Tag Archives: Sports massage

Is your sacro-iliac joint causing pain?

Is your Sacro-Iliac joint causing your back, hip or leg pain?

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What on earth is the Sacro-Iliac Joint?

Sitting right where the base of your spine meets your hip bone, the sacroiliac (SI) joint acts as the main bridge between your upper and lower body.

  • Strength Through Stability – When working properly, the SI joint is built like a fortress. Strong surrounding muscles and ligaments lock the joint in place—a process called “joint closure”—allowing it to handle massive amounts of weight and force whenever you lift, run, or move.
  • When Problems Start – Pain occurs when the muscle control around the SI joint breaks down. Without proper stability, the joint undergoes improper stress, leading to irritated tissues, damaged cartilage, and severe acute or recurring lower back pain.

Because of how the nerves branch out, the joint can send pain signals far beyond the pelvis, frequently mimicking other common conditions:

  • Sciatica or Disc Issues: Direct pain down the buttocks and back of the leg.
  • Hip Arthritis: Radiating discomfort into the groin and front of the thigh.
  • Facet Joint Problems: Localized aches spreading up into the lower spine.

The Root Cause: Hypermobility vs. Hypomobility

When SI joint pain becomes a recurring issue, it usually stems from a breakdown in how the joint moves:

  • Too Little Movement (Hypomobility): The joint locks up, forcing adjacent areas to overcompensate.
  • Too Much Movement (Hypermobility): Surrounding muscles fail to stabilize the joint, leading to strain.

In both scenarios, faulty muscle activation around the pelvis is often to blame. Corrective rehab combined with targeted chiropractic adjustments helps restore proper motion and muscular control.

In all cases, it is vital to get checked out by a qualified and experienced spinal professional such as a chiropractor. We will assess and treat not only the painful symptoms, but also look to address the underlying causes.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett

Family Health

It’s Summertime

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With summer around the corner, it’s important to stay healthy so you can do the things you love. Here at Pure Health Chiropractic, we can help with that!

Summer is all about constant movement—from hiking and beach volleyball to gardening and weekend sports. The trouble is, jumping straight from a desk job into intense summer activities can throw your body for a loop. Going from zero to sixty often leads to muscle strains, misaligned joints, and lower back pain that can ruin your summer plans.

That’s where routine chiropractic care comes in. Think of it as routine maintenance for your body. Instead of waiting for an injury to happen, proactive adjustments help by:

  • Keeping your spine functioning well to prevent uneven wear and tear.
  • Improving your range of motion so you can move freely.
  • Boosting your nervous system for better overall body function.

By keeping your body balanced and fluid, you can spend less time recovering on the couch and more time doing what you love.

Family holiday

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Chiropractic can help your back pain

Suffering back or neck pain? Here are some helpful tips

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New research released to mark Chiropractic Awareness Week (13-19 April), has found that more than two fifths (41%) of people in the Midlands are currently experiencing back or neck pain and up to 65% will face lingering neck pain in their lives.

The research, which was carried out by the British Chiropractic Association, found that for sufferers in the Midlands, the top triggers for this pain were;

  • Lifting or carrying heavy objects (53%)
  • Sitting for long periods of time (43%), and;
  • Poor posture (35%)

Notably, incidences of neck and back pain among younger people are also on the rise, with 40% of people in the Midlands experiencing neck or back pain by age 20.

 

GB mapped back pain

Local chiropractor, Chris Mallett from Pure Health Chiropractic in Stafford and Newport, comments on these findings:

“The BCA’s findings reflect what we regularly see in clinic, especially the impact lifting and carrying can have on neck and back pain. It highlights the importance of staying strong, active, and mobile so your body can better cope with everyday demands.”

“For those affected by long periods of sitting and sedentary lifestyles, movement is key. Holding your body in one position for too long can often lead to stiffness and pain.“

“Simple daily habits and exercises can help reduce the effects of inactivity and prevent neck and back pain. Small changes such as shoulder rolls, regular stretching, and taking the stairs can make a real difference to your back health.”

Top Tips to Help Neck & Back Pain

  • Improve Your Workspace – Make sure your chair, desk, and screen are set up to support a comfortable posture throughout the day. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
  • Keep Moving – Sitting for long periods can increase stiffness and discomfort. Try to stand up, stretch, and move around every 30 minutes.
  • Stay Active – Regular movement and exercise can help reduce neck and back pain. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are great ways to stay mobile without putting too much strain on your body.
  • Lift Carefully – When lifting or carrying items, bend from your knees instead of your waist, keep objects close to your body, and avoid rushing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with heavier loads.
  • Prioritise Good Sleep Support – Your mattress and pillow play a key role in supporting your spine. If your mattress is old or no longer supportive, it may be time for a replacement.
  • Stretch & Strengthen Daily – Gentle daily exercises can improve flexibility, balance, and strength, helping to prevent future neck and back pain.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Gardening and Chiropractic

Stiff and achy back pain after gardening? We can help!

