Welcome to the Godalming Chiropractic Clinic’s newsletter.  As some of you may be aware, there have been lots of changes happeningrecently within the clinic.  Anna Franklin now work's part-time because of her continuing family commitments following the birth of her daughter Emma and her son Thomas commencing school. Anna lives in the New Forest and commutes every Wednesday to continue treating her patients.

We would also like to welcome Wayne Chester-Davis to the clinic. Wayne now works alongside Anna Maynard as a full time chiropractor but also doubles as a clinic manager on the days that Anna Franklin is not at the clinic. Wayne was originally born in Surrey but was moved to Wimborne in Dorset as an infant. He has now returned with his Wife Suzi, a fitness instructor and dance teacher who has a special interest in rehabilitation and core strength and stability training.

We are delighted to announce that Anna Maynard has now gone off on maternity leave and is expecting the birth of her first child any day now. Anna has implemented a locum to cover her while she is away. Lucy Schleiback is an experienced chiropractor who practices using the same techniques as Anna. Lucy uses sacro occipital technique and cranio-sacral techniques as part of her adult and pediatric practice. She has quickly become a very popular member of the team and is extremely popular with her patients.

Angela Winter continues to work part time since the birth of her second child Charlotte in March 2006.  She has now rejoined the clinic to practice on Tuesdays, Fridays and every other Saturday.  Angela has continued with her professional development this year by completing the ‘Clinical Pharmacology for Chiropractors’  and  ‘Myofascial Distortion Therapy’ courses.

We would also like to welcome Michael Brown to the team. Michael works in Reigate and was also working in Cranleigh but decided to transfer and work at Godalming 2 afternoons a week. Michael currently works Monday and Friday afternoons.

The team of receptionists and the Chiropractors at Godalming Clinic do work hard to try and make your visit to the clinic an enjoyable one.  If you have any comments or questions, do not hesitate to discuss this with one of our members of staff.    

After the holidays; Back to work and school!

All the children are well into their current term.  Now is the time to ensure that we are taking care of our children’s and indeed our own spinal health to prevent dysfunction and indeed other injuries!   Here are a few recommendations as to how you can help to minimize the risk of injury.

For children, using a rucksack instead of a shoulder bag helps to prevent postural problems.  Always ensuring that school shoes have been fitted professionally rather than buying them off the shelf.  Suggesting that your child takes regular exercise to help maintain strength and fitness.  They must however, ensure they warm-up and cool-down each time they exercise.  Additionally, encouraging your child to move regularly from a static position like watching TV is essential;  the body is not designed to sit and slouch, it is made for movement. 

Many of us will also have returned to work following any summer vacations.  It is as important for adults to ensure they look after themselves as it is for children.  Injuries are equally likely for individuals in  manual professions than those in a more sedentary job.  For all jobs, it is important to maintain a good posture in order to help prevent spinal problems.  For those who sit for long periods, taking regular breaks from sitting and ensuring that your work station is adjusted correctly is vital. Your company may be able to provide you with a work station assessment.  Avoid stretching or reaching for objects as this can put a strain on your back.  When lifting make sure you bend your knees and keep your back straight where possible.  It is also better to push heavy objects in front of you rather than pull them along.    Regular exercise is equally important for adults to help maintain joint mobility and general health.    

If you have a long term problem, whether it is just a niggle, disabling, or if you have a recurring problem, then chiropractic treatment can probably help. Chiropractors can usually give you marked relief from pain and discomfort and improved quality of life as well as decreasing the likelihood of a recurrence.  In addition to Chiropractic treatment, exercise rehabilitation to improve the body’s core muscles for strength can be useful for many chronic conditions or injuries.  Our onsite rehabilitation specialist Suzi Chester-Davis works at the clinic on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Please ask your Chiropractor if you have any further questions or would like to consider exercise rehabilitation for your condition.