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✨The Calm Within​✨
Curated by Dr. Karen Singh, where modern neuroscience meets ancient wisdom. This space is dedicated to exploring the powerful connection between the nervous system, mind-body medicine, and holistic health practices that transform lives from the inside out. 

✨ Back Pain Isn’t Just for Adults ✨

12/4/2025

 
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Spinal health isn’t something we should only start thinking about in adulthood. From the moment a child is born, their spine plays a vital role in their growth, development, and overall health. Making sure your child’s spine is aligned and healthy now can prevent pain, posture problems, and mobility issues down the line.
Fortunately, kids' spines are resilient—and with a little care, it’s easy to keep them in great shape!
The Spine’s Role in Your Child’s Health
Your child’s spine does more than just help them stand tall. It protects the spinal cord—a crucial part of the nervous system that controls everything from digestion to breathing and movement. That’s why misalignments or spinal issues can affect many areas of your child’s physical and even mental health.
Common Causes of Spinal Issues in Children
Even though kids are typically active, their spines can still face a variety of challenges:
  • Posture Problems: Long hours on phones, tablets, or computers can lead to slouched posture and strain.
  • Heavy Backpacks: Carrying overloaded backpacks, especially unevenly, can cause spinal stress and misalignments.
  • Injuries: Kids take tumbles often. Even small knocks can lead to alignment issues if not addressed.
  • Growth Spurts: Rapid growth can lead to imbalances and discomfort—sometimes even contributing to conditions like scoliosis.
Signs to Watch Out For
Not sure if your child might be having spinal trouble? Keep an eye out for:
  • Frequent back pain or stiffness
  • Uneven shoulders or hips
  • Difficulty sitting or standing still
  • Frequent headaches or fatigue
These may be signs that it’s time for a check-up with your GP or a spinal health specialist like a chiropractor.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Kids
Chiropractic care is a gentle, natural way to help support your child’s growing body. Here are a few of the key benefits:
  • Supports Healthy Development: Regular check-ups help ensure the spine is growing as it should, reducing the risk of future issues.
  • Improves Posture: Gentle adjustments can help correct “text neck” and other posture-related concerns.
  • Reduces Risk of Injury: A well-aligned spine supports balance, coordination, and confidence during physical activity.
Chiropractic care isn’t a replacement for traditional medical care—but it’s a great complement and preventative option.
What You Can Do at Home
You don’t need to be a chiropractor to help your child take care of their spine. Here’s how you can support good spinal health day to day:
  • Encourage Good Posture: Teach your child to sit up straight and avoid slouching over screens or books.
  • Check Backpack Weight: Keep it under 10-15% of your child’s body weight, and make sure they use both shoulder straps.
  • Keep Them Moving: Encourage regular physical activity to strengthen spinal support muscles.
  • Prioritise Sleep Support: A comfortable mattress and proper pillow help maintain alignment while they rest.
Small Habits Now, Big Benefits Later
Spinal care isn’t just about avoiding back pain—it’s about supporting your child’s long-term wellbeing. Investing time and attention into spinal health now sets them up for a future of strength, balance, and resilience.
If you’d like professional support, we’re always here to help. We offer discounted rates for children and students and would be happy to answer your questions or carry out a spine check-up.
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✨ Straighten Up: Tips to Improve Slouched Posture and Reduce Discomfort ✨

