Introduction Back pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can stem from various causes, such as herniated discs, degenerative diseases, spinal stenosis, and even muscular strains. Conventional treatments often include medication, physical therapy, and surgical interventions, but emerging alternative therapies are gaining attention. One such innovative approach is the use of ozone injections for back pain management. Ozone injections, also known as ozone therapy, prolozone, or ozone disc nucleolysis, involve injecting a mixture of ozone and oxygen directly into the affected area of the spine. This article explores the mechanisms behind ozone injections and their potential efficacy in alleviating back pain. Mechanism of Ozone Injections Ozone (O3) is a colourless gas made up of three oxygen atoms. While ozone's primary role in the Earth's atmosphere is protecting us from harmful ultraviolet radiation, its therapeutic potential has been investigated in the medical field. Ozone injections for back pain relief operate through several mechanisms: 1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Ozone injections are believed to reduce inflammation around the affected spinal structures. Inflammation is a key contributor to back pain, causing tissue damage and exacerbating nerve compression. Ozone therapy's anti-inflammatory properties can lead to decreased pain and improved mobility. 2. Oxygenation and Healing: Ozone injections increase oxygen supply to the injected area. Oxygen is essential for cellular metabolism and tissue repair. By enhancing oxygen delivery, ozone injections can facilitate the healing process and promote regeneration of damaged tissues. 3. Nerve Decompression: In cases of herniated discs or spinal stenosis, compressed nerves can result in severe pain and discomfort. Ozone injections may help alleviate this compression by shrinking herniated discs and reducing pressure on nerves, leading to pain relief. 4. Modulation of Pain Signals: Ozone therapy might influence pain perception by affecting pain signaling pathways. It is thought to interact with nerve endings and neurotransmitters involved in pain transmission, thereby reducing the sensation of pain. Efficacy and Clinical Evidence The efficacy of ozone injections in treating back pain has been a subject of ongoing research. While some studies report positive outcomes, others emphasize the need for more rigorous investigations. A meta-analysis published in the "Journal of Pain Research" in 2020 analyzed several clinical trials and found that ozone injections demonstrated significant pain reduction in patients with herniated discs compared to control groups. However, the analysis also highlighted the need for larger, well-designed trials to establish definitive conclusions. Additionally, the "Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation" published a study in 2019 that examined the effects of ozone therapy in patients with lumbar disc herniation. The researchers observed substantial pain reduction and improved functional outcomes in the group that received ozone injections. It's important to note that while these findings are promising, it is imperative the practitioner is trained in managing ozone gas as a therapeutic agent and is trained to inject in the correct tissue depths for maximal effect. Conclusion Ozone injections offer a novel approach to managing back pain by targeting inflammation, enhancing oxygenation, and potentially reducing nerve compression. While the existing research suggests promising outcomes, it is crucial the practitioner is adequately trained in the science. As with any medical intervention, individual responses can vary, and comprehensive research and controlled clinical trials are essential to establish its effectiveness and safety. As medical science advances, alternative therapies like ozone injections challenge traditional paradigms and offer new avenues for patients suffering from chronic back pain. Collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and regulatory agencies will be pivotal in determining the rightful place of ozone injections in the spectrum of back pain management strategies.

