March 2024 Newsletter

March 1, 2024

Welcome to our March newsletter!

This month we have a great deal for you all and some useful tips and information ! We hope you enjoy reading this month’s newsletter!

Newsletter Discount Offer!

Throughout March, get a £20 discount on an initial assessment or a 50 minute massage from one of our physiotherapists.
Simply mention this offer from the newsletter when scheduling your appointment to enjoy the discount.

Contact us at 0191 285 8701 or email us at reception@physiotherapymatters.co.uk to book your appointment!

Neurodiversity – Dyspraxia

Neurodiversity week commences on the 18th of March. At Physiotherapy Matters, we strive to raise awareness for individuals diagnosed with these conditions.

There are numerous conditions that are categorised under neurodiversity. However, we aim to bring attention to the lesser-known Dyspraxia and explore how physiotherapy can offer assistance.

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder, is a neurological condition that affects coordination and movement. People with dyspraxia may have difficulties with tasks such as tying shoelaces, writing, or participating in sports. However, it’s important to remember that individuals with dyspraxia often have strengths in other areas, such as creativity, problem-solving, and thinking outside the box.
How can physiotherapy help with dyspraxia?
Physiotherapy can be extremely beneficial for individuals with dyspraxia as it can help individual’s improve their strength, coordination and balance of their motor movements. By working with a physiotherapist, treatments may include:

• Engaging in exercises that enhance posture and balance
• Participating in activities that improve coordination to help with participation in sports
• Assisting in enhancing fine motor skills such as handwriting, using utensils, and tying shoelaces
• Developing gross motor skills like walking, standing, and sitting
• Enhancing hand-eye coordination
• Performing exercises to strengthen muscles

With the right support and accommodations, individuals with dyspraxia can thrive and achieve their goals through use of physiotherapy.

Women’s Health

In March, we commemorate women with International Women’s Day and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

It’s a special time to honor and appreciate the incredible women in our lives, from the trailblazers who have paved the way for progress to the everyday heroes who inspire us with their strength and resilience. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the importance of empowering women in all aspects of life.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month sheds light on a disease that affects many women around the world. It’s a time to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, as well as the importance of early detection and support for those facing this challenging diagnosis. By coming together to support and uplift women during this month, we can work towards a future where every woman is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Women’s health physiotherapy (pelvic health physiotherapy) is physiotherapy specialising in women’s health conditions. Women’s health physiotherapy plays an important role in overall health and well-being of women of all ages.

A few key benefits of women’s health physiotherapy are:

• Maintain and improve pelvic health by helping the functioning of pelvic floor muscles.
• Help with pelvic pain management techniques to improve your quality of life.
• Support women in their postpartum recovery to regain strength and function and to get women back to their chosen sport and activities.
• Improve sexual health by addressing the issues and enhance sexual well-being.

Support women with menopause by managing symptoms like urinary urgency, vaginal dryness, and musculoskeletal changes.

Great North Run!

Our accounts manager , Kirsty has laced up her running trainers and decided to take part in this year’s Great North Run ! She will be running the 13.1 miles to support a local charity , Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter. Her training is well under way and we can certainly confirm her dedication.

If you would like to read more about Kirsty’s Great North Run journey and/or sponsor her , Please click on here!

Exercise of the Month

Pilates – Bird/ Dog Movement

The bird dog exercise strengthens your core, hip and back muscles. It improves posture and balance and helps to reduce back pain.
You will need an exercise mat for this exercise.

1. Begin on all fours with your knees under your hips and hands under shoulders.
2. Tighten your core/deep abdominal muscles and maintain a neutral spine.
3. Draw your shoulder blades together.
4. Simultaneously raise your right arm and left leg at the same time, keeping your shoulders and hips parallel to the floor.
5. Lengthen the back of your neck and tuck your chin into your chest to gaze down at the floor.
6. Hold this position for a few seconds, then lower back down to the starting position.
7. Raise your left arm and right leg, holding this position for a few seconds.
8. Return to the starting position.

Pilates is a excellent way to increase flexibility , muscle strength and tone!

We offer Pilate sessions with our Clinical Specialist and Pilates qualified instructor , Kristi !   These classes can be 1:1 or Kristi run’s the small group class on Thursday mornings.

Click here to find out more.