How to build an injury-resistant body and prevent running injuries

Cortisone Injections vs Radial Shockwave Therapy — Which Is Better for Long-Term Pain Relief?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:28:02 GMT

Cortisone Injections vs Radial Shockwave Therapy — Which Is Better for Long-Term Pain Relief?

Many people searching for relief from joint or tendon pain are told that a cortisone injection is the quickest solution. And yes — in some cases it can reduce pain in the short term.

But here’s the honest truth: cortisone injections often don’t solve the underlying problem, and repeated use can actually make tissues weaker over time.

At Hurley Clinic, we regularly see patients who’ve had injections but are still struggling months later. That’s why we focus on treatments that help the body heal rather than simply masking pain.

Let’s look at the differences.

What Does a Cortisone Injection Actually Do?

Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid injected into a painful area, often used for:

Shoulder pain
Tennis or golfer’s elbow
Plantar fasciitis
Knee pain
Tendon or joint inflammation

The injection reduces inflammation and pain — sometimes dramatically — but it does not repair damaged tissue.

In fact, evidence shows repeated injections may:

Weaken tendons and soft tissue
Increase risk of tendon rupture
Lead to cartilage damage in joints
Provide only temporary relief for many conditions

Pain may disappear for weeks or months, but the underlying tissue often remains weak or damaged, so symptoms frequently return.

What Is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Radial Shockwave Therapy works very differently.

Instead of suppressing inflammation, it stimulates the body’s natural healing process.

High-energy acoustic waves are applied to the injured area to:

Increase blood flow
Stimulate tissue repair
Break down scar tissue and calcifications
Restart healing in chronic injuries

This is why shockwave therapy is particularly effective for long-standing tendon problems that haven’t improved with rest or injections.

Why Many Patients Prefer Shockwave Therapy

Treats the Cause, Not Just the Pain

Shockwave therapy encourages real tissue repair rather than temporarily numbing symptoms.

No Steroids or Medication

No drugs, no injections, no systemic side effects.

Effective for Chronic Tendon Problems

Conditions like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles pain and shoulder tendon pain often respond well.

Long-Term Improvement

Many patients report gradual improvement over weeks, with lasting results rather than temporary relief.

Is Cortisone Ever Useful?

Yes — in some situations, particularly acute inflammatory flare-ups, cortisone injections can be appropriate.

But they shouldn’t automatically be the first or only treatment, especially for chronic tendon problems where tissue quality matters.

Our Approach at Hurley Clinic

When patients come to us with persistent tendon or joint pain, we look at:

Why did the injury developed
Biomechanics and movement patterns
Tissue health and loading capacity
Strength and rehabilitation needs

Shockwave therapy is often combined with osteopathic treatment and tailored exercise advice to get better long-term outcomes.

Thinking About Your Options?

If you’ve been offered a cortisone injection — or already had one without lasting relief — it may be worth exploring alternatives that support real recovery.

Shockwave therapy may help your body do what it was designed to do: heal.

Hurley Clinic — Osteopathy & Shockwave Therapy

Helping you move better, recover faster, and stay active.

Are You Stuck in an Endless Treatment Cycle? Why Our Approach Gets Real Results

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:11:51 GMT

Are You Stuck in an Endless Treatment Cycle? Why Our Approach Gets Real Results

Have you ever been told you need to sign up for a long course of treatment—maybe 10, 12, or even more sessions—before you’ve even had your first hands-on treatment? Some osteopaths and chiropractors operate this way, locking patients into expensive plans with little flexibility. But what if there’s a better way?

At Hurley Clinic, we believe in treating the individual, not just selling a package. Our focus is on real results, not keeping you coming back endlessly.

The Problem with Rigid Treatment Plans

Some clinics push structured care plans that require a commitment to a set number of sessions, often without assessing how you’re responding to treatment. The problem?

One-size-fits-all care – Every patient is different, so why should treatment be the same for everyone?
No progress tracking – If you're doing the same thing each session without change, are you really improving?
Financial pressure – You shouldn’t have to pre-pay for multiple sessions without knowing if the approach even works for you.

Our Approach: Individualised Treatment for Faster Recovery

At Hurley Clinic, we take a different approach:

✔ Hands-on treatment from day one – We don’t waste time; we start working on your issue straight away.

✔ Bespoke exercise plans – Recovery isn’t just about what happens in the clinic. We prescribe tailored exercises to speed up healing and prevent recurrence.

✔ No unnecessary appointments – Our goal is to get you better, not keep you coming back for the sake of it. If you need a follow-up, great. If not, we won’t try to sell you more sessions.

✔ Transparent advice – We’ll tell you honestly what to expect and how long recovery is likely to take, without locking you into a contract.

Get Treated, Not Trapped

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of the same treatments without real improvement, it’s time for a different approach. Book an appointment with us at Hurley Clinic and experience care that puts results before repeat visits.

Ready to feel better? Book your appointment today!

The Perils of New Year Fitness and Weight Loss Goals: An Osteopathic Perspective

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:50:01 GMT

The Perils of New Year Fitness and Weight Loss Goals: An Osteopathic Perspective

The New Year often ushers in a wave of motivation for self-improvement, with fitness and weight loss topping the list of resolutions for many. While setting these goals can be a positive step toward better health, they also come with potential pitfalls—especially when approached without proper preparation or guidance. As osteopaths, we often see the aftermath of overly ambitious resolutions: injuries, setbacks, and frustration. Here, we’ll explore the common challenges and how to pursue your goals safely and sustainably.

The Overload Effect

One of the most common mistakes is going from zero to 100 overnight. After months (or even years) of inactivity, suddenly committing to intense daily workouts or long-distance running can overwhelm your body. This "overload effect" places excessive strain on your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of:

Muscle strains
Joint pain
Tendonitis
Stress fractures

Your body needs time to adapt to new demands. Gradual progression is key to building strength and endurance without overloading your system.

Misguided Exercise Choices

Not all exercises suit every body. Popular high-intensity workouts, such as boot camps or CrossFit, can be particularly taxing if you’re not conditioned for them. For those with pre-existing issues like back pain, knee problems, or poor posture, the wrong choice of activity can exacerbate discomfort and lead to injury. An osteopath can assess your body’s biomechanics and recommend exercises that align with your specific needs and limitations.

The Weight Loss Trap

In the pursuit of weight loss, many people turn to extreme dieting and excessive cardio. While the scales might show quick results, these methods can compromise muscle health and overall well-being. Rapid weight loss often leads to:

Muscle imbalances: Losing muscle mass can destabilise your joints and reduce physical function.
Nutritional deficiencies: Low-calorie diets might not provide essential nutrients, impacting your energy levels and recovery.
Reduced bone density: Crash diets can weaken your skeletal system, making you more prone to fractures.

Ignoring the Warning Signs

Pain is your body’s way of signalling that something isn’t right. Ignoring early signs of discomfort—whether it’s a sore shoulder, aching knees, or persistent lower back pain—can lead to more serious problems down the line. As osteopaths, we encourage listening to your body and addressing issues promptly to prevent them from escalating

How to Pursue Your Goals Safely

Start Slowly: Begin with low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga, and gradually increase intensity. Strength training is also beneficial for joint support and metabolic health.
Prioritise Recovery: Allow your body time to heal between workouts. Adequate sleep, hydration, and balanced nutrition are essential for recovery and long-term success.
Focus on Form : Proper technique reduces the risk of injury. Consider working with a personal trainer or attending a class that emphasises form over speed or intensity.
Seek Professional Advice : An osteopathic assessment can identify areas of weakness or imbalance, helping you tailor a fitness plan that supports your goals without compromising your health.
Set Realistic Goals : Aim for sustainable progress rather than quick fixes. Celebrate small victories to stay motivated and avoid burnout.

Conclusion

Achieving fitness and weight loss goals can be rewarding, but the journey must be approached thoughtfully to avoid setbacks. As osteopaths, we are here to support you in staying active and healthy, providing guidance and treatment to help you move better and feel better. This New Year, take a measured approach to your goals and enjoy the process of becoming a stronger, healthier you.