Customer blog. "As a mum of an energetic and super fun three-year-old I’ve been feeling more and more tired. I kept thinking I could do with a good night's sleep or a day to myself on a sunny beach with a book. Neither of these two things have been at all possible yet my tiredness has still been there. "When I heard about vitamin infusions and energy boosters, I thought they sounded too good to be true. But, when I realised that a lot of busy celebrities and career people were choosing them as a method to combat fatigue and even hangovers, I thought I need to find out more. "I spoke to Dr Omar at Healand Clinic about my tiredness and explained that I had recently benefited from Vitamin B-12 injections. Dr Omar suggested that I have a consultation with him about the types of vitamins and boosters that would benefit me. Following this consultation, I booked in for my personalised vitamin infusion. It was on a Saturday morning in July - my little boy was being looked after - I had two hours booked to myself at the clinic. "I arrived (slightly nervous) Backshinder the nurse practitioner at the clinic greeted me and made me a coffee. I then got set up in a private room where my IV would take place. I sat in the comfiest massage chair ever and turned on the TV. Backshinder prepared my IV vitamin drip. "The insertion of the IV into my arm was fairly pain free to be honest - a slight scratch feeling and a heavy arm for a short amount of time. Once it was all set up though I could hardly feel a thing. I rested my arm on the side of the chair whilst the vitamin goodness flowed into my system. "During the two hours I simply sat down and let the IV do the work. I took the opportunity to relax in front of the TV whilst enjoying a back massage courtesy of the chair. "When I was there, I took a photo of myself and added it to my insta story. It was amazing the number of ‘toddler mums’ who wanted to find out more as they were also feeling tired and had low energy. "Everyone's needs are different and that's what makes Healand so good because the trained medical team understands that. As part of my treatment, I had been prescribed Vitamin C and B-12 intravenously which is to aid collagen production and support the immune system and prevent cell damage from free radicals (free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging). I had a second treatment which was Glutathione. This is a skin booster and aids in the quality of sleep. Also detoxifies and fights oxidative stress. "The final ingredient I had was the elixir - known as magic. This was a fast intravenous, so it took a matter of minutes rather than hours. This is an energy booster, strengthens immunity and promotes anti-aging. "Apparently, a lot of health-conscious celebrities scheduled vitamin IV and energy boosters as part of their regime and to be honest after my experience I can see why. "The following day I seemed to get out of bed a lot easier and this has been the case for the past month. I also felt like I had put my glasses on but instead of my eyes on my mind - I have more clarity than ever. I suddenly feel like I have had such a good night's sleep - a feeling I have wanted since I gave birth! "Several people have commented that I look well too. My make-up also goes on a lot better because the skin on my face is smoother than it’s been in years. And I had a pedicure recently and the beautician said the skin on my feet was extremely soft this time. "For me now I will be having the vitamin IV and booster on a seasonal basis - some people have them more regularly but seasonally seems like a good way to replenish. I wish I had known about them sooner!"

NAD+ infusions are given intravenously, that is straight into the vein. The infusion can last anywhere from 30 minutes to about 2 hours depending on the sensation you will feel when having the infusion. At Healand we give you control over the speed of the infusion so you decide how fast or slow you want the infusion. Once the infusion starts, within about 30 seconds, you will start to feel the infusion. This feeling will vary from person to person; you will feel a sensation in the middle of your chest or in the upper abdomen - different people feel it differently - but I can tell you what I felt when I had mine. For me it felt like a grumbling feeling and it continued until the infusion finished. I had set my dial to free flow so my infusion only lasted around 30 minutes. The sensation can be quite powerful and some people slow their infusion right down which makes the infusion last a bit longer. If the infusion is taking too long or you are unable to tolerate it we can discuss changing your dose to better suit your needs. Once you are infused with the NAD it goes straight to your cells. It first causes a fission response which may make you feel a bit lethargic, a bit run down, on the evening of your infusion. Your mitochondria and your cells will then start to respond and ramp up their ATP or energy production - this is the fusion stage and this is typically when you start to notice the effects. You'll feel more energised, more cognitively enhanced, and I'll tell you something interesting that happened to me: I love crisps, I usually eat end up eating them around dinner time - I know it's not the best thing to do and I'm a doctor but hey I'm being honest! After my infusion I lost the cravings. I no longer felt any urge to go and grab a bag after my dinner. This is after just one infusion and the effect lasted for around 30 days and that is when I knew that I was due my next dose because I could find myself reaching for the snacks again. So apart from feeling more energised, you would have jump start your cellular health. Your internal systems would have been given a boost and the aim is to make you start feeling younger and more energised again. I remember talking to someone who said some of his greying hair had started to turn black again Now let's talk about how many infusions you need before feeling its effects. Some people will feel it straight after the first one like myself and others take a few more. At Healand, we recommend having five infusions as a loading protocol,which needs to be given in quick succession - we recommended over about 10 days but exceptions can be made and we can go over this during the consultation process It's important to note our NAD+ infusions are about 750 milligrams each which is higher than what you may get at other clinics. After the loading protocol you will feel when you need a top-up, generally this is every four to eight weeks. If you are interested in having this infusion please book your free initial appointment. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare Journey.

