Muscle pain that doesn’t respond to treatment may not always be mechanical. In this week’s blog, our Principal Osteopath reflects on a recent patient whose long-standing thigh pain dramatically improved after pausing her statin medication — under medical guidance.

We explore how statins work, their vital role in heart health, and why speaking with your GP is essential if medication side effects are suspected.

"What’s the best pillow for my neck?" It’s one of the most common questions I hear as an osteopath — and the answer is never one-size-fits-all. From shoulder width to sleeping position, and even mattress firmness, the right pillow depends on you. In this blog, I share practical tips to help you choose a pillow that supports your spine, improves sleep, and avoids that dreaded morning neck pain — plus how to dispose of old pillows responsibly.

Cramps during the night are a common frustration for many people. While there can be several causes, one often-overlooked factor is the loss of electrolytes through daily activity and sweating. If these vital minerals aren’t replaced, the delicate balance that keeps our muscles contracting and relaxing smoothly can be disrupted – leaving us waking up with painful spasms.

Co-sleeping is a reality for many new parents — sometimes out of choice, often out of necessity.
As an osteopath and a fellow parent, I understand the physical toll it can take. From curled sleeping positions to constant awareness of your baby’s safety, co-sleeping can lead to persistent upper back, neck, and shoulder pain — often long before mums seek help.

In this blog, I share my own experience, the stories I hear in clinic, practical advice for safer co-sleeping, and how osteopathic treatment can ease the aches so you can focus on your baby without the burden of pain.

Did you know sitting can load your lower back more than standing — and even more than lifting?
Your spinal discs work hard every day to absorb shock and keep you moving, but the way we sit, drive, and even eat can quietly wear them down. In this blog, we explore how discs really work (spoiler: they can’t “slip”), why degeneration can start in your 20s, and what you can do right now to keep your spine healthy for the long haul.

Pregnancy and birth place unique demands on the spine and pelvis — and many women are left with unresolved discomfort long after their baby arrives. Our specialist postnatal assessment, offered exclusively by Principal Osteopath Bernitta Willoughby, is designed to address these changes with expert care and clinical precision. With advanced training in Women’s Health Osteopathy and a deep understanding of postnatal recovery, Bernitta helps you feel truly supported as you reconnect with your body.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a sudden shift in clinic: patients losing weight rapidly — and more often than not, it’s linked to Mounjaro, a weight loss injection originally developed for diabetes.

While the results can be striking, I’m starting to hear stories that raise concern: complete appetite suppression, days without eating, exhaustion, and side effects that some can’t tolerate.

This blog shares what I’m observing as an Osteopath — with curiosity, concern, and a deep respect for the complexity of real, sustainable health.

“I’ve been working from the sofa with Frasier on in the background…”

As an Osteopath, I’ve heard more working-from-home confessions than I can count — and they all come with a common thread: back pain, neck tension, fatigue, and a creeping sense of burnout.

In this week’s blog, I share what really causes pain in desk-based professions — especially when working from home with children during the school holidays — and why it’s often not just posture, but patterns of stress, multitasking, and overwhelm that take their toll.

If you’re juggling work, kids, and a lack of movement (plus a few too many sugary snacks), this one’s for you.

Sometimes, even with the right treatment and rehabilitation plan, pain doesn’t improve as expected. As experienced Osteopaths, we know when to stop, reassess, and recommend further investigation — often through private MRI imaging.

In this blog, we share two recent shoulder pain cases where early imaging confirmed our clinical suspicion of supraspinatus tendon issues. This not only gave patients clarity but also enabled timely referrals via their NHS GP to the right specialists.

At The Waterside Practice, we’re here to support recovery — and when treatment alone isn’t enough, we guide patients toward the next step with honesty and care.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients in Cambridgeshire are turning to private healthcare services — often before speaking to their GP. At The Waterside Practice, we’ve seen this shift first-hand, with people seeking timely support for pain and mobility issues.

While we hold deep respect for the NHS and its pressures, we’re here to help where appropriate. Our multidisciplinary team offers honest advice, professional care, and a clear pathway forward — whether that means treatment or guiding you to the right professional.

