Like many other professions within the U.K and across the World, Chiropractic has had to vastly adapt to the frequently-changing scope of practice as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, as shielding, at-risk groups and isolation have been reviewed daily. As some may be aware, Chiropractic is also one of the few professions which were included within a Statutory Instrument; a Government document outlining our continued services to treat patients throughout the pandemic (with restrictions), to help alleviate the burden on the NHS. To enable us to do so, we have taken extra precautions within our clinics to keep our patients, ourselves and our staff safe. Such measures have included increased sanitisation and regular deep cleaning of the clinic rooms, reduced use of communal areas (Reception) within the clinic and increased social distancing or staggering of appointments to reduce crossover at busy times. Your chiropractor will also have increased their use of PPE (personal protective equipment), donning medically certified masks, gloves and aprons to maintain the highest levels of hygiene and safety and reduce the risk of spread of the virus.
Part of our specific skillset is the assessment and treatment of the Musculoskeletal (MSK) system; namely the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments that hold our body together. Chiropractic is essential because we identify areas of pain, reduced range of movement or restriction and dysfunction to provide specific “adjustments” to allow the joints to work more freely. This, in turn, reduces pain and encourages the nervous system to innately improve brain-body connection, balance and function.
Personal health has been a key focus during the Covid-19 pandemic, due to the emphasis on increased symptoms presenting within people with pre-existing health conditions or ill-health, such as respiratory conditions, high BMI, cancer or heart conditions. Chiropractic care reduces pain and disability as well as improving general health status in patients with MSK conditions (Garner, et al., 2007). Therefore, seeking Chiropractic care during the current pandemic is not only safe, but we recommend it as part of your health routine, in combination with a healthy, active lifestyle and diet.
Here are our top tips to staying healthy during Covid-19:
- Stay physically active – this can include walking, your daily workout or even if you are working from home and desk-bound – get up regularly (every 15-20 minutes) to give yourself a screen break and move your body from the confinement of sitting.
- Look after your mind – Many have found lockdown and isolation stressful and lots of App creators on Apple and Android have been doing their meditation, breathing and relaxation apps free during the pandemic. Looking after your mental health is equally important as your physical health.
- Eat well – replacing sugar-sweetened drinks with water helps you stay hydrated and improves brain function. Adding frozen or fresh fruits to water can enhance the taste. Avoid drinking an excessive amount of caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee as these can cause dehydration and affect sleeping patterns. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, limiting your intake of salt, sugar and fat.
It is important to remember to be kind to yourself – we are all approaching this “new normal” together, each with individual circumstances during lockdown, within work and home environments. As a primary health care profession, we stress the importance of self-care, particularly now restrictions are gradually being lifted. If you would like to discuss how you can introduce Chiropractic into your healthy lifestyle or discuss whether it is right for you, please get in touch.
References
Garner, M., Aker, P., Balon, J., Birmingham, M., Moher, D., Keenan, D., & Manga, P. (2007, March). Chiropractic Care of Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Unique Population Within Canadian Community Health Centers. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 30(3), 165-170. Retrieved July 30, 2020, from Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161475407000541
