Pure Health Osteopath Clinic

Osteopaths Weston Super Mare

Our Blog

Unlocking Longevity: The Power of Physical Activity

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In an era where life expectancy is at its peak, the prospect of living well into our 80s and 90s seems like a dream come true. However, the harsh reality often falls short of this ideal. Many individuals find themselves grappling with health issues and a diminished quality of life as they age. From financial strains to physical and emotional burdens on their families, the golden years may not always shine as brightly as anticipated.

Yet, amidst these challenges, there lies a beacon of hope: the transformative power of physical activity. At Pure Health Osteopath Clinic, we recognise the profound impact that regular exercise can have on enhancing longevity and overall well-being. It’s not just about staying fit; it’s about reclaiming control of your health and vitality.

Research has shown that physical activity is a formidable ally in the battle against chronic conditions. From coronary heart disease to stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, exercise has been proven to prevent and manage over 20 common health issues. Moreover, its benefits extend far beyond physical health, encompassing mental well-being and musculoskeletal function.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a fitness enthusiast to reap the rewards. Simple activities like walking, gardening, or engaging in active play can significantly improve your health outcomes. On the flip side, sedentary behavior poses a grave risk, comparable to smoking and obesity. It’s not just about the absence of physical activity; it’s about the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting and low energy expenditure.

By prioritising physical activity, you’re not just investing in your future; you’re safeguarding your present. Even moderate exercise can yield substantial benefits, from reducing the risk of mortality to enhancing overall quality of life. Whether you’re aiming to prevent disease or manage existing conditions, the path to wellness begins with a single step.

Ready to embark on your journey to optimal health? Follow us on FaceBook and keep an eye out for “Live Longer and Stronger” campaign (launching 15th February) where you can access our Gold Standard Physical Activity Recommendations leaflet for tailored exercise advice tailored to your needs. Take charge of your well-being today and unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life.

Setting the Record Straight: Myths and Realities of Osteopathy

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Osteopathy plays a crucial role in many people’s recovery processes. But like many health-related fields, it’s surrounded by myths that can lead to misconceptions. Misunderstandings about Osteopathy can sometimes delay or hinder proper treatment. In this article, we’ll set the record straight on some common myths to help ensure you get the most out of your Osteopathic experience.

Myth 1: “Osteopathy is only for injuries.”

Many think you should only turn to Osteopathy if you’ve suffered an injury. However, limiting it to just this context misses a broader picture of its benefits.

Osteopathy isn’t solely about mending what’s broken. A key aspect is prevention. By attending regular sessions, potential issues can be flagged and tackled early on, reducing the risk of serious problems down the line. Everyday individuals as well as athletes will benefit, experiencing better movement, posture, and less day-to-day discomfort.

Moreover, Osteopathy is a vital tool for those with on-going health issues, like arthritis or chronic back pain. Through tailored exercises and techniques, it aids in alleviating pain and making daily tasks more manageable.

An often-overlooked role of the Osteopath is to educate. By understanding their body and its nuances, patients are better equipped to handle issues themselves, leading to longer-term well-being.

In a nutshell, while injury recovery is a component of Osteopathy, its scope is much wider, promoting better health, prevention, and overall well-being.

Myth 2: “Treatment is painful and makes conditions worse.”

One of the reservations some people have about Osteopathy is the fear of pain. The old saying, “no pain, no gain,” might still sound familiar, but when it comes to Osteopathy, this is a very out-dated belief.

While there might be moments of discomfort during certain treatments, the goal is never to induce pain. In fact, the whole purpose of Osteopathy is to reduce pain and facilitate healing. If something does cause discomfort, it’s a sign that the approach needs adjusting. Osteopaths are trained to recognize these signals and modify treatments accordingly.

It’s also worth noting that any initial discomfort usually stems from the body’s adjustment to new movements or treatments. This doesn’t mean the condition is worsening. On the contrary, these are often signs of progress and the body’s path to recovery.

In short, proper Osteopathy is a healing process. It’s about working with the body, not against it. If there’s discomfort, it’s a prompt for the Osteopath and patient to communicate and make necessary changes, ensuring the most effective and comfortable recovery journey.

Myth 3: “I can use Dr. Google and do my own rehab exercises at home without guidance.”

The internet is full of DIY tutorials for just about everything, including rehab exercises. While it’s good to take charge of your own health, there’s a crucial factor often missed: the expertise of a professional.

