was my friend, and I felt no guilt about that!  I also awarded myself an early night and a couple more after that.  As you fall into the deeper stages of sleep, your muscles see an increase in blood flow, which brings oxygen and nutrients that help recover and repair muscles and regenerate cells.  So, getting enough shut eye is vital for recovery.

Hydrate

It’s important to replace the fluids you’ve lost during exercise. This helps your muscles to recover.  But, tempting though it might be to reward your achievement with a glass of wine, I’s best to stick to water.  Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it actually removes water from your body.

Nutrition

After completing a physical challenge you could be forgiven for thinking it’s an ideal time to give in to those less healthy food cravings!!  But before you reach for the junk, bear in mind that two words – refuel and rebuild!  When it comes to refuelling, carbs are your friend.  And taking them on board stops the body from looking for energy from elsewhere – such as those poor muscles that you’ve just worked!   So, then it’s about rebuilding.  And that’s where protein comes in.  Protein helps repair exercise-induced damage to tissues and may help speed up the impact of the carbohydrates.

Osteopathyimportance of recovery after exercise

At the heart of Osteopathic principles, blood flow is considered ‘supreme’ – this will aid in a decrease in inflammation, assist blood flow, and help muscles recover after intense exercise.  Plus, it feels like a very well-deserved post challenge treat!

Active recovery

Active recovery improves blood circulation that helps with the removal of waste products from muscle breakdown that build up as a result of exercise. It takes the form of low intensity exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga.  These are a great way to keep those tired muscles moving without over working them.  But it’s important to listen to your body.  And to remember that an absence of symptoms isn’t the same as the body being healed.

Set a new goal 

OK, so if I’m honest I haven’t done this yet!  But after the euphoria of completing a challenge it’s not uncommon to suffer a come down.  A good antidote can be planning a new challenge.  It doesn’t have to be bigger or better.  Or even in the same field.  But goal setting can be motivational when it comes to exercise and – with winter approaching – we all need a reason to get us off the sofa!

What can an osteopath help with?

If you’ve just completed a physical challenge – or are currently training for one – then why not book an appointment so we can make sure that everything is in alignment?

Maintaining a Balanced Lifestyle

A balanced lifestyle is something we hear a lot these days.  Balanced diet, work/life balance, the list goes on.  But are we sometimes guilty of just ticking off the easy bits?

As an Osteopath of more than 25 years’ experience, Robin Kiashek can testify to the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight, eating a good diet that encompasses all the necessary food groups and taking regular exercise

But balance is also about being still as well as busy.  And about our minds and not just our bodies.  And these are the elements of a balanced lifestyle that Robin feels can get forgotten.

Elements of a healthy lifestyle

Robin recently watched ahttps://www.ornish.com/ fascinating TED talk by Dean Ornish.  Dean is an American physician and author whose approach to treating heart disease has generated significant debate in the medical community and attracted a popular following.  Essentially, he showed through a randomised clinical trial that coronary artery disease could be reversed.  And he’s now extending his research to see if it can benefit Alzheimer’s patients.

The basis of his approach is four pronged:

  • Diet – low in fat and predominantly plant based
  • Exercise – at least 20 minutes of daily aerobic exercise
  • Stress reduction – allocating time each day to relaxation including stretching and breathing
  • Social support – one hour a week that might include spending more time with friends and family, group support, altruism, or service.

Not bad advice for us all.  But, in general, it’s interesting how we tend to focus on the top two and how they are more valued by society than stress reduction and social support.

Robin says: “As a society, we are quick to judge when people don’t exercise or eat healthily.  But much less judgemental when they focus on diet and exercise to excess – which can be just as damaging.  I see patients with injuries that need rest to heal but they feel unable to take time out from exercise because they are using it as an outlet to manage their stress.  When yoga or meditation might be much more effective tools for relaxation.”

All four legs required for balance!

Clearly there are practical (and potentially financial) implications to reorganising your life in this way.   Lifestyles are busy already and with the current cost of living crisis the focus may be on paying the bills and putting food on the table.  But, as a wise person once said, if you change nothing then nothing changes.

The final word goes to Robin: “In my clinics, I often see the results of a life lived off balance.  Stress and injury are common results.  So much is written about the value of good nutrition and exercise, and it would be so nice to see equal consideration being given to stress reduction and social support.  They currently seem to be the poor relations in the world of balance.  Which is a shame as they are the other two legs to the chair.  And we all know what happens to a chair with just two legs!!”

