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Summer is just around the corner, and every year we see people in clinic who are concerned that their back is going to ruin their holiday. To help you stay pain‑free, we’ve listed the five most common causes of back pain we see in the clinic during the summer months. 1. Carrying a car seat or suitcase We all know we should lift with our knees to protect our back, but how many of us end up lifting and twisting at the same time? That combination is one of the quickest ways to

For years we’ve been told that good posture means sitting bolt upright, shoulders pinned back, chin tucked, core switched on. But that idea has been discredited. Good posture isn’t a shape. It isn’t a position you hold. It isn’t a military‑style pose you maintain all day. Good posture is your next posture. We’re humans, not statues. We’re designed to move, shift, fidget, lean, twist, perch, slouch, and readjust. The longer we stay in any position, even one that looks “perfect

The short answer: absolutely not! One of the most common surprises in the clinic is this: People expect every patient to be treated in exactly the same way. But bodies aren’t the same. Histories aren’t the same. Pain patterns, nervous systems, mobility levels, and comfort needs aren’t the same, we are all individuals. So no, we don’t treat everyone the same. We follow the McTimoney protocol, working from top to toe, but how we apply it is completely individual. Real Examples

A gentle, science‑informed reminder for anyone who feels like their body is letting them down People often walk into the clinic and say, “My body is broken.” I hear it every week, but the truth is, your body is working. Your body isn’t broken. It’s responding exactly as it was designed to, based on the situation it’s in. Your body is constantly processing information, thi can be: stress, load, movement history, sleep, emotions, past injuries and experiences, and it is using t

May is National Walking Month, a lovely reminder to pop your shoes on and walk a little more, whether that’s a stroll to the shops, the school run, or a five‑mile hike that includes a visit to a country pub. Walking is one of the simplest ways to support your physical and mental wellbeing. But for many people, it isn’t always straightforward. Common barriers include: aches and pains lack of strength lack of time not knowing where to go If any of these feel familiar, you’re no

This week in clinic, I’ve seen several clients whose backs “just went” after doing some gardening. If you’re anything like me, gardening is a must, that first mow of the year, planting out the seedlings, or bringing home a few too many plants from the garden centre. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures. But professionally? It’s one of the things I quietly dread every spring. Every year, without fail, we see an influx of people who’ve been gardening and suddenly find themselve

A gentle guide for when your body feels sore, tight, or “not quite right” Before I ever stepped into a chiropractor’s clinic, I remember being told to lie flat on the wooden floor to rid me of my back pain. So I did. And then, I couldn’t get back up. A lot of people who come to see me for the first time have done exactly the same. They stopped moving because they were scared of making things worse. It’s a natural response when something hurts, we freeze. But here’s the truth

When I talk about yoga, I often hear people say it isn’t for them. The reasons vary: “I’m not bendy,” “I can’t meditate,” "I can't touch my toes", “The class I tried was too fast,” “It made me ache,” .... My response is always the same: come and try yoga with me. Every yoga teacher is different. We all teach in our own way, shaped by our training, our background, and you. Yoga isn’t one thing, it’s a whole range of different approaches, speeds, styles, and experiences. My s

Most people who book a new patient appointment ask what they should wear — or they arrive with a bag full of clothes “just in case”. You’re not alone. It’s a really common worry. At Key Wellness, the most important thing is that you feel relaxed and comfortable . If your body feels tense or restricted, the healing process takes longer. Wear Something You Can Move In Your new patient assessment involves gentle movement and different positions, so clothing that allows you to mo

It’s the burning question almost everyone has when they walk into the clinic: “How many sessions will I need?” You want to know what to expect, how your body might respond, and how long it will take before you start feeling like you again. And that’s completely understandable. So let’s talk about it honestly, clearly, and without over‑promising. The Short Answer: It Depends on Your Body There isn’t a single number that fits everyone. How many sessions you’ll need depends on:

After understanding the safety of chiropractic, the next question most people ask is: “What actually happens in a session?” Let’s walk through it clearly, calmly, and without any jargon. Your Initial Consultation: A Fact‑Finding Mission for both of us Before your appointment, you’ll complete a health questionnaire so I can understand your background and any important medical details. During the session, we’ll talk about: Why you have come to the clinic Your health goals Your

If you’re thinking about seeing a chiropractor, then I expect you’re wondering whether it’s safe. This is a completely normal question. You’re trusting someone with your neck, your spine, your nervous system, and your overall wellbeing, so you should ask that question. So let’s talk about it openly, honestly, and without any jargon. ⭐ Chiropractic Is Safe Especially when it’s gentle, low‑force, and tailored to your body. At Key Wellness, I use McTimoney chiropractic , a met

I’m often asked how often someone should come and see me in clinic. People ask for all sorts of reasons: finances, wanting to know if they’re “normal”, simply wanting reassurance that chiropractic works . The truth? There’s no single answer. Your body, your lifestyle, and your goals all shape what you need. Let’s break it down clearly. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All How often you should see a chiropractor depends on three main factors. 1. Your Current Symptoms Acute pain or rec

Discover the best pillow height for side, back, and front sleepers to reduce neck pain, improve spinal alignment, and support healthier sleep posture. Getting comfortable at night shouldn’t be complicated, but for many, the wrong pillow height quietly creates neck pain, shoulder tension, headaches, and that “why do I feel 90 years old?” morning stiffness. The good news is that improving your sleep posture is often as simple as choosing the right pillow for the way you sleep.

A gentle, reassuring guide for anyone wondering if we’re the right chiropractor in Gloucester for them. If you’re thinking about booking your first chiropractic appointment but feel a bit unsure, you’re not alone. Many people search for a gentle chiropractor in Gloucester because they want help with pain, but they also want to feel safe, informed, and listened to. At Key Wellness, that’s exactly how your first visit is designed to feel. A warm welcome from the moment you arri

Yes! Definitley! I’m always over the moon when someone comes to the clinic and already has regular treatment with another therapist. Your body benefits from a team approach, and different therapies support each other. Why It Helps Massage, sports therapy, and acupuncture all work in ways that complement chiropractic care: Massage and sports therapy help relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and ease tension. When your muscles are more relaxed, chiropractic adjustments ho

When people come to see us, they’re often unsure what type of care they need or what the different phases of care actually mean. I like to group appointments into three simple categories: crisis , maintenance , and wellness . Each phase has a different purpose, and understanding them can help you make the best choices for your body and long‑term wellbeing. Let’s break them down. Crisis Care, When Something Has Gone Wrong Most people first visit us during a crisis. This might

One of the most common surprises people have when they come to the clinic is discovering that treatment doesn’t end when the session does. Alongside hands‑on work, we often give home exercises, these are usually simple yoga poses (asana), chosen to support your recovery between appointments. This isn’t about giving you extra things to do; it’s about helping your body continue the progress we start together. Why Home Exercises Matter During a session, your body can only take

If you’ve looked into having chiropractic care, or if you have already experienced it, you will probably come across the term “McTimoney” and wondered what it actually means. Is it something separate from chiropractic? A different profession? A gentler version? The simple answer is: McTimoney is a type of chiropractic technique , just like Diversified, Gonstead, Activator, or drop‑table methods. Each approach has its own philosophy, technique, and feel. If we put our yoga

Today I want to chat to you about pain. Not in a heavy, medical‑textbook way, but in a simple, everyday way that actually makes sense. So imagine you’re driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly a warning light pops up on the dashboard. What do you do after the panic has stopped? Do you keep driving and hope for the best? Do you somehow remove the bulb so you don’t have to look at it? Or do you take the car to the garage to find out what’s really going on? Now