Successfully Starting To Run

By Jonathan Blood Smyth

The weather in the northern hemisphere is beginning to warm up and spring turns people's minds to thoughts of fitness and sport. They look out their running shoes from the back of the wardrobe and get out on the road. After all, it's easy to do, it doesn't cost anything and you can't go wrong, can you? However, spring is just the time when all of us, having got lazy and overweight over the winter, overdo things and suffer injuries. Physiotherapists all over the country brace themselves for the surge in strains and sprains which occur at this time of year as our unprepared bodies are put through stresses which are too much for them. The commonest injuries tend to be foot pains, back pain and knee pain.

The typical mistake all runners tend to make at this time of year, not just novices, is to run too far and too hard to start with, or to run too often and try and progress the distances and speeds too fast and within too short a time window. Our tissues all have tolerances for physical stresses, which depend on our age, history of exercise, physical fitness and many other factors. If we overstep our tolerances we suffer from the typical symptoms and conditions of overuse injuries: delayed onset muscle soreness, muscle sprains, joint strains, iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome, bursitis and tendonitis. In extreme cases the body can suffer a stress fracture, common in the small bones of the foot, as the skeleton struggles to cope with the great forces that running puts upon it.

The solution to these problems is to take a graded approach to the initial training or to reduce one of the components such as the duration, intensity or frequency of training. If the problem is already apparent then reducing just one of the components may be enough to improve the situation so that training can recommence or improvement in fitness continues. A common problem with runners is to let small injuries linger without doing anything about them, leading to more difficult treatment problems later. Experiencing a new pain or ache should be a signal there is a problem to be addressed as soon as possible, and if it has not improved or settled within 10 days by treatment, analgesia or activity modification then help should be sought.

New and inexperienced runners can try a walking and running routine, and I have used this myself due to back pain experienced in running. I went for a ten minute run to get back into the swing of things and afterwards felt some back ache which got worse until the next day it was quite troublesome. Since it lasted for a week at a moderate level I was not very keen to continue and stopped for a while. Then I got keen again and went for a ten minute run again, with predictable and unpleasant results.

On a friend's suggestion I tried a running walking regime and it worked so well that I could run continuously for forty minutes before long, and without back pain. To start off the runner can do one minute's running and then walk for four minutes, repeating the process up to five times. The number of running minutes is increased and the walking ones decreased until the person can do an uninterrupted run.

The usual way of sticking your shoes on and then doing a bit of stretching before you set off for your run may be unwise as stretching before exercise may make injury more likely rather than less. Starting off by walking initially and then walking faster with longer strides can get you warmed up and get blood pumping into the muscles.

Starting off the running session with some stretches, bending over and knee bends may be quite traditional but may be the worst approach as there is some evidence that it may increase the injury risk. Warm up to increase muscle blood throughput may be best achieved by walking initially and then speeding up with faster walking and bigger strides.

About the Author:

Jonathan Blood Smyth, editor of the Physiotherapy Site, writes articles about Physiotherapists, physiotherapy, physiotherapists in Manchester, back pain, musculo-skeletal conditions, neck pain and injury management. Jonathan is a superintendant physiotherapist at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK.

Merging East and Western Health Practices

By Andrew Mitchell

With the recent surge of interest in Eastern healing solutions to illnesses, it often seems like the east and western medicinal practices are at odds with each other. This is not always the case. Now more and more osteopaths are recommending that clients do both: a combination of Western osteopathy and Eastern acupuncture.

Acupuncture is holistic approach to health that has its origins in China, having been refined and developed evolved over 2000 years. It is based on the philosophy that our health relies on the free flow of our body's energy " known as Qi " through a system of channels that lie beneath our skin. The pathways are all connected to the body's vital organs, so if the flow of Qi is upset in some way (either by physical illness or emotional disturbances), the health and harmony of our body comes out of balance.

The way acupuncture works is that very small needles are placed into certain pressure points in our bodies which exist along the energy pathways underneath our skin. This is aimed to disperse the built-up tensions and stimulate the flow of Qi, tapping into the body's own healing response which helps restore its natural balance.

But what does acupuncture have to do with osteopathy? Acupuncture and osteopathy have very similar philosophies in the sense that both believe that a problem can only be solved if you eliminate the root of the illness, rather than merely treating its symptoms. They treat the body and mind as interconnected entities, and this is why osteopaths often recommend acupuncture in addition to osteopathic treatments.

