Totally Tranquil Blog

Its been some time since i last wrote anything on here. Lots has happened in that time. So there will be a new look blog series starting from tomorrow, meanwhile here’s a summary of what’s been happening at TT!

We found a new premises in Roker. It was refurbished Oct 2012- Jan 2013. We had an open day Sat 19th Jan, great turn out. We got a new receptionist in Jan. Our New premises is 37 Mere Knolls Road, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 9LG, tel 0191 5483388. we now have two rooms, waiting area, reception, stock for sale. We have visiting complementary therapists who provide facials, reflexology, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Bach Flower Remedies, Life Coaching and Chiropody. Danielle went off on maternity leave 4 weeks ago and 2 weeks ago had a bouncing baby boy, Brodie. Sian the receptionist is leaving in two days time to head off Magaluf for the summer, new receptionist starts in the next couple of weeks. This weekend we are attending Feel Good Sunderland- A health, Fitness, well being and beauty event happening in Sunderland. Sat 27th April 10-4pm. A full blog on this tomorrow

Calling mammies-to-be!! Pregnancy Massage Special Offer now extended until 30th Sept 2012!!

We thought we would give a little treat to all those yummy mummies-to-be out there in the area.
We are offering through August and September * a special offer on Pregnancy Massage. We had to extend it as we couldnt fit you all in!!

*Receive a 60 minute Specialist Pregnancy Massage for only £25, normally £40. You will also receive a complimentary bottle of blended oils, suitable for you to use on you skin at home*

Pregnancy massage at Totally Tranquil is tailored specifically for each mum-to-be, ensuring the woman’s shape and size are catered for, extra pillows and support where needed are used, the pressure of the massage and the oil itself  are all adapted especially.
It is suitable to have pregnancy massage from 14 weeks/ start of your second trimester. We do require permission from your midwife prior to the appointment.
Call us for more information and to book in, on 0191 5652695.

* Valid until 30th September 2012

Not vaild with any other offers or promotions.

We were fortunate enough on Friday 27th July to visit Nuffield Hospital, Stockton as guests of Mr Krishna, Spinal Surgeon.

As Physios, we regularly see people who suffer from back pain. Their pain may originate from spinal joints , discs, ligaments or muscles and often a combination of these structures. When these structures get irritated, as a result of injury, poor posture (to name a few) they produce inflammatory chemicals, which our body/ brain and nerve endings are sensitive too, and often this is when we start to feel pain.

Sometimes the spinal nerves can also be irritated. This can be either as a result of direct pressure from a bulging disc or indirectly from swelling in the surrounding area. When the nerves in the lower back (lumbar spine) are irritated we often feel pain, pins and needles and numbness down into the leg and foot (often called sciatica).

Many of these problems in the spine can be helped by Physiotherapy, using a combination of manual techniques such as joint mobilisations, soft tissue massage, nerve mobilisation, acupuncture as well as giving our patients home exercises to do on a regular basis.

Sometimes Physiotherapy may not get the results we expect, or that our patient desires. In this instance we would refer on for further investigation and second opinion. This will often be to a spinal consultant, who will normally assess the patient in their clinic as well as ask for MRI and X-Rays to be carried out in order to have a closer look inside the body.

At this stage there are a number of options discussed with the patient, depending on their diagnosis. For example, joint injections, nerve block, discectomy or spinal fusions to name a few.

Cue our invitation to Mr Krishna to observe these procedures taking place.

One so we can see exactly what happens in that theatre, to let our patients know, and two for our own educational reasons.

It was a full list for Mr Krishna and a truely a fascinating experience for us. We were in clinic 8am-5pm and observed 3 PLIFs (posterior lumbar Interbody Fusions), spinal facet joint injections, a nerve block and a therapeutic epidural. We were then able to accompany Mr Krishna on his ward round afterwards to see how these patients were recovering post-op.

It was a great opportunity for us to literally look inside the body and spine and see exactly what it looks like ‘in the flesh’ as well as see the problem areas, such as a bulging painful disc, which i can only describe after it had been removed as looking and feeling like grissle!! Grim i know, but the relief of having these problem pain causing structures removed from their body was evident to see and hear. One patient descibed no leg pain after their operation, after suffering a constant leg pain for at least 3 months!!!

There are some magnificent things that can be done these days for back and neck pain, and gone are the days where it is acceptable and common practice to be told ‘its wear and tear’ or you just have to live with it’. This is not the case!!!

Please, if you are unsure about you spinal problem, contact us for Physiotherapy in Sunderland on 0191 5652695 or visit www.totallytranquil.co.uk/physio.html . Alternatively if you would like more information on the procedures mentioned in this blog or would like a surgical/consultant opinion visit www.spinalsurgeon.com There are options available to you!!

We would just like to thank Mr Krishna and his team of assistants, scrub nurses and his secretaries for a wonderful opportunity and for looking after us for the day!!

Lindsey and Danielle