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Pelvic pain is an unpleasant and multifaceted condition. The pain can manifest in various ways and in different areas, and the cause is not always easy to pinpoint. Fortunately, there are things you can do yourself to manage this condition. In this blog, we’ll tell you what you can do to relieve pelvic pain. What are the symptoms of pelvic pain? Pelvic pain can manifest in many different ways. It also depends on the cause, such as an injury, pregnancy or overexertion. This condition often presents as follows: Pain in the lower back, legs or pubic bone Pain when walking or turning over in bed Stiffness in the pelvic area Pain radiating to the upper legs or groin A feeling of instability in the pelvis The symptoms can often vary in intensity and frequently worsen with overexertion or prolonged sitting. Where does pelvic pain occur? You usually feel pelvic pain in the area around the pelvis, such as the pubic bone or the groins. However, this sensation can also radiate, for example to the lower back, hips or thighs. It is important to identify the cause of your pelvic pain to determine the best way to relieve it. 6 tips to relieve pelvic pain 1. Keep moving gently Rest is important when you have pelvic pain, but sitting still for too long can actually make the pain worse. So make sure you go for a short walk or do some stretching regularly. This helps keep your blood flowing and reduces stiffness in the painful area. 2. Change your posture frequently Sitting or standing for long periods puts a lot of pressure on your pelvic area. So try to change your posture often and take short breaks to move around. 3. Maintain good posture throughout the day Good posture often makes a real difference with this condition. If you spend a lot of time sitting, make sure you sit upright and keep your pelvis in a neutral position. When lifting, use your knees to help you stand up rather than your lower back. This reduces excessive pressure on the pelvis. 4. Use heat Use heat to relax the muscles around the pelvic area. You can use a special heat pad for this, but you can also often take a quick warm shower or have a warm bath. 5. Do gentle stretching exercises Gentle stretches for your hips, lower back and legs can help to reduce tension. It’s important not to force anything; it should feel comfortable. You can also look up specific exercises for pelvic pain, for example on YouTube. These pelvic floor exercises can also be very helpful! 6. Use red light therapy Apply red light therapy to the painful or stiff areas around your pelvis. This helps to stimulate blood flow, relax the muscles and reduce pain. It also stimulates the body’s natural healing process. How does red light therapy help with pelvic pain? Red light penetrates the skin and the body’s tissues. This stimulates the body’s natural processes. These are the benefits of red light therapy for pelvic pain: Stimulates blood flow in the area Relaxes the muscles Reduces pain and stiffness Supporting natural tissue repair Helps reduce tension caused by overexertion Red light always works best alongside a healthy lifestyle, for example with sufficient exercise and rest. Are you experiencing pelvic pain because you are pregnant? If so, it is advisable to consult a doctor first before using red light therapy. PowerCure red light therapy for pelvic complaints The PowerCure laser is a red light device that you can use on the painful area around the pelvis, lower back or hips. This allows you to easily apply the therapy at home to the areas where you experience the most discomfort. You can also use this laser for other complaints and conditions, for both people and animals. So the whole household can benefit! View the PowerCure Pro laser

Lower back pain is something that many people suffer from from time to time. It can be caused by simple things such as overexertion, but it may also have an underlying cause. In this blog, you’ll find out about the possible causes of lower back pain and ways to resolve it. What causes lower back pain? Lower back pain can have many different causes. For some people, the cause is very clear, such as a fall or an injury. It may also be the case that you do not know what is causing your back pain. In that case, it is important to find out, so that you also know the best way to treat it. These are some possible causes of lower back pain: Poor posture or sitting or standing for too long, which puts extra strain on muscles, joints and vertebrae. Overuse of muscles, for example due to intensive exercise or heavy lifting. A lack of exercise, which means the lower back is not properly supported. Muscle or joint problems such as cramps or blockages, for example following an awkward movement. A slipped disc or wear and tear, which puts pressure on the nerves or joints. Back pain caused by stress and tension, resulting in muscle tension, pain and stiffness. Being overweight or pregnancy, which puts extra strain on the back. Furthermore, this pain can also manifest in various ways. For example, you may experience a nagging ache; the pain may be localised to the left or right side; or it may be felt in the back or legs. In some cases, it may be advisable to consult a doctor if you are unsure of the