How We Treat Asthma At Severn Clinics
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Our service is for people who want to be truly healthy. Which usually means moving beyond outdated ‘symptom based’ approaches to health. Instead seeking to identify and address the underlying causes of our health challenges.
We combine cutting edge technology, hands on methods, tailored rehab programs and stress management. This enables us to target a wide range of health and wellness challenges. Not all ‘real healthcare’ involves drugs and surgery.
We provide transformative healthcare in a welcoming and friendly environment. For us, genuine care and authentic communication are not bonus features. They are healthcare fundamentals.
Successful management and relief of stubborn back pain can be surprisingly straight forward. Yet in other instances a systematic, focused, and persistent approach may be required to get your back pain under control.
We specialise in providing flexible ‘multidisciplinary’ pain relief – using a wide range of tools and techniques. This ensures we have the best possible chance to help everyone: from the most easy straightforward cases right through to the most treatment resistant forms of back pain.
Find The Cause
Hands On Pain Relief
Rehabilitation And Prevention
Getting to the bottom of your back pain means finding out where exactly the pain is coming from – and exactly what is causing it.
Back pain can come from muscle, tendons, discs, joints, ligaments, nerves, bones, fascia (connective tissue) or even an internal organ. Establishing clearly which tissue is creating the pain is the first step towards relief. But we don’t stop there because we want to know WHY you are suffering.
Some back pains are caused by damaged or degenerated tissue. Some back pains are caused by weakness deep in the core and hip. Some back pains are caused by psychological stress. Some back pains are caused by scar tissue from old injuries. Some back pains are caused by the nature of a person’s job. Some back pains can even be caused by having flat feet or a rotated pelvis.
Finding out why you have back pain is essential if you want longer term relief from pain. Which is why we place great importance on this step. We have a wide range of technologies and tests at our disposal, in order to identify the source of back pain. If you need an X Ray or MRI to diagnose your pain we’ll organise a referral for the relevant imaging for you on the spot.
In most cases of back pain, it’s necessary to work with a team who combine a variety of technologies and hands-on methods to ease your back pain. So that’s exactly what we do.
Most people who require treatment for stubborn back pain don’t respond particularly well to just being given home exercises. Much in the same way that most people with toothache don’t respond too well to just being sent home with some dental floss. When toothache is bad you need a filling, when back pain is bad you need treatments and technologies that ease your pain.
If you have chronic back pain you almost certainly need hands on treatments with professionals who are trained to physically relieve pain. We use some of the most advanced pain technology available anywhere, combined with a wide range of skill based manual techniques.
Successful prevention of back pain in the longer term often requires more than just the right ‘treatments’.
For many patients, back pain treatments that bring some blessed relief are often just the start point. Core exercises, custom orthotics, glute strengthening, stress management, postural correction, lifestyle tweaks, workstation tweaks and even dietary tweaks are often necessary. Muscle weakness deep in the core is often thekey issue.
Most cases of back pain are either caused by something that we are doing wrong or something that the body needs help with like core strength or alignment. Making necessary adjustments to your lifestyle and the wellbeing of your body may be necessary for longer term success. Coaching for these important changes in those who wish to make them is a part of what we do
Book an online consultation and get personalized advice from the comfort of your home. Our licensed practitioners are here to assess your concerns, provide expert diagnosis, and offer treatment recommendations—all through a secure virtual session.
027 508 8083
tobias@severnclinics.co.nz
A growing number of people are realising that there is more to managing asthma than steroid inhalers. Conditions like asthma have deep roots in our basic state of health, environment and lifstyle. As opposed to being the straightforward ‘genetic life sentences” they were once thought to be.
Embarking on the journey towards optimal asthma management often involves considering alternative therapies alongside conventional treatments. We specialize in holistic approaches that encompass cupping, dry needling, breathing techniques, stress management and gentle laser therapies. We offering a somewhat comprehensive toolkit for managing their asthma effectively. With the omission of drug therapies, which we fully acknowledge are also important, especially when attacks happen.
Essentially at Severn Clinics we do not claim to be able to ‘treat’ asthma. We do however claim to have an excellent track record for helping asthmatics. By targeting the first principles of healthy respiratory function. In some ways the best asthma ‘treatment’ is often the one that ignores the asthma itself and focuses on making the body healthier, stronger and more resilient.
Cupping therapy, rooted in ancient healing traditions, presents a unique approach to managing asthma symptoms. Through the strategic placement of specialized cups on the skin and the creation of suction, cupping therapy facilitates the pulling of inflammation and congestion from deep within the respiratory tissues to the surface of the skin.
