How Does Lady Gaga Cope With Chronic Pain? When celebrities get personal about issues it often casts a spotlight on things that might go unnoticed otherwise. This is what happened when Lady Gaga told the world that she suffers from fibromyalgia.   You may not know about fibromyalgia, and medical professionals have a dearth of knowledge about the syndrome too. What they do know is that it causes long-term pain that can be felt throughout the body. It is a condition that can be extremely debilitating and very difficult to live with.   What Causes Fibromyalgia? Some theories consider the cause of fibromyalgia to be an excess of a specific chemical in the brain. While a different school of thought places the origin in genetics.   Because its symptoms are shared with many other conditions there is currently not even a consensus about whether fibromyalgia is a unique condition in itself. It could be that these pains have their cause in a bunch of other poorly understood complaints. But this is no reason to stop sufferers from looking for ways to relieve the burden.   How is it Treated? As the cause is not known, it is difficult for doctors to treat the syndrome. Current prescriptions range from painkillers and antidepressants, to talking therapies and lifestyle changes. But for some people suffering from Fibromyalgia these remedies are not enough.   How does Lady Gaga Cope with Fibromyalgia? Lady Gaga’s touching openness about her condition has lead to many conversations among her fellow sufferers about how they manage the lives when dealing with fibromyalgia. And Lady Gaga herself was the first to offer some advice on how to cope with the pain.   Lady Gaga has been a fibromyalgia sufferer for several years now and in that time she’s worked out some personal coping mechanisms.   When she’s really suffering, which can be manifested in something severe as body spasms, Lady Gaga uses an infrared sauna.   While that might initially sound like only something a world famous pop star can afford, they actually come in a variety of forms including box-like constructions and electric blankets. There are also many public saunas that can be used for an affordable rate.   When using a sauna Lady Gaga wraps herself in a cheap foil blanket, the kind of thing you see marathon runners getting wrapped in at the finish line.   Afterwards, and here is where you’re going to have be really brave, she finds that a dunk in an ice bath is the ideal follow-up. If you’re not feeling up to the full on splash of an ice bath, you could just run cold water instead or place ice packs...

Why Should You Book an Appointment with Paul? Check out Mary’s response from Dublin as to why she booked with Paul and what pain relief she experienced.   What prompted you to go to Paul? I was in so much pain with my back and sinus, it was affecting my life that I could no longer put up with the pain. Explain what ailments you had and what prompted you to book an appointment with Paul? Persistent upper back and neck pain. Hip problems. Sinus headaches. What did you experience during your treatment? Paul inserted acupuncture needles into my scalp and nose to clear my sinus. I could feel my sinuses clearing and being able to breath clearer through my nose. For my back and neck pain. I could feel warmth and a release of stiffness and pain that i was experiencing. Paul did both Osteopathy and scalp acupuncture on my back and neck area. He also did some Balance acupuncture which I could feel my back starting to unwind. How did you feel after and did you feel any results? After leaving the clinic, I was quite stiff and did relax for a while but within days of getting the work done on my back, I could stretch without pain. And after the acupuncture on my sinus, the pain was gone and I could breath more easily. What do you recommend to someone who is in pain who might be considering booking an appointment with Paul? I have been to Paul for numerous problems over the years and without him, I would not have a normal life. I am now pain free and able to start Pilates again. I would highly recommend Paul, he is gifted at what he does and I would not go anywhere else for...

It can sometimes feel like a real challenge to transition from summer to winter. Wrapping up in big warm coats and boots, raining days and often we are less active due to the bad weather. So what can you do to mind your well-being this winter? I have put together my top tips to make sure you keep your mind and body boosts over the cold, winter months in Ireland.   Colds, Flu’s and Lowered Immunity It tends to be this time of year we experience our first cold or flu which the change of temperature from a warm in doors to outdoors. Then one day its freeing cold outside next the sun is shining and we are hot! Rather than opt for supplements, try to boost your immunity with good hearty food. Dark green leafy vegetables are packed full of nutrients try to choose vegetables that are in season, garlic doesn’t just keep the vampires at bay(!) it also helps keep colds at bay.  Although it is cooler, still try to keep your fluid intake up, especially water. Maybe try some warming herbal teas. Stay Active Being active doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym or a fast-paced spinning class. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car a little further away or getting off the bus a little earlier – all this help burn a few more calories. It keeps your body fluid and your joint moving. Hibernation is Only For Bears Although we feel like we just need to hide away and hibernate in the winter minds, it is not good for our mental well-being. We can keep active by doing some simple exercises but we also need company and to be around good people. Make sure you schedule in your diary for a get together even if it’s just a coffee date – have a giggle and enjoy other people’s company away from the comfort of your sofa and fire. Acupuncture If you feel you need a little boost or that you are in pain why not book a session or two of acupuncture. This natural Chinese medicine is amazing for balancing the body, release pain and stiffness. I have experienced amazing results with my clients well-being after just one session.   So whatever you do this winter, make sure you look after your physical and mental well-being. I am here to answer any questions you have and if you feel you need to make an appointment with me feel free to drop me a line here or call...

