Supporting local sports clubs
Delighted that North Down Physio had the opportunity to sponsor Ards Ladies Hockey 1st XI matchball for their first EYHL2 match of the season.
Final score Ards 1v1 Corinthians šš¼
Well done ladies šš
Awaiting covid test results
What a funny world we are living in at the minute.
Masks, isolations, injections, keeping our distance, swabbing, test results and confusion ā¦.. and the list goes on.
If you are a close contact and double vaccinated, currently the guidance from PHA asks you for a negative PCR on day2, and day8. In between these result days, you are allowed to go about as usual.
Even with our risk assessment and covid questions, unfortunately we have had a few clients who have attended their appointment and subsequently tested positive on day8.
In any other day to day scenario this would be ok, however in the clinic this positive case has implications on our business.
Due to the close contact nature of our service, (touching you, and within 1m for more than 15min), with vulnerable clients in and out, our staff personal circumstances, and due to our sterile clinic environment, this poses a potential risk of introducing covid.
We obviously have strict measures in place to prevent the transmission of covid with staff symptom checks, PPE, covid screens, sanitiser, wipe down procedures throughout the clinic, distancing measures, spray procedures, and professional deep cleans, however we also need you to work with us too.
Therefore, as per our Professional body and clinic guidelines, we would be very grateful that if you are a close contact, non vaccinated or double vaccinated, that you inform us prior to your appointment and we will be happy to reschedule until after your day8 result is negative.
So in short, if you are waiting any results, day2/day8, please contact the clinic to reschedule your appt.
This keeps you and us as safe as we possibly can. Thank you for your understanding and support,
The Team @NorthDownPhysio
How Exercise Affects your Brain
We all know exercising is good for the body. But did you know you might also get a brain boost when you don your sneakers and hit the gym?
Exercise affects the brain on multiple fronts. It increases heart rate, which pumps more oxygen to the brain. It also aids the bodily release of a plethora of hormones, all of which participate in aiding and providing a nourishing environment for the growth of brain cells.
A healthy diet and good hydration also fuels the brain. A diet which emphasizes plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats, such as olive oil are recommended. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and keep a check on the teas, coffees and fizzy drinks.
It is important that you try to get seven to eight consecutive hours of sleep per night. This gives your brain the time to consolidate and store your memories effectively.
Keep your brain mentally active by doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku, reading, playing cards or putting together a jigsaw puzzle.
Remain socially involved. This interaction helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss.
ā¶ļøTips for getting the most out of your exercise
In general, anything that is good for your heart is great for your brain.
š“š¼āāļøAerobic exercise is great for body and brain: not only does it improve brain function, but it also acts as a āfirst aid kitā on damaged brain cells. Eg Running, Pilates, swimming, walking, HIIT class, cycling.
š Exercising in the morning before going to work not only spikes brain activity and prepares you for mental stresses for the rest of the day, but also produces increases retention of new information, and better reaction to complex situations.
š„When looking to change up your workouts, look for an activity that incorporates coordination along with cardiovascular exercise, such as a Pilates, Barre class, Boxer, Zumba dance class.
šš»āāļøIf you like crunching time at the gym alone, opt for a circuit-type workout, which quickly spikes your heart rate, and also constantly redirects your attention.
š¤øš½Hitting a wall or mentally exhausted? Try rebooting with a few jumping jacks, quick feet, squat jumps or hopping as brain stimulation exercises.
š§āāļøNot forgetting the benefits of the slower paced exercises like yoga and tai chi. These help you relax and aid better sleep, give you more energy and brighter moods, help you manage stress and promotes better self care.
Whatever exercise you do; as an individual or team, low intensity or high intensity, socially or eliteā¦. Just enjoy it, have fun, laugh and repeat!
Happy exercising, Happy brain
Youth Sports
Great to see these NorthDownPhysio sponsored sports kits get an airing again!
We first sponsored Ards Mini Rugby and Andrews Memorial PS football team in 2018/19, however, unfortunately due to covid, youth sports and activities have been unable to go ahead.
We are so glad to see things getting back to normal, and see these girls and boys running about, having fun and interacting (and not a phone in sight!!).
Just rememberā¦.Competitive sports aren’t all about the winning. There are so many other hidden benefits to our kidsā¦
ā¢ Health. The health of our children is incredibly important with growing levels of obesity and the temptation to stay indoors greater than ever
ā¢ Respect for the rules
ā¢ Social skills
ā¢ Physical development
ā¢ Confidence
ā¢ Learning to lose
ā¢ Improved well being
ā¢ Improved cognitive function
ā¢ Communication skills
ā¢ Teamwork
ā¢ Having FUN!