In this blog, we explore why this change is happening, what it means for patients, and how we’re committed to supporting our community with compassion and integrity.

When the Crying Doesn't Stop

“I just don’t know what else to do — she screams all day. I feed her, change her, rock her, hold her close… nothing helps.”

These are the words of a mother in clinic, her baby crying inconsolably, her voice cracking with exhaustion. I’ve heard this story in many forms — whispered through tears, shared behind closed doors, repeated in the lonely hours of early parenthood. When a baby cries non-stop, it doesn’t just wear on the ears — it shakes your confidence, unsettles your nervous system, and leaves you feeling like you’ve missed something essential. But often, these babies are trying to tell us something — and as an osteopath, I listen with both heart and hands to find what might help.

In this blog topic, I’m writing for the parents who feel like they’re drowning in noise, self-doubt, and worry. If that’s you — you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. There may be more going on than meets the eye — and support is here.

With warmth,
Bernitta Willoughby M.Ost DO PGD WHO

Spotting the Curve: Supporting Children and Adults with Scoliosis
At The Waterside Practice, we regularly support children and adults living with scoliosis—from early teenage assessments to long-term management. In this blog, our principal osteopath shares insights from 14 years of experience, including a recent case of a 12-year-old boy whose spinal curve was first noticed by friends, and an inspiring adult patient who has managed scoliosis successfully since childhood while thriving in the fitness industry.
Whether mild or more complex, scoliosis doesn't have to mean restriction—with the right support, education, and care, your spine can stay strong and supported for life.

Looking for a trusted osteopath near Huntingdon?
At The Waterside Practice in Warboys, we offer expert osteopathy for back pain, sports injuries, pregnancy discomfort, and cranial care for babies — all in a clean, friendly, and professional clinic. We’re known for honest advice, not upselling, and we only recommend treatment when it's genuinely needed. Discover the difference of patient-first care just minutes from Huntingdon.

Can Oral Probiotics Really Support Vaginal Health?

It’s a topic many women feel too embarrassed to talk about—yet so many silently struggle with it. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal conditions, affecting up to 1 in 3 women in the UK. For some, it’s a one-off issue. But for many, it recurs time and again, even after treatment.

What if part of the solution lies not in another cream or antibiotic, but in something as simple as a daily oral probiotic?

In this blog, I explore the science behind the gut-vaginal axis, share evidence on how certain probiotic strains can help restore balance, and offer guidance on what to look for when choosing a supplement. If you’re looking for a natural, evidence-based way to support your intimate health—this one’s for you.

Just two days after giving birth to my second child, I returned to clinic—this time as a patient. Labour had left me with significant shoulder strain, and the demands of feeding and disrupted sleep quickly contributed to persistent mid-back discomfort. As both an osteopath and a mother, this experience reaffirmed the importance of timely, tailored postpartum care to support recovery and restore comfort in the early weeks.

As an osteopath, I often remind patients that healing doesn’t stop after leaving the treatment room. What you put on your plate can be just as important as manual therapy when it comes to managing pain and inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet—rich in colourful vegetables, omega-3 fats, and whole foods—can support joint health, reduce discomfort, and promote long-term recovery. It’s not about restriction, but about making choices that help your body thrive.

As an osteopath with a keen interest in whole-body health, I've found the gut microbiome to be one of the most exciting and important areas in modern healthcare. This community of microbes living in our digestive tract influences not just digestion, but also immunity, inflammation, mood, and chronic disease. In this blog, I explore how supporting gut health can benefit conditions like arthritis, IBS, anxiety, and chronic back pain—revealing why the gut may be the key to better long-term wellbeing.

Many of us assume back pain is just a natural part of getting older.

But what if it isn’t?

What if there is something you can do to feel better—without relying on painkillers or surgery?

If you’ve been told you have a slipped or herniated disc, surgery might seem like the only answer. But for most people, it isn’t. In fact, manual therapy and structured rehab often lead to the same—if not better—long-term results, without the risks or downtime of surgery. In this blog, osteopath Bernitta Willoughby explores how osteopathy and movement-based care can help you recover naturally from a disc prolapse and get back to living life on your terms.