While some people see acupuncture as simply a way to alleviate pain, it helps heal specific complaints as well as illnesses. Here are some of the problems and conditions that acupuncture can help with:

- High blood pressure and circulatory problems

- Cranial problems, including headaches and migraines

- Respiratory problems, including asthma, breathlessness, and various others.

- Musculo-skeletal problems, helping soothe pain in the muscles and joints. Deals with many osteopathic problems such as arthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, and stiffness in the knees and neck.

- Allergies

- Insomnia or difficulties relaxing

Many patients also say that acupuncture has given them gives an overall sense of wellbeing improving their energy levels, vitality, and general health.

People are often apprehensive about acupuncture because needles are involved. Therapists reassure their clients by explaining that the needles used for acupuncture are not the same as those they use at the doctors office for injections. They are a lot finer and do penetrate the body very different ways. While everyone responds to pain differently, many do not find the experience painful at all.

Not everyone is convinced that practices such as acupuncture work better than painkillers or sleeping pills. Others are adamant that natural healing processes are the only option. There does not always need to be a choice. If you have suffered from chronic pain or feel constantly overwhelmed by stress, combining East and West may be your best option to feeling healthier, refreshed, and more energetic.

About the Author:

Andrew Mitchell, clinical editor at the Osteopath Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions, drug-free treatment, pain management and how to find a Edinburgh osteopath. He is interested in the treatment of back pain, neck pain and injury and pain management.

Body - Mind Health

By Master Erica Linthorst

There was an excellent recent posting on chakras leading us to understand more about the activity centers that “produce life force energy” in the body.

Other Eastern studies discuss meridians / meridian channels through which energy, or ki flows. When inhaling, ki enters the body through acupressure points (called kyong-hyol in Korean) and moves through the meridians to vital organs of the body.

In a healthy state one’s circulation is optimal, the person dynamic and lively. Symptoms of health include sweet saliva in the mouth, warm hands and feet, cool and refreshed head, warm abdomen filled with energy, regular bowel movements. This is referred to as the “water up, fire down” state where perception is clear and the senses opened. Typically, one feels positive, relaxed and both creativity and imagination are enhanced.

In the “water down, fire up” condition a person may feel disconnected, static, lifeless; experience dry mouth or bitter taste. One might have cold hands and feet, experience heat and pain in the head and the abdomen will lack warmth and energy. The individual may be constipated and have digestive problems. Finally, one feels tired and uncomfortable.

So, how do we help bring ourselves to a healthy state? First, it is important to acknowledge and recognize the body-mind connection. For many of us, in our dojangs, we often hear about this and may even have some practices or exercises that relate to this connection. For example, sometimes a class may begin and finish with simple relaxation, breathing practice, and/or meditation. There are many different styles and functions of these actions – including gaining focus, losing stress, increasing circulation by oxygenating the blood.

Initially, there are a number of simple things one may do on one’s own each day
to stimulate the body in preparation for the day ahead.

- Stretch before getting out of bed. Waken the sleeping muscles gently and
carefully.

- Try to take time for a simple meditation practice, preferably in a quiet place.
During this period, focus only on breathing. There is a variety of postures and
the key here is to find one that is comfortable for you.

- Stand with shoulders relaxed, tailbone curled slightly inward, knees soft, legs
shoulder-width apart, feet parallel, weight evenly balanced on soles to revive
the body, tap along the meridians.

- Gentle body bouncing provides a general loosening of all muscles and joints
and offers the extra benefit of stimulating brain activity and release of en-
dorphins - the natural, feel-good chemical - the is always available to each of
us provided we initiate activities such as those mentioned above.

When you invest time in this body-mind communication, you will gain a healthy dividend.

P.S. Note that often what starts the day off right, also helps release stress
and clear the body and mind for a good night rest.

Chakra Meditation Revealed

By Jonathan Benjem

Meditation is considered as a powerful form of self-realization and self-healing. There are various methods by which you can meditate, but perhaps, the most potent of all is the Chakra Meditation.

Introduction to Chakra Meditation

The meditation whose basic aim is to align the movement of all the seven primary Chakras in the body is termed as Chakra Meditation. Our body consists of 7 primary and over 20,000 secondary Chakras. For a better understanding of Chakra Meditation, its important to know what and where are the primary Chakras in the body:

1. Crown Chakra is situated at the top of the head. It is related to the thought element, which governs our wisdom, knowledge, and consciousness.

