Do you suffer from musculoskeletal pain and does this affect the way you move? Nature has made sure that pain is a warning signal we cannot ignore!
I am a complementary holistic health care practitioner with over 20 years experience who specialises in holistic treatments for Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).
I am an advanced Practitioner of Neuromuscular Release with further qualifications in Sports Massage, Shiatsu Acupressure, Lymphatic Drainage, Therapeutic Massage, Nutrition and gentle, yoga - based exercises. I offer you natural pain relief for acute- and chronic muscular pain and neuropathic pain (nerve pain).
My multi-disciplinary treatment approach and gentle muscle release techniques can improve the full movement potential of your joints, medically referred to as Range of Motion (ROM). You are likely to observe notable improvements during your first treatment.
Based in St. Mawes, I offer mobile treatments for natural pain relief throughout Cornwall. Discounted treatment packages are available.
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSD's)
MSD's are the most common source of pain in the UK and pain symptoms frequently result in limited range of motion. ROM in your joints is the amount of movement you have at each joint and is related to flexibility and performance. MSDs have a range of causes of which the exact cause depends on your age, occupation, activity level and lifestyle.
MSD'S are usually caused by an injury to the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves. MSDs can also be caused by overuse. Lower back pain is a commonplace MSD in the UK and is said to be the most work-related diagnosis in Western society. Poor posture or prolonged immobilization can contribute to musculoskeletal pain. Just as frequent sports training can wear down a certain part of the body, so can sitting down in the same position at a computer every day. Research has shown that:
- There are over 200 types of MSDs
- 1 in 4 adults is said to be affected by chronic MSDs.
- Low back pain is reported by 80% of people at some time in their life
- MSDs are the most common reason for repeated GP consultation
- 60% of people on long term sick leave cite MSDs as cause
- MSKs can cause acute pain, chronic pain or/and neuropathic pain. Pain ranges from mild to severe and can be localized in one area, or widespread
Examples of common MSD's include: Neck pain, Frozen Shoulder, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis, Muscle / Tendon / Ligament strains, Sprains, Tennis- and Golfers elbow, Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome, Whiplash.
ACUTE PAIN VS CHRONIC PAIN VS NEUROPATHIC SYMPTOMS
Acute pain is a type of pain that typically lasts less than 3 to 6 months and is typically related to soft tissue damage such as a sprained ankle or a paper cut. It usually disappears when the underlying cause of pain has been treated or has healed. Unrelieved acute pain, however, might lead to chronic pain.
Chronic pain is complex. Chronic pain is said to be maintained unconsciously by the brain and nervous system and is influenced by emotional and social factors. These need to be addressed along with the physical causes of pain. Chronic stress is one factor that contributes to chronic pain. If you suffer from persistent pain, relaxation is important to promote a calm mind, reduce stress hormones in your blood, and relax your muscles.
Neuropathic symptoms occur when the nerve fibres themselves may be damaged, dysfunctional, or injured and as a consequence send incorrect signals to the Central Nervous System.
THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) AND ITS ROLE AS A PAIN DETECTOR
Your CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Your brain acts as a central computer that controls all bodily functions and the nervous system is like a network that relays messages back and forth from the brain to different parts of the body. It is responsible for the interpretation of those messages. Your spinal cord and nerves provide the pathway for messages to travel to and from your brain and the other parts of your body. Acute pain starts from nociception, the nervous system's method of detecting damage to the body. Nociceptors are nerve endings, or sensory receptors, located all over the body. Each nociceptor is connected to a nerve (or neuron) that transmits an electrical impulse along its length towards the spinal cord and then, ultimately to your brain which then co-ordinates a response.
THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS)
The PNS consists of nerves and neurons outside of brain and spinal cord. Essentially it ensures the crucial communication relay between the brain and spinal cord with the rest of the body. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is damage to or disease affecting nerves, which may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health, depending on the type of nerve affected. Types of neurological disorders include Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Depression, Back Pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Parkinsons, Brain and Spinal Tumors and Multiple Sclerosis. The main function of the PNS is to connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the limbs and organs, essentially serving as a communication relay going back and forth between the brain and spinal cord with the rest of the body. Neuropathic pain is often described as burning, stabbing, shooting, aching, or like an electric shock.
CHRONIC PAIN, STRESS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF RELAXATION
Chronic pain is relentless and triggers physical and emotional stress responses in our bodies. It can raise blood pressure, increase our breathing rate and heart rate, and cause muscle tension. This commonly leads to fatigue, sleeping problems, and changes in appetite. Stress is a psychological process initiated by events that threaten, harm or challenge us which can lead to anxiety and depression. Its long-term effect is wear and tear on the body. This causes the muscles in the body to be in a more or less constant state of guardedness. When muscles are taut and tense for long periods of time, it can promote stress-related disorders. For example, both tension-type headache and migraine headache are associated with chronic muscle tension in the area of the shoulders, neck and head. Relaxation has been shown to effectively reduce muscle tension, decrease the incidence of certain stress-related disorders and increase a sense of well-being.
“Andrea's vast experience and training enables her to tailor each session to target specific areas with the most appropriate treatment. I felt she is passionate and enthusiastic about what she does and will explain each process to help you understand what she’s doing. Andrea devised an exercise programme specifically for me that I have found extremely beneficial. She is professional and reliable and I wouldn’t hesitate to make a recommendation.”
Jane Parker, Truro, Cornwall - FIBROMYALGIA
“On two very notable occasions Andrea Vallance has been my acute emergency help! She has come to my rescue at short notice when pain has been extreme. After a routine procedure to take a biopsy from the roof of my mouth, I suffered neuralgia to an eye watering and debilitating level which Andrea was able to ease and calm primarily using Neuromuscular Release – a huge relief! Another time, after jarring myself simply by trying to release a garden hose from an outside tap, I set off nerve pain in my left arm, neck and face as severe as that experienced when my slipped disc was at its worst. Again, Andrea was swiftly able to help – her treatment vastly calming my pain after her first treatment. Indeed, both times, my regular cranial osteopath has shared my praise of Andrea and has been very impressed that Andrea, not only understood, but was so effectively able to treat my symptoms.
Anyone who has experienced pain that conventional medical textbook understanding or medications and treatments have not effectively helped, or does not want to continue with evasive treatment, will appreciate the sheer and utter relief – physically, mentally and emotionally – that finding someone with Andrea’s therapeutic range of skills and individual understanding can bring. I whole-heartedly recommend Andrea – and not just for emergencies!”
Estelle Cook, Godalming, Surrey – ACUTE TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
“Andrea Vallance has been slowly but surely transforming my life and I cannot recommend her highly enough. I have secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis and the thought of ‘Neuromuscular Release’ on my tight and spamming muscles intrigued me.
Little did I realise that Andrea has so much more to offer from her armoury of skills and experience. The relief and comfort that Andrea has restored to my body has been extraordinary. As a result, my mobility has been increased and improved, as have my hopes for the future.
Please do be kind to your body and let Andrea bring you as much relief as she has to me. This Lady has a gift. Let her use it on you.”
Sue Lambert, Peasmarch, Surrey - MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS