Summer is one of the best times of year to enjoy everything Exmoor has to offer. Whether you're walking the South West Coast Path, spending hours in the garden or heading to the beach with the grandchildren, being more active is fantastic for both your physical and mental wellbeing. The downside? Many of us suddenly ask our bodies to do far more than they're used to. At Exmoor Osteopathy & Sports Injury Clinic, we often see aches and pains that develop after an enjoyable day

Many women expect menopause to bring hot flushes, night sweats and changes in mood. What often comes as a surprise is the aches and pains. It's not uncommon for women approaching or going through menopause to notice new joint pain, stiff muscles or injuries that seem to take longer to recover from. Some even describe feeling as though they've "aged overnight." While aches and pains can have many causes, research shows that the hormonal changes of menopause can have a signific

"You're so flexible!" For many people, being able to touch the floor with straight knees or bend their thumbs back to their forearms is seen as a party trick. Dancers, gymnasts and yoga enthusiasts are often praised for their flexibility. But for some people, unusually flexible joints can come with a downside. This is known as joint hypermobility. What Is Hypermobility? Hypermobility means that one or more joints move beyond the range expected for most people. Some people are

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment. Discover simple, safe exercises that can improve mobility, reduce stiffness and help keep your back healthy.

There's no manual for becoming a parent. Between sleepless nights, endless cuddles, feeding, changing, lifting and carrying, your body suddenly starts doing things it has never had to do before. It's no surprise that many new mums find themselves with aches and pains that weren't there before. The good news is that, whilst they're common, they don't have to be something you simply put up with. Why Does Your Body Feel So Different? Pregnancy changes your body in remarkable way

With temperatures soaring across the UK, many of us are enjoying the sunshine while also feeling the effects of the extreme heat. While we often think about sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion, fewer people realise that hot weather can also have a significant impact on muscles, joints and pain levels. As osteopaths, we frequently see patients whose symptoms are influenced by environmental factors, and heatwaves are no exception. How Extreme Heat Affects the Body Our bodi

Have you ever made an involuntary noise when standing up from the sofa? Perhaps you've climbed out of the car after a long journey and needed a few steps before everything loosened up. Maybe you've bent down to tie your shoelaces and wondered why your hamstrings suddenly seem two inches shorter than they did ten years ago. If so, you're certainly not alone. At Exmoor Osteopathy, one of the most common things we hear is: "I know I should stretch more..." Usually followed by: "

There are few things in life that can wake you up quite as dramatically as a sudden cramp in your calf at three o'clock in the morning. One minute you're peacefully asleep. The next, you're launching yourself out of bed, desperately trying to stretch your leg while wondering whether you've somehow aged twenty years overnight. Most people will experience cramp at some point in their lives, and while it's usually harmless, it can be incredibly painful and frustrating - especial

As soon as the weather warms up in the South West, the flip flops come out almost immediately. And honestly, we understand why. After months of socks, boots, and questionable winter footwear choices, the temptation to let your feet breathe is strong. But at Exmoor Osteopathy, we also notice something else arriving with the warmer weather every year: A noticeable increase in foot pain, heel pain, calf tightness, knee aches, and irritated lower backs. And surprisingly often, fl

I was at the dentist recently and had one of those moments where you suddenly realise just how long you’re expected to keep your mouth open for. At first everything felt fine. Then after what felt like the seventeenth minute of impersonating a startled goldfish, my jaw started aching, my neck felt tight, and I became very aware that the muscles around the face were working far harder than I’d ever appreciated before. It also reminded me how common jaw discomfort can be after

If you live in the South West or around Exmoor, chances are you’ve spent at least part of the weekend outside battling weeds, turning soil, or convincing yourself that “just one more flower or vegetable bed” is a sensible idea. Gardening is brilliant for both physical and mental wellbeing. It keeps us moving, gets us outdoors, and gives us an excuse to buy plants we absolutely don’t have room for. But at Exmoor Osteopathy, we also know that gardening - especially digging - is

Tight muscles, ongoing aches, or injuries that don’t seem to fully settle are common problems - whether you’re active, working at a desk, or somewhere in between. Sports massage is often suggested as a solution, but many people aren’t entirely sure what it involves or whether it’s right for them. What Is Sports Massage? Sports massage is a hands-on treatment that focuses on muscles that are tight, overworked, or not functioning as they should. Unlike a relaxation massage, it’