The Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (EWST) involves the delivery of high-frequency shock waves to the injured tendon to stimulate healing. It can be a useful treatment for chronic tendon conditions that have not responded to other treatments.

Effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is highly effective when it comes to chronic tendon and musculoskeletal injuries. Providing mobility restoration and fast pain relief, this multidisciplinary treatment is used in sports medicine, physiotherapy, urology and orthopedics. 

To provide speedy recovery from the pain, shockwave therapy increases the inflammation in the affected area while also increasing the blood flow to it. It also helps in breaking down fibrous scar tissues, which may have built up over time due to chronic conditions. Thus, this treatment promotes tissue healing by stimulating cell regeneration, which ultimately helps in decreasing the pain.

Conditions Treated by Shockwave Therapy

• Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
• Achilles Tendinitis (Heel Pain)
• Patellar tendinopathy (Knee)
• Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
• Plantar Fasciitis (Medial Arch Pain)
• Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
• Calcific Tendonitis
• Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Lateral Hip Pain)

What does treatment involve?

Typical treatment involves 2-5 sessions of EWST at weekly intervals. The probe is placed over the injured tendon and shock waves are generated to stimulate tendon healing. Each treatment session takes 5-10 minutes to perform.

Shockwave therapy treatment is highly recommended for sportspersons who have failed to recover from injuries through the first-line treatments (ice, rest, bracing, therapeutic exercise, orthotics, among others) and those who do not want to go for surgical options. For instance, a track athlete, who is experiencing a jumper’s knee and is unable to practice, can choose shockwave therapy if he/she doesn’t want to undergo surgical methods.

Advantages of Shockwave therapy are

• Non invasive/non surgical
• No medication involved
• No anesthesia required
• No surgery
• Minimal side effects – (transient redness, small bruise, transient increase in pain)
• Fast treatment – 30 minutes per session, 3 to 4 sessions required 1 week apart.
• Facilitates immediate reduction in pain.
• Significant clinical benefit often seen 6 to 8 weeks after treatment.

Side Effects and Recommendations

There are almost no side effects to EWST. Many patients find they experience mild pain or discomfort during treatment usually subsides quickly after treatment. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours after treatment.

Should you require additional information or would like to make an appointment with our Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Ishrat Khan OR Physical Therapist and Shockwave Therapy Specialist ,  Anil Daniel, please call us or e-mail us at info@westminsterclinic.ae

Reference:

• oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
• Hopkinsmedicine.org
• yourphysio.org.uk
• Lin TC, Lin CY, Chou CL, Chiu CM.Phys Ther Sport. 2012 Aug;13(3):189-92. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2011.08.002. Epub 2011 Sep 15.
• Rasmussen S, Christensen M, Mathiesen I, Simonson O.Acta Orthop. 2008 Apr;79(2):249-56. doi: 10.1080/17453670710015058.
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: an update. Auersperg V, Trieb K.EFORT Open Rev. 2020 Oct 26;5(10):584-592. doi: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190067. eCollection 2020 Oct.

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

Ayurvedic massage combines the 5,000-year-old Indian principles of Ayurveda “the science of life” and pressure points. This type of massage is designed to create balance among the mind, body, and spirit, and help the body heal itself.

Ayurvedic massage is a customized treatment incorporating essential oils, typically herbal-infused, with time-honored and non-traditional strokes and kneading that suit each individual’s needs. The main focus of this Ayurvedic massage treatment is to balance out doshas within your body to achieve spiritual fulfilment and relaxation. It also helps to improve lymphatic drainage, release muscle tension and nourish the skin.

During an Ayurvedic massage, organic oil blends are infused with Ayurvedic herbs and heated to promote relaxation and detoxification. The oils are chosen to balance a person’s dominant dosha. At the right temperature, these oils enter the body through the skin and pores, bind to the ama (toxins), and are released to detoxify the body.

Types of Ayurvedic Massage

1. Abhyangam

One of the most traditional Ayurvedic treatments, abhyanga uses friction-based strokes and warm dosha-specific oils. This therapeutic massage focuses on maximum penetration of herbal oils/herbal extracts and release of muscular tension.

Benefits of Abhyangam are:

• Reduces stress thus Balances body, mind, and spirit
• Lovers the blood pressure
• Increases the blood circulation
• Lubricates the joints
• Relieves muscular pain
• Improves sleep
• Improves skin skin health by increasing skin blood flow, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, cellulite, and scars, improving skin smoothness and softness and decreasing hyperpigmentation.
• Reduces the muscle stiffness and Strengthens the muscles.
• Promotes lymphatic drainage

Other benefits Include:

• improving vision
• increasing energy and alertness
• increasing physical strength
• delaying aging process and related physical symptoms.

2. Pizhichil

This therapy is for relaxation, soothing, and rejuvenating with medicated warm oil used in a continuous stream for a definite period for the whole body. Warm medicated oil is used for this therapy from a piece of cloth that is periodically dipped in the pot containing the oil.

Pizhichil is recommended for diseases like:

• Degenerative diseases that affect muscles
• Arthritis
• Aging
• Hemiplegic treatment
• General physical weakness
• High Blood Pressure
• scales and wrinkles
• To Promote the healing of fractures

3. Marma

Marma points are vital life or energy points among the body, mind, and emotions. During a marma massage, dosha-specific essential oils are combined with a light, circular touch to stimulate these energy points. Marma massage awakens the body’s inner healing system, manipulates subtle energy or prana, relieves stiff muscles, and boosts circulation.