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It’s that time of year when (hopefully) things start to dry out a bit and warm up. Unfortunately, that can often mean that we get more aches and pains, back pain and injuries when out in the garden looking to tidy things up. It’s easily done after a winter off, and frustrating as you want to get back out there as soon as possible.

BOOK IN NOW if you are struggling. We can help get you back in the garden if you have muscle, joint or nerve problems affecting your quality of life.

Gardening should be a workout for your green thumb, not a literal pain in the neck (or back). Most gardening injuries are avoidable with a bit of strategy. If you struggle with stiffness in your spine, hips, or ankles, use these pro tips to keep your back happy while you work:

1. Warm Up First

Don’t dive straight into heavy lifting. Start with “low-impact” tasks like mowing, light sweeping, or raking. Think of it as a pre-game stretch to get your blood flowing before the real work begins.

2. The 30-Minute Shuffle

Repetition is the enemy of a healthy spine. To prevent joints from stiffening, switch tasks every 30 minutes. By varying your movement, you ensure no single muscle group takes the brunt of the load.

3. Lift Smarter, Not Harder

Whether you’re moving mulch or laying a patio, keep the weight close to your body.

  • The Power Squat: Bend at the hips and knees, never the waist.
  • The “Golfer’s Lift”: For lighter items, try bending one knee while keeping the other leg extended for balance and strength.

4. Listen to your body!

Your garden isn’t going anywhere, but a back injury will definitely side-line you. If you feel tightness or a “twinge,” stop and take a walk – your garden isn’t going anywhere, but if you give yourself a back injury then neither are you! If you are feeling tight and stiff in those muscles after a buy gardening session, Liesa our massage therapist can help! BOOK IN NOW.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Sports and Remedial Massage

Sports Massage in Stafford

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If you have an injury, are feeling the new niggles of your training plan, or simply need loosening up, then get yourself booked in with a qualified sports massage therapist.

Our Sports Massage Therapist Hannah is offering Sports Massage in Stafford on Saturdays to help you get back to your best.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn sports injury, feeling tight after an event, need loosening up before a big competition, or simply need support recovering from training — Hannah’s here to help you get back to peak performance.

Stafford Massage Room

About Hannah

Hannah is a qualified Sports Massage Therapist based at our Stafford Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic. She’s also a qualified physiotherapist, working full-time within the NHS. Her love of movement and sport began at just five years old as a competitive gymnast, and that passion has continued into adulthood through Pilates and regular gym training. Hannah has a strong interest in musculoskeletal health and injury recovery, and her professional training includes a range of soft tissue techniques to support rehabilitation and enhance performance.

She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP).

What is Massage Therapy

Our massage therapists offer sports, remedial (therapeutic) and deep tissue massage which is focused on the soft tissues of the body. This includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Before treatment, our qualified therapists discuss any areas of pain, tension or limited movement you may have.

For more information about how massage therapy could help you, please see our massage therapy page.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could help. That could mean short-term relief or lasting improvements. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Chiropractic can help your back pain

“I’ve got Sciatica!”

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As experienced chiropractors and massage therapists in Stafford and Newport, we are often presented with ‘I’ve got sciatica’ when seeing patients for the first time. But did you know that ‘sciatica’ isn’t really a true diagnosis?

‘Sciatica’ is just a term that describes any injury in the low back that causes pain down the legs or buttocks. It is derived from the name of the largest and longest nerve in that region: the sciatic nerve.

Need expert advice?– BOOK NOW

Stop guessing and start healing.

“Sciatica” is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Whether it’s a pinched nerve or a simple muscle strain, our Stafford and Newport teams are here to find the root cause and get you back on your feet.

There are also different types of sciatica.

MRI broken

1. True Sciatica (The Nerve Issue) – Think of this as direct nerve irritation, usually caused by a “slipped” or bulging disc pressing on the spinal nerves.

  • The Rule: Your leg usually hurts significantly more than your back.
  • The Path: Sharp pain that travels deep into the leg, often shooting past the knee and into the foot.
  • The Feel: Often includes “electrical” sensations—pins and needles, numbness, or actual muscle weakness.

