It is a frustratingly common cycle for many, you tweak a knee or hurt a shoulder, you rest it, and the pain goes away. But three months later, just as you are getting back into your stride, the exact same niggle returns. Why does this happen? Often, it is because there is a deeper cause. The Kinetic Chain: Your Body as a System At Urban Health Exeter, we view your body as an integrated system, a "kinetic chain." Think of it like a stack of building blocks. If the block at the

At Urban Health Exeter, we offer a range of therapies to keep the people of Exeter moving well. However, with the launch of our new Biomechanical Assessment, we often get asked: "Which appointment should I book?" While both services deal with the body's structure, they serve very different purposes. Choosing the right one ensures you get the best results, faster. When to Book Osteopathy (Diagnosis and Treatment) Osteopathy is primarily for diagnosis and treatment of current

We are living in an era where life expectancy is higher than ever. But if you walk down the High Street in Exeter, you might ask yourself, are we actually living healthier? At Urban Health, we believe there is a crucial difference between the years you are alive (Lifespan) and the years you spend healthy, active, and independent. This is what we call Healthspan . The Problem with the "Wait and See" Approach Traditional healthcare is often reactive. It waits for symptoms to ap

Deciding to take control of your long-term health is a big step. We know that visiting a new clinic can sometimes feel intimidating, so we want to walk you through exactly what happens when you visit us here at Urban Health to start your Longevity Package. Step 1: In-Depth Consultation Your journey begins with a conversation. We don't just ask "where does it hurt?" We look at your medical history, stress levels, sleep quality, and nutritional habits. We want to understand the

Are you putting up with persistent aches and pains, thinking they’re just a normal part of life? For many of us, the daily grind, whether it’s hours spent at a desk, behind the wheel, or simply dealing with stress, can cause deep-seated muscle tension that a simple stretch just can’t fix. While you might associate the phrase "sports massage" with a therapy for athletes, our Sports Massage Therapist provides a deep tissue massage as a powerful therapeutic treatment designed to

If you're experiencing pain or restricted movement, you may be wondering whether osteopathy could offer the solution you're seeking. As a leading osteopathy treatment centre in Exeter, we're often asked about who can benefit from our services and which conditions respond well to osteopathic care. What Is Osteopathy? Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment that focuses on the structural and functional integrity of the body. It's based on the principle that wellbeing

Your First Visit to an Osteopath: A Guide Are you considering osteopathy treatment but feeling unsure about what to expect? At our Exeter osteopathy centre, we understand that visiting a new healthcare practitioner can feel daunting. This guide walks you through exactly what happens during an osteopathy session, helping you feel confident and prepared for your first appointment. What Is Osteopathy? Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the diagnosis, treatmen

What to Expect from Your Myofascial Release Session Deciding to try a new therapy can feel daunting, so knowing what to expect can help you feel comfortable and get the most out of your experience. A Myofascial Release (MFR) session is a unique and often deeply relaxing therapy focused on releasing tension in your body's connective tissue. Your first appointment at our Urban Health clinic in Exeter will begin with a conversation. Your therapist will want to understand your m

Osteopathy is a gentle yet effective form of manual therapy that can address a wide range of health issues. At our Exeter clinic, we regularly help patients with various conditions through our holistic approach to treatment. Here's an overview of the many ways osteopathy can support your health and wellbeing. Musculoskeletal Conditions Musculoskeletal problems are the most common reasons patients seek osteopathic care. Our osteopaths in Exeter are experts in treating: Back an

Who Can Benefit from Myofascial Release? Myofascial Release (MFR) is a versatile and effective therapy that addresses the body's connective tissue, or fascia. Because fascia is integrated into every part of our anatomy, restrictions within this system can cause a wide array of problems. Consequently, MFR can provide significant relief for a diverse range of conditions that may not respond to other forms of treatment. So, how do you know if it's right for you? Myofascial Relea

As we navigate our busy lives, maintaining good balance and stability is something we often take for granted. From carrying shopping to walking on uneven ground, our ability to stay steady is crucial for preventing falls and injuries. If you feel your stability isn't what it used to be, or you're simply looking for a gentle way to enhance your physical confidence, Tai Chi offers a powerful and time-honoured solution. Tai Chi is often described as "meditation in motion." This

When you’re in pain, whether it's a stiff neck, a bad back, or an aching joint, the path to recovery can seem confusing. One of the most common questions people ask is, "Should I see an osteopath, a chiropractor, or a physiotherapist?" As Urban Health , it's a question we hear a lot. While all three professions are dedicated to helping you get out of pain and move better, our philosophy and approach are distinct. The Holistic Osteopathic View The foundational principle of ost

Whether you’re a dedicated runner pounding the pavements along the River Exe, a cyclist tackling the hills of Devon, or a regular at your local gym, you understand the importance of pushing your body to achieve your goals. But are you giving it the right tools to recover and perform at its best? While stretching and nutrition are vital, incorporating sports massage into your routine is one of the most effective ways to prevent injury, speed up recovery, and gain a competitive

If you lead an active life, you know the signs. That morning stiffness, the recurring tightness in your hips, the persistent ache in your lower back. These are the trade-offs we often accept for staying fit. But what if you could maintain your active lifestyle while reducing the aches and pains? What if you could build resilience against injury and improve your recovery? Welcome to the mobility benefits of Tai Chi. The Antidote to "No Pain, No Gain" High-impact workouts and r

You're strong, you're fit, but have you hit a plateau? Sometimes, the key to unlocking the next level of performance isn't about pushing harder, it's about moving smarter. It’s about cultivating a deeper connection between mind and muscle to achieve flawless control and explosive agility. This is where Tai Chi can fundamentally change your game. Beyond Strength: The Science of Effortless Power For athletes, Tai Chi is a powerful form of cross-training. Its slow, deliberate, a

What is Osteopathy? Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach to healthcare that focuses on how the whole body functions as an integrated unit. Established as a holistic form of treatment, osteopathy recognises the important relationship between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Here in our Exeter clinic and across the UK, osteopathy treatment is recognised as an effective solution for a wide range of physical ailments. What is an Osteopath? Osteopaths are h

Unravelling the Mystery: An Introduction to Myofascial Release You’ve likely heard of muscles, bones, and ligaments, but have you ever heard of fascia ? This remarkable connective tissue is the unsung hero of your body's structure, and understanding it is the key to unlocking a powerful form of pain relief known as Myofascial Release (MFR) . Think of fascia as a continuous, three-dimensional web that extends from head to toe without interruption. It’s like a strong, fibrous b

The Birth of Osteopathic Medicine Osteopathy was founded in the late 19th century by American physician Andrew Taylor Still. Dr. Still developed a system of medical care that emphasised the importance of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease. He believed that by correcting problems in the body's structure through manual techniques, the body's ability to function and heal itself could be improved. The First Osteopathic School In 1892, Dr. Still established the Ameri