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Self-Acupressure

Post 2/3


Where has the last 6 weeks of lockdown gone to??!!

Our lives have changed, and we are continuing to adapt to the “new norm”.

The weeks to come will bring more change and different normals, and then more change, however, hopefully all for the better.

Our bodies and minds are going through these changes with our environment, however, we are so programmed to do the same thing for so long, are bodies are a bit slower to adapt.

This can lead to mental and physical micro traumas, that present in upset sleep, pain onset, anxiousness, stress, feeling overwhelmed, overthinking and many more.

We are lucky at NDP to have Chartered Physiotherapists who specialise in Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture, Myofascial Release (MFR), Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and a few things considered amazingly alternative.

If you are into this alternative, or want to try something new, here are a few ideas to get the most from your (1) breathing, (2) self-acupressure, and (3) energy holds, especially in this virus stricken world.
I have explained these over 3 separate posts so keep watching!

stayathome #staysafe

(2) Self-Acupressure

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
From a review of literature by the TCM Academy, Acupuncture has been shown to play a role in stimulating the immune response, fighting viruses, and protecting the person with a virus.
It helps to produce anti bodies and destroy cells that cause illness.
It stimulates important processes to help the body’s resistance to infections.
It plays an important role in inducing and modulating the immune response.
The most frequently used points are Sp6, St36 and Li4

• Heat these points with tiger balm.
• or use the blunt end of a teaspoon to press the point for up to 3 minutes.
• Do both right and left.
• Daily if possible.

Inhale and Exhale

Post 1/3

Where has the last 6 weeks of lockdown gone to??!!

Our lives have changed, and we are continuing to adapt to the “new norm”.

The weeks to come will bring more change and different normals, and then more change, however, hopefully all for the better.

Our bodies and minds are going through these changes with our environment, however, we are so programmed to do the same thing for so long, are bodies are a bit slower to adapt.

This can lead to mental and physical micro traumas, that present in upset sleep, pain onset, anxiousness, stress, feeling overwhelmed, overthinking and many more.

We are lucky at NDP to have Chartered Physiotherapists who specialise in Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture, Myofascial Release (MFR), Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and a few things considered amazingly alternative.

If you are into this alternative, or want to try something new, here are a few ideas to get the most from your (1) breathing, (2) self-acupressure, and (3) energy holds, especially in this virus stricken world.

I have explained these over 3 separate posts so keep watching!

#stayathome #staysafe

(1) BREATHING

The breath is an incredibly powerful way to restore health to the body. The healing power of the breath has been studied and researched since ancient times.

Breathing affects the brain by regulating the nervous system.

Fear and stress are known to

• alter the immune response,
• upset the sleep/wake cycle
• and contribute to anxiety, mood swings and phobias.

Breathing slowly, into the belly activates the parasympathetic nervous system which calms and recharges us.

Coherent conscious breathing can help to regulate the nervous system.

• Waken/warm up the body with shaking movements and tapping/clapping the limbs and chest wall

• Check into what the body is feeling and acknowledge what you feel

• Sit spine straight or lie comfortably on your back

• Breathe in for a count of six, breathe out for a count of six

• Keep shoulders face, neck, jaw, arms and legs soft and relaxed

• Repeat for up to 20 mins.

Staying at home Pilates

Hello lovely Pilates people!

We are just wanting to remind you of our Pilates while Staying at home!

We are lucky to have 3 Pilates Instructors, Laura, Cat and Susan (also Paw Print Pilates) all working from their homes to bring you different viewing options and times for your convenience.

First up are Laura’s classes live on Zoom

Mon 7:30-8:15pm
Tues 7:30-8:15pm
Thurs 7:30-8:15pm

Simply email northdownphysio.studio@gmail.com and Laura will reply with the zoom link, meeting ID and password. (It sounds more difficult than it is to set up Zoom, if you haven’t already. However we do have other options other than Zoom.)

We are not charging for the classes, however there is an optional payment link for Laura’s classes. Thankyou to everyone who has already shown support with attendances and donations 😊

So basically pop the classes in your calendar with a reminder, follow your Zoom link each time and Laura will be waiting for you 😊

P.S. Please feel free to pass this info on to anyone you think might be interested.

P.P.S Cat will be starting some lunchtime cardio/toning classes soon so if anyone wants info for those watch this space or email northdownphysio.studio@gmail.com

NDP together again!

Lovely evening online quizzing with the NDP family!
Miss these folk everyday 🌈 and so nice to see everyone again 😊
I’ll have to brush up on my knowledge for the next quiz night (I believe we came 11th! 🙈) there are a few smarty pants about!!
Well done everyone, great question rounds 👏🏼

Hip Flexibility exercises

Episode 5 Hip Flexibility exercises

The latest in our series of rehab exercises.

You don’t need a lot of space or equipment, so perfect while in lock down!

For all other episodes, download our North Down Physio App and click on News/Videos or check out our YouTube Channel.

Remember, we are still on the end of a phone if you require any advice 😊 02890 425517

staysafe 🌈

Happy Easter

We hope you have a Happy and Safe Easter 2020.

We got a little Ulster Rugby creative this morning!!

#stayathome 🐣🏉😁🌈

Good Morning!