Appointment Cancellations
We would like to highlight, with a friendly and polite reminder, our cancellation policy.
We appreciate life is crazy at the moment but we canāt stress enough the importance of letting us know if you can no longer make your scheduled appointment.
Giving us this courtesy will provide us with enough time to possibly fill the space with someone else who may be suffering with pain.
We provide you with a complimentary text message reminder the day before, so the onus is on you to make your appointment.
We sadly do have to enforce a fair cancellation fee to any late cancellations (Ā£25 if within 24hrs) or no shows (full cost of your treatment).
Covid related scenarios are out of your control, and will be excused, of course.
Many thanks for your understanding on this awkward but necessary subject.
NDP Team
Football Physio
Massive Good luck to our Physio Catherine, who is the Physiotherapist for the Northern Irelandās Womenās Under-19s Football.
The ladies will be in action in Womenās U19 Euros 2022 qualifiers today, Saturday, at 2pm in Limerick against England.
The team had a strong performance against Switzerland during the week, however lost 3-1.
Their third and final game is on Tuesday against the tournament hosts, Republic of Ireland.
Also Good luck to the NI Senior Women as they take on England Women in a FIFA Womenās World Cup qualifier at Wembley tonight, Saturday, at 5.15pm broadcast on ITV.
#GAWA #womensfootball
Ā£100 Spend Local Vouchers
Did you manage to apply for yours today?
There are many worthy high street shops needing your support, however you are also welcome to spend it with us at North Down Physio.
Redeem against any physiotherapy or massage treatment.
#shoplocal #spendlocal
Physio and Massage for you
Thankyou to all our suppliers that are supporting us through Covid, supplying us with PPE, Scott Medical Ltd and our cleaning solutions, Crebisol.
We are still working to the strictest of cleaning procedures throughout the clinic, allowing our therapists to do what we love doingā¦ hands on treatment, rehab plans, acupuncture, myofascial release, Sarah Key Method, massage, reformer Pilates and mat Pilates.
Thankyou to all my therapists and reception staff for their relentless cleaning and wiping! Julia š
Happy Birthday!
Happy 12th Birthday North Down Physio! š
Undoubtedly one of the toughest years in running a physio clinic.
Never underestimate the strength of yourself (I am secretly so proud of myself š and I also cringe at this, as I find it difficult to give self praise š¬)
However, itās not all about meā¦. the support of my family, the NDP team, our clients and our service providersā¦. have enabled us to blow out the candles on another year (we didnāt actually blow them out tho š¤£š¬š¦ !)
I will be enjoying a wee glass of prosecco tonight š„ Cheers to many more years of NDP #stilllovemyjob Julia š
Working from home?
Over the last 9 months we have recognised a rise in neck, back and shoulder pain with so many of our clients making the move to working from home.
We frequently hear our clients describe they are ā¢working for 9 hours plus a day
ā¢sitting at an unadjustable kitchen table or basic office desk
ā¢using a stool/kitchen chair or old office chair
ā¢using a laptop or often multiple screens propped at an inappropriate height.
Sound familiar?!
This will lead to stress on your body.
Here are a few tipsā¦
Move often– take time away from your desk to walk about and stretch, or stretch at your desk, regularly.
Keep hydrated– drink plenty of water (about 4 pints a day) keep the number of cups of tea and coffee under check.
Get your blood pumping– Make time for some form of cardiovascular exercise every day eg walking, cycling, running.
Take time out for your mental health- do something you enjoy, meditation, yoga, Pilates.
Breathe– diaphragmatic breathing can restore mind and body health.
Look at your workstation ergonomics– Invest in a good office chair and accessories- you will not regret it.
During Covid restrictions it is difficult to ātest driveā different workstation options, however we have come across a local company that will allow exactly this.
Workshop is based on Oxford Street, Belfast and is open 9.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday by appointment only.
A quick 20 minute visit to their showroom will allow the consultant to talk you through the functions of their operator chairs to find the right one for you (we are all different shapes and sizes) plus introduce you to height adjustable workstations and monitor arms.
Imagine sitting on an ergonomic adjustable chair, adjusting your screen and having the option to sit or stand. Sounds great, and your body will love the change of position.
The Workshop collection varies in price tag, however if you are currently working from home, looking at your desk set up is essential. Consider this an investment in your body. Maybe your work will supplement the cost, especially if this is a long term office move.
At Workshop, all staff adhere to Covid-19 government guidelines. You will be asked to wear a face mask and your details will be logged for track and trace.
If you would like further info please contact Julie on 02890315001 or julie@workshop-ni.co.uk
Check them out @ www.workshop-ni.co.uk
If you know of any other local NI business open for this service, please let us know so we can form a network to advise and direct our clients appropriately.