cause. Should I see a doctor if I have lower back pain? If you know the cause and the pain seems harmless, it is usually not necessary to see a doctor. However, if the pain does not go away with the right treatment or is unexplained, it is wise to contact a doctor. In the event of loss of strength, severe pain, radiating pain, tingling, problems with urination or bowel movements, or pain following a serious accident, it is always important to seek medical advice. Source: Pexels How to relieve lower back pain 1. Keep moving gently If the pain allows it, keep moving gently. This helps keep your muscles supple and stimulates good blood circulation. Short walks or gentle stretches can be enough to achieve this. 2. Pay close attention to your posture Poor posture whilst sitting or standing can cause lower back pain. Always try to sit upright with good support for your lower back and change your position regularly to prevent pressure build-up. 3. Use heat or cold Heat helps to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. This can provide relief if you’re suffering from a nagging ache. For example, have a warm bath regularly or use a hot compress. Cold, on the other hand, can help with sudden, sharp pain, such as after a sudden awkward movement. 4. Do stretches and massage the painful area Do stretches and other gentle movements to loosen the muscles in your lower back. Build this up gradually and avoid any exercises that don’t feel right. In addition, a specialised lower back pain massage can help to loosen up the area. You can do this gently yourself or book a professional massage. 5. Ensure you get plenty of rest and keep stress to a minimum Stress causes your muscles to tense up unconsciously, particularly in the back. You should therefore do exercises that help you relax, such as breathing exercises or meditation. 6. Use red light therapy Red light therapy helps to improve blood circulation, reduce pain and stimulate the body’s natural healing capacity. These days, it’s very easy to do this yourself, and it’s often used for back problems. Does red light therapy help with lower back pain? Red light therapy is increasingly used for lower back pain to help with pain and stiffness and to stimulate recovery. Here’s what red light can do in this case: Improve blood circulation in the lower back Relax tense muscles Support the natural healing of tissue Reduce pain The red light penetrates the skin and stimulates the cells in the treated area. This is why it can offer the benefits listed above. Many people use red light therapy for various forms of back pain, muscle pain and stiffness. These days, you can do this very easily at home, for example with the PowerCure Pro laser. PowerCure red light therapy for back pain The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that can offer the benefits listed above. It helps to reduce, relieve and even prevent back pain. In addition, PowerCure’s red light also helps with other complaints and conditions, in both humans and animals! Check out the PowerCure Pro

Sciatica is a troublesome condition that can cause quite a lot of discomfort. The pain can be constant and flare up out of the blue. Fortunately, for most people it goes away on its own, but this can sometimes take a while. That’s why we’re sharing the best tips to help you speed up the recovery process yourself. Read all about it in this article! What is sciatica? With sciatica, you usually experience pain along the nerve from your lower back down to your leg. This is because the large nerve in your lower back – the sciatic nerve – becomes pinched or irritated. You’ll often notice this as pain or irritation in your gluteal muscle too. It isn’t a serious condition, but it can be a hindrance to many everyday activities. How do you know if you have sciatica? You can recognise this nerve pain mainly by pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttock or leg. The pain follows a sort of ‘line’ down the back of your leg and is often only on one side of your body. These are common symptoms: Pain in the lower back, buttock and/or leg, often on one side Sharp, burning or stabbing pain Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot Pain that worsens when sitting, bending over or lifting Shooting pain when moving suddenly or coughing For some people, it can also feel like muscle pain, but with the pain radiating along the nerve pathway. What causes sciatica? This condition usually occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched or irritated. It usually starts in the lower back, where the nerve originates. Common causes include a slipped disc, overexertion of the back, poor posture or wear and tear in the lower back. In addition, sciatica is more common during pregnancy, as you often experience extra pressure in the lower back and pelvis. This is usually temporary, but it may be worth having your GP or midwife take a look. Can sciatica heal on its own? In most cases, this nerve-related condition heals on its own. The symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks to months. Sciatica heals naturally because the irritation of the sciatic nerve is often only temporary and your body can repair it on its own. However, it is important to support your body during this process to ensure the recovery goes more quickly and smoothly. How to support your body when you have sciatica 1. Keep moving gently Keeping moving gently is better than sitting still as much as possible. By going for a short walk, for example, you help your body to stimulate blood flow. This also reduces tension in your lower back and glutes, thereby promoting recovery. 