Lower face contouring is a popular, cosmetic treatment designed to enhance the natural contours of the lower face, creating a more defined and youthful appearance. This treatment typically involves the use of dermal fillers which are injected into the chin, the jawline and the jowls to add more volume and definition. The procedure is relatively painless with most patients only experiencing mild discomfort. The results are visible immediately and these results can last anywhere from six months to a year depending on the type of filler used. Lower face contouring is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your lower face to achieve a more harmonious balance between the facial features. It can help reduce the appearance of a weak jaw and sagginess around the jawline. If you are considering a lower face contouring treatment it is important to choose a qualified medical professional who has experience performing this procedure to ensure the best possible outcomes. This is something we offer here at Healand Clinic, where our clinicians can evaluate your individual needs and goals and recommend the best approach in achieving the results that you desire. With the right treatment you can achieve a more defined, youthful lower face and feel more confident in your own skin. If this is something that you are interested in, please book your free initial appointment. Let Healand be a part of your Healthcare Journey.

My name is Shabnam and I'm a qualified psychotherapist. Guilt and shame are powerful emotions that can hold us back from living our lives fully. They can lead to negative self-talk, self-doubt and a sense of unworthiness. They can stem from a variety of sources including childhood experiences, cultural messages and traumatic events but with the help of psychotherapy we can learn to understand and manage these emotions in a healthy way. One approach that can be particularly helpful is self-compassion - this involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding rather than judgment and criticism. Self-compassion can help to counteract the negative self-talk that often accompanies feelings of guilt and shame. At the same time you should explore the root causes of these emotions. Often by delving into your past experiences and relationships, Freudian and Jungian approaches to psychotherapy can be particularly effective to manage this as they emphasize the importance of understanding the unconscious mind and the impact of early life experiences on our current emotional states through therapy. We want to understand the patterns and beliefs that underlie your feelings of shame and guilt. This may involve exploring your relationship with your family members, and cultural and societal expectations, as well as traumatic experiences that may have shaped your belief around yourself and the world around you. As we work together we aim to develop a deeper understanding of your unique experiences and needs and to cultivate self-compassion as a tool for coping with guilt and shame. Guilt and shame can be challenging emotions to address but through Psychotherapy we can work to delve deeper to understand the root causes and learn healthy coping strategies by cultivating self-compassion and exploring the unconscious mind. We can begin to heal from past experiences and build a more fulfilling present and future. If you're interested in Psychotherapy or any of our other services please book your free initial consultation to discuss your needs. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare Journey.

I'll be talking about NAD+ infusions and their benefits to our health. NAD+ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide which is a coenzyme that is present in every cell of our body. It plays a critical role in many biological processes including energy production, DNA repair and cell signaling. Recently there has been a growing interest in the use of NAD+ infusions as a potential treatment for a range of health conditions. Infusions are a way of delivering high doses of NAD+ directly into the bloodstream - the idea is that by increasing the level of NAD+ in the body we can promote cellular health and improve overall wellness. Research has shown that NAD+ levels decline with age to a factor of around 10% for every decade of life and this decline has been linked to a range of age-related diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and certain cardiovascular diseases. By replenishing the NAD+ levels it may be possible to slow down or even reverse some of the damage caused by ageing. NAD+ has been used for substance addiction in North and South America for around two to three decades now with very promising results. One of the most exciting potential benefits of NAD+ infusions is their potential to improve brain health. NAD+ has been shown to help protect against neurodegenerative diseases and improve cognitive function; studies have also suggested that NAD+ infusions may be helpful in the treatment of some mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. NAD+ infusions may also be beneficial for those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause significant damage to healthy cells and NAD+ infusions have been shown to help protect against this damage and improve overall quality of life for cancer patients. NAD+ infusions are given intravenously and in an infusion can take from 30 minutes to two hours depending on how well you tolerate it. At Healand Clinic we have partnered with Koniver Wellness from the US. Dr Craig Koniver is one of the Pioneers in bio-enhancing medicine and has worked with various treatment regimes for more than two decades. He has treated high profile clients including Hollywood celebrities and Olympic athletes. At Healand, we follow the protocols he devised as they have been shown to work. Some newer clinics in the UK are offering NAD+ fusions but the treatment regime is different and the dose changes as well. I've spoken to people who have had these infusions and they didn't feel much different after having that treatment. At Healand, we take strict steps in sourcing our products and follow all cold chain protocols to ensure our patients get the best outcomes possible. We only have medical professionals working in the clinic so rest assured you will be in safe hands. If you are considering having NAD+ infusions and want to learn more please book your free initial consultation with one of our Specialists. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare Journey.