 

How Can an Osteopath Help?

If you have an injury or are in pain and would be interested in a holistic approach to your recovery, then why not get in touch?

 

A new associate has joined Robin Kiashek’s Central London Osteopath Clinic in Soho.

Osteopath Gabriele Giordano, holds a master’s degree in Osteopathic Medicine from the University College of Osteopathy. He will be based at the Regent Street clinic one day a week, offering a range of treatments:

  • Osteopathy / Cranial Osteopathy
  • Cupping
  • Dry needling
  • Sports Massage

Extensive experience

Alongside his knowledge as an Osteo, Gabriele brings with him a wealth of other experience.  He is qualified as a personal trainer, sports massage and cupping therapist.

Gabriele is registered with the General Osteopathic Council (the regulators of Osteopaths in the UK) and the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage. He is an expert in sports-related muscular issues, injuries, and postural help.  Gabriele also has an interest in professional bodybuilding.  During his time as an Osteopath, he has supported a Premier League Hockey team pitch side.  And has done the same ring-side for a professional boxer.

We caught up with Gabriele to find out more about him.

Why did you decide to become an osteopath?

“I have always been fascinated by anatomy and physiology. Initially, I wanted to study medicine at university.

“However, after a series of injuries I visited an Osteopath. The holistic approach to treatment along with the strong medical component made me reconsider medicine and study Osteopathic Medicine instead.”

What’s your favourite thing about being an osteo and why?

“The problem solving required to understand what the patient is going through, the diagnostic process and then adapting and tailoring an appropriate treatment plan.  This is why, alongside my osteopathy, I’m also a Sports Massage Therapist and Cupping Therapist.

“Osteopathy allows me to use all these techniques to really home in on what the patient needs.  I I love that aspect of the role.”

Why did you decide to qualify in cupping? And what benefits does cupping have?

 “I studied cupping because it’s closely aligned to Osteopathic belief that the rule of artery is supreme. This theory is that when blood and lymphatics flow freely, the tissues can perform their physiological functions without impedance.

“Having the power to manipulate blood using suction allows me to influence this on a direct level using negative pressure within the cup.

“People get cupping for many purposes.  Including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and wellbeing.  Also as a type of deep-tissue massage to reduce muscle tension.”

Gabriele will be working in the Central London Osteopath Clinic in Regent Street every Wednesday from 9am to 8pm. You can book with him via text on  07951163337 or Email: Gabgiotherapy@gmail.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the Tour De France setting off on July 1st, cycling fever has set in.

The 3,500km ride will see more than 150 cyclists make their way from the Grand Depart in Copenhagen, through northern France and take on a gruelling Alpe d’Huez climb.

 

What is the Tour De France?

The tour is the world’s biggest annual sporting event, made up of 21 stages over 23 days. It contains six mountain stages along with five altitude finishes.

But already, just over a week in, there has been crashes, chaos, and carnage on the cobbles with wet and slippery conditions forcing cyclists off their bikes.

“It’s been really interesting to watch the start of the tour,” keen cyclist and Osteopath Robin Kiashek says. “However, it’s always alarming to see people come off their bike. Seeing these accidents happen in real time got me thinking about the issues that might trouble cyclists while taking part in this sport and how, as an Osteopath, I could help.”

 

London to Brighton Cycle

Robin is currently training for the London to Brighton Cycle in September. He is taking part in the 55-mile ride with his son Joel in a bid to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

On 11th September, the pair will make their way through the country lanes of Mitcham, Banstead and Haywards Heath before taking on the challenge that is Ditchling Beacon.

Ahead of his own cycling event, Robin has pulled together some common issues experienced by cyclists in a bid to help avoid these injuries.

 

Be aware of back pain

Back pain can be a real problem – especially for cyclists who spend hours hunched over handlebars. Plus, when you add this to the working-from-home challenges of 2020, 2021 and 2022 – you’ve got yourself a recipe for poor posture.

But here’s the good news: “Our spine is made of solid, bony blocks reinforced by strong ligaments and muscles,” Robin says.” It is surprisingly difficult to damage. But if strained, the surrounding muscles and ligaments can cause discomfort and pain.”

