14/10/2024
👨⚕️ Practitioner Spotlight: Meet James Ruddick 👨⚕️
This Back Care Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the experts at Summertown Clinic who are helping our patients live pain-free. Today, we’re sitting down with our Clinical Director and osteopath, James Ruddick, to get his insights on back health.
Q: What are the most common back issues you see in patients?
James: "Many of the patients we see suffer from lower back pain, often triggered by everyday activities like gardening, lifting, or work-related strain. One of the biggest challenges for people is understanding what's causing their pain, especially with so many myths and well-meaning but conflicting advice circulating. It's crucial to not only understand the pain they're presenting with, but also to know the right steps to recovery—so you can come back even stronger. I particularly enjoy helping patients with severe radiating (usually into their leg or foot) back pain, such as sciatica. It's incredibly rewarding to guide them on the path to recovery, seeing them return to their daily activities and doing the things they love."
Q: What’s your number one piece of advice for people experiencing back pain?
James: "Movement is essential. I always advise my patients to stay active, even if it's just gentle stretching throughout the day. Small adjustments, like avoiding low sofas and incorporating regular, light movement, can have a big impact. It's also important to understand why the pain behaves a certain way so that you can make informed decisions about managing and preventing future issues."
Q: What can someone expect when they come to Summertown Clinic for treatment?
James: "We take a highly personalised approach. First, we carefully listen to each patient’s story, not just to understand the physical cause of their pain, but also to appreciate their values and beliefs around it. After a thorough case history, we carry out a detailed examination, which may involve removing some clothing to fully assess the affected area—though we always respect our patients' comfort levels. From there, we explain our findings, helping them understand the underlying cause of their back pain and often considering other factors like lifestyle and overall health. Treatment typically involves hands-on techniques such as manipulation, soft tissue massage, and exercises designed to restore movement and function."
Thanks to James and the rest of our team for their dedication to helping our community live healthier, more active lives! 🙌
Stay tuned for more expert tips throughout the week, and don't forget to grab your free back care leaflet!