12/4/2025

 
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Slouched posture is something most of us are guilty of—especially when spending long hours at a desk or glued to our phones. While it may seem harmless, poor posture can place unnecessary strain on your spine, muscles, and joints over time.
At Nandish Health, our chiropractors don’t just treat aches and pains—we help prevent them, too. Read on for simple self-care strategies and exercises to combat poor posture and keep your spine in good shape.
Why Posture Matters
When your head drifts forward, your shoulders round, and the curve of your upper spine increases, pressure builds on surrounding muscles and joints. This forward-leaning posture—common during screen time—can lead to tension, discomfort, and eventually chronic pain.
Quick check: Ask a friend to snap photos of your posture from the front, side, and back—or check yourself in a mirror. Is your head aligned over your shoulders? Is your back straight, or are you slumping forward?
To reduce the risk of postural strain:
  • Sit upright with your back and head against your chair’s backrest.
  • Adjust your phone or book to eye level—don’t crane your neck down.
  • Take short movement breaks every hour.
  • Vary your sitting and standing positions throughout the day.
Muscles Commonly Affected by Poor Posture
Understanding which muscles become tight or weak can help you stretch and strengthen the right areas:
  • Serratus Anterior (often weak): Located under the armpits, these muscles help stabilise the shoulder blades during arm movement.
  • Trapezius: The upper portion is often tight; the middle and lower parts tend to be weak. They support shoulder and upper back movement.
  • Pectoralis Major (often tight): Tightness here contributes to rounded shoulders.
  • Pectoralis Minor (tight): A smaller chest muscle that also draws the shoulders forward.
  • Scalenes (tight): Located at the side of the neck, tight scalenes can affect breathing and compress nearby nerves and blood vessels.
Posture-Improving Exercises
Try these simple, chiropractor-approved exercises to help restore balance and ease discomfort:
Serratus Anterior Activation
  • Lie on your back with a light weight (2–5kg) or a water bottle.
  • Hold it straight above your shoulder, keeping your arm straight.
  • Reach up toward the ceiling without bending your elbow.
  • Lower and repeat 10 times on each side.
Middle and Lower Trapezius Strengthening
  • Sit tall, relax your shoulders, and move your forearms outward.
  • Use a resistance band for added challenge—hold and pull outwards.
  • Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  • Repeat 15 times.
Pectoralis Major Stretch
  • Stand in a doorway with elbows bent and forearms against the frame.
  • Lean forward gently to stretch your chest.
  • Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
Pectoralis Minor Stretch
  • Interlace your fingers behind your head with elbows out to the side.
  • Gently push your elbows back, opening up the chest.
  • Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 3 times.
Scalene Stretch and Breathing Control
  • Lie down with one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
  • Breathe deeply—your abdomen hand should rise more than your chest hand.
  • To stretch the scalenes: tilt your head to one side, rotate slightly in the opposite direction, then tilt your chin upward.
  • Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 3 times per side.
Foam Roller Chest Opener
  • Lie vertically on a long foam roller so it supports your head and spine.
  • Let your arms rest out to the side.
  • Relax and allow the chest and back to gently open.
A Note of Caution
Always perform exercises slowly and only within your comfort zone. If any movements cause pain, stop immediately and consult your chiropractor before continuing.
Takeaway: Small adjustments to your posture and daily habits can go a long way toward easing muscle tension and preventing discomfort. Chiropractic care, paired with targeted stretches and exercises, can help realign your posture and keep your body feeling balanced and supported.
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✨The Health Benefits of Love✨

12/4/2025

 
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Romance brings more than just butterflies. Science shows that love and connection can improve everything from your heart health to your life expectancy:
1. Live Longer
Research from the National Longitudinal Mortality Study—which has followed over a million people since 1979—found that married individuals tend to live longer than those who are single. Companionship, emotional support, and shared responsibilities all play a role.
2. Boost Your Fitness
Couples who work out together are more likely to stick with their routines. Studies show that people train 12–15% harder when exercising alongside a romantic partner. So whether it’s a weekend hike or a fitness class, teaming up with your loved one can be a great motivator.
3. Reduce Stress
People in happy, supportive relationships typically experience lower stress levels. Less stress can mean better sleep, reduced inflammation, and lower risk of chronic illness.
4. Support Heart Health
A study from the University of Pittsburgh found that women in strong, healthy marriages had a significantly lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Daily affection, such as hugging, has been linked to increased oxytocin levels and lower blood pressure—both great for your heart.
Love and Lifestyle: A Healthy Heart Needs Healthy Habits
While love can bring some surprising health benefits, it’s equally important to support your heart with a healthy lifestyle. That includes managing the risk factors that are within your control, such as:
  • Quitting smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Reducing stress
  • Staying physically active
  • Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
If you’re in a relationship, why not work together on building healthier habits? From improving your eating habits to supporting each other through a new fitness routine, teaming up can make your health goals easier—and more enjoyable—to achieve.
Final Thoughts
Love is more than a feeling—it’s a powerful force for health and happiness. Whether you’re embracing romance, deepening your existing relationship, or simply practicing more self-love, taking time for connection can help you feel stronger, happier, and more vibrant.
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✨Preventing Back Pain in Parenthood: Safe Lifting Tips for New Parents✨