Getting Back on Track: Prioritise Your Health This Year

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:37:07 GMT

Getting Back on Track: Prioritise Your Health This Year

The New Year is a time for fresh starts and renewed focus on your well-being. Now that the festive season is behind us and routines are settling back to normal, it’s the perfect time to take care of your health and tackle any lingering aches, pains, or discomforts.

At the Hurley Clinic, we’re here to help you feel your best with expert osteopathic care tailored to your needs.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time for Osteopathy

The post-holiday period often leaves our bodies feeling the effects of stress, overindulgence, or simply not moving as much as usual. Whether it’s tension from long hours sitting, stiffness from winter inactivity, or strain from holiday activities, osteopathy can help restore balance and relieve discomfort.

With osteopathic care, you can:

Ease tension and pain: Relieve discomfort in areas like your back, neck, or shoulders.
Improve mobility: Restore your range of motion and feel more flexible.
Support your overall health: Optimise how your body moves and functions to feel stronger and more balanced.

Whether you’re managing the demands of a busy schedule, starting a new fitness routine, or simply looking to improve your quality of life, osteopathy can help you feel more in control and energized.

Don’t Let Pain Hold You Back

It’s easy to ignore minor discomfort, but over time, small issues can grow into bigger ones. Osteopathic care not only provides relief but also helps prevent future problems, keeping you ahead of potential aches and pains.

At the Hurley Clinic, we take a holistic approach, looking at the bigger picture to provide care that supports your immediate needs and long-term health goals.

Take the First Step Towards Feeling Better

There’s no better time than now to invest in your well-being. Start the year strong and take control of your health with The Hurley Clinic’s expert osteopathy services.

�� Book your appointment today and discover how great you can feel in 2025.

Let’s work together to make this your healthiest year yet!

The Good and Bad of Massage Guns: An Osteopathic and Massage Therapy Perspective

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:39:45 GMT

The Good and Bad of Massage Guns: An Osteopathic and Massage Therapy Perspective

Massage guns have surged in popularity for muscle recovery and pain relief, with many touting their benefits. However, both osteopathic and massage therapy perspectives offer nuanced insights into their use, highlighting both their advantages and potential drawbacks. Understanding these perspectives can help users make informed decisions about incorporating massage guns into their self-care routines.

The Good

1. Muscle Relaxation and Recovery

Osteopathic Perspective: Massage guns promote muscle relaxation by delivering rapid percussive therapy, which increases blood flow and facilitates the removal of metabolic waste. This aligns with osteopathy’s emphasis on supporting the body’s self-healing processes, helping muscles recover more efficiently after exertion.

Massage Therapy Perspective: From a massage therapy standpoint, massage guns can effectively mimic some aspects of a deep tissue massage, breaking up adhesions in the muscle and fascia. This can be particularly beneficial for clients looking to manage muscle tension between professional massage sessions.

2. Improved Range of Motion

Osteopathic Perspective: Osteopaths aim to improve joint function and flexibility, and massage guns can assist by loosening tight muscles and fascia. This helps to enhance the range of motion, which is crucial for maintaining musculoskeletal balance and preventing injury.

Massage Therapy Perspective: Massage therapists often work to increase clients' flexibility and range of motion. Massage guns can serve as a useful tool for stretching the fascia and improving tissue elasticity, making them a valuable adjunct to hands-on therapy.

3. Convenience and Accessibility

Osteopathic Perspective: The ability to manage muscle health at home is a significant advantage, especially for those who need frequent care. Massage guns offer a practical solution for maintaining muscle health between osteopathic sessions, supporting the ongoing care plan.

Massage Therapy Perspective: Massage guns offer a way for clients to maintain the benefits of a professional massage at home. They are especially helpful for individuals who might not have regular access to a therapist or who require immediate relief.

4. Pain Relief

Osteopathic Perspective: By desensitising painful areas through percussive action, massage guns can provide temporary relief from acute pain. This can be useful in managing flare-ups between osteopathic treatments, helping to keep pain levels under control.

Massage Therapy Perspective: Massage therapists often use techniques to relieve muscle tension and reduce pain. Massage guns can enhance these effects, providing clients with an additional method of pain management that they can use on their own.