2. Referred Pain (The Muscle/Joint Issue) – This is much more common. It isn’t a pinched nerve; it’s your brain “misinterpreting” pain from injured muscles, joints, or ligaments in your back.

  • The Path: Dull or aching pain that radiates into the buttock or thigh but typically stops above the knee.
  • The Feel: No tingling or numbness. While it hurts to move, your muscles aren’t actually “weak” in a neurological sense.
  • The Rule: Your back usually hurts more than your leg.

It’s important to get it checked

In all cases it is essential to get a diagnosis with suitable treatment and advice as soon as possible. Nerve symptoms can become chronic or even permanent if serious and left too long.

We are experts in assessing and treating back pain with sciatica

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Back Pain – don’t let the fear stop you!

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For anyone who has experienced true back pain, we salute you. It can be agonizing, excruciating, and debilitating. Often, the fear of that next sharp, shooting spasm is just as bad as the pain itself.

The good news? Almost all injuries will heal.

Your pain will subside, and you will get back to normal activity. The key to recovery isn’t just treatment—it’s understanding your problem and losing the fear of it.

Need expert advice? – BOOK NOW

Beware of “Scaremongering” Language

We’ve lost count of the number of clients afraid to move because they’ve been told they have a “crumbling spine” or “crumbling discs.” This language is poor, misleading, and fear-inducing. It causes apprehension and a loss of control over your own health. If a clinician tells you your back is “crumbling,” it’s time to seek a second opinion. Most back injuries are manageable and capable of healing.

Case Study: From Surgery to Strength

Our chiropractor, Chris, is a perfect example of why you shouldn’t let a scan dictate your life. At age 23 (prior to being a chiropractor), he had a disc prolapse and surgery. By age 27 his MRI showed:

MRI broken
  • Multiple disc bulges.
  • Vertebral inflammation.
  • A narrow spinal canal.
  • Degenerative changes.

A doctor told him he had the “spine of a 65-year-old.” He was terrified. How would he cope? Would it ever stop?

The Results Today: Now nearly 50, Chris is stronger than ever. Thanks to his chiropractic training and neuro-mechanical nutrition, he can:

  • Ride mountain bikes down technical trails.
  • Squat his own body weight.
  • Deadlift twice his own body weight.

The degeneration on the scan hasn’t changed, but his function has. He still gets the occasional flare-up, but he knows exactly how to manage it – and he can help you do the same.

How to Take Back Control

There are no shortcuts to managing persistent back problems. It requires building stability, strength, and mobility. We recommend a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Appropriate Exercise: Tailored to your current level.
  2. Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on diet and nutrition.
  3. Movement Techniques: Incorporate Yoga, Pilates, or Massage.
  4. Professional Care: Chiropractic adjustments to maintain quality movement.

Don’t let fear control your life. Getting good advice and maintaining quality movement is essential to your recovery.

[ BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW ].

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Hannah Sports Massage

Good News! – Saturday Sports Massage appointments are now available

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Are you busy during the week and need a weekend appointment to sort out those niggles? Would you like a recovery massage after a tough week? Then we have good news for you!

Starting from 24th January, our Sports Massage Therapist Hannah is offering Sports Massage in Stafford and will be available on Saturdays to help you get back to your best.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn sports injury, feeling tight after an event, need loosening up before a big competition, or simply need support recovering from training — Hannah’s here to help you get back to peak performance.

Stafford Massage Room

About Hannah

Hannah is a qualified Sports Massage Therapist based at our Stafford Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic. She’s also a qualified physiotherapist, working full-time within the NHS. Her love of movement and sport began at just five years old as a competitive gymnast, and that passion has continued into adulthood through Pilates and regular gym training. Hannah has a strong interest in musculoskeletal health and injury recovery, and her professional training includes a range of soft tissue techniques to support rehabilitation and enhance performance.

She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP).

What is Massage Therapy

Our massage therapists offer sports, remedial (therapeutic) and deep tissue massage which is focused on the soft tissues of the body. This includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Before treatment, our qualified therapists discuss any areas of pain, tension or limited movement you may have.

For more information about how massage therapy could help you, please see our massage therapy page.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could help. That could mean short-term relief or lasting improvements. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Curcumin

Are you taking Turmeric? You should read this…

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Turmeric (curcumin) is the wonder compound everyone raves about. It’s been shown to help with a number of inflammatory ailments including: arthritis; joint pain; digestive issues; and even migraines. BUT, is all turmeric the same? NO, and we explain why below…

Only 1-2% of curcumin gets absorbed into the blood

The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is poorly absorbed by the body. In its natural form, less than 2% is bioavailable. To enhance absorption, many supplements combine curcumin with piperine – a compound found in black pepper – that can increase bioavailability by up to 20-fold. However, high doses of curcumin supplements have, in rare cases, been linked to liver toxicity.