2. Orange or Naval or Sacral Chakra located at the center of abdomen and related to the element Water. It governs our emotions and sexuality.

3. Solar Plexus or Power Chakra located just above the naval region and related to the element Fire. It governs our will power, autonomy, and metabolism.

4. Heart Chakra governing your general relationships, and feelings of love and compassion is located at the center of the chest and related to the element Air.

5. Throat Chakra located at the base of the throat and related to the element Sound. It governs clear communication, creativity, and resonance during our entire lifespan.

6. Brow or The Third Eye Chakra located between the brows on the forehead and related to the element Light. It governs perception, interpretation, imagination, and clear vision.

7. Crown Chakra located at the top of the head and related to the element thought. It governs consciousness, wisdom, and knowledge.

If you want to reinvent yourself and bring back those vitalizing moments in your life, then theres no substitute to Chakra Meditation. If these vital seven Chakras are rotating in sync, physical, mental, and spiritual well being is assured. Thus, you can safely conclude that Chakra Meditation is the key to overall health of your life, taken as a whole.

Chakra Meditation Unleashed

Chakra Meditation involves three techniques in this order:

1. Grounding Technique, which aims at making the body feel connected with Earth. You just need to visualize a root growing from your body and entering into the Earth. This requires intense focus and mental presence during the act of visualization.

2. Centering Technique refers to the process whereby, your body gets prepared to receive the benefits of Chakra Meditation. The actual step involves taking 3-5 deep breaths. And visualization involves the assumption of feeling of relaxation of every body part from toe to head by tightening and relaxing each body part starting from toe, and moving in the northwards direction, till the head. The final act is the visualization of the act of centering a pot on a pottery wheel.

3. Relaxation Technique. The Relaxation Technique is the primary act in the entire Chakra Meditation process. Everyone has his or her own method of relaxation. Just find out your preferred mode of relaxing the body and stick to it. In a nutshell, Chakra Meditation is all about relaxing, visualizing, and directing the flow of energy through the seven energy centers (Chakras).

Here is a simple method of performing Chakra Meditation:

a) Sit or lie down in a position that is most comfortable for your body.

b) Close your eyes and loosen your clothing. The idea is to be in a natural state without any kind of artificial compulsion on the body and mind.

c) Breathe in a relaxed manner, which is neither too fast nor too slow. Let the breath come naturally!

d) Feel every part of your body from toe to the crown in that direction. Feel the earth you are lying on or the sofa you are seated on, feel the clothes you are wearing. Feel completely present with yourself and relaxed.

e) All the negative thoughts and emotions should not be avoided. Let them be! With time and regular practice, these thoughts will disappear automatically. Rather, when no such negative emotion disturbs you, that is the time when you should consider that you have perfected the art of Chakra Meditation.

f) Let you spirit roam in every part of your body. This is the feeling of completeness youve been yearning for.

This exercise can be done at any time of the day and for any duration of time. However, the longer the better!

About the Author:

Jonathan Benjem is a writer for the popular chakra-balance.com site. To understand how chakra balancing can change your life and to get 29 Free chakra meditation affirmations, hypnosis and special sound frequency audios.

Meditation Helped Me Control My High Blood Pressure

by Jeff K. Sing

It wasn't that long ago that my doctor informed me that suffered from heart disease and high blood pressure. I knew that I dealt with a lot of stress in my life but I always thought that I could handle it. It seems that the stress was handling me instead.

Well at the age of 50, my doctor told me that my blood pressure was dangerously high and that I ran the risk of a heart attack or worse (in my mind), a stroke. I knew I needed to do something to change it quickly. What happened to the idea that 50 is the new 30 I wondered out loud? He reminded me that the way I had pushed myself until now, I was more like the new 100. I recognized the sad truth in what he was saying.

The obvious course of action for any western medicine doctor is to prescribe blood pressure medication. After doing some research into them however, I felt like I had to explore other alternative options first. I knew that my behavior was responsible for my declining health to at least some degree and believed that if I started with changing it, my health might improve.

The first thing I did was to change my diet. I began eating less fatty foods and more vegetables and fruits. I also began to add exercise to my daily life. I began walking and even went out and bought a bike for the occasional ride. I felt better but my blood pressure, it turns out, did not change much.

