AS MEMORIES of our long, hot summer fade away, here in my clinic I have noticed an increase in clients seeking help with foot and leg pain alongside a variety of seemingly unrelated problems.

As part of their initial Bowen therapy consultation, I have found one common factor – notably the many months spent walking around barefoot in flip flops or sandals. While this makes sense in hot weather, few people realise that wearing flat, unsupported footwear daily for long periods can have unwanted knock-on effects.

Among the more serious problems can be plantar fasciitis, inflamed Achilles tendon and fallen arches while knee, hip and lower back pain can be the result of abnormal walking gait in someone more used to wearing a heel.

A course of Bowen therapy can help ease aches and pains and re-align posture, and in many cases, I am happy to recommend using our specialist health and wellness products for use at home to relieve some of the symptoms.

For example, soak those tired feet in warm water with a generous handful of Bexters Bath Crystals or apply Bowtech Ease onto throbbing bunions or itchy chilblains. Take care to dry properly in between toes and massage afterwards with your favourite moisturiser.

So, what is the message as we head into the colder, winter months… vary your footwear from day to day – especially heel heights – change socks daily and be sure to dry in between the toes after bath or shower. And to keep back pain at bay, walk tall and don’t spend hours stooping over a mobile phone or laptop!

Until next time.

Helen