Laura Turner Osteopathy

Last week I discussed period pains with a patient and thought it may be useful to share some info for anyone who may find it helpful. Feel free to share.

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful menstrual cramps. There are two main types:

Primary Dysmenorrhea:
Painful periods not caused by any underlying pelvic condition
Often starts in the first few years after periods begin
Usually improves by age 30 or after childbirth

Secondary Dysmenorrhea:

Period pain caused by an existing pelvic issue like endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc.

Who Gets It?
Dysmenorrhea is very common, especially among teens and young adults. It's one of the top reasons for missed school/work.

What Causes It?
Primary Dysmenorrhea:

Increased uterine contractions to release blood can temporarily restrict blood flow and oxygen
Overproduction of chemicals like prostaglandins and vasopressin that intensify contractions
Narrow cervix making it difficult to get clots out
Pelvic/back misalignments or tensions affecting the movement of the uterus
Psychological factors like stress lowering pain tolerance

Secondary Dysmenorrhea:

Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, adhesions causing inflammation/scarring
An IUD or other foreign object irritating the uterus
Prior pelvic surgery like C-section, episiotomy leading to scar tissue

Symptoms:

Cramping, spasmodic pelvic pain before/during period
Pain may radiate to lower back/thighs
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue

Managing It:

Rest, heat packs, exercise, having a good posture (or changing position regularly)
Supplements like calcium, magnesium, omega-3s
Avoiding inflammatory foods, caffeine and alcohol
Stretches, massage, pelvic exercises to keep everything moving

For secondary - treating the underlying condition can help alongside manual treatment to support your body in managing any pains and patterns of tension that have built up

Pain medication if needed

Keep a period diary or use an app to log your cycle and heaviness of your flow. This information can be helpful when discussing your pain with a healthcare professional as it helps us to understand what may be causing your pain.

The key ultimately is finding ways to reduce uterine spasms, inflammation and improve pelvic alignment/muscle balance, which is the focus of my osteopathy sessions. So please get in touch if this is affecting you or someone you love, no women should just have to suffer with pain every month!

Hi All,
This one's all about pelvic health, aimed at women but treatment can be helpful for men too! 🙌
I know it's not something we love to talk about, but those "down there" issues like pelvic pain, bladder leaks, and painful periods are WAY more common than you may think. And they can seriously mess with your life if left unchecked.
My latest additional study has been into pelvic health and it feels like it's unlocked another level of connection for me with my body, so I'm keen to help others feel just as great! 😁
First I want to clue you in on some red flag symptoms that mean it's time to check in with you Dr:
🚨 Severe, can't-be-ignored pelvic pain
🚨 Bleeding when you're not on your period
🚨 Burning or blood when you p*e (ouch)
🚨 That awful yo-yo of constipation and diarrhea
🚨 Feeling like something's going to fall out of your va**na
If you're experiencing any of those red flags, your body's telling you "I need help!" Don't ignore it, book yourself in with your GP!
But even if it's not that intense, little nagging pelvic issues can take such a toll on your quality of life. The good news? There are solutions!
As an osteopath here in Exeter, I take a whole-body approach to pelvic health. Because your pelvis doesn't exist in isolation - it's intimately connected to your posture, breathing, movement patterns, and more.
Using a unique combo of manual therapy, tailored exercises, and lifestyle adjustments, I help you reconnect to your pelvis and bring it back into balance. No more feeling like you're trapped in an uncomfortable body!
If you're in the Exeter area and could use some pelvic rebalancing, DM me or book in online! I'm here to support you on your journey to pelvic peace without ANY judgment. Just an open ear and effective holistic solutions.
You deserve to feel grounded, comfortable, and in tune with your pelvis again. Let's make that happen! 💃

If you or someone you know is struggling with Chronic Fatigue (CFS/ME or Long-COVID) check out these self help videos created by Dr Perrin, they're created for people receiving treatment from Perrin technique practitioners like me, but they have also proved useful for anyone that isn't able to access treatment in person.
They're free and very simple to do at home, so please do share with anyone you think may find them helpful.
Feel free to get in touch if you've got any questions or would like to know more about what I do in my clinic.

Self-Help Guide - The Perrin Technique Self-Help Guide Self-help Guide. Welcome to The Perrin Technique™ self-help guide. These at-home techniques are designed to be carried out by patients who are currently receiving treatment from a licensed […]

💆‍♀️ Your wellbeing is my driving force. This is why I've actively participated in meetings since being a student and am now part of the national council for osteopathic research network.

