Ask the Doctor - July Scotland on Sunday column

Sunday 31st July - Pelvic Pain

Kate Leishman is a Specialist Women and Men’s health physiotherapist at the Spire Murrayfield and Livingston Physiotherapy Clinic and can be contacted on either 0131 316 2537 or 01506 448181.

To start with, a full history would need to be taken to determine the possible causes for this pain. It may require some medical investigations e.g. bloods, ultrasound scans, and possible laparoscopy (where the doctor looks inside the pelvis using a small camera).

If the problem is shown to be musculoskeletal the joints, muscles and nerves can be the source of  the pain and treatment by specialist physiotherapist may help.

An initial assessment would involve gathering the details of the history, and examination of posture and the way the muscles are functioning. This may include the pelvic floor muscles and ensuring the pelvic joints are moving freely.

Treatment may involve using a variety of techniques such as manual therapy, home exercise, biofeedback and pain management principles.

Sunday 24th July - Weight Loss

There are several different surgical procedures to help with weight loss. They have different benefits and risks. Prices for the different options range from about £5,000 up to £15,000.

Our enthusiasm for undertaking weight loss surgery is not that thin is beautiful; the main drive is seeing the health of our patients improve. Being overweight causes some diseases or makes some worse, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, angina, asthma, snoring, arthritis and gastric reflux amongst others. Many overweight people are also restricted in what they can do, including being able to continue in employment or enjoy recreational exercise – even things such as going out to restaurants and travelling on public transport. Many of our patients feel that others stare at them or make judgmental comments, and a common theme is the wish to be able to play with children or grandchildren.

Set against the potential benefits of weight loss surgery – medical, physical and social – can you afford not to?

Sunday 17th July - Laser Therapy

Cecilia McPherson is the Lead Specialist Cosmetic Nurse at Spire Murrayfield Hospital.

The use of lasers and light therapies can be used to treat a range of conditions from birth marks, blemishes, scars, tattoos and excess hair to lines and wrinkles.

There are a variety of different types of lasers and each one will be tailored to the patient’s needs.

A consultation is always recommended, and identifying skin type, hair colour and any medical conditions that may be the cause of excess hair growth is vital. Light-based therapy may be harmful to some people.

The practitioner will also be able to guide you on treatment for skin conditions by lasers and also will refer you to another consultant if laser is not the recommended treatment.

The skin type and hair colour evaluation is crucial in selecting clients for hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a maintenance treatment, therefore an experienced practitioner will be able to guide you on this and the realistic outcome of the treatment.

Sunday 10th July - Chemo Relief

Leslie Abram is a Senior Physiotherapist at Spire Murrayfield Hospital.

Yes, reflexology is a holistic non-invasive therapy based on the principle that all organs and body systems are mapped on the soles of the feet. It can be helpful during and following chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment. You should first discuss it with your oncologist.

Reflexology is a form of foot massage, and therefore can easily fit in during your oncology treatment. You will be asked to remove your footwear only. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes, with the therapist working with her thumbs over the sole of both your feet. Pressure is firm but should not be painful and therefore should not tickle... which is many people’s fear!

It can help with associated nausea, promote relaxation and relieve stress. Reflexology should improve sleep patterns and stimulate a feeling of well-being.

Several treatment sessions will be required to feel the benefit.

Sunday 3rd July - Stress Toll

Mr Mark Butterworth is a Consultant Plastic surgeon at Spire Murrayfield Hospital.

There are many options open to you depending on what you wish to achieve and what is required.  There are a number of nonsurgical options to help rejuvenate the face.

Botox is a safe option for the upper third of the face and eyes while fillers are useful in helping the lower part of the face and are long lasting. If a more general freshen-up is required then dermaroller® gives very pleasing results in fine line reduction and generally freshening and toning the skin while reducing pigment irregularities.

If you think something more permanent is required, surgery may be a good option. It is possible to remove eyelid bags to give a happier more awake look but maintaining a natural “unoperated” look.

Often it is also possible to do a facelift to correct both the face, jowls and neck through a short incision. This results in a shorter recovery period and gives a natural looking result.