The Bad

1. Risk of Overuse and Injury

Osteopathic Perspective: Improper use of massage guns can lead to injury, such as muscle damage or bruising, particularly if used with excessive force or on sensitive areas. Osteopathy values precise and gentle manipulation, so the risk of overuse is a significant concern.

Massage Therapy Perspective: Massage therapists are trained to tailor their techniques to each client’s needs and conditions. The indiscriminate use of massage guns, without understanding the nuances of pressure and anatomy, can lead to adverse effects, potentially undoing the benefits of professional treatment.

2. Not a Substitute for Professional Treatment

Osteopathic Perspective: Massage guns should not replace professional osteopathic care. While they offer temporary relief, they do not address deeper structural issues that may require comprehensive treatment. Osteopathy takes a holistic approach, considering factors that a massage gun cannot address, such as posture and alignment.

Massage Therapy Perspective: Massage guns lack the personalised touch of a professional therapist who can adapt techniques to specific needs. They do not replicate the full experience of a therapeutic massage, which involves more than just muscle manipulation—such as the psychological and emotional benefits of human touch and therapeutic presence.

3. Limited Effectiveness for Certain Conditions

Osteopathic Perspective: Individuals with specific medical conditions, like severe osteoporosis or deep vein thrombosis, should avoid using massage guns without professional advice. Osteopaths emphasise individualised care, and the generic use of massage guns may not be appropriate for everyone.

Massage Therapy Perspective: Massage therapists assess a client’s health history and current condition before beginning treatment. Using a massage gun without this assessment can be risky for people with certain conditions, such as nerve damage or skin sensitivity, where the device may do more harm than good.

4. Potential for Masking Symptoms

Osteopathic Perspective: Massage guns can temporarily relieve pain, but this might lead to masking symptoms of more serious underlying issues. This could delay necessary osteopathic treatment, where identifying and treating the root cause of pain is crucial for long-term health.

Massage Therapy Perspective: Similar to the osteopathic view, massage therapists recognise that while a massage gun can provide quick relief, it may not address deeper issues that a professional therapist would detect. Regular professional assessments are necessary to ensure that underlying problems are not ignored.

Conclusion

Massage guns can be a valuable addition to both osteopathic and massage therapy routines, offering benefits such as muscle relaxation, improved range of motion, and convenient pain relief. However, both osteopathic and massage therapy perspectives emphasise the importance of proper use and caution. These devices are not substitutes for professional care and should be used as complementary tools within a broader, individualised treatment plan.

At the Hurley Clinic, we recognise the value of integrating modern tools like massage guns into a holistic approach to health. Our team of skilled osteopaths and massage therapists can guide you on the safe and effective use of massage guns tailored to your specific needs. By combining professional hands-on treatment with the strategic use of massage guns, we ensure that your care is both comprehensive and personalised, addressing the root causes of discomfort while providing practical solutions for ongoing muscle health. If you're considering incorporating a massage gun into your routine, visit us at the Hurley Clinic to discuss how it can complement your overall treatment plan.

The Shocking Truth – How Shockwave Therapy can help you Reduce Pain and Recover from Injury

183:827103853 (Huw Hurley) — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 16:22:42 GMT

Shockwave Therapy

Whatever we put out bodies through – be it vigorous training for our next event, some overzealous digging in the garden at the weekend, or just too much time hunched over a laptop, chances are we’ll all experience muscular pain from time to time. It’s such a common complaint, with so many variations that there are any number of treatments available, from the more traditional remedies such as massage and saunas, to alternative therapies like acupuncture and reflexology, and even some extreme solutions like cryogenics. When it comes to pain relief, having options is definitely a good thing – we say if something works for you, use it! One treatment for pain relief that you may not have heard of is known as Shockwave Therapy. While this might sound quite extreme, it’s actually a very non-invasive type of treatment that has been shown to work on an extremely wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to tennis elbow. In this post we’ll break down what Shockwave Therapy is, how it works, and aim to offer some guidance on whether it could be an effective treatment for you.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Let’s put your mind at ease right away – nobody is getting electrocuted here! Shockwave Therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (EWCS) to give it its full name – works by sending high energy sound waves into an area of injury or discomfort. It is completely non-invasive and can be used to target very specific areas of the body. Studies have shown it to be an effective treatment for everything from whiplash to tendinopathy and even bone stress injuries.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

