The knee is probably on the most stressed joint in the human body. Therefore it is also one of the most complex. All joints have bones, cartilage, tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels to allow its function. The knee relies on 12 muscles at least to perform its function. It also has the Read More

There are two fundamentally different approaches to acupuncture. Acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), an ancient system of medicine originating in the East two thousand years ago. This is based on the belief that energy (or Qi, pronounced ‘chee’) flows throughout the body along Read More

Structure: The medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is a 10-12cm long structure situated on the inside of the knee formed of collagen fibres. The tensile and elastic properties of ligaments are important to stabilise joints (bone-to-bone) but also allow movement. The MCL protects the knee from valgus stress – outward movement of the Read More

Swimming is widely recognised as an excellent form of exercise for maintaining flexibility in the spine and strength whilst minimising strain or pressure on the spinal structures present in weight-bearing activities.  In effect the water acts as a supporting structure so light swimming is often recommended as part of an exercise therapy regime.  However, the Read More