 

How to prevent lower back pain when cycling

  1. Check your posture. Posture is key when it comes to keeping your back in tip top condition. And this applies as much to cycling as it does to when you’re working at a desk. According to British Cycling, the top of the handlebar should be around 5-6cm below the mid-point of the saddle.
  2. Take a stand. Take breaks from cycling to take some strain off your back, shoulders and neck. This will also help you reset the correct posture with your shoulders back, your head level in line with your body and an engaged core.
  3. Talking of cores – strengthen your abdominal muscles. It’s important to work out the muscles in your abs and back. Why? Your core muscles help you stand, move and go about your daily business. It’s also been proven that a strong core reinforces good form and prevents injury.

 

Watch your knees

On a day-to-day basis we expect great things from our knees. As the largest joint in the human body, the knee basically forms a sort of hinge where the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) meet. This enables us to bend, straighten and in this case, cycle.

Cycling might not be a high impact sport. But unfortunately, when pedalling our knees can be a relatively easy mechanism to injure.

Robin explains: “For example, a sudden increase in intensity or duration of exercise can temporarily damage the bone, muscle or ligaments. Problem knees can lock, click, catch, give way or refuse to straighten.”

 

How to look after the health of our knees

  • Check your bike set-up. Is your saddle too high or low? Do you have the correct saddle tilt? Having an incorrect set up can place compression on the patella, it can overstretch your hamstrings and it can place undue pressure on your knees. Follow this handy step-by-step guide to get your saddle height right.
  • Build up knee strength. Calf raises, leg extensions, squats and hamstring stretches can all help. After all, strong muscles around your knee can help to support and protect your joints as propel you forward with each pedal.

 

How Osteopathy can help with these niggles

Robin qualified in Osteopathic Medicine more than 25 years ago. Since then, he has trained in various additional complementary disciplines including Western Acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy – both of which can be used to treat pain.

“Non-invasive methods like manual Osteopathy, Western Acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy all work towards helping with knee niggles and back pain,” Robin says.

“Gentle osteopathic techniques can help to increase the mobility of the joints and relieve muscle tension. While low level laser therapy stimulates your cells to repair tissue and reduce inflammation and pain.

“Acupuncture can help to enhance the blood supply to the tissues, which in turn promotes the body’s natural healing process.”

And Robin has one last tip for cyclists with a challenge in mind: “It’s well worth considering a bike fit session to make sure set up is as it should be.  These can vary greatly in price and content but there’s some good information in this Cycling Weekly article as a starting point.”

 

If you are suffering pain or discomfort and you would like further information on how Robin may help you, or you would like to book an Osteopathy appointment get in touch.

Since, as a nation, we’re in the mood for celebrating anniversaries, we thought it might be a good time to explore the benefits of Autogenic Training – a powerful relaxation technique first published 90 years ago by German psychiatrist Johannes Heinrich Schultz.

Shultz noticed that hypnosis patients entered a relaxed state in which they experienced feelings of heaviness and warmth, and he sought to recreate that state in people to reduce tension and anxiety.

What is Autogenic Training?

It’s a series of simple mental exercises which can bring about profound mental and physical relaxation. They help balance the activity of body and mind, facilitating (with practice) a mental and physical shift into a state of calm.

We’ve written in depth about this previously.  But, in brief, autogenic training works through a series of self-statements about heaviness and warmth in different parts of the body. Through this process, a positive effect is induced on the autonomic nervous system.

Autogenic Training (AT) has become a well-established method of relaxation in many parts of the world. We know from research, including a 2008 meta-analytic study, that autogenic training can be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and help with insomnia.

 

Health benefits of Autogenic Training

Autogenic Training helps switch off the autonomic nervous system so that this remains or returns to a restful state, enabling your body to repair and recuperate itself. It:

  • Reduces anxiety, stress and tension and induce a feeling of calm, especially in social situations
  • Improves well-being, mood, energy levels and sleep
  • Reduces high blood pressure
  • Increases self-confidence
  • Improves efficiency, concentration and creativity
  • Develops the resilience to manage and overcome adversity

How can Robin help?

As an Autogenic Training practitioner, Robin will help find the right exercises for you and work with you to make sure that that you feel sufficiently confident to perform them on your own.

Autogenic Training is delivered over 8 sessions.  Robin can do this independently or as part of his wider Osteopathic work with patients.  Whether in person or on Zoom.