Sure, you can find exercises online tailored to specific injuries or ailments, but without a trained eye to guide and correct, it’s easy to make small mistakes. These mistakes, though they might seem minor, can lead to further complications, incorrect healing, or even new injuries.

Osteopaths don’t just instruct on which exercises to do; they provide guidance on how to do them correctly. They monitor progress, adjust techniques when needed, and offer advice tailored to individual needs. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another. Having an Osteopath ensures the therapy is catered to your unique situation.

In essence, while self-management is a positive trait, rehab is one area where professional guidance is invaluable. It’s not just about doing the exercises; it’s about doing them right.

Myth 4: “Osteopathy is just about treatment.”

Some people, when thinking of osteopathy, immediately picture treatments or therapy sessions. But there’s much more to it.

Osteopathy does incorporate hands-on treatment, but it’s not limited to that. It’s a comprehensive approach to healthcare that addresses the root causes of your issues. For instance, manual techniques, where hands-on manipulation helps in relieving pain or improving function, are a staple in many treatment plans.

Additionally, patient education is a massive component. As Osteopaths, we spend time explaining conditions, answering questions, and guiding patients on lifestyle choices that might impact their recovery or general health. This knowledge transfer ensures our patients are informed and can make choices benefiting their long-term health.

Furthermore, depending on the condition or injury, we might employ treatments like heat or cold therapies, acupuncture, or rehabilitation advice.

To sum it up, Osteopathy is a diverse field with a range of techniques to aid in recovery and health. Reducing it to just treatments overlooks the breadth and depth of care it offers.

Myth 5: “Surgery is a quicker and more effective solution.”

We understand the allure of seeking a quick fix. Surgery might seem like a direct approach to addressing an issue, but it’s essential to consider the bigger picture.

Firstly, surgery is not without its risks. While medical advances have made surgeries safer, every surgical procedure carries potential complications. Secondly, surgeries, especially the invasive ones, often come with a lengthy recovery time. And guess what? That recovery frequently involves physical therapy sessions to regain strength, mobility, and function.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There are cases where surgery is the best or even the only option. But there are also numerous instances where Osteopathy can either prevent the need for surgery altogether or significantly improve post-surgical outcomes.

It’s also worth noting that surgery often addresses the symptom – the immediate problem – but not always the cause. Osteopathy looks at the body holistically. We aim to understand the root of the issue and address it, reducing the chances of recurring problems.

So before deciding that surgery is the quickest or most effective route, let’s discuss your options. It’s vital to make an informed choice that considers both immediate and long-term effects.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices in Your Osteopathic Journey

Misconceptions can easily steer anyone off course, especially when it comes to our health. Hopefully by debunking some of these common myths about Osteopathy, we’ve provided you with a clearer understanding of the entire Osteopathic process and its value. If you’re ever in doubt or need clarification on any aspect of your treatment or recovery, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. Either drop into the clinic in Weston Super Mare or give us a call. Your health and wellbeing deserve nothing but the best, most informed care.

Can Osteopaths Open During Lockdown?

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As you know the new national lockdown begins 5th of November, and I am sure you are wondering if you will still be able to continue appointments with your Osteopath during lockdown.

We are pleased to let you know that Pure Health Osteopath Clinic will be staying open during this period, and that any appointments you have with us fall under the catagory of medical appointments. Therefore, you can safely and legally attend appointments with your Osteopath during this second lockdown period. 


You may wonder why we had to close during the last lockdown and now remaining open during this lockdown.

There was no legislation or guidance stating we must close during the first lock down. However, us and many other similar clinics chose to shut our doors anyway. This primarily comes down to two reasons;

1) As COVID-19 is a new virus. There was very limited information on how we could remain practising whilst maintaining the safety of our clinicians and our patients. 

2) There was very short supply of personal protective equipment available to us during the first lock down. 

As our primary concern is the safety of every single one of our patients we decided to temporarily shut our doors. 

Now with guidance in place from the General Osteopathic Council, the Institue of Osteopathy, Public Health England, and the availability of personal protective equipment. We can confidently say that we are taking every measure to reduce the risk of COVID-19 Transmission and feel our clinic is a safe place for our customers to visit. 

