Good Health Matters
June 2024
Men’s Matters
The second week in June marks National Men’s Health Week, which aims to raise awareness, promote positive action and drive political change on issues of men’s health and well-being.
This month, then, we focus on male health, taking a look at some of the main concerns. We also introduce shockwave therapy as a major new approach to treating certain male health issues, and we discuss what osteopaths can do to improve male wellness.
Enjoy reading!
Men’s Health Week: A Guide to Key Health Facts
Men’s health doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Whether it’s ignoring symptoms, skipping check-ups or brushing off concerns with an “I’ll deal with it later” mentality, too many men put their well-being on the back burner.
But prioritising health isn’t just about longevity; it’s about living better, feeling stronger and staying at your best. So what are the main health concerns that men face today, and how can they tackle them head-on?
Heart health: a silent threat
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men worldwide. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of exercise all contribute to the risk.
The tricky part? It often develops silently, without obvious symptoms. Regular check-ups, heart-friendly nutrition, and staying active can go a long way in keeping that ticker in top shape.
Top Tips:
- Choose exercise that works for you. Like to socialise? Join a local sports club. Prefer to work out alone? Swim, run or solo gym sessions are the answer. Not a cardio kind of guy? Weight training could be better for your heart than running or cycling, research suggests.
- Pick your fats. Think before you fry – is there a better way to cook your meal? If you are using oils or fats, make healthy choices such as olive or avocado where you can.
- Take up screening offers. If your clinic offers you a men’s health check or screening, go for it. Any problem is better dealt with early, and you might just find out you’re healthier than you think!
Mental matters
There’s a long-standing myth that men should ‘tough it out’ when it comes to mental health – but anxiety, depression and stress don’t discriminate. The pressure to perform, work stress, and social expectations can take a toll.
The good news is that conversations around men’s mental health are opening up, making it easier to seek help. Whether through therapy, mindfulness, or just talking to a trusted friend, tackling mental health head-on is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Top Tips:
- Focus on the changes you can make. Break problems down into bite-size chunks and deal with the elements you can. Even small changes can ease the burden.
- Prioritise exercise, good food and sleep. Looking after the basics puts you in the best position to deal with life’s ups and downs.
- Talk to a trusted friend.A sympathetic ear and a fresh perspective can open up new ways of thinking about your situation.
Don’t ignore pain
Many men shrug off persistent aches and pains, whether it’s back pain, joint stiffness, or discomfort they assume will ‘go away on its own’. But underlying issues like chronic inflammation, musculoskeletal disorders, and nerve sensitivity can worsen without treatment. Shockwave therapy, physical therapy, and mobility exercises are just a few ways men can tackle pain before it takes over.
Top Tips:
- Tackle niggles early. Injuries and problems are easier and quicker to put right in the early stages. Don’t let things build up before seeking help.
- If it’s unusual, get it checked. Everyone has pain from time to time, but if you feel something new and unusual, or pain that persists or worsens, it’s time to check in with your osteopath, physiotherapist or GP.
Prostate and sexual health
From erectile dysfunction to prostate concerns, men’s reproductive health often feels like a taboo topic. But here’s the reality – conditions like prostate enlargement, Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction are incredibly common, especially with age. Routine screenings, lifestyle modifications, and newer treatments like shockwave therapy are helping men take back control of their sexual and urological health.
Top Tips:
- Reach out to a clinician.These days, there are many options for treating male health issues. Many pharmacists can offer specialist advice, or talk to your GP about a referral to a specialist clinic.
- Talk to us. Here at GHC, our combined approach to men’s health can offer rapid results. Call, email or drop in for a chat.
Men’s health is a subject we should all be interested in. Don’t delay – deal with that issue today!
Shockwave Therapy – A Breakthrough For Men’s Health Conditions
Men struggling with conditions like erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, chronic pelvic pain, and coccydynia have largely had few options beyond medication, surgery, or physical therapy. But in recent years, shockwave therapy has emerged as a potential game-changer — offering non-invasive relief for a range of challenging health issues.
A New Option for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men worldwide, often caused by vascular issues, nerve damage, or underlying conditions like diabetes.
Traditionally, treatment has relied on phosphodiesterase inhibitors like Viagra, which improve symptoms but don’t address the root cause.
But low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT), a technology that stimulates blood vessel growth and enhances circulation within penile tissue, offers a new, drug-free, non-invasive solution.
Studies suggest that LISWT reverses some of the damage associated with vascular ED, bringing improved function with no adverse effects. While not a universal solution, this offers a potential route to reducing long-term reliance on medication.
Peyronie’s Disease: Easing the Pain
Peyronie’s disease, a condition that leads to the development of scar tissue — known as ‘plaque’ — under the skin of the penis, causes abnormal shortening and curvature of the penis and leads to erectile dysfunction. It has long been difficult to treat, requiring injections or surgery in severe cases.
Shockwave therapy offers a new alternative. Although it can’t necessarily improve curvature, it has been shown to reduce scar tissue and bring pain relief to those affected
A Solution for Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a frustrating condition, often linked to pelvic floor muscle tension, nerve hypersensitivity, or prostatitis-related inflammation. For men suffering from CPPS, symptoms can be debilitating, impacting urinary function and sexual health, and leaving them in constant discomfort.
Shockwave therapy has shown promise in reducing nerve sensitivity and muscle tension, making it a compelling non-invasive alternative to injections, medication or surgery.