12/4/2025

 
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Parenthood is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it also comes with physical demands that can take a toll on your body—especially your back. At Nandish Health, we frequently support parents experiencing back, neck, or shoulder strain due to the daily tasks of lifting, carrying, and caring for their little ones.
In fact, two of the most common periods for developing back pain are during pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life—precisely when your body needs to be functioning at its best.
🍼 The Physical Demands of Parenting
In the first few months, you may lift your baby—who weighs between 7 to 10 pounds—up to 30 times a day. By the time your child is a year old, you're lifting and carrying around 17 pounds, and by age two, that number increases to 25–30 pounds. Without proper posture and movement strategies, these repetitive motions can contribute to significant back pain and muscle tension.
✅ Safe Lifting Techniques for Parents
Whether you're picking up your child from the floor or transferring them to a crib, these simple lifting principles can help reduce your risk of injury:
  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to create a stable base.
  • Bend your knees and keep your back straight—never bend from the waist.
  • Bring your child close to your body before lifting to reduce strain on your spine.
  • Use both arms and engage your leg muscles—your thighs are stronger and more stable than your lower back.
  • When moving your child, pivot with your feet rather than twisting your spine.
  • To place your child down, reverse the movement: bend your knees and maintain a neutral spine.
🚼 Carrying Tips to Protect Your Spine
  • Hold your baby upright and close to your chest to minimize strain.
  • Avoid carrying on one hip—this causes postural imbalances and can lead to chronic low back pain.
  • Consider a supportive front-pack baby carrier to distribute weight evenly while walking or doing household tasks.
🤰 Postpartum Exercise for New Mothers
Physical recovery is essential after childbirth. Reintroducing gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore flexibility and core stability:
  • Begin with light floor-based stretches while your baby naps.
  • Focus on regaining strength in your abdominal and back muscles.
  • Aim to return to a healthy weight within six weeks post-delivery.
  • If you had a C-section, wait until your doctor gives the go-ahead—typically around six weeks postpartum.
Our physiotherapy and massage therapy services at Nandish Health can support postpartum recovery, helping reduce tension and improve mobility.
🤱 Breastfeeding and Back Support
Breastfeeding posture is another common source of discomfort:
  • Bring the baby to your breast—don’t hunch forward.
  • Choose a firm, upright chair for nursing instead of a soft couch to maintain better spinal alignment.
  • Use a pillow to support the baby and your arms if needed.
💡 Supportive Care at Nandish Health
At Nandish Health, we take a holistic, hands-on approach to managing the physical demands of parenthood. Our team offers:
  • Chiropractic care to address spinal alignment and posture
  • Physiotherapy to strengthen core muscles and improve mobility
  • Massage therapy to relieve muscle tension and promote recovery
By implementing proper lifting techniques and seeking proactive care, you can prevent pain and stay strong through every stage of parenthood.
📆 Book a Consultation Today
Experiencing back or shoulder discomfort from parenting duties? We’re here to help. Schedule an appointment at Nandish Health and let us support your journey to a pain-free, active life with your growing family.
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✨ What Does It Mean When Your Joints Crack? ✨

12/4/2025

 
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​If you’ve ever cringed at the sound of cracking knuckles or popping knees, you’re not alone. Joint noises—whether it’s a snap, crackle, or pop—are a common experience. But what do they really mean? And when should you be concerned?
At Nandish Health, we believe in helping our clients make informed decisions about their body and joint health. Our team of professionals offers chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and massage therapy, all of which can support better joint function and mobility. Today, let’s break down the science behind joint cracking and what it might signal.
What Causes Joints to Crack?
The sound many people associate with cracking joints—especially in the knuckles, spine, or shoulders—is known as joint cavitation.
This occurs when a vacuum forms in the synovial fluid, the natural lubricant inside your joints. When you stretch or adjust a joint, the vacuum suddenly draws in an air bubble, producing the popping or cracking sound. This process:
  • Releases pressure in the joint
  • Improves range of motion
  • Reduces stiffness in the surrounding area
Contrary to popular myths, this type of joint cracking is not harmful when done in a controlled, targeted manner—such as during a chiropractic adjustment. In fact, it can actually improve joint mobility and comfort.
Once this cavitation happens, the joint typically won’t crack again until the air bubble has been reabsorbed and a new vacuum is created. This explains why joints don’t continually crack with every movement.
When Cracking May Be a Concern
While joint cavitation is generally harmless, not all joint noises are created equal. Other types of cracking or snapping sounds may signal underlying issues:
1. Cracking from Osteoarthritis
As we age, or after joint injury or disease, the cartilage cushioning the joints may begin to wear down. This can lead to:
  • Painful grinding or crunching noises
  • Joint stiffness and swelling
  • Reduced mobility
In these cases, the cracking is due to bone-on-bone friction, and it’s often accompanied by discomfort. Our physiotherapy team at Nandish Health can help manage these symptoms with tailored exercises and treatments to support joint health and reduce pain.
2. Snapping Tendons or Muscles
Sometimes, snapping or clicking sounds are caused by tendons or muscles moving over bony structures—commonly felt in the hips, knees, ankles, wrists, or shoulders. This typically happens when:
  • A tendon is slightly loose
  • The joint is overused or misaligned
  • Muscles become tight or imbalanced
If left untreated, this friction can lead to bursitis, a painful inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that reduce friction between moving tissues. Early intervention with massage therapy, targeted physiotherapy, and corrective chiropractic care can help restore healthy movement patterns and prevent further inflammation.
Should You Be Worried About Cracking Joints?
In most cases, joint cracking—especially when painless—is completely normal. But if your joint noises are accompanied by:
  • Pain or swelling
  • A feeling of instability
  • Limited range of motion
  • Stiffness or recurring discomfort
…it’s a good idea to get a professional assessment.
At Nandish Health, our integrated care approach helps you identify the root cause of joint issues and create a personalised plan for recovery and long-term joint wellness.
Caring for Your Joints, the Right Way
Whether you’re managing chronic stiffness, recovering from injury, or simply curious about the sounds your body makes, our team at Nandish Health is here to help. Through expert chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitative physiotherapy, and restorative massage therapy, we support healthy joints and better mobility for every stage of life.
Book a consultation today with Nandish Health to explore the best care options for your joint health—so you can move freely, comfortably, and confidently.
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  • Home
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    • Our Team >
      • Dr Karen Singh
      • Dr Amy Edwards
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      • Dr Tamara Ellett
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    • Chiropractic >
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  • CLINICS
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