In essence, the shockwave device helps the body to trigger its own healing process. The energy pulses that are sent through the affected area stimulate an acute inflammation response, much as your body would naturally do after an injury. With the tissue inflamed, the body knows to increase blood flow to the area, bringing more oxygen and other healing chemicals such as collagen to the site. The waves can also help to break up areas of calcified tissue, or ‘knots’ as we massage therapists commonly call them. The process of a shockwave therapy treatment takes around 5 – 10 minutes. A therapist will rub a special gel to the affected area in order to help the conduction of the sound waves, then will hold the device lightly against the skin. It can feel a little uncomfortable as the energy pulses through the area, and the machines can be noisy, but other than this the treatment is simple and completely non-invasive. For most injuries and conditions, around 5 sessions are recommended, though many people start to feel the benefits after just a single session.

Who Benefits from Shockwave Therapy?

Due to the acute nature of the treatment, shockwave therapy is suitable for an extensive range of conditions including plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, bone stress injuries and more. In short, if you’re feeling pain, it might well be worth giving it a go. However, we’d generally recommend using it in combination with other treatments and physical therapy programs. For example, while the shockwave therapy might help reduce the pain, it will not help treat the underlying cause of the injury in the same way that a tailored program of physical therapy might. It is also worth noting that shockwave therapy is not suitable for women who are pregnant, anyone being treated for cancer, or anyone who has received a steroid treatment within the last 6 weeks. Anyone with more serious injuries or underlying conditions should consult with a therapist before receiving treatment.

To Shock or not to Shock?

With evidence for the effectiveness of shockwave therapy growing all the time, we’d certainly recommend giving it a go as an alternative way to relieve those aches and pains. It might not be for everyone, but anything that can help us feel great and keep moving is good by us!

To find out more about shockwave therapy, download our free information leaflets here

If you want to find out about how shockwave therapy might fit in to your exercise/rehabilitation programme, feel free to give us a call on 01823 618233 or book online for your first consultation and treatment today HERE

Don’t Let Yourself Be Sidelined by Tennis Injuries

183:827103853 (Huw Hurley) — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 11:33:26 GMT

Don’t Let Yourself Be Sidelined by Tennis Injuries

Tennis is one of the most popular sports throughout the world, with approximately 75 million participants worldwide. It is a sport that you can play at every age and at every level. Children can start playing from the age of 4, using softer, slower balls and smaller rackets on modified courts to make the game easier and more fun, gradually progressing to regular rackets, balls and courts.

Older players can start the sport at any age and can continue playing all their life. Whether you are looking for the competitive club league tennis or a more social game amongst friends, tennis is an excellent sport with loads of health benefits.

As you’re undoubtedly already aware, regular physical activity has been proven to deliver many benefits including reducing the risk of suffering from heart disease, diabetes, many cancers, dementia, Alzheimer’s, depression, ageing, osteoporosis and musculoskeletal disorders like back pain, and arthritis. Tennis is a fun and social (as well as competitive) way to add to your weekly activity goals.

Here are some other benefits of participating in regular activities like tennis:

Increased brain power

From alertness to tactical thinking, tennis enhances the neural connections in your brain. Kids who play tennis regularly get better grades at school.

Better hand–eye coordination

Playing tennis involves regular skills that all contribute to good hand–eye coordination. You can improve your agility, balance, coordination, reaction time and more. This can benefit you in injury prevention where improved balance and agility can help protect against rolling an ankle or tripping and falling often resulting in sprains or Colles fracture of the wrist or worse a hip fracture in older age.

Reduced stress

Tennis involves physical, mental, social and emotional challenges, which increase your capacity to deal with stress. Or simply running around smashing some balls may help you to blow off some stress too!

Strong heart

Compared with other sports, tennis players have the lowest incidence of cardiovascular disease. Playing just 3 hours a week will reduce your risk of heart disease by 56%.