You will need to practise at home for a few minutes each day so that AT becomes part of your life and an everyday resource for health and wellbeing.

Robin said: “Autogenic Training is such a versatile tool as it can be practised anywhere, requires no special equipment and is entirely self- led.

“I see more and more patients presenting with stress and anxiety.  Often in addition to a musculoskeletal issue.  Being in that ‘flight or fight’ mode is not helpful when it comes to recovering from injury or a complaint.  So having AT in your mental health toolbox can not only aid recovery.  It’s also a great tool for life generally.

“A patient I’m currently helping with insomnia told me how AT has given her a structure that has changed her attitude towards bedtime and made her more relaxed at the end of the day.”

 

Robin has had particular success in using AT to help with anxiety and insomnia.  So, if these issues are troubling you then why not get in touch to find out more?

 

 

 

We’re all guilty of it. Whether it’s at home, at work or at play, our posture is something that unfortunately gets overlooked time and again.

In 2020 and 2021 we saw the rise of make-shift desks thanks to the ‘work from home’ orders imposed across the nation. We also saw a steady increase in the amount of time we spent on our sofas. Leading to detrimental impacts on our posture. And in 2022, we’re still paying the price.

“Aches, pains and referred pain can all be a result of poor posture,” Osteopath Robin Kiashek says. “I’ve had people suffer from repetitive strain injury (RSI), headaches, migraines and even neck and shoulder problems. And, most of the time, it’s because of posture problems. But that’s not to say you can’t correct these .  All it takes is some awareness.”

Top tips for improving your posture

  1. Be aware of tech neck

Otherwise known as the 21st century curse of resting your chin on your chest while using your phone. We’re not suggesting you ditch your smartphone (although less screentime is something we could all do with).

But while you use your phone, ensure your lower back is properly supported, sit up straight when you’re tapping away on the sofa  and keep your chin up while you text.

  1. Get your work set up right

Neck pain is widely associated with badly positioned screens and looking down rather than straight ahead.  According to The Institute of Osteopathy, tight neck and upper back muscles, stiff joints, and trapped nerves are common effects of spending too long hunched over screens.  If left untreated, this can cause splintering pains through the shoulders and hands.

So, if you’re working from home or in an office:

  • Set the computer screen so that’s it at eye level
  • Keep your feet flat on the floor and try not to cross your legs.
  • Consider a wrist rest to keep your wrists straight and at the same level as your keyboard.
  • Use a headset if you use the phone a lot, rather than clamping the phone between your ear and shoulder.
  • Do some simple neck exercise through the day
  1. Invest in a good mattress

It’s been calculated that, on average, we sleep for a third of our lives (hopefully). So it’s worth doing your research to hunt out a great mattress.

“I’d suggest investing in a supportive mattress and a divan bed  – slats do not support your mattress let alone your back,” Robin says.

Ideally, the divan should not incorporate storage boxes as these lessen its effectiveness.

  1. Sofa time? Sit up straight

Think about the shape that your spine is in as you are sitting and adjust your position accordingly.

Keep your back straight and your head held high. “This will put your spine into a ‘neutral’ position that doesn’t strain it,” Robin adds.

You may find it helps to sit in a chair that gives you better support for your spine rather than a settee. Also, sit with your feet flat on the floor and the whole of your body facing forwards, from nose to toes.

  1. Take a break

Sitting at your desk is all well and good for getting your to-do list ticked off. However, your body is not designed to sit in one position for long periods.

Give it a rest by standing up and walking around for a few minutes, at least once an hour. Maybe get yourself a glass of water? That way when you come back to your desk you can reset your posture.

  1. Reconsider shoulder/messenger bags

They might look fashionable but carrying heavy loads in shoulder and/or messenger bags can cause an imbalance of weight on your spine. Robin explains: “If you lug around weighty items, like laptops and books, as a minimum, opt for a comfortable rucksack and be sure to use both shoulder straps. But ideally, do consider a rucksack with wheels.”

  1. Consider active or dynamic sitting

If you spend most of your day at a desk, we’ve written before about the benefits of Active or Dynamic Sitting.

This is where your seating allows or encourages you to move, increases your stability and strengthens your core abdominal muscles.  It’s a win win.

