Good Health Matters
September 2025
Thriving Into Autumn
We hope you’re enjoying the tail end of summer and taking time to care for both your body and mind. In this edition, we’re shining a spotlight on stress in children, talking about toilet problems, and offering practical tips to prevent and manage neck pain – something we know many of you deal with daily.
Enjoy reading!
Back To School – Supporting Your Children
Just like adults, children can experience stress – from school pressures to changes in routine. Unlike adults, though, they may not always have the words to express what they’re feeling. Here are some gentle strategies to help your child cope:
Encourage movement: Activities like yoga, swimming, or simply playing outdoors help release pent-up energy and reduce cortisol levels.
Make time for creativity: Drawing, music or storytelling allows children to process emotions in a safe and expressive way.
Listen without jumping in: Sometimes the most helpful thing is simply being present and giving them the space to talk.
If your child experiences physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches during stressful times, it might be worth checking in with us. Physical tension and emotional stress can be interlinked and treating the physical discomfort can interrupt the cycle of pain and stress.
Looscrolling: Why You Should Leave Your Phone Outside the Bathroom
If you take your phone into the bathroom so you can read the news, scroll the socials or check your emails, you may be ‘piling’ on the risk of developing haemorrhoids (pun intended!).
While pregnancy, constipation and straining have long been considered risks for developing piles, a new study found that time spent on the loo was the greatest factor.
And that was consistently longer for people who use their smartphones while there!
As osteopaths, we understand how pressure imbalances and strain can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. The key is to help the body manage internal pressure and ensure the pelvic floor muscles have both the strength and flexibility to cope.
Common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Stress incontinence
- Pelvic or lower back pain
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic prolapse
- Haemorrhoids
When assessing a patient, we look at the entire system. This includes evaluating the pelvic floor muscles and diaphragm, and mobility in the ribs, spine and hips.
We also examine how a patient uses these structures, as inappropriate bracing or breath-holding can increase internal pressure and worsen existing problems.
And, yes, we may ask about your loo habits! A few changes there could make all the difference.
You don’t have to put up with pelvic pain and symptoms. Help is at hand – find out more below.
Good Health Centre News
As some of you may know, osteopath Emily and her partner Erik celebrated their wedding last month in Lithuania.
Please join us in offering them both warm congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life together!
The Wellness Edit
Dealing with Neck Pain
Neck pain is one of the most common complaints we see – often linked to posture, stress, or screen use. Here’s how to help your neck feel better every day:
Watch your tech neck: Hold screens at eye level and avoid slouching forward for prolonged periods.
Sleep smart: Use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
Gentle mobility routine:
- Neck rolls (slow and small)
- Shoulder blade squeezes – draw your shoulder blades back and down towards your spine
- Chin tucks (draw chin inward, not down – as if sliding your chin backwards off a shelf)
Doing these daily can keep your neck happy and mobile. If pain persists, we’re here to help assess and treat the root cause.
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 |