2. Do exercises and stretches Do gentle stretching exercises for your lower back, hips and glutes. This reduces pressure on the nerves. You can do specific exercises for sciatica, such as those shown in this YouTube video. 3. Have a gentle massage A gentle massage of the lower back and glutes helps if you’re suffering from tense muscles that are pressing on the nerve. You can do this yourself by hand, but you can also ask a massage therapist for a sciatica massage so that this can be taken into account. 4. Use heat You can easily relax your muscles by applying heat. Place a hot water bottle on the painful areas, have a warm bath or take a warm shower. This often helps to relieve the pain a little. 5. Pay attention to your posture Poor posture can be the cause of this condition, so make sure you sit and lie down correctly. Also, ensure you don’t sit for too long at a time and get up regularly for a quick stretch or a short walk. 6. Use red light therapy Use red light therapy for sciatica to relax the muscles and reduce pain. It also helps speed up recovery and improve blood circulation. You can easily do this at home, for example whilst relaxing on the sofa in the evening. How does red light therapy help with this condition? Red light therapy can be an effective treatment for sciatica, as it stimulates the body’s natural processes. Here’s what red light does, amongst other things, for this condition: Supporting blood circulation. This aids the recovery of irritated tissues and the removal of waste products. Relaxing the muscles. As tense gluteal and back muscles often play a role, red light can help to relax the muscles. This reduces pressure on the nerves. Supporting the body’s healing processes. The mitochondria within the cells are stimulated, which improves energy management within the cells. This supports the natural healing of tissues. Red light is always most effective when used alongside other methods to alleviate symptoms, such as getting plenty of rest and doing exercises. This helps to reduce pain and speed up the recovery process. Are you using red light therapy for sciatica during pregnancy? If so, it is important to consult a doctor for advice. PowerCure red light therapy for sciatica The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that you can use for nerve pain and associated symptoms. You can operate the laser yourself, so you don’t have to spend any extra time on the treatment. You can also use the PowerCure Pro for other symptoms and conditions, in both people and animals. This makes it suitable for the whole household. Click the button below for more information. View the PowerCure Pro

A muscle tear in the thigh is an injury that can cause a great deal of discomfort. Activities such as walking, exercising or sitting comfortably often become a little more difficult. That’s why it’s good to take steps yourself to ensure a proper recovery, so that you can get back to your normal activities as soon as possible. Read on to find out how you can alleviate the symptoms of a muscle tear yourself. What does a muscle tear in the thigh feel like? A thigh muscle tear often feels like a sharp pain in the muscle. This pain often comes on suddenly, and many people describe it as feeling as though something has ‘snapped’. These are common symptoms: Sharp or stabbing pain Difficulty walking Muscle tension or a feeling of stiffness Swelling or a bruise Reduced strength in the thigh Pain when moving, stretching or climbing stairs A noticeable lump or indentation in the muscle How does a muscle tear occur? If you have a torn muscle, you’ll probably know exactly when it happened. A tear often occurs when the thigh muscles are working hard. That’s why it often happens during sport, running, jumping or when making a wrong movement. What should you avoid doing if you have a torn muscle? With this injury, it’s important to put as little strain as possible on your thigh. So, you should avoid returning to sport too soon, stretching too much and carrying on whilst you’re in pain. You should also hold off on heavy strength training, running and massaging the muscle for a while. Depending on the severity of the tear, it’s important to get plenty of rest for the first few days. After that, you can gradually start building up with certain movements. Always listen carefully to your body and pause if it hurts a lot. Source: Pexels What to do if you have a torn thigh muscle? 7 tips 1. Rest the muscle As mentioned above, it’s important to put as little strain as possible on your thigh. Avoid intensive exercise, running or jumping for a while. This can actually make the tear worse. Listen carefully to your body and don’t force any movements. 2. Cool the injured area Cooling the area helps to reduce swelling and pain. This is particularly effective in the first 48 hours. For example, use something from the freezer wrapped in a cloth and apply it several times a day for a few minutes. 