This is a throw back to what a normal “Monday morning” used to look like. I do miss this 😕

It’s been two weeks since we redirected our working habits into our homes.

The support from our clients, and wider, has been overwhelming, THANK-YOU 🙏🏻

As a small business it is humbling to know that we have such kind and loyal clients (most of whom are now friends!!)

Can I just take this opportunity to thank our Physiotherapy colleagues who are on the NHS frontline, supporting the nurses, doctors and many other professionals.

Respiratory Physios never really get much press. They are going unrecognised for their experience and essential skills in the fight against this virus.

I have many physio friends who are absolute frontline, and others upskilling back into the NHS, so this is a big THANK-YOU to YOU 👏🏼 Please be careful and stay safe 💗

staysafe 🌈

Clinic update and stretch while you cuppa!

Find out what‘s going on at NDP during the Lock-in period and watch this great video for a perfect routine of stretching “while you wait for the kettle to boil”….. Here is the link to North Down Physio YouTube channel

Great for anyone finding themselves less active, sitting home schooling or working from home.

Take a break and stretch!

Stay safe 🌈

Running Advice!!

It’s great that the government has issued guidelines to allow us ‘a daily run outside’, however if you don’t normally run, this does not mean you have to start running!!

I appreciate we are all looking to keep healthy and fit, and use this opportunity to change our lifestyles, however please ask your self “is running for me?”

If you are a regular runner, don’t stop, keep er lit and keep running! The adrenaline, the rush, the outside, the fresh air is your fuel and sanity.

If you are not a regular runner, now may not be the time to start. Running can put a lot of stress on joints, muscles, backs and old injuries, and more than likely you will end up injured.

As a private physio, we treat these type of injuries every day, however in this current climate, we are recommended to treat Emergencies only. Unfortunately for you, your running injury is not an emergency. This puts you at risk of pain and missing out on other exercise activities.

However…If you would like to take this opportunity to start running, please follow a graduated running program like Couch to 5k (C25K)

https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/beginners/a772727/how-to-start-running-today/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/

Or there are many other plans out there too.

Some guidelines for starting exercise:

✓ Start slowly, short time, low weights/resistance, walk/run ratio

✓ Mix things up with cross training, eg Pilates, yoga, run, walk, online exercise program, cycle

✓ Wear suitable trainers with a good sole and arch support (not fashion trainers)

✓ Give yourself alternate rest days in the beginning to recover and see how your body reacts to the new movements

✓ Listen to your body, if you are sore maybe have a rest day

✓ Get plenty of sleep

✓ Keep hydrated by drinking water

✓ Warm up and cool down

✓ Foam roll to loosen and massage muscles. Here are links to some NDP videos you will find useful

I would advise against running every day. 3/4 times a week is perfect, with alternative exercises on other days

The same advice applies to new online exercise programs…. this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Feel free to get core and glut strength by following our NDP videos on you tube. Links below…

Plank variations

Glut rehab

The idea behind this post is to keep you injury free while trying new and exciting exercises.

It is amazing to see so many people coming together with exercise, so all in moderation.

#stayhealthy #keepfit #allinmoderation #listentoyourbody

Running Advice!!

It’s great that the government has issued guidelines to allow us ‘a daily run outside’, however if you don’t normally run, this does not mean you have to start running!!

I appreciate we are all looking to keep healthy and fit, and use this opportunity to change our lifestyles, however please ask your self “is running for me?”

If you are a regular runner, don’t stop, keep er lit and keep running! The adrenaline, the rush, the outside, the fresh air is your fuel and sanity.

If you are not a regular runner, now may not be the time to start. Running can put a lot of stress on joints, muscles, backs and old injuries, and more than likely you will end up injured.

As a private physio, we treat these type of injuries every day, however in this current climate, we are recommended to treat Emergencies only. Unfortunately for you, your running injury is not an emergency. This puts you at risk of pain and missing out on other exercise activities.

However…If you would like to take this opportunity to start running, please follow a graduated running program like Couch to 5k (C25K)

https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/beginners/a772727/how-to-start-running-today/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/

Or there are many other plans out there too.

Some guidelines for starting exercise:

✓ Start slowly, short time, low weights/resistance, walk/run ratio

✓ Mix things up with cross training, eg Pilates, yoga, run, walk, online exercise program, cycle

✓ Wear suitable trainers with a good sole and arch support (not fashion trainers)

✓ Give yourself alternate rest days in the beginning to recover and see how your body reacts to the new movements

✓ Listen to your body, if you are sore maybe have a rest day

✓ Get plenty of sleep

✓ Keep hydrated by drinking water

✓ Warm up and cool down

✓ Foam roll to loosen and massage muscles. Here are links to some NDP videos you will find useful

I would advise against running every day. 3/4 times a week is perfect, with alternative exercises on other days

The same advice applies to new online exercise programs…. this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Feel free to get core and glut strength by following our NDP videos on you tube. Links below…

Plank variations

Glut rehab

The idea behind this post is to keep you injury free while trying new and exciting exercises.

It is amazing to see so many people coming together with exercise, so all in moderation.

#stayhealthy #keepfit #allinmoderation #listentoyourbody