So, wondering around the new IKEA the other night, I discovered a definate point of difference between me and the rest of the planet. Having spent my life paying my mortgage by treating disc injuries, I now find I won't lift, shan't lift...anything heavier than an empty carrier bag! Don't call me if you need help moving house! I first noticed it when I accosted a poor school leaver in a yellow ikea t-shirt to lift the box containing my new bookcase onto my trolley. I suggested he bring a colleague to help him lift it, and after lifting it with two index fingers he looked at me oddly "will that be all madam?". I next noticed it in the car park as I skooted around the periphery, increasing my journey by about 24 miles in order to stay on flat ground and avoid pushing a heavy trolley up a hill on an incline. There then followed a series of looks similar to the yellow ikea t-shirt guy as I recruited further people to lift it through various stages of the journey to my apartment. Even Cyril (fellow osteopath), who had the privalidge of carrying it on the final leg from the car into the lift and into the lounge, raised his eyebrows. It dawned on me that I might be slightly paranoid about lifting, - a bit like dentists and their teeth I guess. But hey...anything is better than back pain!

Is it just me, or is Manchester city centre turning into a film set? Maybe it's because we're on King Street, I don't know, but I don't seem to be able to walk 50 yards without having to dodge a camera crew and an SJP look-alike tottering around in 6inch heels. Well, at least Soothe Clinic benefits - we're seeing an influx of camera operators at the moment - they're the ones wondering around with their heads to one side from holding cameras on one side for years and years. So a tip for all you camera operators this winter - wear a scarf! If you don't, and you hold your head to one side when filming on location out in the cold, you are at risk of sending your neck muscles into spasm. Trust me, I've seen it over the last few weeks like a blooming cherry tree. Also, make sure you stretch your neck and upper back before, during and after filming - it will make such a difference to you, and you could avoid looking like you're wearing an invisible neck brace over christmas - not cool!

Big debate amongst the team today: whether or not to open the clinic between christmas and new year. After much thought and consideration, 2 gallons of tea and 10 packets of jaffa cakes, I am sorry to announce that the slopes of switzerland have lured Juliet away, the green green grass (lets be honest now...the guiness) of Ireland has lured Cyril away, and a tent on a beach in the south of France has won my vote. Sorry folks....we just couldn't do it this year! Maybe next year we will have polished our halos enough and will stay open but we're not there yet.. But rest assured my friends....we will be thinking of you...every waking moment...and in our different parts of the world we will be seeking native cures for arthritis, headaches, RSI, and low back pain....you are never far from our thoughts!

If anyone is stuck for an unusual stocking filler, why not give them a free osteopathic assessment? You can write on it 'Present from Coby' - i don't mind! If you really love them, you could even buy them a 'Special' gift voucher - only available to special people - and send them along to meet the Soothe Team in the new year... Tim is currently designing our 'special' vouchers - Thank God for Tim...that's what i say

I have come in to work today to find all the jaffa cakes gone. I blame Juliet. If you see her she'll probably be looking a bit fat at the moment.

CABBAGES CABBAGES CABBAGES...YOUR BEST FRIENDS IN WINTER! I cannot believe it is december. Gone are all the injured gardeners, and trapsing in are all the arthritis sufferers! Yes we osteopaths can tell the seasons by the conditions we treat each day! So given the achey joints that are rearing their ugly heads, I thought I would give you a tip for arthritic knees: CABBAGE POULITICES. It's true! I was taught it at university, and quickly dismissed it as a concept worthy discussion...so I understand your raised eyebrows. But over the years I have been told by many a sufferer of osteoarthritis that they really are worth a shot. So here's the gen: Take a leaf or 2 of a white cabbage, score them with a knife, or pulverize them. You can then either lay them on the skin with a hot wet tea towel on top, or you can simmer the leaves in hot water briefly before laying on the skin and covering with a tea towel. The cabbage is supposed to hold anti-inflammatory properties that help with the inflammation experienced in osteoarthritic joints. Have a go! ( and then come back and blog with us - tell us how you get on and if it helps...)