👩‍⚕️ Contributing to research and keeping my knowledge and skills sharp with the latest research ensures you receive the most well-informed and effective care.

🤓 As an osteopath, I'm passionate about continuous learning and dedicated to ethical, evidence-based practices.

🫶 I see every session as an opportunity to empower you with insights that nurture your body's healing abilities using the things I learn, and if I don't know about something I go away and research until I do know!

Any fellow osteopaths that would like to sign up do get in touch and I'll share more info.


osteopathy

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Are you or someone you know living with arthritis? 🦵💫

I'm excited to share valuable insights on managing arthritis in my latest blog post! As an Arthritis Action practitioner, I'm passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their joint health. In the blog, we delve into what arthritis is, who it affects, exercises to alleviate symptoms, dietary tips, and more!

But wait, there's more! 😊 If you sign up to be a member of Arthritis Action, you'll gain access to specialised support and exclusive benefits. Did you know that members can apply for two subsidized treatments per year, receiving £30 off each session? It's just one of the many ways we're committed to helping you thrive despite arthritis challenges.

Curious to learn more? Click the link below to read my blog and discover how you can embrace a life of greater mobility and well-being with Arthritis Action by your side. 💪✨

Navigating Arthritis with Confidence: A Balanced Approach to Joint Health Arthritis is commonly misunderstood. Specialised treatment is available for people living with arthritis in Exeter, discounts available for Arthritis Action members.

Today I wanted to recognise the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
As an Osteopath I help lots of people in my Exeter-based clinic using hands-on treatment.
⭐ A whole-body approach, helping to relieve pain and discomfort so you can feel better.
⭐ Allow additional time if required and don't make any additional charges for the appointments if this is needed.
⭐ Recognise that disabilities are not always apparent and people with disabilities each have unique experiences, perspectives, and opinions about their health and care.

When you visit you will be heard and respected.

If you have any questions please call.
You can book your consultation appointment online via my website 😊
Feel free to share this with anyone that you feel may benefit from this.

If you have any questions about Axial Spondyloarthritis or know someone that is struggling and would benefit from treatment from someone who understands, please get in touch, you can book appointments online, message here or call
www.lauraturnerosteopathy.co.uk

Did you know that an osteopath can help support the management of Axial Spondyloarthritis? Zoë Clark, Senior Self-management Programme Officer at the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) explains the inflammatory arthritis condition and suggests some self-care strategies that can help ease pain.

Find out more here > https://www.iosteopathy.org/health-advice/

I've just had this app recommended by a patient and thought it would be helpful to share.
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety or concentration this app is currently offering 1 year FREE, it has breathwork, sleep sounds, music and daily meditation that may help. There are options to change the voice between male and female and it has lots of 5* reviews.
They say they will let you know when the free year is coming to an end so you can cancel if you no longer need it, however I recommend setting a reminder on a calendar just in case.

Balance: Meditation & Sleep

FETE THIS SATURDAY!
Please keep everything crossed for fine weather on Saturday!
Our Summer Fete and Plant Sale is on from 11am.
Please do come along and support us.

With
Flamingo Paperie Greetings Cards by Elaine
Penrose Petals
Urban Fox Coffee Trike
Gill Designs
And many more!

Our words and thoughts have the power to heal and the power to hinder recovery from pain and illness.

The mind influences the body, for example in states of stress our body reacts so that we can fight or flee, in states of arousal your body isn't resting and digesting, when we relax our body can digest and regulate.
If we say negative things to or about ourselves our brain and body will react to what we're giving it to work with.

If you are recovering from a chronic illness or pain it is worth remembering that your body is healing, it is your best friend, if you could say something to make your best friend feel better what would that be?

Treat your best friend well and it'll work harder to find health and wellbeing. If you are local to Exeter book in for an appointment to show it that you care and take some time to engage in some body-loving, self-care, feel good time.

Balance is important for everyone throughout life.

It can have a big impact if you have a chronic health condition and as you age and the need to reduce the risk of falls increases.

People that visit me, or know people that visit me, will recognise these exercises I'm sure 💪🙂

If you're concerned about your balance or feel like it could be better, try these exercises, you may be surprised how quickly things can improve.
If you live locally visit me in clinic for treatment to support your balance whatever stage you're at.

Hey everyone!

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, I wanted to share some information that might be helpful. Did you know that osteopathy can be an effective treatment for chronic pain?

A review of studies published in the Journal of Pain Research showed that osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce chronic pain in a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and headaches. Other studies have found that osteopathic treatment can improve quality of life and reduce pain medication use in patients with chronic low back pain.