4. Mukhalepam

Mukhalepam is Special herbal facial therapy used for various skin benefits:

• Treatment for Anti ageing facial anti wrinkles
• treatment Skin Complexion
• treatment for Pigmentation
• Acne and Scar treatment
• Facial hair removal treatment

5. Udvarthanam

Udvarthanam therapy is a stimulating massage therapy using special herbal powder to reduce:

• Cellulite accumulations
• Improve circulation and enhance your skin’s texture and appearance.
• Promote weight loss

The licensed therapist thoroughly exfoliates the body using a powerful mixture of Ayurvedic powders which will break up fatty deposits and energize blood circulation and thereby drawing fresh energy to the surface of the skin. This is a wonderful treatment for those seeking to achieve perfectly smooth skin and makes remarkable weight loss.

6. Shiropichu

During Shiropichu therapy, a cotton pad soaked in medicated oil is placed on the head and kept moist with warm oil.

This therapy is used to treat:

• Facial palsy
• Headache
• Insomnia,
• Poor memory
• Dermatitis of the scalp
• Dandruff
• Neurological disorders
• Paralysis and
• skin disorders such as eczema.

7. Netra Tharpana

Netra Tharpana is a special Ayurvedic treatment for the eyes. It relieves tiredness and also improves eyesight. It is highly recommended for people with regular desk job with computers, operate machinery, drive for long periods, or anyone who is currently suffering from tired, aching, and 1 sore eye.

Freshly made dough rings filled with fragrant oils are placed around the eyes, sterilized ghee is gently poured onto the eyes while they are kept open.

Indication of Netra Tharpana are:

• Burning eyes
• Dryness in the eyes
• Curved eyes (keratoconus)
• Conjunctivitis
• Pain in the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Night blindness
• Squinting
• Myopia (short sight)

Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurvedic massage therapy can help:

• Clear physiological and energetic pathways
• Create deep relaxation
• Detoxify and cleanse
• Enhance the immune system
• Boost body awareness
• Help improve and prevent medical conditions and promote overall well-being
• Improve circulation
• Increase vitality, rejuvenate, and repair
• Promote good health
• Promote healthy skin texture
• Reduce stress
• Relax body and mind

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

Ayurveda is considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge or Science of life. Ayurvedic knowledge originated in India and is often called the “Mother of All Healing.” It stems from the ancient Vedic culture and was taught for many thousands of years in an oral tradition from accomplished masters to their disciples.

Ayurveda, or ayurvedic medicine, is a healthy-lifestyle system that people in India have used for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda emphasizes good health and prevention and treatment of illness through lifestyle practices (such as massage, meditation, yoga, and dietary changes) and the use of herbal remedies. Ayurvedic medicine is holistic, which means viewing the body and mind as a whole. Ayurveda not only treats a person’s physical complaints, but it also changes lifestyle practices to help maintain or improve health.

According to ayurveda, the five elements of nature (space, air, fire, water, earth) combine in the body as three components (doshas) known as Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas relate closely to the basic elements of nature and to specific functions of the body. A balance of these doshas is thought to be required for optimal health.

• Air and space represent Vatta. Vatta controls muscle and joint movement, breathing, and heartbeat. Also, Vatta controls anxiety, fear, pain, and other functions of the nervous system.
• Fire and water represent Pitta, which is thought to control such bodily functions as digestion, metabolism, intelligence, and skin colour. Pitta governs the emotions of anger, hate, and jealousy.
• Earth and water represent Kapha. The physical structure of the body and the immune system are governed by Kapha. Emotional responses thought to be controlled by Kapha include calmness, forgiveness, love, and greed.

In India, Ayurveda is considered a form of medical care, equal to conventional Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathic medicine, and homeopathic medicine. Practitioners of Ayurveda in India undergo state-recognized, institutionalized training. Currently, Ayurvedic practitioners are eligible to get the license and practice in UAE with national standard for Ayurvedic training or certification.   

What is Ayurveda used for?

Some people use ayurvedic practices to maintain health, reduce stress, and improve flexibility, strength, and stamina. Practices like yoga and meditation can be helpful for people with diseases such as asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

Ayurveda stresses proper diet for maintaining good health and treating disease. Herbal medicines are prescribed based on the person’s dosha type.

Ayurveda as a Complementary System of Healing

The basic difference between Ayurveda and Western allopathic medicine is important to understand. Western allopathic medicine currently tends to focus on symptomatology and disease, and primarily uses drugs and surgery to rid the body of pathogens or diseased tissue. Many lives have been saved by this approach. In fact, surgery is encompassed by Ayurveda. However, drugs, because of their toxicity, often weaken the body. Ayurveda does not focus on disease. Rather, Ayurveda maintains that all life must be supported by energy in balance. When there is minimal stress and the flow of energy within a person is balanced, the body’s natural defense systems will be strong and can more easily defend against disease.

Evaluation and Treatment of Imbalances

Ayurveda encompasses various techniques for assessing health. The practitioner carefully evaluates key signs and symptoms of illness, especially in relation to the origin and cause of an imbalance. They also consider the patient’s suitability for various treatments. The practitioner arrives at diagnosis through direct questioning, observation and a physical exam, as well as inference. Basic techniques such taking the pulse, observing the tongue, eyes and physical form; and listening to the tone of the voice are employed during an assessment.

Palliative and cleansing measures, when appropriate, can be used to help eliminate an imbalance along with suggestions for eliminating or managing the causes of the imbalance. Recommendations may include the implementation of lifestyle changes; starting and maintaining a suggested diet; and the use of herbs. In some cases, participating in a cleansing program, called panchakarma, is suggested to help the body rid itself of accumulated toxins to gain more benefit from the various suggested measures of treatment.