Current Measures in Place to Reduce Risk of COVID-19:

  • We will check the temperature of all attendees on arrival of their appointment. 
  • The clinic couch will have minimal wipeable covering on, (we recommend that you bring towel to make this more comfortable). 
  • To minimise cross contamination and improve hygiene, all payments need to be made by cars or bank transfer.
  • To minimise contact and maintain social distancing, patients need to come to appointments alone, unless the patient is a minor in which case one parent or guardian may attend as well. 
  • We advise patients to bring their own face mask or scarf. We can supply masks at additional cost but discourage patients from doing this as protective equipment is in limited supply.
  • We require all patients to use hand sanitiser or to wash their hands pre and post treatment.
  • We recommend that all patients arrive at the time of their appointment and to wait in their car if early. 

In interest of your own safety and hygiene:

  • All practitioners will be wearing face-masks, gloves, aprons and face shields. 
  • All surfaces in the clinic are disinfected between appointments. 
  • The treatment room is aired regularly throughout the day to allow airborne contaminants to clear.

As a clinic we are confident with our measures in place will help minimise possible spread of COVID-19. If you have any additional questions please call for us for more information.

If you would like to book an appoint with an Osteopath in Weston Super Mare during lockdown, then please follow this link to our online booking

Back Pain Treatment in Weston

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Expert Treatment for your Back Pain, in Weston Super Mare

At Pure Health Osteopath Clinic, Weston. Our Osteopaths specialise in back pain treatment and management. We have helped people in Weston Super Mare with back pain, by offering expert examination, treatment and advice. We want to get to the bottom of your back pain and help you lead a pain free life.

Who Gets Low Back Pain?

Back pain effects up to 80% of the population at some point in their lifetime. With peak occurrences of low back pain in those aged between 35-55.

What Causes Back Pain?

Due to the complex anatomy of the spine a number of structures can be responsible for the pain. These include;

  • Tendons – Which attach muscle to bone.
  • Ligaments – Which attach bone to bone and are important in the stability of all joints in the body.
  • Muscles
  • Vertebral discs – These are gel filled discs between each vertebrae in the spine. They allow our spine to move and absorb shock placed through the spine.
  • The nerves exiting the spine – at every joint in between the vertebrae of our spine a nerve exits the spinal cord.
  • The small ‘facet’ joints of the spine – these are small joints (about the size of a finger nail) between the vertebrae that help stabilise our spine and limit certain movements.
  • The pain can sometimes be referred by other structures.

Whatever the cause, low back pain can be very debilitating, affecting even the simplest of tasks like putting on your socks!

How Serious is Back Pain?

This mainly depends on what is causing the pain. Often the pain is caused by a simple structure that can be treated and get you on the road to recovery.

If you feel unwell, unusually tired or have any unexplained weight-loss it is important that you consult your GP about your back pain as these can be signs of more serious conditions. If you are unsure, our Osteopaths are highly trained and capable of identifying more serious problems, Just call.

Treatment for Back Pain in Weston Super Mare

As Osteopaths we look at how the pain arose in the first place and work with you and your body to assist with the healing process.

We want to find the root cause of your back pain and treat it.

The treatment process starts with a case history. This is where we listen to you and find out all about your pain and medical history. We then examine your movement, and carry out necessary clinical tests and orthopedic tests to help identify what is causing the pain. This helps form a diagnosis and a treatment plan that works for you and your back pain.

Our treatments are allways tailored to you, everyone is different and have different preferences. Our treatments typically involve:

  • Soft tissue techniques – to ease tight or sore muscles
  • Mobilisation or manipulation – to restore movement to a restricted joint.
  • Acupuncture – our Osteopaths are trained in medical acupuncture, which is thought to have an effect on neurological pain pathways, to decrease pain experienced.
  • Kinesiology taping – to help support a tender area.
  • Expert Advice – to help you self manage and spot early warning signs of of your back pain returning.

If you have any concerns about your back pain, or would like to find out more, please feel free to contact Pure Health Osteopath Clinic on 01934 752122.

We Have Moved – But not far

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2019 is going to be our best year yet. Yes, we have moved down the road to Worle High Street, Weston Super Mare. See our location page for a map of how to find us.

Whats Changed?

We have taken on a new clinic space, this allows us to offer an even greater experience to you. Fully equipped, separate waiting area, and a great location with great transport links. Take a look at some of our pics of our new clinic.osteopath waiting area weston

How Will this Improve our Service to You?

Whilst our practitioners and their dedication to you will always be of the highest standard, our new clinic has been set up from the start as a clinical space, with all considerations made to meet the clinicians and patients needs. Come take a look for your self, whilst we are a by appointment service, if we are free, we will happily show you around.

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