I heard about a nearby workshop on meditation. I had also heard about the possible benefit of meditation to blood pressure. I decided to give meditation a try before giving up and going the beta blockers my doctor had suggested.

I have to say, that results I experienced were amazing. I learned in the workshops that the first stage in learning to meditate is to stop the distractions and try to clear our minds. At first, it was really difficult to clear my mind of those everyday distractions but after a while I got the hang of it and entered into a wonderful place of calmness.

Thanks in large part to meditation; my blood pressure is currently at acceptable levels without the use of medication. My doctor was so impressed with the results I experienced, he is now recommending the use of meditation to other patients. I personally can not say enough great things about the practice of meditation has changed my life for the good.

About the Author:

Jeff K. Sing, writer, husband, investigator, explored how to meditate with this free meditation method and free meditation mp3 download found on the internet. This method helped him easily and quickly enjoy the health benefits of meditation in a very enjoyable way.

Benefits of a life of health and fitness

By Dr Adel Cosie

Living a life of health and fitness may seem a huge sacrifice but the rewards are truly immeasurable. Not only will you be able to enjoy your life a little bit longer, you can also live it while looking good and looking young.

You don't believe us? Here is a rundown of the benefits that healthy living can give. Read on and you may be tempted to leave the dark unhealthy side.

Active body Eating the right kinds of food and keeping your body in shape will result to having more energy and that will spill over to your work and your "play" time. You will be more active and will have more chance to shine in your line of work. People who are active also come across as more capable and more independent. They are also perceived as more approachable, confident and charming.

Younger looking People who live healthy are younger looking than those who smoke and drink in excess. This is because chemicals in alcoholic drinks and cigarettes dry up the skin and create a more older appearance. Chemicals in the body also reduce the nutrients that go into the body, thus depriving the body of vitamins and minerals that keep the skin and other organs healthy and functioning. Being young looking of course gives you a whole set of benefits, from a remarkable love life to success with career and in your social life. After all, whether we admit it or not, appearance do count in a lot of ways and being young looking and attractive can take you in places. As shallow as it seems, you will have more friends and more romantic involvements. Everybody loves beautiful people.

Clear thinking It is not true that chemicals in alcoholic drinks and cigarettes and drugs can amp up creativity levels. These are actually just short-lived and as studies have shown, only in the mind. People who eat and live healthy are more able to think clearly. They are more able to focus on the jobs at hand and therefore are able to accomplish much with their work than other people. They are also more dependable when given instructions and their memories are often clear and good.

No illness People who live a healthy lifestyle are well, healthy. They are not prone to sickness that can slow down a person's achievement levels. Thus, these people accomplish much of what they set out to do. They are not hampered by problems with their health or appointments with doctors that they have to go to. These people rarely take a leave of absence and when they do, they will often take a vacation and just relax. They don't take a leave because they are sick.

Emotionally-secure Although there really is no direct relationship, people who live a life of health and fitness are happier. They are able to enjoy their life more and are not distracted by odd habits and health problems. They also have less worries and are able to cope better with stressors. This is perhaps because they do not need to rely on chemicals for coping with the hardships that they encounter. Early on, they have developed natural coping strategies that can help them get through the daily grind.

About the Author:

This article was written by Dr Adel Cosie, a cosmetic surgeon, you can visit his website at Adelaide Cosmetic Surgery

7 basic standing yoga poses for runners, cyclists and triathletes

By Gunnar

Today I will show you 7 standing yoga poses that help runners, cyclists and triathletes to flex their leg muscles.

If you are doing a lot of cycling or running, it is also probable that you have stiff legs. This stiffness in the legs, ranging from the foot up to the gluteus maximus, can cause different problems as for instance the iliotibial band syndrome. Other problems that can arise from stiff leg muscles are back problems. Please check my web site for more posts about knee problems and their prevention.

The poses described in this post are especially for newcomers to yoga. They will help you getting more flexible leg muscles and thereby reduce the risk that you will suffer from overuse injuries like Iliotibial band syndrome. The asanas are named in english and sanscrit to make it easier for you to find videos or pictures of the postures on the web.

Leg flexibility is important to be able to perform the sport specific motions with as little resistance as possible. This will make your run or cycle efficiency better. Another important aspect is, that these poses will help you avoiding overuse injuries, as IT-band syndrome. My knee pain is gone since I started doing yoga regularly.

In the beginning it is normal that the muscles are so stiff that you can't get into the poses. Don't give up because of that! Just do your yoga regularly and you will gain flexibility. It will take some time, but it's very rewarding.

I recommend the following postures for increasing your leg flexibility:

Standing forward bend (Uttanasana): This is an excellent pose to extend your hamstrings. It will stretch your gluteus maximus, medius and minimus as well as your spinal muscles too. Precaution is to be made by people with back injury. These people should approach this bend very cautiously. It is important to let gravity do the work, don't push your body into the pose. If your hamstrings are very tight, bend your knees. That will make the stretch better.

Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): In runners and cyclists, the hip flexors is a normal weak point. The Warrior I works on those flexors. The Warrior I will increase your flexibility in the hips, back and front groins.

Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): This is another asana that will stretch your hip joints. It will also open the groins and stretch the inner thigh muscles.

Side Angle Pose (Parsvakonasana): Stretches the back side of the legs and opens the groin. It will also stretch the upper body. Is a very good follower to the Warrior II.

Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): A follow up of the Warrior I posture. Above all the hips are getting worked on here.

Intense side stretch (Parsvottanasana): One more extraordinarly stretch for your hamstrings. This asana will work your hamstrings even more than the standing forward bend. The flexibility in your gluteus maximus will be increased as well.

Wide stance forward bend (Prasarita Padottanasana): This posture stretches your hamstrings and gluteus maximus efficiently. It is also called wide-legged forward fold and is a relative to the standing forward bend with the difference that in this pose you have your feet wider apart.

In every of these 7 postures remain for five deep breaths in position. If you do these poses regularly they will give you much more flexibility in your legs and they will open your groin and hips. I recommend doing them at least 3 times a week. When you have done them for about 2 months we can go to the next level.

I hope these Yoga asanas will help you enjoying your sport!

Gunnar

About the Author:

Gunnar is a two time triathlon finisher and has a blog about triathlon training and Yoga for athletes. He has written several articles about Yoga and the IT band syndrome. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Quick Relaxation With Binaural Meditation

by Rich Russell

Meditation Cds and mp3 tracks are getting very popular and you can see why. They allow us to fit the benefits of meditation into our busy lives and with virtually no effort.

Stress is a major cause of lost work days and it is linked to physical as well as psychological illnesses. In these uncertain times, it is all the more important to that we are seen as being on top of our jobs.

We all need to relax and de-stress after a hard day at work. Meditation is a great way of doing this but it takes time to learn and practice. The last thing we need is another drain on our precious time.

But now, meditation audios offer us a technological solution. You can get either mp3 or CD versions and with them, meditation is effortless and fast.

They use binaural beat technology. You listen through headphones as a different frequency is applied to each ear. This causes your brain to generate electrical signals at a frequency which is the difference between them.

This entrainment process has been known and safely used for many years. Your brain reaches deep meditation states that could take years of practice to achieve and are hard to maintain by normal methods.

It is a pleasant experience due to the masking of the tones by music or relaxing sounds. You can pay attention to these or mentally tune them out if you choose. Take some time to be with your own thoughts.

Meditation Cd and mp3 tracks are available for specific purposes and come in various lengths and prices. They make relaxation and stress relief available at the flick of a switch.

About the Author:

At StressCurer.com, I have revealed my experience of living with the effects of prolonged stress and what I gained from using binaural beat technology. Relaxation using binaural meditation is now a regular feature of my day.

How Does Natural Pain Relief Work

By Pete Sjogren

More and more people are choosing national pain relief as a better and safer option to western medicine that traditionally uses laboratory-born drugs to alleviate pain, treat diseases and so on. Medicines using herbs and plants are often considered safe, by nature of their organic qualities and many people find security in knowing that the drugs they are ingesting are made by nature and not in a laboratory.

With the onset of the media - celebrity endorsements, for example, or highlight of the negative effects of certain synthetic medicines - and increased awareness of the general public, more and more people are opting for natural remedies as an alternative source of pain relief or solution to certain serious ailments.

As a result of the heightened awareness of the risks involved with ingesting laboratory constructed drugs, more and more people are gravitating towards natural pain relief thinking that it is the better option. Unfortunately, many fail to take into account that any drug taken into the body bears risks - whether it is made of wholly natural ingredients or otherwise. Is natural pain relief better and safer, is a question that we must answer while accounting for all risks involved.