This suction aims to promote improved circulation to the respiratory system while aiding in the removal of toxins and metabolic waste products. By targeting inflammation and congestion deep within the tissues, cupping therapy aims to alleviate airway constriction and enhance lung function, providing relief from symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Moreover, the gentle pulling action of cupping therapy helps to release tension in the chest and respiratory muscles, promoting relaxation and easing the burden on the airways. This relaxation response can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are known triggers for asthma exacerbations.
Many asthmatics are surprised by how much symptom relief they can get from safe, gentle cupping that has none of the long term side effects of steroid inhalers.
Dry needling is a contemporary therapeutic technique designed to target muscle tension and inflammation, two key factors influencing asthma symptoms. By inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the body, dry needling aims release of tension in muscles surrounding the airways, easing the workload on your respiratory system. Additionally, this process helps to reduce inflammation, which can contribute to airway constriction and breathing difficulties in individuals with asthma.
The needles used in dry needling are strategically placed based on anatomical knowledge and thorough assessment by our skilled practitioners. When inserted into trigger points, these needles prompt a localized twitch response, which is believed to disrupt the feedback loop of pain and tension in the muscles. This twitch response triggers a cascade of physiological responses, including the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body.
Furthermore, dry needling aims to stimulate blood flow to the targeted areas, promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for tissue healing and reducing inflammation. By addressing both muscle tension and inflammation. Many individuals find that dry needling and acupuncture help improve the function of their respiratory muscles and alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness commonly associated with asthma.
Shockwave therapy is known for its ability to trigger healing responses in a wide range of living tissues. We use it indirectly, as an ‘off label’ approach to relieving asthma symptoms. As a means of optimising the health or respiratory muscles and the soft tissues around the lungs. A very significant number of our patients report excellent outcomes with this approach.
Shockwave therapy offers promising benefits for individuals struggling with asthma by providing a novel approach to managing respiratory symptoms. Shockwave therapy enhances metabolism and increases blood circulation by stimulating healing mechanisms within the body, facilitating the regeneration of healthy tissue. This therapy involves the precise application of strong energy pulses to the affected areas, creating micro-cavitation bubbles that prompt the activation of cells responsible for tissue repair. Additionally, shockwave therapy delivers an acoustic pressure wave to the respiratory tissue, promoting pain relief and facilitating tissue healing.
By targeting underlying inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration, shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive option for alleviating asthma symptoms and improving respiratory function. With its potential to address the challenges of chronic asthma, shockwave therapy stands as a promising addition to the arsenal of treatments available for individuals seeking relief and enhanced quality of life.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for individuals with asthma. By targeting specific points on the body with low-intensity lasers, LLLT stimulates cellular activity and modulates inflammatory responses in the airways. This therapy helps reduce airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production, leading to improved lung function and reduced asthma symptoms. Additionally, LLLT promotes relaxation of the respiratory muscles, alleviating respiratory distress and enhancing overall respiratory health. Combined with standard asthma management strategies, LLLT offers a non-invasive and effective approach to managing asthma symptoms.
Moreover, LLLT has been shown to improve the efficacy of standard asthma medications by enhancing their delivery to the lungs and increasing their effectiveness. This synergistic effect can lead to better symptom control and reduced reliance on high-dose medications, minimizing the risk of side effects associated with long-term use. Overall, LLLT offers a safe, non-invasive, and holistic approach to asthma management, providing patients with additional options for achieving optimal respiratory health and well-being.
It is a little concerning to us how often the medical management of asthma overlooks the importance of strong healthy breathing patterns. Being an asthmatic and ignoring breathing exercises could be compared to being overweight and ignoring cardiovascular exercise. Countless chronic asthmatics report dramatic changes in their underlying condition when they start taking the time to strengthen their respiratory muscles. Arguably this isn’t very surprising.
At our clinic, we prescribe breathing techniques to help individuals better manage their asthma symptoms. With techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing, and paced breathing, our experts provide practical solutions for controlling breath and reducing asthma attacks. These simple yet effective exercises can alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, while also promoting relaxation and stress reduction. While these techniques complement traditional asthma treatments, they serve as valuable tools for improving overall asthma management.
Inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene modifiers, and biologics play pivotal roles in asthma pharmacotherapy. Inhaled corticosteroids are mainstays for long-term control, reducing airway inflammation and preventing exacerbations. Bronchodilators, including short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), provide quick relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways, while leukotriene modifiers help prevent asthma symptoms by blocking leukotrienes, substances that contribute to inflammation. Biologics, such as omalizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab, are targeted therapies designed for individuals with severe asthma who do not respond well to other medications.