3. Keep your leg elevated as much as possible Elevating your leg can help reduce fluid build-up and swelling. This is particularly helpful if your leg feels swollen or tender. 4. Gradually build up your activity again It’s usually not necessary to stay completely still, but you do need to build up your activity gradually. Gentle movement can also help keep the muscle supple. Only do this if you’re sure you’re not straining yourself, and stop immediately if it hurts a lot. 5. Look after your body Take extra good care of yourself during this period. Eat healthily, get enough sleep and drink plenty of water. Give your body time to recover and, where necessary, do relaxation exercises to prevent stress. 6. Eat enough protein Protein helps build and repair muscles. That’s why it’s particularly important to eat enough protein when you have a muscle tear. Work out how much protein you need and stick to a temporary target to aid muscle recovery. 7. Use red light therapy Use red light therapy to support your muscle recovery and reduce pain. These days, you can easily do this at home, for example with the PowerCure Pro laser. How does red light therapy help with a muscle tear? Red light therapy is used by many people to support recovery from muscle injuries. In the case of a muscle tear in the thigh, red light can help to support the natural recovery process and reduce pain. The red light penetrates the skin and underlying tissues, thereby having a positive effect on blood flow and energy production in the cells – both of which are key processes in muscle recovery. This is why people often use red light therapy for a muscle tear: It supports blood flow to the muscle and the surrounding area It reduces tension and stiffness in the thigh It supports the recovery process of the muscle and muscle tissues It makes the muscle more supple, which you’ll also notice in your range of motion It provides pain relief, making the recovery process smoother Red light therapy always works best alongside other support measures, such as a healthy lifestyle and plenty of rest. You can use red light therapy at home to treat your injury yourself. PowerCure red light therapy for a torn muscle The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that can help with a torn muscle in the thigh. What’s more, it’s not only effective for this injury, but also for a wide range of other complaints and conditions. This means the device isn’t limited to a single purpose; you can use it for many different purposes throughout the home. So you can work on your recovery at any time! Check out the PowerCure Pro

An older horse must always receive the right care. It’s naturally difficult to see your beloved animal grow older. That’s why you’ll probably want to ensure that your horse has the best possible life. Are you wondering how you can give your older horse a comfortable life? Then do read on. How can you tell when a horse is getting older? As a horse gets older, you’ll often see this happen gradually. And it’s precisely by recognising these subtle changes that you can support your horse effectively. These are the most common signs that your horse is becoming a senior: Physical changes, such as reduced muscle mass, difficulty maintaining weight or a dull coat. Stiffer movement, particularly when starting to move or after a rest. Tooth wear, or eating more slowly and difficulty chewing. Tiring more quickly and needing more rest. Changes in behaviour, such as becoming calmer or, conversely, more sensitive. It’s actually quite normal for your horse to show these signs. It’s precisely when you notice this happening that you can work out what you can do for your horse. When is a horse considered truly old? A horse is generally considered truly old from around 18 to 20 years of age. However, age isn’t the whole story, as some 18-year-old horses are still very fit and energetic. Your horse is getting old when you notice signs of ageing, but even then, the animal can often still have quite a few years left in it. Source: Pexels What can you do to ensure an old horse has a good quality of life? 1. Ensure the right diet A good diet is important for an older horse. If you notice the horse is struggling to chew, soft feed or special senior feed is a good option. In addition, your horse may be losing or gaining weight; you can adjust its diet accordingly. 2. Keep the horse active Although rest is important, exercise is just as vital. Regular, gentle exercise keeps the muscles and joints supple. This could include light training, walking or simply moving about freely in the field. This always depends on what the horse can manage, so bear this in mind. 3. Keep an eye on the horse’s teeth In older horses, the teeth often wear down, which can make eating slightly more difficult. So pay close attention to this and ensure your horse can continue to eat properly. 4. Ensure plenty of comfort Make sure the horse has plenty of comfortable spots in the stable and in the paddock. A soft resting area, sufficient shelter from the sun, cold and rain, and a peaceful environment are often very beneficial for the animal. This allows your horse to rest and recover properly after, for example, a training session. 