<![CDATA[Truro & St Austell Chiropractic Clinics - Articles]]>Sun, 03 May 2026 23:11:12 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[A heartfelt goodbye.]]>Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:51:49 GMThttps://www.backpainclinicscornwall.co.uk/articles/a-heartfelt-goodbye
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Patients who have been with us for many years will have almost certainly either seen or heard of David Styles. He has had a continued presence in many aspects of the clinic for over two decades, and has a been our most senior practitioner since March 1999, primarily working from our Truro location.
He has recently announced that he will be retiring on the 9th of December (some of you may recall that David did attempt to retire once, but his enjoyment of his work proved to be too much of a pull, and so the attempt didn't last long!). This news will surely come as bittersweet to those of us who have known David for as long as we have. Though it will be sad to see him go, he has fully deserved his retirement, and we hope that he attains some well-earned rest and relaxation.
Thank you for everything, David.
David has been a part of my life for many years. When my dad, Tim Pitman, unfortunately passed away suddenly when I was very young, David not only supported the clinic and our patients during what was a very difficult time, but he supported the practice manager and myself as well. And, when I finished university and came back to work in the clinic, David kindly spent many hours of his own time with me, observing my work with patients, ensuring that not only was I up to standard, but also to ensure the patients’ comfort. He has always been a supportive figure to me and he has taught me many things.
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I’m sure this has been something that his many patients have felt themselves. His genuine, kind, knowledged approach to his work has been fed back to me many a time on the occasions where I’ve needed to provide treatment for one of his regulars. His personality and attention to his work will surely be missed by those he has been helping for so long.
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Thank you David and I hope you enjoy your well-earned (second attempt) retirement.

Mathi Pitman
It has been an honour and a privilege working with David these past two years.  I certainly haven’t known you as long as the rest of the team, but in the time I have spent with David, he has been a guiding force during my first year of practice, with many of his tips and tricks giving me the confidence, the last push needed in my own ability as a chiropractor and I’m certain will help me the rest of my career. 

Although they will be happy and well cared for with Mat, I’m sure you’ll be missed by many of your patients, their families and friends that you’ve helped, talked too and advised over your past years as a chiropractor. To them and you I’d just say how great it is that you’ve had the chance too so positively help so many people and retiring with so many that will miss you, a feeling that many people don’t get to know.

David, thank you and enjoy your well deserved retirement, let’s see how long this second one lasts.

​Alfie Hallam
]]><![CDATA[Regular manual care can help alleviate stress and aid flexibility]]>Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:42:32 GMThttps://www.backpainclinicscornwall.co.uk/articles/regular-manual-care-can-help-alleviate-stress-and-aid-flexibilityManual therapy has been used for centuries to help alleviate pain and promote relaxation. In recent years, research has shown that regular massage can also be beneficial for overall stress and muscular health.
Stress can have a significant impact on the body, both physically and mentally. When we experience stress, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can cause inflammation and weaken the immune system. Over time, chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. Manual therapy has been shown to reduce the levels of cortisol in the body, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of stress. In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, participants who received a 45-minute massage experienced a significant reduction in cortisol levels compared to those who did not receive a massage.
Regular massage can also help to improve muscular health. When we experience stress, our muscles can become tense and sore, leading to pain and discomfort. Manual therapy can help to relax the muscles, reducing tension and promoting healing. In a study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, participants who received manual therapy experienced a significant decrease in muscle pain and an increase in muscle function. The researchers concluded that manual therapy can be an effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
Regular manual therapy can also help to improve flexibility and range of motion. When our muscles become tense and tight, it can be difficult to move freely. Manual therapy can help to release tension and improve flexibility, making it easier to move and perform daily activities. In a study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, participants who received manual therapy experienced a significant increase in range of motion compared to those who did not receive massage.
In conclusion, regular manual therapy can be a beneficial addition to a stress management and muscular health routine. The reduction of cortisol levels, alleviation of muscle pain and tension, and improvement of flexibility are just a few of the potential benefits of manual therapy. If you are interested in incorporating manual therapy into your wellness routine, be sure to speak with one of our practitioners to discuss your individual needs and preferences.

Sources:
• Field, T., et al. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11(1), 109-117.
• Moyer, C.A., et al. (2011). A randomized controlled trial of massage therapy versus Swedish massage in the treatment of chronic low back pain. International Journal of Neuroscience, 121(8), 534-541.
• Sullivan, M.J., et al. (2001). The treatment of neck and low back pain with massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 5(4), 261-266.]]>