A range of Ayurvedic therapies

Ayurvedic techniques include:

• Dietary changes
• Herbal medicine, including combining herbs with metals, minerals or gems (known as rasha shastra medicines) that can take the form of pellets, tablets and powders of various colours and scents)
• Acupuncture (practiced by some practitioners)
• Therapeutic Massage
• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Panchakarma (‘five actions’) – a specialised treatment consisting of five therapies including emesis (vomiting), enemas and blood-letting, which are meant to detoxify the body and balance the doshas (in Ayurveda, the body’s three vital energies)
• Sound therapy, including the use of mantras
• Yoga.

Ayurveda may treat a range of disorders

Ayurveda practitioners believe their approach is effective in treating a range of disorders, including:

• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Digestive problems
• Eczema
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cardiac problems
• Stress.

In summary, Ayurveda addresses all aspects of life – the body, mind and spirit. It recognizes that each of us is unique, each responds differently to the many aspects of life, each possesses different strengths and weaknesses. Through insight, understanding and experience Ayurveda presents a vast wealth of information on the relationships between causes and their effects, both immediate and subtle, for each unique individual.

Always check with your doctor before starting complementary therapies and never stop taking your conventional medicine or alter the dose without the knowledge and approval of your doctor.

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

CoolSculpting or Cryolipolysis (is the  only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment  or fat reduction body sculpting using scientific principles.

Cool sculpting is the newest body sculpting technique that relies on a fat freezing method that successfully reduces stubborn fat bulges by targeting and breaking fat cells situated under the skin. This new technique is much faster and effective in getting rid of stubborn fat than the traditional diet-and-workout routine. While Cool Sculpting does not replace either dieting or exercise to stay healthy and trim in the long run, it contours specific areas of the body to sculpt it in the desired way.

Cool sculpting is FDA cleared to freeze fat in 9 areas of your body.

Those are:

– Submental (under the chin or double chin)
– Submandibular (under the jawline)
– Inner and outer thighs
– Abdomen and flank (love handles or muffin top)
– Upper arms
– Back fat
– Bra fat
– Underneath the Buttocks (banana roll).

How Does Coolsculpting Work?

Coolsculpting is based on Cryolipolysis, the proven science that effectively freezes stubborn fat cells in targeted areas of the body. Unlike many other fat freezing treatments, which can have harsher, longer lasting side effects and often effect the surrounding skin, Coolsculpting safely targets fat cells underneath the skin with little or no downtime.

The temperatures of this procedure is cold enough to kill fat cells but not damage your skin. A device pulls portions of skin in by suction, then cools it to destroy the fat underneath for a set amount of time. You can use this procedure on many body parts including the chin, arms, abdomen, love handles and thighs. It’s safe for most patients. However, those who have a vascular condition that makes them extra sensitive to cold temperatures like Raynaud’s syndrome, for instance, should not use this treatment.

Fat cells freeze at higher temperatures then surrounding tissues. The treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), and then die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you.

What can you expect after these treatments?

All the treatments get rid of fat in stubborn areas. Here are some other general facts:

• They don’t require surgery, anesthesia or downtime.
• They take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour in a doctor’s office.
• You can plan on two to four sessions overall, depending on which treatment you choose and which area you’re treating.
• It takes about 12 to 16 weeks for the body to process and dispose of the fat. That’s when you’ll see the full effect of each treatment.
• Any pain from these treatments is generally minimal.
• Afterward, you may experience some redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness in the treatment area for a few days.

Do You Lose Weight When You Do CoolSculpting?

While it does remove fat and reduce your weight, CoolSculpting shouldn’t be considered the primary way to lose weight. There’s a limit to the amount of fat that can and should be removed in each session.

Your first priority needs to be diet and exercise in order to get to at least 30% of your target weight. Once there, you might feel that diet and exercise are redundant against some specific fat deposits such as those present in our abdomen, neck, hips, thighs, etc. That is where procedures like CoolSculpting in Dubai are ideal to help you attain the ideal weight.

What To Expect After CoolSculpting Procedure

You will probably experience redness and soreness at the site of the Coolsculpting for a day or two after the procedure, for which you may find pain relief helpful. The real magic of Coolsculpting happens afterwards, when the unwanted fat cells are removed naturally via the body’s elimination process.

You should be able to return to normal activities the day after your procedure but you may want to avoid very strenuous exercise for a couple of days. Loose clothing is advised to minimize tenderness in the targeted areas, but most people make a fast recovery following Coolsculpting and don’t experience any lasting effects- apart from a more streamlined, firmer and better body!

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

Emsculpt is a revolutionary non-invasive procedure that targets fat and strengthens muscle. As a result of this dual mechanism of action, it can help men and women achieve definition that’s not possible with other body contouring treatments.

What Is Emsculpt?

Emsculpt, is an advanced body contouring treatment that induces muscle contractions that build, tone, and sculpt a rock-hard body. MSculpt is FDA cleared to shape abdominal muscles, tone, lift the buttocks for a non-surgical butt-lift, and carve lean, sculpted thighs. This treatment is also FDA cleared to target the upper arms muscles to tone chiseled biceps and triceps. 

It’s a non-surgical, non-invasive, and painless way to reach your body goals, especially if diet and exercise have not produced desired effects.

How Does Emsculpt Burn Fat and Build Muscle?

Popular abdominal exercises like crunches and sit-ups strengthen and define the core by continuously contracting and relaxing the stomach muscles. Following this same principle, Emsculpt induces supramaximal contractions by penetrating muscle tissues with Highly Focused Electromagnetic energy. Supramaximal contractions are more intense than the manual contractions people can achieve during gym exercise. Not only are the contractions more intense, but they can also tone and tighten the muscles more rapidly than anything humanly possible. One treatment can induce 20,000 contractions in just 30 minutes. The results are the equivalent of a person performing 20,000 sit-ups, lunges, or squats. This fact is why Emsculpt is known as the “superman workout.

Does the Treatment Really Work?

The safety and efficacy of the Emsculpt has been tested in 7 independent U.S. based multi-center clinical studies under the most stringent scientific methods. These studies have yielded an average 16% increase in muscle mass, 19% reduction in fat and a 96% average satisfaction rate.

How Long Does Emsculpt Take?

Each Msculpt session takes just 30 minutes. Patients are comfortably reclined, as the device stimulates 3 different patterns of muscle contraction in the abdomen or buttocks.

Do I Need Multiple Sessions?

For optimal toning and fat destruction, a series of 4 Msculpt treatments, spaced 2-3 days apart, is recommended.

Is Emsculpt Painful?

Msculpt is an extremely comfortable procedure, and patients don’t feel much of anything. Some liken the sensation to an intense abdominal or gluteal workout, and you may notice mild and temporary muscle soreness the next day.

How Much Downtime?

There is zero downtime! You are free to resume normal activities immediately after Msculpt, without any disruption to your busy schedule.

Emsculpt Side Effects

Emsculpt is known for having a notably high safety profile. There are no known side effects of this procedure. Some patients report muscle soreness after the treatment within 24 to 48 hours afterward. The soreness is felt in the treatment area and is like the feeling you get after an intense workout in the gym. This sore feeling is an excellent indication that the Emsculpt treatment is working.

Is Emsculpt Right for Me?

Emsculpt is a safe and effective treatment for healthy men and women that want to achieve a leaner and more defined physique. Ideal candidates are already following a fitness regimen and have a Body Mass Index of 30 or below.

What to expect

The treatment protocol Westminster Clinic, Dubai requires a minimum of 4 sessions at least 2-3 days apart. Of course every person is different, so we will tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. Each treatment is 30 minutes, as mentioned above, the treatment is painless.

Note

Emsculpt is not recommended as replacement for physical exercise, rather as an adjunct therapy to improve overall fitness, muscle toning and fat loss. But what happens when someone is unable to perform physical activity effectively due to chronic pain? 

Chronic back pain, for example, is both worsened by and a consequence of weak core and gluteal muscles. Emsculpt may help those who suffer from chronic pain by improving:

• Core strength 
• Balance
• Mobility
• Functional independence
• Pain severity
• Quality of life

Should you require additional information or would like to make an appointment with our Westminster Wellness Team ,please call us or e-mail us at info@westminsterclinic.ae

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels.

Besides unpredictable hormonal behavior, this condition can trigger 

• Diabetes
• Infertility
• Acne
• Excessive hair growth

PCOD affects a woman’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce estrogen and progesterone -hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also produce a small amount of male hormones called androgens.Group of symptoms that affects the ovaries and ovulation. Its three main features are:

• Cysts in the ovaries
• High levels of male hormones
• Irregular or skipped periods

Causes of PCOD

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Factors that might play a role include:

• Excess insulin. Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar, your body’s primary energy supply. If your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then your blood sugar levels can rise and your body might produce more insulin. Excess insulin might increase androgen production, causing difficulty with ovulation.
• Low-grade inflammation. This term is used to describe white blood cells’ production of substances to fight infection. Research has shown that women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.
• Heredity. Research suggests that certain genes might be linked to PCOS.
• Excess androgen. The ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen, resulting in hirsutism and acne.

Common Symptoms of PCOD

Some women start seeing symptoms around the time of their first period, some only discover when they have gained a lot of weight or trouble getting pregnant.
The most common PCOD symptoms are:

• Irregular periods. Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign of PCOS. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods.
• Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.
• Polycystic ovaries. Your ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.
• Weight gain

Diagnosis

There’s no test to definitively diagnose PCOS. Your doctor at Westminster Ortho Med Clinic may take your medical history, including your menstrual periods and weight changes. A physical exam will include checking for signs of excess hair growth, insulin resistance and acne.

Your doctor might then recommend:

• A pelvic exam. The doctor visually and manually inspects your reproductive organs for masses, growths or other abnormalities.
• Blood tests. Your blood may be analyzed to measure hormone levels. This testing can exclude possible causes of menstrual abnormalities or androgen excess that mimics PCOS. You might have additional blood testing to measure glucose tolerance and fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• An ultrasound. Your doctor checks the appearance of your ovaries and the thickness of the lining of your uterus. A wandlike device (transducer) is placed in your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). The transducer emits sound waves that are translated into images on a computer screen

Treatment Options

The cure is yet to be determined for PCOD. The disease is to be controlled by making lifestyle modifications. And multidisciplinary approach needs to be taken that involves the dietitian, gynaecologist, endocrinologist, dermatologist and infertility expert.

The best way to control and manage PCOD is by ensuring proper weight management. Even a 5% reduction in weight can help a lot in treating the disease. Thus, PCOD patients must exercise on a regular basis and maintain a healthy diet. The diet should be low on sugars and carbohydrates. High protein and high fibre intake are recommended for patients suffering from PCOD.