If you're interested in exploring osteopathy as a potential treatment option for your chronic pain, I have created a programme of treatment that you may benefit from. The programme invoves a mind and body approach to pain with an evaluation of your condition and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Learn more by visiting my website, where online bookings are also available.

Chronic pain treatment package Gentle, effective hands-on treatment package for people with long-term chronic pain conditions. Book your appointment online today!

To celebrate International Women's Day, any appointments at Laura Turner Osteopathy made today (for any day in the future) will recieve
a £10 discount ✨
Book online via my website

If you don't already know I also host a women's group on the first Monday of every month. All women are welcome to come along, it's an informal meeting where we drink tea and eat biscuits while having an interesting chat.

Join the group to be notified when events happen in future
https://www.facebook.com/groups/528090412075692/permalink/587267792824620/

The overall theme for this month is the gut-brain connection and mood. Why do we sometimes feel hangry? and what causes that gut feeling we can get about decision making? There will be time and space for everyone to talk or not depending on your preference. There is no pressure, this is an informal chat, the theme simply guides the evenings discussion.

The meeting is at 7pm - 9pm, at the South West Multiple Sclerosis Therapy centre in Clyst Heath. If you haven't attended before the centre is on the right side of the estate, drive through the main gates into the estate and turn right, follow the road around, it is the large building at the end on the right. The centre has ample parking directly outside. We enter through the door on the left of the building as you are looking at it. There is a light that should come on as you walk up to the door.

There is no charge for attending but there is a donation box, any profits made will be donated to the South West MS Therapy Centre.

For anyone that is experiencing symptoms of ME CFS or long covid there is a new app that is free, it aims to help to identify symptom patterns. This could be really useful when working out triggers of the post exertional malaise that is the hallmark identifier of these conditions. While not a cure it can aid pacing understanding which is helpful.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a fatigue related condition do get in touch. I discuss various methods that people find helpful in clinic and am happy to share understanding that suits your needs.

Visible: Long Haulers & ME/CFS - Apps on Google Play

Online bookings are now available at the St David's Osteopathic Clinic via the website.
http://www.sdosteopaths.co.uk/
The clinic is open Monday - Friday.
I am available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

St. David's Osteopathic Clinic - Book appointment Save time and book your appointments online with St. David's Osteopathic Clinic 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do you or anyone that you love experience chronic (lasting more than 3 months) pain of any type? If so, this weeks podcast is an enlightening listen from Dr Chatterjee.
Chronic pain is a subject close to my heart having been poorly managed when I experienced chronic pain. I was told I had degenerative discs and a disc protrusion that would not repair (aged 30) I thought I'd never walk normally again, I can, I do a lot, I am very well!

✨ Emotions and stress activate the same areas of the brain as a traumatic injury.
✨ Chronic pain is very real but does not need a traumatic injury to begin.
✨ Each person with chronic pain needs to be supported on an individual level.
✨ MRIs do not tell us the cause of pain.

I love that I can help people by listening to their history and developing understanding of how their pain can be influenced.

How To Heal Chronic Pain with Dr Howard Schubiner - Dr Rangan Chatterjee Headaches, migraine, back, neck or joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia – they’re just some of the common causes of chronic pain, which is estimated to affect between a third to half of all UK adults, or just under 28 million of us. If you or someone close to you is one of th...

I am enjoying the lovely room that I work in at Exeter St David's Osteopathic Clinic it's on Queen Street, which means that I can walk to work whatever the weather.
We also have the wonderful The Exploding Bakery and Daily Bowl opposite, perfect for a delicious pre or apre appointment treat 😋

A few of the team joined in with the Exeter West Lions’ charity bowling night this evening…some of us were a bit rusty but at least we weren’t last, and helped raise money for lots of local charities, including the MS Centre 😊 Thanks to the Lions for organising another great event, and for the team for having a go! 🎳

My job is so rewarding ✨
I love being able to help people, especially when it means they can get back to focusing on achieving their goals.
If you have any concerns that you would like to discuss get in touch to learn how you can get back to doing the things you love as quickly as possible.

If you experience a good emotion during the day, take a moment to recognise each sense at that time; the sight, the taste, the smell, the feeling. At the end of the day recall those senses to re-access that memory. When things get a bit tough or you feel fed up try to recall the feeling again to boost the happy part of your brain.

It may be that your good feeling happens during treatment, with this method, you can bottle the good feeling and keep it with you at all times, like a little osteopath in your pocket that people wish they had :-)