“There are lots of options on the market including the ‘Swopper Chair’, which I use myself,” Robin says.

If you are suffering pain or discomfort and you would like further information on how Robin may help you, or you would like to book an Osteopathy appointment get in touch.

A recent report by The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), found that rising NHS waiting times are prompting one in six to consider private healthcare if they have to wait longer than 18 weeks for care.

This is borne out by what experienced Osteopath, Robin Kiashek, is seeing in clinic.

Robin says: “I’m seeing an increasing number of patients who may not have previously considered paying for private Osteopathy.  But they are doing so now because the NHS waiting time they have been given is unacceptable to them.

In theory this should be good news for the NHS – pressure off lists.  And good news for the patient – quicker access to treatment.

Disgruntled patients

But not so much in practice.  The first thing that Robin must do is to unpick these patients’ disgruntled feelings around no longer being able to quickly and easily access treatment on the NHS for free.

Robin says: “I understand that this is a change to what we’re used to. But patients quite clearly feel aggrieved. Not at having to pay for my services necessarily but at having to pay for treatment that they believe should be free. And this manifests itself in two ways.  They are generally quite cross at our first consultation, and they believe that I should be able to ‘fix’ them in the minimum number of sessions. None of which is terribly conducive to their recovery.”

We’ve written before about the need to be a patient patient. Previously this centred around patients being reluctant to commit the necessary time to recovery.  Instead forging on with strenuous exercise programmes.  But now the focus is around a perception of value.

As Robin explains: “If an NHS therapist were to recommend six or eight sessions of therapy to bring you to recovery then I doubt many patients would ask if that could be achieved with less sessions.”

Robin tries to encourage patients to focus on what they are getting. Rather than where they feel they might be missing out.

Initial consultation

At an initial consultation Robin takes a detailed case history including full medical background, information about your symptoms, health problems and any medical care you have been receiving. This is usually followed by a physical examination,  You will be asked to undergo various movements in a bid to reproduce your symptoms. Robin will use a combination of visual analysis and touch (or palpation). He may also use orthopaedic tests and occasionally refer for further x-ray or MRI investigation to help form a diagnosis.

Follow up treatment

Once you have a diagnosis, Robin will provide a full explanation and treatment plan. A treatment will be included in the initial Osteopathic consultation, assuming it’s safe to do so.

Robin adds: “I take a more holistic approach when it comes to treating musculoskeletal disorders relating to muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves, cartilage, tendons and the general skeletal system. I’ll also identify underlying causative factors. So I can work with you to help heal your specific condition/s and work towards preventing this from reoccurring.”

And that’s not all

Robin generally spends around 45 minutes at an initial consultation and 30 minutes on follow up appointments. He can’t promise to run exactly to time but he’s not yet left a patient sitting in his waiting room long past their appointment time. And you get to see the same person – Robin – at every consultation. So there is excellent continuity of care.

The last word goes to Robin: “Patients who work with me are extremely kind with their positive feedback. I do understand that we’d all rather be able to access treatment quickly and for free on the NHS. But I believe that complementary therapists in the private sector have a vital role to play in healthcare in the 21st century.”

So, if you’re languishing on a waiting list or struggling with ongoing pain then please do get in touch.

Osteopathy has long been used to treat back pain. But for years, evidence of its effectiveness has been limited – until now that is.

According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), there is now “promising evidence” that osteopathy may relieve musculoskeletal pain.  The review, published in the BMJ, saw researchers asses the safety and effectiveness of osteopathy for backpain.  To do so, they trawled through nine systematic reviews and meta analyses conducted between 2013 and 2020.  These involved 55 primary trials and 3740 participants.

The result?

Researchers concluded: “This overview suggests that [osteopathy] could be effective in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, specifically with regard to [chronic non-specific low back pain] and [low back pain] in pregnant women or [those who have just had a baby].”

Over the past 25 years, Osteopath Robin Kiashek, has treated hundreds of clients for backpain.

He said: “I’ve been working in this field for a long time.  I’ve seen first-hand the many benefits osteopathy can bring for those suffering with this often debilitating musculoskeletal problem.

“It’s promising to see researchers back up what many Osteopaths already knew – and further confirm that Osteopathy can help aid back pain.”

How can Osteopathy help back pain?