Rest of the treatment can be done based on the symptoms. Here are the different modalities:

• Medicines are available to treat insulin resistance and balance hormones to correct menstrual cycles.
• Skin treatments are available for acne, pigmentation and hair growth.
•  Fertility drugs are administered to infertile patients.
• Oral medicines and injections are available for ovulation induction and to rupture egg for enhancing fertility.
• Some cases may require Second-line therapy such as aromatase inhibitors, laparoscopic surgery or ovarian drilling.
• Usually, PCOS is treated aggressively for patients who are willing to conceive. Adolescent patients are treated with hormones and metformin to regularize the periods and insulin resistance.

Lifestyle changes

To help decrease the effects of PCOS, try to:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss can reduce insulin and androgen levels and may restore ovulation. Ask your doctor about a weight-control program, and meet regularly with a dietitian for help in reaching weight-loss goals.
• Limit carbohydrates. Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets might increase insulin levels. Ask your doctor about a low-carbohydrate diet if you have PCOS. Choose complex carbohydrates, which raise your blood sugar levels more slowly.
• Be active. Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels. If you have PCOS, increasing your daily activity and participating in a regular exercise program may treat or even prevent insulin resistance and help you keep your weight under control and avoid developing diabetes.

Your doctor may recommend weight loss through a low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise activities. Even a modest reduction in your weight — for example, losing 5 percent of your body weight — might improve your condition. Losing weight may also increase the effectiveness of medications your doctor recommends for PCOS, and can help with infertility.

Should you require additional information or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Saima Salahuddin, Specialist – Family Medicine ,please call us or e-mail us at info@westminsterclinic.ae

References:

1. PCOS Awareness Association: https://www.pcosaa.org/
2. Mayoclinic.org
3. nightingales.in – Nightingales , the home health Specialist
4. Health.harvard.edu

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.

Medical massage therapy is one of complementary Medicine therapies performed as part of a healthcare provider’s Holistic treatment plan, so the massage therapy is typically concentrated on a specific medical diagnosis. The exact techniques and procedures that are used during this type of massage will vary from each patient. However, the massage will typically be centralized on the parts of the body that have been identified as an area of concern. Medical massage therapy tends to focus on a particular area.

Benefits of Medical or Therapeutic Massage

Massage is best known as a way to help you relax and relieve stress.  A gentle soothing massage can reduce stress, relieve muscle aches, improve your sleep and improve your mood.

Massage therapy in a clinical setting is given by our licensed professionals who are trained to find and focus on problem areas. This therapeutic type of massage involves more focused work on your body’s soft tissue — the muscles, tendons and ligaments that move and support your body.

A massage therapist can work on a number of medical issues that are either chronic (meaning they last a long time) or acute (a medical issue that has happened recently and can be cared for in the near future.)

These issues can include:

• Repetitive stress injuries from sitting or standing postures that are held for several hours a day.
• Migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches or sinus headaches.
• Whiplash.
• Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJ).
• Strains and sprains (after inflammation has gone down).
• Low back pain.
• Tendonitis.
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Radiating pain.
• Post-surgical scar tissue (with doctor’s approval).
• Frozen shoulder.
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Joint stiffness
• Pain reduction
• Osteoarthritis
• Stress
• Post-surgical Recovery
• Burn Care
• Cancer Care
• Mood disorder
• Sleep Disorder

Types of Medical Massage Therapy

1. Active Release Therapy

Active Release Therapy/Technique (ART) was developed nearly thirty years ago by Dr. P. Michael Leahy. The idea of Active Release Therapy originated for elite athletes to return to peak performance as quickly as possible, without the long-windedness of a full massage. ART treats minor soft tissue disorders within the:

• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Tendons
• Fascia
• Nerves

Active Release Technique, though originally developed for athletes, can be beneficial for anyone. It directly aims to release built-up scar tissue within the deep muscle, which occurs when the muscles are overused for an extended period of time.

In fact, Active Release Technique is the only soft tissue manipulation therapy that directly repairs the muscle’s full range of motion because it directly targets the underlying issues within the muscle.

2. Swedish Massage Therapy

There are five basic strokes and/or styles in a Swedish massage:

1. Effleurage (sliding and gliding)
2. Petrissage (kneading)
3. Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)
4. Friction (with fibers or cross-fibers)
5. Vibration / Shaking

These five stroke methods are used to relieve anywhere from mild to intense muscle pain, and the severity of each stroke reflects the amount of tightness held within the muscle. More specifically, Swedish massage has been shown to help alleviate:

• Joint stiffness
• Pain reduction
• Osteoarthritis
• Low back pain
• Stress management / reduction

3. Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial release describes the breaking down of tight fascia, which is the fibrous layer of connective tissue above the muscle and under the skin. Fascia is what allows our body to move and hold different bodily positions, and when we feel surface-level muscle tightness, it is generally the fascia that is bunched and not the muscle underneath.

Myofascial release can be executed with several different instruments:

• Foam roller
• Lacrosse ball / tennis ball / softball / golf ball
• Rumbler roller
• HyperVice
• Body Bar
• Trigger Point balls and rollers

There are also two different styles of myofascial release techniques: active and passive. Active release therapy is when the client is tensing the affected areas, and is normally used with any of the above instruments. Passive release jtherapy is when the muscle is completely relaxed, and is normally used during soft tissue mobilization and trigger point massage.

Any individual can choose to either have a massage therapist inact myofascial release techniques upon tight muscles, or you can choose to do it yourself. It is more beneficial, however, to receive trigger point massage therapy to relieve fascia strain.

