Thank goodness spring is here! It's been a hard winter for everybody with so much rain. Onward to swims and walks and lots of time outside in the garden. On that note don't forget to treat gardening as you would a sport. It's just as easy to get injured in your backyard as it is exercising. If you follow this advice to avoid injury and try these simple stretches you'll be a much happier gardener. Osteopathic maintenance treatment keeps the muscles softer and joints moving well also.

On a musical note, there are now second hand records for sale in the reception area. I love to collect vinyl and finding them in random places is always fun. Pop in anytime to have a look - even if you don't have an appointment. Just text and let me know you are visiting.

Ok - indulge me. Many of you know I love tennis. It started with my Grandma who took me to her tennis games and introduced me to Wimbledon at ridiculous hours live on the TV. Now we can watch (some) grand slams on TVNZ when we like. For excellent analysis listen to The Tennis Podcast, it's "for anyone that likes tennis, from the occasional enthusiast to the hard-core fan".

So what does this have to do with osteopathy? As I watch the US Open I imagine how much discipline goes into maintenance on a physical, mental and emotional level.

Some tennis players will tape up their mouths to work on nasal breathing. This is part of the Buteyko method which involves exercises to decongest the nose. Better breathing means better performance and recovery. According to Migliaccio et al. (2023, p. 5), "Slow breathing can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure, which can improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance". James Nestor's website, author of Breath, also has some excellent resources.

Osteopathic treatment can release the diaphragm, the surrounding structures are softened and articulated which enables optimal breathing. Did you know that neck pain can be related to dysfunctional breathing? When scalene muscles (secondary breathing muscles) are overloaded, strain and pain is caused in the neck. Taking the load off the scalenes by utilising your diaphragm decreases neck pain. Osteopathic treatment of the scalenes also helps this.

Stanley Tucci got me through winter. An incredibly easy and light read full of the best recipes. Pasta for gardening, pasta for tennis, pasta for Spring. Here's a great spring recipe where courgettes are the main ingredient. Buon appetito!

Spring 2023