Hi everyone Felix here Advanced clinical practitioner with Healand Clinic. A very common question for people who think they may have some of the qualitative symptoms of testosterone deficiency is ‘what blood tests do I need?’ so I thought it might be a good idea to talk about that today. Whilst there is heavy discussion about the more qualitative symptoms associated with low male Androgen levels such as anxiety, low mood, depersonalisation, erectile dysfunction, brain fog, and of course, reduced libido, it's important that these are looked at in conjunction with the quantitative biomarkers in our blood. The first thing obvious thing you'll think is that we need to test testosterone levels and you'd be correct however it isn't that simple - we need to look more in depth at this and investigate for causality to see if there are any reversible causes that we can adjust in terms of things like our lifestyle, diet and exercise that may help us naturally increase our testosterone levels and mean that we don't have to commence testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the first place. We need to remember that TRT is actually a lifelong therapy, so what else should we look at? Well there's FBC which stands for Full Blood Count - here we can examine the red blood cells, the white blood cells, and also the other components that make up our blood such as platelets, hematocrits and haemoglobin. We need to look at renal and hepatic function so how efficient our kidneys and our liver are working. Next we would need to look at our thyroid function; the thyroid gland produces, stores and secretes Thyroxine, otherwise known as T4, and Triiodothyronine, also known as T3, through a negative feedback process involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Now thyroid dysfunction can result in any part of this process being affected so accurate interpretation of thyroid function test is essential, looking mainly at high or low TSH which stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Then there are also free thyroid hormone levels if our thyroid is under or overactive - this can impact on our sex hormone binary globulin (SHBG) through an indirect liver interaction causing issues with our steroid hormones. There are also certain conditions such as Hashimoto's disease which needs to be ruled out. Hashimoto's is a type of hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid that is autoimmune in nature i.e. our own immune system attacks the thyroid gland and this can ultimately impact on our testosterone levels. Finally it's also useful to know how certain vitamins and minerals are impacting our hormone panel so I would always recommend looking at your iron, your folate, your vitamin B12, and especially your vitamin D levels, and sometimes we may also need to measure zinc levels too. Just a quick cursory search of the major online medical databases will show you how much of an impact vitamin D deficiency can have on our testosterone levels - it's actually one of the most common causes for testosterone deficiency in males in the UK. So what about the hormone panel itself, is it just a question of knowing my total testosterone level and, if it's low, start TRT? Well no, again it's not that simple. We need to know the total testosterone level and the free testosterone level along with the SHBG, estradiol and prolactin and probably more importantly what is known as our gonadotropins which are Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Now these last two are key as they let us, as clinicians, know what is happening with your pituitary gland in your brain which is the powerhouse of all our steroid hormone production. So let's say you had your comprehensive test and your results point to a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency, surely that means that TRT is indicated? Well again not quite. In order to make a formal diagnosis of testosterone deficiency we need to have at least two low testosterone results at least four weeks apart as per the British Society for sexual medicine guidelines. So if you're wondering about how you can go about getting these tests done, there are a variety of online providers, but very few who will give you an experienced analysis of your results in the context of clinical experience in the field of TRT and that's where Healand can help. We offer a range of blood tests, either the TRT Comprehensive or TRT Comprehensive Plus, which are both Diagnostic and suitable for your first blood test but as I mentioned it is useful for us, as clinicians, to see your vitamin and mineral profile so personally I would recommend the TRT Comprehensive Plus for your second confirmatory test four weeks later. Should your first comprehensive test have returned low levels you would then need to order the TRT analysis blood test. Now if this confirms low testosterone levels then please give us a call to discuss if therapy would be in your best interests. So to summarise, a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency is not something that is jumped to. We need to look at causality and take appropriate blood tests four weeks apart and assess the quantitative markers alongside the qualitative symptoms from you, the patient, before we make a diagnosis If you're interested in any of our services including screening blood tests or other treatments then book your free initial consultation with one of our clinicians to discuss your needs.