Natural pain relief medication is made from certain plants and herbs, which some people might find themselves allergic to. In addition, if you are already on other medication, these natural drugs might counteract your current treatment or even elevate the ailment. So, choosing natural pain relief as a better and safer option might not always be the wisest decision to make.

It is very important to realize that research conducted on herbal remedies is not as extensive as that of western medicine owing to the fact that the variety of herbs that are used for their healing and medicinal properties are far and wide. In addition, some remedies have been used for hundreds of years and have been passed down from generation to generation as successful solutions to natural pain relief. Always ask a physician for the appropriate treatment and prescription with whatever medicine you are intending to take.

Many herbs and natural plant extracts contain properties that are extremely effective for healing different ailments suffered in the body. For example, there are natural remedies for arthritis that contain anti-inflammatory elements to help ease swelling and encourage growth of new cartilage. Other types of herbs have also known to successfully treat and eliminate cancers.

Before you buy into any natural pain relief solutions, it will be wise to bear in mind that some natural remedies are very strong in their effect on the body. Some may contain components that can cause a drastic increase or decrease in blood pressure. Make sure that you take in only what you've been prescribed and find out as much as you can about important side effects so that you don't get caught by surprise.

If you're interested in natural pain relief, alternative medicine aims to tackle the root of the pain and as a consequence, cures the body of its ailment. Fast becoming more and more recognized as a legitimate and effective source of healing, alternative medicine is slowly being given recognition by the western medical profession. Not only will natural medication help you soothe your discomfort, there are also remedies that are extremely effective and not only soothe your body but can help you manage the pain successfully.

If you want to try first-hand the benefits of using natural pain relief remedies, speak to a medical professional to get a proper prescriptions for the treatment of your specific condition. Not only will this be more effective in helping you manage your discomfort but it will also reduce the risk of taking medication that might work against your healing process. So, is natural pain relief better and safer than western mediation? It's now up to you to decide.

About the Author:

Want to find out more about natural pain relief as a remedy to your condition? With relevant and useful information, you will be able to find out if natural pain relief is safer than western medicine on our website.

Quadriceps Tendon Rupture

By Jonathan Blood Smyth

It is not common for the quadriceps tendon to rupture and when it does it mostly presents in those older than 40 years. Certain diseases and previously existing degeneration in the knee extensor apparatus makes this condition more likely to occur. A rupture on one side is the most common occurrence and bilateral ruptures indicate there are very likely to be underlying causative factors. Patellar tendon ruptures are less frequent than ruptures of the quads tendon and present in younger people under 40. It is important to make an early diagnosis of this problem and operate as soon as possible afterward as delay makes the outcomes poorer.

The typical mechanism of injury is for the damage to occur during a rapid contraction of the quadriceps whilst it is lengthening and with the foot on the ground. Falls, direct blows to the knee, cuts and lacerations are all possible causes. Since normal tendons have been shown not to typically rupture and that the quadriceps can rupture after relatively minor trauma, it follows that rupture most likely occurs through an abnormal area in the tendon. Many medical conditions can increase the likelihood of tendon rupture including immobilization, long term steroid use, infections, rheumatological conditions and obesity. Steroid injections in the knee can weaken tendons and rupture can occur secondary to various knee operations.

Rupture of the quadriceps tendon usually occurs through abnormal tissue in the first two centimeters just above the patella. Medical conditions can damage the blood supply to the tendon or alter the structure of the tendon. Diabetes can cause changes in blood vessels and obesity leads to increased tendon forces and degeneration within the tendon by replacement with fatty tissues. In the microscopic examination of ruptured tendons the vast majority were suffering from degenerative changes without inflammatory changes and commonly showing abnormalities of blood vessels and supply. Decreased blood flow leading to poor nutrition and low oxygen levels may be crucial factors in tendon degeneration.

On presentation patients show a loss of the ability to use the knee functionally, swelling in the suprapatellar region and severe knee pain after a traumatic event such as a fall or stumble, or after the knee giving way without falling. There can be a clearly audible pop at the time and the patient may never have complained of knee pain before. Walking will be difficult due to pain and knee instability and a physical exam will show bruising, tenderness and the suprapatellar swelling. On manual examination a tissue gap may be found above the patella and the patella itself may lie rather lower than is normal.

