With the plans for a new health hub in Leighton Buzzard still in doubt, you may be uncertain about what health services are available to you in the local area if you have pain or injuries.
Our clinics in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard provide a range of services to help local people stay fit and well. If you’re struggling with pain, take a look at the ways we could help you.
Aches and pains?
Back, neck and joint pain are incredibly common. In Central Bedfordshire alone, more than 17% of people report having back pain.
It can be a struggle to find an answer to these musculoskeletal problems (that is, pain arising from the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons). GPs may be able to prescribe painkillers or make a referral for a limited course of physiotherapy. But, beyond that, what health services can help?
The National Institute for Health and Care and Excellence (NICE) recognises the value of manual therapies, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy and acupuncture, as part of effective treatment for many types of musculoskeletal pain.
Osteopaths are experts in dealing with back, neck and joint pain, as well as certain types of headaches, fibromyalgia, digestive problems and sciatica. They are qualified to diagnose your pain. And their treatment considers not just the painful part, but all the factors influencing it. This means treatment is not only effective, but long-lasting.
Exercise is also a great way to manage long-term pain. Supervision by a qualified exercise therapist, such as one of our Pilates instructors, gives you the confidence of knowing that your workout is graded and specific to your needs.
Injuries, strains or sprains?
Maybe you have an injury from exercise or sport, or you’ve had a recent fall or accident. Strains, sprains, and tendinitis (such as tennis or golfer’s elbow) are just a few of the issues we’re able to help with.
We have a range of health services ideally placed to get you on the road to recovery. Our physiotherapists can diagnose your injury and create a rehabilitation plan. Acupuncture provides pain relief and improves function. And our sports massage therapist can improve flexibility and speed healing.
Or why not try our specialist shockwave and EMTT services? Clinically proven to speed up healing even in stubborn cases, shockwave therapy is suitable for tendon and soft tissue injuries. These include foot pain (plantar fasciitis), tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and some types of hip pain (greater trochanteric pain syndrome).
EMTT is a new type of therapy that uses electromagnetic fields to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It’s an evidence-based treatment, and can be combined with other therapies, such as shockwave therapy, for maximum effect.
Recovering from surgery or illness?
If you’ve recently had surgery, or you’re recovering from an illness, you know what a long haul it can be. A targeted course of treatments can get you back on your feet and to full function.
Physiotherapists are skilled at rehabilitation. Take control of your recovery with a co-ordinated plan of mobility and strengthening, designed around your abilities and requirements.
If you’re ready to get exercising again, try some Pilates sessions. You can join a group class in the clinic or via Zoom or take private lessons. We offer mat-based pilates, so there is plenty of scope for progression, whether you’re an expert or a complete beginner.
And we know that sometimes you just need a little self-care. Why not come and enjoy a massage with our expert therapist? Known for its relaxing effects, massage can aid sleep, reduce stress, lift mood, and improve flexibility.
Coping with joint pain or arthritis?
Joint pain is something that many of us see as inevitable as we grow older. But even if you have arthritis, you don’t necessarily have to suffer with pain. It’s about helping your body cope with the changes.
There are several services available here at Woodside Clinic that can benefit joint health and mobility, decrease pain, and improve general function.
Manual therapies, such as physiotherapy and osteopathy, improve joint health through mobilisation. They can also ease swelling, stimulate circulation and support joints through strengthening. And acupuncture is clinically proven to provide pain relief.
We also offer shockwave therapy and EMTT, which target inflammation and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Or why not try APOS therapy? This innovative approach to joint pain, developed by orthopaedic doctors, realigns your body to take the stress off painful joints. Over time, your body adjusts to this new position, so the benefits last after the treatment has ended.
Foot pain or conditions?
If you think that podiatry (also called chiropody) is just for trimming toenails, think again!
Our podiatry service deals with all kinds of foot pain, including heel pain, bunions, arthritis and gout.
We offer biomechanical evaluations to ensure poor foot position doesn’t go on to cause knee, hip and back pain.
We also perform foot health checks for people with diabetes.
Expectant mum?
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time, but there’s no denying it can also come with aches, pains and problems.
We understand that you may wish to avoid painkillers during this period and are instead looking for natural alternatives. Our therapies can help with back ache, pelvic pain, heartburn, breathlessness, neck pain, headaches, wrist pain and swelling.
Our osteopaths and physiotherapists know the complications of pregnancy and can work gently to help you find ease as your bump grows. They can also provide support and advice regarding managing everyday activities such as driving, sleeping and exercise.
And research shows that massage can boost mood, ease anxiety, reduce back pain and aid sleep in expectant mothers.
These ideas are just a sample of the health services we offer. If you want to know whether we can help you, or you’d like more information on any of our therapies, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to advise you.