Hi there everyone, this is Backshinder from Healand Clinic. So today we're going to talk about treating vascular occlusion. The treatment for vascular occlusion during an aesthetic procedure depends on the severity and the location of the occlusion. In general, the goal is to restore blood flow to the affected area as soon as possible to minimize tissue damage and to prevent further complications. One common type of treatment for vascular occlusion is to inject a medication called hydrolase, which is a dissolver for filler material and to restore blood flow to the affected area. This should be done as soon as possible after occlusion is detected. In more severe cases however, other treatments may be needed to manage the symptoms to prevent further damage. This may include medication to improve blood flow, oxygen therapy, surgery in more extreme cases. It's important to seek medical attention right away if you suspect a vascular occlusion during an ascetic procedure. Early intervention can make significant differences in the outcome of the help and prevention of long-term damage for complications. To minimize the risk of a vascular occlusion during an aesthetic procedure, it's important to choose a qualified medical professional who has the experience of performing the procedure, and understands the anatomy of the area being treated. They should also use appropriate injection techniques and carefully monitor you for any signs for further complications. If you are interested in or considering having dermal filler treatment book your free initial consultation to discuss your aims and options. Let Healand be part of your healthcare journey.

Hi everyone, Backshinder here, Advanced Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner with Healand Clinic. I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My background is in emergency medicine, working as a qualified trauma nurse in one of the busiest A&E hospitals in the country. My compassion, communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, and adaptability skills have allowed me to treat patients with confidence and autonomy which leads me into my current career adventure. I've practiced in aesthetic medicine now for just under a decade and by perfecting my skills, learning from my experiences, I have managed to create a long-standing professional relationship with my patients built around honesty and trust and this is something that I will continue practicing here at Healand Clinic. Book your free consultation and let Healand be part of your Healthcare Journey.

Hi everyone, this is Backshinder at Healand Clinic, and today we're going to talk about Temple fillers. Now Temple fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment designed to restore volume & fullness to the temples which can become hollowed and sunken with age. This can contribute to a tired and bony look. Temple fillers are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that occurs in the body, to help hydrate and plump the skin. The filler is injected into the temples to restore volume and provide a more subtle lift. This procedure is relatively painless with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort. The results are visible immediately and this treatment can last around a year to two years depending on the type of filler used. Temple fillers are a safe and effective way to enhance the natural contours of the face and to achieve a more youthful look. If this is something that you are interested in please book your initial consultation. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare journey

Hi everyone Felix here, Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Hormone Replacement Lead with Healand Clinic. I'm here today to tell you a little bit about me and my role at the clinic and what we can offer. I'm what is known as an advanced clinical practitioner or ACP for short. Now some of you out there in the world of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may recognise me from another role in the realms of TRT that I have undertaken in the past but for those that have seen me for the first time - my background is nearly two decades of the NHS, based primarily in emergency medicine with some time spent in surgical nursing. I have formal training, and have worked extensively, in the arena of medical research and I'm lucky enough to have published works and presented at large medical conferences. Also, now for a number of years, I worked as a nurse and then I went back to University at the University of Sheffield to undertake a master's degree in medical sciences and advanced practice which included training in Pharmacology and non-medical prescribing. This allows me to see patients, diagnose, treat and discharge or refer on to other Specialists if I feel necessary. Here at Healand I'm the hormone replacement lead but I also have training in, and considerable services on, medical weight loss, cryotherapy, pain management, and bio-enhancement, so if you're interested in any of our services including screening, blood tests, and treatments, book your free consultation with one of our clinicians to discuss your needs. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare journey

Hi everyone Felix here, Advanced legal practitioner with Healand Clinic. I’m here today to talk a little bit about semaglutide. Semaglutide is a medication that's most commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists which stands for glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that is released in response to food intake - it helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin and suppressing the release of glucogon which is a hormone that raises blood sugar. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 in the body. It binds to the GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas and stimulates the release of insulin which helps lower our blood sugar levels. Semaglutide also slows down the rate at which food is absorbed into the bloodstream which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar after meals. In addition to its blood sugar lowering effects, semaglutide has been shown to help with weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness which can lead to a reduction in calorie intake throughout the day. Semaglutide is typically given once a week as a subcutaneous injection. It's been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials and is approved for use in several countries around the world including the UK and is actually available on the NHS in certain circumstances, more commonly with those with type 2 diabetes. As with any medication there can sometimes be side effects so it is important to talk to your prescribing clinician about whether semaglutide is right for you. Semaglutide, along with other weight management medications, is available at Healand Clinic so if you're interested in any of our services, including screening, blood tests and other treatments, book your free consultation today. Let Healand be part of your Healthcare Journey.