Tackle aches and pains - flamingo style!
An Exeter-based physiotherapist wants us all to stand on one leg to improve our movement awareness.
Cara Simpson of Flamingo Physio believes that everyone can prevent pain without having to exercise but by becoming more aware of the way they move during everyday life.
“After many years of working in the NHS as a musculoskeletal (MSK) specialist physiotherapist, it struck me that the majority of people I was seeing didn’t actually require treatment,” Cara explained.
She has written a book to help explain the idea. Flamingo Physio uses a mixture of easy-to-follow instructions, vibrant photos and simple diagrams. Each chapter is based in the various rooms of a house, including the kitchen and lounge as well as the car and office.
The flamingo motif stems from the fact that standing on one leg while performing routine tasks can help to retrain posture by improving movement awareness.
“For example, standing on one leg when you’re waiting for the kettle to boil or the toast to pop up will improve balance and give your body a super boost.”
Cara has been busy taking her message out to businesses, organisations and schools in the local area. One, Exeter Cathedral School, saw the potential gain from proactive health and is now working in partnership with Flamingo Physio to help staff, pupils and parents.
With more and more companies understanding the need to promote health and wellbeing amongst employees, Cara’s entertaining, interactive talks are an easy way to promote better occupational and ergonomic health. She is also working with individuals to host talks in their own homes with friends, helping people to explore how they move at home. Cara says the information learnt from her talks will help everyone to enjoy a lifetime free from pain.
“I’m passionate about telling people that the solution to their pain might be something as simple as standing on one leg.”
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