Active extension or straightening of the knee against gravitational force is the important factor to assess in the patient's ability. An extension lag, where the patient cannot completely straighten their knee with their own power, is an indication of a potential rupture. The inability to straighten the knee will vary with the severity of the injury and partial ruptures are more difficult to diagnose. Any delay in assessing and diagnosing the patient is unhelpful and due to the difficulty in diagnosis it is common for this injury to be misdiagnosed with inevitably inappropriate management.

Improvement should occur in the knee swelling and pain with time, with the patient regaining walking ability and some quadriceps function. Walking can be difficult with the knee having the tendency to give way regularly and going up stairs being difficult, the patient hip hitching to bring their leg through in gait and then bracing the knee back to prevent instability. Typical management for complete, acute ruptures is to operate early and surgical repair can be effective also in chronic ruptures. Immobilization in a plaster cast may be used for partial tears, with 3-6 weeks in the cast followed by extensive physiotherapy to regain function.

4-6 weeks in a cylinder plaster in full knee extension is the common management after this operation and weight bearing is usually permitted early with a frame or crutches. After the plaster is taken off then a hinged knee brace can be applied which can be adjusted to limit flexion range which can be gradually increased to allow greater and greater knee bend. Patients are then referred to physiotherapy to work at gradual increases in knee strength and ranges of motion until the knee is rehabilitated close to the function of the other knee.

About the Author:

Jonathan Blood Smyth is the Superintendent of Physiotherapy at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK. He writes articles about back pain, neck pain, and injury management. If you are looking for Physiotherapists in Bournemouth visit his website.

Energy Therapy Healing for Depression: Does It Work?

By Donna Burick

Depression can act as if you were being pulled into a big, black hole with no means of escape. How do I know? I have suffered many years from this crippling disorder. You feel that you are helpless and there is no longer any hope for you. Have I struck a common chord? Modern medicine often reaches for medication for the depressed person in order to stabilize the brain functions. In many cases medication will do more harm than good. In order to seek a better solution, why not look to alternative healing practices, like energy therapy healing, which has been proven an effective treatment for depression.

Energy therapy healing happens to be a group of techniques that work with the energy both in and around the body. Your body is full of energy. Energy not only flows through the body but in and out of the body as well. When this energy flow is disrupted, it can cause spiritual, emotional and physical results. When a person uses energy therapy healing, energy disruptions are cleared and the energy flow is restored.

A major thing that energy flow can influence is your mood. Energy that gets blocked within your body can lead to unhappy feelings and can depress your mood. Your whole mood tends to sink and after a prolonged time period, along with other factors, can lead to depression.

The belief about energy flow and depression is that when energy gets blocked and tends to build up in your body, this can produce emotional side effects. It lowers your mood and therefore, it leads to a depressed state of mind. When the blocked energy is released and the flow returns to normal, the depressed feelings are relieved.

Of course, if you are looking for a quick fix, you will not find it. There is no immediate solution. Immediate results cannot be given with energy therapy healing. This is due to a number of reasons. Your energy did not get blocked all at one time. It happened over a period of time. Only you may know the underlying reason or reasons as to why your energy became blocked. It may take some time to discover what caused the blocking of this energy in the first place. This important piece to the puzzle of life has to be resolved before the therapy can work to its fullest degree.

As I said before, if you are seeking a quick fix, you will not find it in using energy therapy to heal your depression. The results of energy therapy will manifest itself over time. For most people, it may take numerous sessions before results can be seen. Energy therapy is a process, and it is only by consistency that results will become apparent.

Energy therapy alone will not get the job done in helping you eradicate depression. Other more conventional methods will be used such as whole life coaching for your problems. This form of treatment is used to help back up the energy therapy and give you a course of treatment that is well-rounded.

If you use energy therapy healing to work through your problems then you will probably not have to take any medications that can not only cause unwanted side effects but the underlying problem is still there. Therefore, sometimes the medication will not even work. When energy therapy healing is used in conjunction with a more traditional approach, this will give you the well-rounded treatment that you need.

This course of action is very noninvasive and very safe. You should consider this alternative if your health care provider suggests medications. Talk about the alternatives and give it a try. You will see that energy therapy healing will help you get your life back and beat depression for good.

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Energy Therapy Healing is an effective method for overcoming blocks in your life. For real life examples of how it improved the lives of other people click here.