I meet and successfully treat many joggers & runners who suffer from different injuries through over use and repetitive strain. But I do urge those who are looking to take up running as a hobby that ‘jogging’ is the better way to go. Here are my top tips why: Preconceptions can hold you back. For instance, what are your thoughts on jogging? Hard work? Tiring? Futile? Miles and miles of dull pavement pounding purgatory? These misconceptions couldn’t be further from the truth. Need more convincing? Read on. Gym, Jog or Sofa? Everyone wants to be more healthy. And this becomes all the more pressing the older we get. But it’s a difficult task. When it comes to working out how to work out signing up for a gym membership isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Similarly riding a bike means buying a bike, and then a helmet and a pump and lights and… Isn’t there anything that’s easy to get into and doesn’t mean standing next to Adonis-like twenty somethings admiring their youth in a floor to ceiling mirror? Goodness, yes. Jogging. Not walking but jogging. Not running but jogging. These are important distinctions. The more walking you can fit into your day the better, but it doesn’t really get the heart pumping. Running will fashion your body into the likeness of a primeval hunter, but that’s not necessary when the corner shop’s open till eleven. Jogging meanwhile gets your blood flowing but it isn’t going to alienate you from the first step. Think of it as enhanced walking and half the battle is won. While walking has it’s benefits, it’s undaunting and low impact, exchanging a walk for a jog can give your body so much more. Exercise is always vital but it becomes critical when your future independence relies on it. For the over 50s, keeping healthy is not just about looking good it’s about making sure you’re fit enough to look after yourself. Benefits you’ll get from jogging include: – increased overall fitness; – improved bone density (which keeps your body strong and reduces risk of injury); – improved cholesterol levels; – reduced inflammation; – enhanced mood. The Sensible Jogger Doesn’t that sound like a reassuring phrase? You don’t have to be a marathon runner to get these benefits. Start by jogging for just ten minutes. Don’t push yourself beyond what you’re comfortable with. Every little bit of activity will see the benefits coming at you immediately. And that means you’ll really feel them. Your mood can be lifted not only because of the physical effects but through a sense of achievement. In fact, starting out steadily is something your body will thank you for. If it’s...

How Do You Treat a Pulled Muscle? Everyone’s injured a muscle at least once in their life. Stretching for that ball you couldn’t reach, amusing the kids with amateur acrobatics, sleeping at a funny angle, sneezing too hard. Some pulled muscles, such as neck cricks, are just uncomfy; while some, like lower back injuries, debilitate your natural movement for days. Pulled muscles are usually caused by a sudden movement that the muscle was unprepared for. This is why sports people go through a warm-up before they play; it helps to prepare the muscle. When you do pull a muscle you might experience an initial sharp pain followed by soreness, bruising and stiffness, accompanied by inhibited movement and even muscle spasms. These are a few of the symptoms that frustrate and cause discomfort if not treated. So, how do you stop the pain?   What do you do when you pull a muscle? Is it heat or ice? Is it rest or movement? Is it bad enough for a physio or should I treat it myself? You should start by assessing its severity. If it feels particularly bad then consult a professional. It’s important not to underestimate pulled muscles; if you can’t walk or if you can’t move your neck at all, you should see a physiotherapist as soon as possible. For pulled muscles that are less severe, where you can still make some movements, it’s possible to administer treatment to yourself in order to diminish the symptoms. The method of treatment is known as RICE. It should be undertaken within the first 24 hours after the pull. The letters stand for the following actions: R – Rest I – Ice C – Compression E – Elevation   Rest The first and, perhaps worst, mistake anyone makes when they pull a muscle, especially when playing sport, is to keep doing whatever you’re doing and not stop. A pulled muscle needs rest. If you keep using your muscle excessively you will only make the injury worse. And the other letters might not work so well for you. Ice That elemental question, fire or ice? Well, for starters the answer is ice. And the quicker the better. A bag of peas is a favourite but anything sufficiently cold will do. Wrap it in a tea towel, or some other fabric, to avoid an ice burn to the skin and hold it over the strain at 20 minute intervals. 20 mins on. 20 min off. Do this 3 times. This will act as an analgesic, relieving some of the pain, but the main purpose is to reduce swelling.   Compression Compression is about support of the muscle. When you’ve finished applying the ice,...