4. Medical Massage

A medical massage typically adopts many different styles of already present massage therapies. These include: deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, osteopathic techniques, and cranial-sacral techniques. However, a medical massage is still heavily utilized for decongestive therapy, which helps with breast cancer; pain alleviation; and palliative care, or dealing with the issue by focusing on surrounding pain and not the issue itself.

Overall, medical therapy can be used to treat a wide assortment of physical and mental ailments, such as:

• Reduced anxiety
• Reduced blood pressure
• Reduced heat rate
• Delayed onset of pain

5. Acupressure / Acupuncture

Acupressure, or acupuncture, is a form of trigger point massage therapy that utilizes needles. It was originally developed as a facet of ancient Chinese medicine, and is used most commonly for pain relief. However, many consider acupuncture a pseudoscience because its methods are not based in scientific fact.

Acupuncture therapy may utilized for: pain relief in the low back, shoulder stiffness, and knee pain, among other muscle stiffness and joint pains. Acupuncture can be performed in most clinical settings by a skilled practitioner.

6. Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is another massage technique which can actually be dated back to 3000BC, and since then has been used as an official method for short-term pain relief and for increased movement and blood flow.

Generally, cupping therapy is carried out by:

1. The massage therapist will find a sore area of the body
2. Pressure is applied to the area by suctioning a cup onto the skin
3. Pressure builds in the area as blood runs to the surface
4. The cup remains on the body for a few minutes, depending on both the size of the cup and the amount of pain the muscle has been causing
5. Sometimes, the practitioner will encourage the patient through a series of movements to further increase blood flow to the affected area
6. The cup is removed

There are also three different cupping styles, which include:

1. Dry Cupping: Dry cupping is most common, and generally focuses on creating a small area of pressure underneath the skin. Normally, the cup is latched onto softer skin because it can create a better seal around the cup, which increases the overall pressure. Cups ranging from one to three inches in diameter are used.
2. Fire Cupping: Fire cupping includes glass cups, instead of plastic ones, and is carried out by soaking a cotton ball in near-pure alcohol, lighting it on fire, and quickly inserting it into the cup and onto the body. The cup stays in place because of the rapid heating and cooling of the glass cup. Cups can also glide across the skin in a practice called “moving cupping,” but only if massage oil is applied.
3. Wet Cupping: Wet cupping draws blood out by creating a small incision, and all is held in place with a suction cup. It is very popular among Islamic culture.

7. Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle and non-invasive form of massage therapy that was developed in 1945. During a session, the therapist makes light contact with trigger point areas, normally focusing on the head, torso, knees, and feet. This contact includes a combination of practices adopted from osteotherapy, bone-setting, and chiropractic work.

Craniosacral therapy has many benefits, including:

• Alleviate chronic pain
• Decrease headache and/or migraine severity
• Decrease chronic fatigue
• Decrease post-traumatic stress disorder
• Decrease repercussions of trauma (any kind)
• Post-surgical recovery

A session is meant to relax the patient into a state of sacral harmony. Nerve endings along the spinal cord are meant to work more harmoniously at the end of a session.

8. Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy, which is often mistaken for pressure point therapy, deactivates trigger points anywhere along the body that may cause mild or severe pain. Painful trigger points can result in muscle strain, pain, or even headaches.

Generally, trigger point follows very similar protocols as other massage practices. A tender and painful spot is found, and pressure is applied to relieve this pain. However, unlike classic massage, trigger point delves deep into the fascial layer to release tension at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which differentiates it from other massage therapies.

9. Thai Massage Therapy

The Thai massage has been utilized since BE 2556, and for good reason. A classic Thai massage is an ancient practice that combines Indian Ayurvedic principles, acupressure, and some assisted yoga poses to alleviate painful muscles tensions.

A participant is clothed during the session in loose-fitting clothes. While muscle relaxation is the goal, the practitioner utilizes pulling, stretching, compression, and rocking with the patient instead of hands-on body work through kneading and pressure.

10. Reflexology

Reflexology, or “zone therapy,” is another nontraditional method of massage therapy. Reflexology utilizes the body’s natural reflexes in the hands and feet of the participant through a series of specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques.

During a session, which varies from practitioner to practitioner, the body is broken up into ten varies zones: five on the left and five on the right. It is believed that the pressure applied to the feet travels through these “zones” through nerve signals, which helps to alleviate muscle tension and pain throughout the body. It is also thought to release some hormones, such as dopamine or endorphins, to help alleviate pain.

11. Biomechanical Stimulation (BMS) Therapy

BioMechanical Stimulation is unlike any other type of massage therapy, specifically because the practitioner does not use their hands for the procedure. Rather, the client lays flat upon a table, either face up or face down, and is attached to a stimulation machine. The stimulation machine utilizes biomechanical oscillation to stimulate the tightened fascia.

Biomechanical stimulation therapy is normally used for athletes and fitness professionals. More specifically, it is widely utilized by those participating in:

• Competitive sports
• Sports rehabilitation
• Fitness
• Medicine

Biomechanical stimulation is used to improve performance, balance, and coordination by releasing tension among the fascial layers. Often times, it’s also used alongside trigger point therapies for maximal results.

12. Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massages are best for people who want to have an emotional healing component to their massage. This type of massage can help:

• Boost your mood
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Reduce symptoms of depression
• Relieve muscle tension
• Relieve pain

Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with the use of essential oils. Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin.

13. Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety.

During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues.

14. Sports massage

Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries because it can be used to help prevent sports injuries. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. Additionally, sports massage can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, and muscle tension.

A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes depending on your needs.

15. Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:

• Promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation
• Helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression
• May relieve headache
• Reduces muscle tension

Shiatsu massage works the whole body, but your therapist may focus on areas of your body that need extra attention. During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used.

Should you require additional information or would like to make an appointment with our Complementary and Alternative Medicine Team ,please call us or e-mail us at info@westminsterclinic.ae

Reference:

• nccih.nih.gov – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• health.clevelandclinic.org
• Hopkinsmedicine.org
• .ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – US National Library of Medicine
• National Institutes of Health
• Active Release Technique, 2018. <http://www.activerelease.com/ART-for-Patients.asp>
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome, 2018. <https://www.myofascial-pain-syndrome.org/myofascial-release-technique/>
• Performance Place Sports Care and Chiropractic, 2018. <https://www.p2sportscare.com/active-release/>
• ncmassageschool.com

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information

Complementary medicine is a group of diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines or practices that are used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapy to help lessen a patient’s discomfort following surgery.

Alternative medicine is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream) therapies. Some people also refer to it as “integrative,” medicine.

Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Some of the therapies listed below still need more research to prove that they can be helpful.

Mind–Body Therapies

These combine mental focus, breathing, and body movements to help relax the body and mind. Some examples are:

• Meditation: Focused breathing or repetition of words or phrases to quiet the mind.
• Biofeedback: Using simple machines, the patient learns how to affect certain body functions that are normally out of one’s awareness (such as heart rate).
• Hypnosis: A state of relaxed and focused attention in which a person concentrates on a certain feeling, idea, or suggestion to aid in healing.
• Yoga: Systems of stretches and poses, with special attention given to breathing.
• Tai Chi: Involves slow, gentle movements with a focus on the breath and concentration.
• Imagery: Imagining scenes, pictures, or experiences to help the body heal.
• Creative outlets: Interests such as art, music, or dance.

Biologically Based Practices

This type of CAM uses things found in nature. Some examples are:

• Nutritional Approach: Vitamins and dietary supplements.
• Botanicals, which are plants or parts of plants. One type is cannabis.
  • Herbs and spices such as turmeric or cinnamon. (See Herbs at a Glance.)
• Special foods or diets.

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices

These are based on working with one or more parts of the body. Some examples are:

• Massage: The soft tissues of the body are kneaded, rubbed, tapped, and stroked.
• Chiropractic therapy: A type of manipulation of the spine, joints, and skeletal system.
• Reflexology: Using pressure points in the hands or feet to affect other parts of the body.

Biofield Therapy

Biofield therapy, sometimes called energy medicine, involves the belief that the body has energy fields that can be used for healing and wellness. Therapists use pressure or move the body by placing their hands in or through these fields. Some examples are:

• Reiki: Balancing energy either from a distance or by placing hands on or near the patient
• Therapeutic touch: Moving hands over energy fields of the body

Whole Medical Systems

These are healing systems and beliefs that have evolved over time in different cultures and parts of the world. Some examples are:

• Ayurvedic medicine: A system from India in which the goal is to cleanse the body and restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit.
• Traditional Chinese medicine: Based on the belief that health is a balance in the body of two forces called yin and yang.
  • Acupuncture is a common practice in Chinese medicine that involves stimulating certain points on the body to promote health, or to lessen disease symptoms and treatment side effects.
• Homeopathy: Uses very small doses of substances to trigger the body to heal itself.
• Naturopathic medicine: Uses various methods that help the body naturally heal itself. An example would be herbal treatments.

Should you require additional information or would like to make an appointment with our Complementary and Alternative Medicine Team ,please call us or e-mail us at info@westminsterclinic.ae

Reference:

• nih.gov – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Hopkinsmedicine.org
• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – US National Library of Medicine
• Nhs.uk

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information

Mind-body therapies are a group of healing techniques that enhance the mind’s interactions with bodily function, to induce relaxation and to improve overall health and well-being. Daily practice is essential for deriving benefit from these therapies, which have become increasingly popular over the last two decades.

Mind – Body Therapy OR Integrative psychotherapy is an approach to healing and easing life’s problems by increasing one’s resilience and personal resources. It incorporates the fundamental principles of traditional psychotherapy and holistic medicine to promote healing on all levels: emotional physical, mental and spiritual. Integrative psychotherapy aims to create a healthy alliance between mind and body to enable patients to manage stress and create a healthy lifestyle.

Types of Mind-Body Therapies

1. Meditation

Meditation practices involve using the mind to focus one’s attention, regulate breathing, and develop a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings to achieve inner calmness, physical relaxation, psychological balance, and improved vitality and coping.

A recent meta-analysis of meditation practices characterizes pure meditation practices such as mindfulness meditation and Transcendental Meditation as well as other mind–body practices that have a meditation component (yoga, tai chi, and qigong).

 The central element of mindfulness is to acquire attentional control by focusing on events generated internally (bodily sensations, breath, thoughts, emotions) and externally (sights, sounds) at the current moment with nonjudgmental acceptance. Mindfulness meditation has been formalized for clinical interventions with Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. 

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a therapeutic component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the use of very thin needles along with heat, pressure, or electricity to stimulate points on the body, promoting the flow and balance of internal energy. Acupuncture can help treat chronic pain and some symptoms associated with cancer and other chronic disease treatment.

3. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves the use of concentrated plant oils, known as essential oils, to improve well-being. It is a popular complementary therapy used to relieve stress and produce other pleasant sensations.

4. Guided Imagery

Guided Imagery involves deliberate use of the power of imagination to recreate mental images, sounds, smells and even tastes, to ease anxiety and to facilitate mind-body healing.