There’s a better way — the Phytosome!

The supplement we recommend – TURMERIC PLUS – uses phytosomal technology (Meriva®) to deliver our 330 mg of curcumin, which provides the same bioavailability as about 2,250 mg of standard curcumin!

This advanced formulation binds curcumin to phospholipids, dramatically improving absorption into the bloodstream. 

Still not convinced? Look at the research

Studies comparing phytosomal curcumin (Meriva®) to standard turmeric found that overall curcuminoid absorption was about 29 times higher—that’s a 2,900% increase in bioavailability 🤯.

And best of all, this boost comes without using high-dose piperine, which has been linked to potential liver stress at large amounts. 

Clinical evidence supports our Curcumin Phytosome formula

In an 8-month study of 100 patients with knee osteoarthritis, daily administration of 1,000 mg Meriva® (≈200 mg curcumin) produced significant improvements in pain, stiffness and function (WOMAC score) and markedly better treadmill walking performance versus a control group — with reductions in inflammatory markers and good tolerability.

This extended study confirms that the phytosome formulation delivers sustained, clinically meaningful benefits without requiring high-dose piperine. They used the WOMAC score for pain and disability for the knee OA and after 8 months the curcumin group had a total of over 50% reduction in pain and disability. 

Of course with less pain, comes less medication along with less side effects.

But TURMERIC PLUS is not a one-man band.

It’s a dynamic duo, combining phytosomal curcumin with phytosomal Boswellia (Casperome®) for a double whammy against inflammation. Clinical evidence shows this combination can accelerate recovery from ankle sprains, with over 50% improvement in pain and function compared with controls.

Or how about knee injuries, again over 50% improvement:

In short: TURMERIC PLUS delivers clinically supported, highly absorbable curcumin, enhanced by Boswellia, for sustained, powerful anti-inflammatory support — naturally, safely, and effectively.

You could be paying up to double the amount for the same doses in two separate products! You can get Turmeric Plus from us for only £34 (existing clients only – contact us for details).

Meet Our Expert In Chiropractic Nutrition

Did you know that our chiropractor, Chris, is certified in neuro-mechanical nutrition?

After completing the Core Concepts in Chiropractic Nutrition program at the Academy of Chiropractic Nutrition, Chris can support clients not only with back, neck, or joint pain but also with nutrition-related issues such as low-grade inflammation or energy problems. Tailored dietary advice can improve healing, energy, and overall wellbeing—enhancing the results of your chiropractic care.

We often recommend inHealth supplements to complement chiropractic care if nutrition is a limiting factor in your recovery.

Take the Next Step

If you’re struggling with muscle, joint, or nerve problems that affect your quality of life, chiropractic care could help—either for short-term relief or long-term maintenance.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing through chiropractic care and nutrition.

We can help you to achieve better health. Why not come and see what our chiropractors and massage therapists in Stafford and Newport can do for you. We look forward to seeing you.

Chris Mallett
Principal Chiropractor
Pure Health Chiropractic & Wellness (Stafford and Newport)

Featured image by Simon A. Eugster, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hannah Sports Massage

Welcome to our new Sports Massage Therapist in Stafford!

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We’re thrilled to welcome Hannah, our new Sports Massage Therapist, to the Stafford clinic!

Starting 20th October, Hannah will be available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to help you feel your best.

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn sports injury, feeling tight after an event, or simply need support recovering from training — Hannah’s here to help you get back to peak performance.

Book your appointment today and let’s get you moving better again!

Stafford Massage Room

About Hannah

Hannah is a qualified Sports Massage Therapist based at our Stafford Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic. She’s also a qualified physiotherapist, working full-time within the NHS. Her love of movement and sport began at just five years old as a competitive gymnast, and that passion has continued into adulthood through Pilates and regular gym training. Hannah has a strong interest in musculoskeletal health and injury recovery, and her professional training includes a range of soft tissue techniques to support rehabilitation and enhance performance.

She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP).

What is Massage Therapy

Our massage therapists offer sports, remedial (therapeutic) and deep tissue massage which is focused on the soft tissues of the body. This includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Before treatment, our qualified therapists discuss any areas of pain, tension or limited movement you may have.

For more information about how massage therapy could help you, please see our massage therapy page.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could help. That could mean short-term relief or lasting improvements. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.