Unfortunately, back pain affects up to 80% of us at some point in our lives. It’s one of the most common reasons for workplace absence and the NHS spends more than £1 billion per year on back pain related costs.

But here’s the good news. At the Robin Kiashek Clinics, we aim to relieve pain and help strengthen the body, making it less susceptible to discomfort or injury.  Robin also tries to understand the lifestyle factors which may have contributed to the onset of pain.

“My range of gentle and effective treatments to relieve back pain includes manual Osteopathy, Western Acupuncture and Low-Level Laser Therapy,” Robin says. “Through these non-invasive methods and by working closely with your lifestyle, I can help minimise or even resolve symptoms and improve your overall health.”

And there’s back pain testimonials to prove this

 

Dr Nick Losseff, Consultant Neurologist, said: “As a medic I am luckily privy to insider knowledge on who the very best osteopaths are, which is how I got to see Robin. He resurrected my back after three months of agony and being unable to even sit down. His approach is totally holistic and perhaps most importantly he has taught me how to avoid future problems successfully. I recommend all my back pain patients to Robin.  He is a really great guy!”.

In fact that Dr Losseff also recently brought Robin onboard as part of a team assessing a complex, high profile case.

Another Consultant Neurologist, Dr Paul Jarman, said: “Robin Kiashek is my ‘go-to’ osteopath for my complex patients with neck and back problems. He combines excellent clinical care, effective treatment and a friendly approachable manner. He always communicates well with patients and the referring specialist. I would strongly recommend him to anyone in search of a first-class osteopath.”

While a third patient said: “I went to see Robin in his East Finchley “The Twyford Practice” with a bad lower back pain that left me unable even to walk properly. Robin was extremely professional and highly knowledgeable, with a friendly conversational manner that helped to put myself at ease at a time when I was suffering from quite a lot of pain.  He an excellent osteopath and a very nice person. Robin also treated me with an acupuncture and low level laser therapy, which helped a lot for my recovery. I would highly recommend Robin without hesitation.”

If you’re living with back pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

You might be wondering how ‘snorkels’ and ‘Osteopaths’ would ever appear in the same sentence. But having worked as an Osteopath for more than 25 years, Robin Kiashek is no stranger to looking at the bigger picture. Especially when it comes to the topic of health.

At Robin’s London clinics, one appointment could be spent tending to a patient’s chronic back pain. While the next could see him help long Covid patients using the Perrin Technique™.

“When you’re an osteopath, every day is different,” Robin says.

One case which shows the breadth and depth of an Osteopath’s skills was the case of Patient X – who reported a 40% improvement just one week after visiting Robin.

 

The problem

Patient X was referred to Robin by a neurologist.  They presented with intermittent nausea and feelings of constant imbalance. The patient also experienced daily headaches.

 

The medical history

Along with chronic lower back pain, Patient X has a history of tinnitus – a horrible ringing sensation in one both ears.

There was a history of imbalance which would last several minutes when open water swimming. So much so, Patient X would have to lift their head out of the water frequently to see where they were going.

“It would take a day for the patient to recover from the general sense of unwellness and dizziness,” Robin recalls.

 

The diagnosis?

Robin says: “I believe that Patient X’s imbalance resulted from sub-occipital vertebral artery compression.  Which can be exacerbated by cervical extension – as noted with open water swimming.

“The irritation of these nerves during cervical extension, can cause the diaphragm to contract,” Robin explains. “As the stomach sits superior to the diaphragm, any contraction of the diaphragm will cause undue pressure on the stomach, resulting in a sense of nausea.”

 

The treatment?

Robin focused on releasing Patient X’s mid thoracic misalignment, where cervical active movements emanate from, using gentle osteopathic technique.

He avoided direct treatment to the patient’s neck.  Instead, he used medical acupuncture to the trapezii region and to the right pelvic imbalance.

Robin also suggested that Patient X uses a snorkel and mask when swimming, to avoid cervical extension, and invest in a new pillow.

 

The progress speaks for itself

Just one week later, Patient X reported a general 40% subjective improvement.

“Patient X’s imbalance was no longer constant,” Robin says. “The patient also only experienced one headache. After buying a snorkel, mask and a new pillow – Patient X was left feeling a good deal better.”

 

If you are suffering with any kind of health problem, whether it’s headaches, stomach pains, or mobility issues, don’t hesitate to call Robin or book in for an initial consultation.