Clinical trials indicate that patients with prostatitis-related CPPS report long-term improvements in pain, urinary symptoms and quality of life following treatment, offering hope for those who struggle with traditional therapies.
Coccydynia: Relief for Tailbone Pain
Coccydynia, or chronic tailbone pain, can turn simple activities like sitting into agony. It’s most often caused by injury such as a fall, although there are other causes – sitting for a long time on a hard surface, for example.
It is commonly treated with pain management techniques, physical therapy interventions, injections, or surgery in severe cases.
Recent studies suggest that shockwave therapy can provide long-term pain relief by increasing blood flow and stimulating tissue regeneration in the affected area.
These studies show that four or more sessions provided many patients with significant symptom reduction.
Shockwave for Men’s Health
We’re proud to announce the arrival of our specialist men’s health service, providing expert shockwave therapy for relief of many male health conditions.
Don’t suffer in silence. We’re here to help. If you have any concerns, get in touch to discuss your options. Or, if you’re ready to book, just hit the button below.
Good Health Centre News 
In an exciting new development for GHC, we’re introducing a specialist focus on treating men. Alongside our radial shockwave treatment, we are one of only two clinics in Leeds to now offer focused shockwave therapy.
This device has a wide range of applications, including major benefits for a variety of men’s health conditions (see above).
And combining this with other treatments, such as osteopathy, that have a focus on male health needs, we can bring high-quality, discreet and rapid relief to men struggling with pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, chronic prostatitis, and more. Get in touch to find out more.
The Wellness Edit
Osteopathy and Men’s Health
Men’s health is often discussed in terms of fitness, nutrition, or stress management, but what if there was a way to optimise the body’s natural balance, improve energy levels and address discomfort at its root?
Osteopathy does just that. By taking a holistic approach, osteopaths recognise that every system in the body is connected – meaning that issues like pain, digestion, stress, and even hormonal shifts don’t exist in isolation.
Here are some of the ways osteopathy can support men in staying strong, active, and resilient:
- The body is an integrated system
Osteopathy goes beyond treating muscular pain – it considers how different body systems interact. For example, spinal health, the autonomic nervous system and diaphragm tension all influence gut function and digestion. When digestion is off, it can impact energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Osteopathic treatment improves spinal mobility, nervous system balance and eases tension, which in turn supports a healthier gut and a more efficient body.
2. Accounting for men’s hormonal changes
Men experience hormonal shifts over time, with testosterone levels naturally declining with age – and it can lead to fatigue, joint stiffness, mood swings and changes in metabolism. Osteopaths take these biological changes into account, creating individualised treatment plans for the stage you are at, aiming to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility. With a focus on nervous system balance, circulatory health, and fluidity and ease of function, osteopathy can help men feel more energised, clear-headed, and physically strong.
3. Boosting mental and physical resilience
Pain and tension aren’t just physical – they impact stress levels, sleep quality, and overall mental health. Whether it’s chronic back pain, tension headaches or stiffness from long hours at a desk, osteopathy helps restore movement, reduce discomfort, and support relaxation. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and improving mobility, osteopathy can also enhance sleep, focus, and stress management, leading to better productivity and improved day-to-day well-being.
Osteopathy isn’t just about treating injuries – it’s about optimising health at every stage of life. By addressing pain, mobility and stress, osteopathy helps men feel stronger, more energised, and ready to take on the challenges of daily life. It’s an effective, natural approach to living well into the long term.
[BOOK YOUR OSTEOPATHY SESSION]
Clinic Opening Times
We offer appointments from 8am to 7pm or 7:30pm on weekdays, except Tuesday when we open late till 9pm. And on Saturdays we’re here from 9am to 4pm. Here is a handy reminder of our opening hours:
| MONDAY | 8am to 7pm |
| TUESDAY | 8am to 9pm |
| WEDNESDAY | 8am to 7pm |
| THURSDAY | 8am to 7:30pm |
| FRIDAY | 8am to 7pm |
| SATURDAY | 9am to 4pm |
| SUNDAY | CLOSED |
Pricing Update
At GHC, we’re committed to providing excellence in what we do. We continually invest in our clinic so we can offer top-quality professional therapies, great service and a pleasant environment. To enable us to continue with this, we will be amending our pricing from July 1st.
We’re confident that this will continue to represent good value to you, our clients, and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support.
Our new pricing is listed below.
| INITIAL APPOINTMENT | SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENT | |
| OSTEOPATHY | ||
| Principal (Ami Sevi) | £180 | £100 |
| Senior | £76 | £70 |
| Associates | £70 | £66 |
| Female Health | £98 | £70 |
| SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
(add-on)* |
+£30 | +£30 |
| MEN’S HEALTH
(Shockwave Package – 6 sessions) |
Free 15-min consultation | £1500 |
| PHYSIOTHERAPY | £70 | £66 |
| ACUPUNCTURE | £75 | £65 |
| MASSAGE | ||
| Remedial/Sports Massage | £75 | £75 |
| Holistic Re-balancing Massage | £75 | £75 |
| Pregnancy Massage | £75 | £75 |
| Swedish Massage | £75 | £75 |
| Indian Head Massage | £75 | £75 |
| REFLEXOLOGY | £75 | £75 |
| REIKI | £75 | £75 |
*Note: Discounts are available when purchasing a package of 4 shockwave appointments.
0 Comments