Identifying and minimizing exposure to allergens is crucial for reducing asthma symptoms. Allergy testing can help pinpoint specific allergens, allowing individuals to take targeted steps to avoid or minimize exposure. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, can be beneficial for individuals with allergic asthma by gradually desensitizing the immune system to allergens and reducing asthma symptoms over time.
For many asthma sufferers allergies are more akin to ‘asthma triggers’ than ‘asthma causes’. What this means is that by focusing on some of the basics of healthy respiratory and immune function many asthmatics find that their lung tissues become far less sensitive to environmental allergens and antigens. Yet until we reach our personal ‘resilience goals’ as the trophies awarded to us for hard work, the identification and management of allergies remain absolutely vital.
Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve asthma control and overall well-being. Smoking cessation is particularly important, as smoking can worsen asthma symptoms and decrease the effectiveness of asthma medications. Regular physical activity can strengthen the lungs and improve respiratory function, while maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the strain on the respiratory system.
Stress can play a significant part in many asthma cases. Not only present day stressors but even the stresses in the past that we still ‘carry’ with us. Chronic stress during childhood is known to be associated with an increased risk of asthma. There is also evidence that adverse childhood experiences may increase the impact of air pollution on asthma sufferers.
We are not taught to think of conditions like asthma in terms of the entirety of our lifestyle and health status. Yet more and more of us are waking up to these truths and reaping the rewards of doing so.
If you know that there are lifestyle factors impacting your asthma (like smoking) face the music and do whatever work is necessary to conquer these challenges. If you are unsure about whether something like childhood stress could be impacting your asthma look into EMDR Therapy, it could be life changing.
An asthma action plan provides personalized guidance from healthcare providers, outlining daily medications, emergency protocols, and steps for seeking medical assistance during exacerbations. Having a written asthma action plan empowers individuals to take control of their asthma and respond effectively to changes in symptoms. There are many excellent resources online for this type of approach.
Environmental factors such as indoor and outdoor air quality can significantly impact asthma symptoms. Implementing measures such as air filtration, humidity control, and regular cleaning can help minimize exposure to allergens and irritants in the home environment, reducing asthma triggers and improving overall asthma control.
Most New Zealanders are aware of the particular role moulds can play in aggravating asthma symptoms. If you suspect there is mould in your property it is vital that you take every measure possible to tackle it. Moulds are highly toxic to human tissues.
Participation in asthma education programs and self-monitoring through symptom diaries are key components of effective asthma management. Asthma education programs provide individuals with essential knowledge about their condition, including triggers, medications, and self-management strategies. Self-monitoring allows individuals to track their symptoms, identify triggers, and adjust their treatment plan as needed in consultation with their healthcare provider.
Rescue inhalers, peak flow meters, and nebulizers are essential tools for managing acute asthma exacerbations. Rescue inhalers, which contain short-acting beta agonists, provide quick relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways and improving airflow. Peak flow meters allow individuals to monitor their lung function at home, while nebulizers deliver medication in a mist form, making them particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty using inhalers.
Hands On Treatments
We are in the business of helping you get out of pain. The heart of our clinical process is a committed and very hands on approach to getting you out of pain as quickly, painlessly and safely as possible. We are willing to use a wide range of tools and also to work tirelessly in our efforts to get you out of pain.
Flexible Treatment Approach
Even among professionals there is little agreement on the best ways to treat pain. If there is one thing that we know for certain about pain management though, it’s that a flexible multidisciplinary treatment approach to back pain is best. This is why we take such great care to provide the most diverse range of pain relief tools possible under one roof.
Get To The Bottom Of It
The human body seldom if ever generates pain for no reason. Pain is a highly organised and intelligent form of feedback that we have evolved over millions of years. In other words if you have pain it will be for a good reason. We always strive to find the deepest possible explanation for your pain so that you have the best possible chance of preventing it in the longer term.
Excellent Communication
Unlike a one-off filling at the dentist, successfully managing back pain is a process. A process that often requires commitment, trust and clear communication. We believe that clear and open communication combined with genuine rapport are fundamental within our arsenal of pain management tools.
Assume Nothing
Just because a treatment has worked for us a thousand times before; doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to work on you! Pain management is not a ‘1 size fits all’ moment in life. We monitor our patients’ response to treatment very closely. This approach enables us to make agile treatment protocols that can be altered in real time should we find that you aren’t responding to the methods that we expect to work for you.
Our team offers a wide range of treatments, helping you to achieve your recovery goals.
Please utilise our booking system for Wellington appointments by clicking the button below. For Wairarapa appointments, kindly use the appointment request form.