Higher fitness levels

Playing tennis on a regular basis (2–3 times/week), either singles or doubles, meets the global exercise recommendations and leads to increased fitness levels. Tennis is an excellent interval training technique - running, stopping, burst of activity then rest between points or games (which elevates and then lowers heart rate repeatedly through a match) which is proven to be hugely beneficial in improving fitness levels and in cardiovascular conditioning too. The effect is not only seen in elite players but with recreational tennis too.

Leaner body

Tennis is an excellent and fun way to burn calories and lose weight. An hour of singles play can burn 580–870 calories. A lower body weight has immense benefits in preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases including diabetes, and a lighter frame will reduce loading on your back and joints reducing joint pain and possible arthritis in older age.

Strong bones

Playing tennis on a regular basis leads to stronger, healthier bones. This effect is strongest in those who play tennis from an early age, but even if you start playing tennis later in life you can benefit from the positive effect on your bones. This is applicable to both women and men combating the development of osteoporosis a.k.a. brittle bones with ageing.

Strong leg muscles

Playing tennis strengthens your leg muscles, which helps maintain your mobility and independence in old age.

The Secret is Staying Injury Free

But these health benefits won’t be very fruitful is you are sitting side-lined because of injuries and while some injuries are quick to repair, others can take a couple of weeks and others may be more stubborn, taking 6 weeks or more. What’s more frustrating, and unfortunately very common, is the risk of re-injury. One of the greatest risk factors for an ankle sprain or a muscle strain (tear) is having suffered from a previous sprain or strain.

So if you’ve suffered from a tennis injury in the past, you can download our free injury prevention leaflets at the following link .

Nearly 2/3rds of tennis injuries are chronic overuse injuries, many of which are caused by poor technique, incorrect equipment use and lack of physical conditioning

Acute injuries, like an ankle sprain or calf strain, although sudden and unpredictable can also be prevented with adequate preparation and appropriate conditioning. Download the leaflets at the following link for more information on how to prevent common tennis injuries and stay in the game longer!

Strength Training for Runners

183:827103853 (Huw Hurley) — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 12:25:03 GMT

“Don’t let your engine outpace your chassis” - How to build an injury-resistant body and prevent running injuries

Runners are often very good at running, but when the topic of strength training comes up, many runners, well, run away from it, mostly because they believe it will make them heavier and therefore more prone to injury.

This is however, is thankfully a complete myth, in fact quite the opposite is true. Supplementing running with strength training exercises will not only help you prevent injury, but it will also make you a stronger, faster, and a more efficient runner.

One of the major reasons that runners get injured is because their bodies are unprepared to handle the physical demands of the activity. Tissue overload then occurs, either because of a sudden introduction to the sport, or a relatively sudden change or increase in training mileage or intensity (like hill repeats).

When it comes to building an injury-resistant body, this analogy is useful, “Don’t let your engine outpace your chassis”, meaning don’t let your aerobic fitness (endurance built up by running) outpace your structural fitness (bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles).

If you do, you’re setting yourself up for injury.

In fact, runners need weight training even more than you may realise. Strength work accomplishes three big goals for runners:

1 Prevent injuries by strengthening muscles and connective tissues, to better handle the loads while running.

2 Run faster by improving neuromuscular (nerve-muscle) coordination and power.

3 Improve running economy by encouraging coordination and stride efficiency. Improving your upper-body strength can also boost your running efficiency. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to maintain a stable upper body, minimising side-to-side movement – and better hold your form at the end of a run when you begin to tire. And by developing strength in your arms, you’ll improve your arm drive so you can inject more power into your stride, especially uphill.

That’s why we’ve put together a set of resources to help you introduce some strength training into your running programme, as well as explain why and how it can help.

You can download the full set of resources, including an exercise programme, top tips for running-specific strength training, a myth-buster sheet and an infographic giving strength-training guidance here https://bit.ly/2A7gEKe

As usual, if you have any concerns or questions on this topic, please feel free to get in contact with us either directly or through our website or social media channels.

We’re here to help.