5. Massage Therapy

Massage is effective in reducing symptoms associated with cancer such as pain and anxiety. Current oncology guidelines recommend using massage for depression and mood disorders. Massage is generally safe and increasingly used as a complementary therapy to provide relief from certain symptoms of cancer and other illnesses.

6. Music Therapy

Music therapy can promote relaxation, distract from pain associated with many illnesses, and relieve distress. It can also strengthen and enrich communications and provide support to loved ones.

7. Qigong

Qigong, a practice developed in China, integrates body movement, muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises to improve physical, emotional, and psychological health.

8. Tai Chi (Tai Ji)

An ancient Chinese tradition, tai chi is an exercise program that uses a sequence of precise body movements, meditation, and synchronized breathing to improve health and well-being.

9. Yoga

Yoga encompasses breathing exercises, moving through various postures, and meditation techniques that can help promote relaxation and health.

10. Relaxation and breathing techniques

Relaxation and breathing techniques utilize awareness of breathing rate, rhythm, and volume. Most often breathing techniques are used to minimize physiologic responses to stress, possibly by increasing parasympathetic response. A relatively simple respiration monitor that facilitates slowing one’s breathing rate has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the reduction of blood pressure.

11. Hypnosis

Hypnosis involves attention and focused concentration with a relative suspension of peripheral awareness. 

There are three aspects of hypnosis: absorption, dissociation, and suggestibility. Absorption is the tendency to become fully involved in a perceptual, imaginative, or ideational experience. Dissociation is the mental separation of experiential components that would ordinarily be processed together. Suggestibility is the heightened responsiveness to social cues leading to an enhanced compliance with hypnotic instructions. 

12. Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a medical treatment in which physiologic markers like heart rate, breathing rate, EMG, EEG, or electrodermal activity are measured and displayed back to the patient. The patient can then attempt to modulate physiology to achieve a certain feedback goal, such as slowing heart or breath rate, or relaxing certain muscles. The desired feedback goal is based on the specific condition being treated. Numerous psychophysiological studies have been conducted that examine the effect of biofeedback on physiology as well as various clinical conditions resulting in an extensive literature of varying quality.

13. Dance Or Movement Therapy

Dance/movement therapy aims to reconnect your mind and body through movement, and has been scientifically shown to help those in eating disorder recovery.

Benefits of Mind-Body Therapies

The most obvious benefit is that you get to relax and steer clear from the negative effects of stress. There are several aspects that can impact our health such as lifestyle, diet, or our overall mindset. The way we think can have a tremendous effect on our lives. The mind-body therapies aim to promote general healing by targeting your mind, your spirit and your body, and this can significantly reduce the risk for developing diseases such as diabetes, depression, heart attack, stroke, heart disease, etc.

• Mind-body therapies and practices can help prevent stress. This is extremely important because research clearly shows that prolonged stress contributes to serious diseases such as high blood pressure, heart irregularities, anxiety, insomnia, persistent fatigue, digestive disorders, mental health issues, diminished fertility, and diabetes. Stress also suppresses your immune system, which makes you more likely to get new diseases and experience reoccurrences of previous diseases.
• Mind-body therapies encompass self-regulation and positive thinking to help promote self-control, physical health, and emotional well-being.
• Mind-body therapies can come in handy for those who suffer from chronic pain, digestive problems, lowering your blood pressure and your cholesterol, boosting your immune system and improving your sleep. Yoga movements are also great for improving the bowel function and for ensuring optimal digestion.
• Utilizing mind-body techniques and engaging your body in therapy can have a positive impact on your mental health and recovery. And while a mind-body therapy isn’t necessarily a replacement for other kinds of therapy, you can ask your doctor if they think it might be beneficial to you.
• Science has shown yoga can boost your body’s production of “happy” hormones, improve your sleep cycle, reduce inflammation in your body, and naturally slows down your brain’s stress response. This makes yoga a helpful mind-body therapy you can try out in a class led by a certified instructor, or even as a therapeutic activity you can incorporate into your lunch breaks.
• Hypnotherapy is effective at relieving symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, sleep problems, and physical issues, such as chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
•  Mediation quite literally changes your brain — improving cognitive function, memory, and your ability to pay attention.
• Biofeedback therapy is to give you insight into how you physically react to anxiety, trauma, or other mental health issues, so you can better control your physiological symptoms. This mind-body therapy has been scientifically proven to help relieve symptoms of PTSD, help people with ADHD focus, and reduce chronic physical pain associated with eating disorders, addiction, and depression.
• The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) has reported that some trauma survivors turn to dance therapy “because dance movement therapy uses movement as the primary means of assessment and communication. Memories that may be too difficult to express verbally can be shared through movement and dissociated feelings.”
• The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reported, “Recent research suggests that symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression may be positively affected with massage therapy.” In particular, massage therapy has been proven to be a helpful tool for people with headaches, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.

Overall, your mind and emotions can impact your physical health on a deeper level, and they often play a very important role in the way we experience pain. It often happens that people who suffer from chronic pain are also overly stressed, depressed or anxious. This is where the mind-body therapies can truly make a difference and help you relax. The therapies are rarely used individually. It usually takes a combination of two or more mind-body techniques in order to achieve the desired result. 

Should you require additional information or would like to make an appointment with our Complementary and Alternative Medicine Team ,please call us or e-mail us at info@westminsterclinic.ae

Reference:

• nccih.nih.gov – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Hopkinsmedicine.org
• .ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – US National Library of Medicine
• National Institutes of Health
• Nhs.uk

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information