FEBRUARY 2025 Newsletter.

Welcome to our February newsletter. Well, we now have Christmas and January behind us, the nights are getting a little lighter with each passing day and spring seems that little bit closer. With that in mind, we decided to highlight open water swimming, as we have many patients who enjoy this pastime and what with us all living so close to such a beautiful coastline the benefits are there for us all to enjoy…..

In part two of this newsletter, Samantha is going to share her continuing hip replacement journey, looking at her own personal experiences and what you might come to expect following this surgical intervention. Samantha has now progressively returned to work and the diary is as busy as ever, so please to avoid disappointment, please book in with our receptionists on: 01305 831726 during office hours.

Boris has been busy in the last couple of months too, and recently released his own ‘Outrageously Active’ website, offering a range of services including help with injuries, home visits and personal training.

Boris's advice ON Open Water Swimming

Open Water Swimming and cold Water Therapy: A Life Changing Journey

For the past five years, I have embraced the invigorating practice of open water swimming. Every day, I step into cold water—whether it’s a lake, river, or the sea—and it has completely transformed my life. This daily ritual not only boosts my physical health but has also become a cornerstone of my mental well-being.

The Rise of Open Water Swimming

Open water swimming has grown in popularity in recent years. Unlike the confines of a pool, swimming in natural bodies of water connects you to the raw elements. It’s unpredictable, challenging, and deeply rewarding. For many, it starts as a recreational activity or a fitness challenge, but it often becomes a lifestyle.

What Is Cold Water Therapy?

Cold water therapy involves immersing the body in cold water to achieve therapeutic benefits. While its origins can be traced back to ancient cultures, modern science supports its effectiveness. The benefits are amplified when paired with open water swimming, where immersion is not just a treatment but an adventure.

Benefits of Cold Water Therapy

Here are some reasons why cold water swimming has become my daily dose of rejuvenation:

1. Improved Circulation

Cold water forces your blood vessels to constrict and then dilate as you warm up post-swim. This boosts circulation, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to your muscles and organs.

2. Enhanced Immunity

Regular exposure to cold water strengthens the immune system. Studies suggest that cold water immersion increases white blood cell count, equipping the body to fend off illnesses.

3. Mental Clarity and Resilience

Stepping into cold water is an act of courage. It teaches you to confront discomfort head-on, which can spill over into other areas of life. I’ve found that it clears my mind, reduces stress, and even lifts my mood on the toughest days.

4. Natural Pain Relief

Cold water has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a natural remedy for sore muscles, joint pain, and even chronic conditions like arthritis.

5. Boosted Energy Levels

Starting my day with a cold swim is like a shot of adrenaline. It wakes me up instantly, giving me a surge of energy and positivity that lasts throughout the day.

My Personal Journey: Five Years of Cold Water Bliss

part of my Ironman triathlon training l decided to use this as part of my training and help with recovery! I first started, I was apprehensive. The cold felt unbearable, and I doubted whether I could sustain the practice. But as days turned into weeks, I noticed profound changes in my body and mind.

The aches and pains I used to feel after workouts disappeared. My skin felt healthier, my mood more stable, and I had a newfound resilience to stress. Over time, what once felt like a challenge became a highlight of my day—a moment of stillness, gratitude, and connection with nature.

Even in the depths of winter, with ice-cold winds whipping across the water, I venture in. The sense of accomplishment I feel afterward is unparalleled. It’s a testament to the power of persistence and the incredible adaptability of the human body.

In the Winter I used to suffer from chest infections and constant cough as I'm slightly asthmatic, this has reduced dramatically, I can't recommend it will help everyone, but it's the main reason I keep going in. But please consult your doctor first if you have any medical conditions, before starting cold water therapy!

Tips for Starting Your Open Water Journey

If my experience has inspired you, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Start Slow: Begin with short dips and gradually increase your time in the water.  Once you are feeling comfortable and confident, try aiming for 1 minute per degree centigrade, so if it’s 8 degrees in the water, then aim for an 8 minute swim and so on.

2. Stay Safe: Swim in designated areas with others around, especially if you’re new to open water.

3. Wear Appropriate Gear: While I prefer the natural feel of cold water on my skin, neoprene gloves, socks, or even a wetsuit can make the transition easier.

4. Warm Up Slowly: After your swim, warm up gradually with dry clothes and a hot drink. Avoid jumping into a hot shower immediately.

5. Be Consistent: The key to reaping the benefits is consistency. Make it part of your routine, and you’ll see results over time.

The Takeaway

Open water swimming and cold water therapy have truly been life-changing for me. Over the past five years, it has become more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life that keeps me healthy, happy, and grounded.

If you’re looking for a challenge that will enhance your physical and mental well-being, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the plunge. It may feel daunting at first, but the rewards are worth every icy moment.

Why not give it a try? Your body and mind will thank you.

Samantha’s Post Hip Replacement Update:

Hello all, well I am now almost 8 weeks post surgery. I am now getting used to my ‘new hip’ and all that it entails. I guess you can say that we have bonded, it is feeling a little less like someone else’s leg and with each passing day a little more like my own ! In the last couple of weeks I have been able to return to work, admittedly very progressively however it has been really good to get back to the clinic supporting and treating our lovely patients and doing what I love to do.I personally stopped using my walking aids at around 4 weeks, but this is different for everyone. I have enjoyed longer walks ( even one up to 2 hours along with Lucy my loyal cockapoo and a lovely friend for company, oh and my trusty walking poles!) I can now enjoy a bath with care and have mastered putting on my own socks! I am able to do the weekly shop and life is generally returning to some normality.

I am celebrating these milestones and giving myself a little pat on the back with each one. It is important to note that this is my experience and your’s may be very different, everyone is an individual and your personal journey post surgery will be different to mine. You may take longer to achieve these milestones however continue to work within your own limitations and be patient. I still have some discomfort in my hips, with some local swelling at my surgical site however the pain has gone and is nothing compared to what I was experiencing prior to my surgery. My right leg does ache and get very fatigued at the end of my day, but I continue to elevate it, massage around the area and keeping it warm also helps.

In part two of my journey I thought I would share my ongoing hip experience and provide you with some more progressive rehabilitation exercises that can be used from week 6 ( with care ). These are in the form of videos that we have recorded for your convenience from the clinic. Plus a very useful you tube video provided by the ever faithful trusting Bob and Brad’, who we choose to share within the practise as we feel the exercises are explained and demonstrated well. We would like to stress the importance of adhering to a home exercise Plan, this is crucial for you to make a long term pain free recovery, where you are strong, have improved mobility and are able to return to the hobbies that you love to do. If you have any questions relating to these or any other questions please do not hesitate to contact us. At week 6 you should be able to perform these exercises without pain, there may be some discomfort but we recommended to be mindful of your pain levels plus remember there will be limitations on your range of movement depending on the type of surgical approach that you had, if in any doubt always contact your GP. We wold also like to point out how important it is to complete pre- hab exercises leading up to your surgery ( we touched on this in the last newsletter) this prepares you for surgery allowing you to be as Strong and fit as is possible making it easier for your body to return to full fitness post surgery. For our patients out there who are awaiting their surgery date good luck. We are here for any of your questions please contact our receptionists and we can get back to you for a no obligation chat to help you where we can.

Well I think that wraps up this newsletter, please find in the links above a fantastic little ‘Substack’ story from one of our patients who has beautifully written about her recent experience to the Island Sauna which we would love to promote,. We are so lucky to have this unique facility on our beautiful doorstep we challenge you to discover it! Enjoy your February !

Warmest wishes Samantha & Boris