5. Keep a close eye on your horse Always be on the lookout for small changes in, for example, behaviour, appetite or movement. If you spot these in good time, you can take swift action. This helps prevent the condition from worsening and other symptoms from arising, and allows you to provide the animal with greater comfort more quickly. 6. Use red light therapy Older horses often suffer from age-related complaints such as stiff muscles and joints. Red light therapy helps to alleviate these complaints, reduce pain and improve blood circulation. This not only helps with the symptoms but also ensures that your horse feels more supple and relaxed. How does red light therapy help older horses? Red light therapy is a valuable support for older horses. Not only when symptoms are already present, but also to prevent stiffness, for example. Here’s what red light can do: It stimulates blood circulation, improving the supply of oxygen and nutrients. This is important for the recovery of muscles and tissues. It relieves stiff muscles and joints, helping to reduce stiffness and allowing the horse to move more smoothly. It supports the body’s natural ability to recover. Recovery is often more difficult in older horses, but red light accelerates this process naturally. Think, for example, of the healing of injuries and wounds. It reduces pain; by stimulating the body as described above, pain is also alleviated. This enables the horse to move more freely and relax more effectively. You can administer red light therapy to your horse yourself, for example using the PowerCure Pro laser. This is a handheld red light therapy device that can be used for a variety of complaints and conditions. PowerCure red light therapy for your horse The PowerCure Pro can help with various complaints and conditions in horses. This laser has already helped a great many horses in the recovery process from injuries, wounds and more. View the testimonials here for the PowerCure laser in both animals and humans. View the PowerCure laser

If your cat has a wound, you naturally want to help them as best you can. In some cases, a wound may heal a little more slowly. Fortunately, there are things you can do to speed up the healing process. Read on to find out how best to help your beloved pet. How quickly does a wound heal in a cat? The length of time it takes for a cat’s wound to heal can vary greatly. This depends on the type of wound, its size, its location on the body and the cat’s overall health. Minor wounds often heal within 3 to 7 days if the wound is kept clean and well cared for. When it comes to deeper wounds, such as bite wounds or a wound requiring stitches, this often takes a little longer. The body has to repair more tissue and there is a greater risk of infection, so healing can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. What if a cat’s wound isn’t healing quickly? If a wound takes longer to heal than indicated above, the process is often slowed down by certain factors. For example, it may be inflamed, the cat may be licking it a lot, or the animal may have a weakened immune system. Wound healing can also sometimes be more difficult if the cat is older. If you notice that something isn’t quite right, it’s always wise to visit the vet. Fortunately, there are also things you can do yourself to promote the healing process. Read below to find out what you can do to help your beloved pet. Source: Pexels How can you help a cat’s wound to heal? 1. Keep the wound clean Gently clean the wound following your vet’s advice. Bacteria can sometimes cause inflammation, thereby slowing down the healing process. You should always thoroughly disinfect an infected wound on a cat. 2. Prevent the cat from licking or scratching the wound Cats often lick a wound, but this isn’t good for the recovery process, especially if it’s an open wound. You should therefore use a collar or protective bandage if necessary, so that the wound can heal properly. 3. Give the cat plenty of rest Depending on the location of the wound, too much movement can cause it to reopen. This is particularly the case if the wound is on the paw, joints or back. Make sure your pet has plenty of places to rest and keep a close eye on him or her for a while. 4. Support your cat’s immune system If your cat is otherwise healthy, this can have a very positive effect on its recovery. You should therefore provide your cat with a good diet and plenty of water, so that its body has sufficient nutrients to recover and to reduce or prevent inflammation. 5. Use red light therapy Red light therapy is increasingly used in animals to support the body’s recovery process. The red light stimulates blood circulation and increases cell activity, enabling the skin to heal better and faster. This can promote wound healing and, for example, help treat an inflamed wound in a cat. How does red light therapy aid wound healing in cats? Red light therapy supports the body’s natural healing process. That is why it is increasingly being used to aid wound healing in cats. Nowadays, more and more vets are using this light therapy, but you can also carry it out at home. These are the benefits of red light: Stimulating cell activity and the mitochondria, giving cells more energy to repair themselves and produce new tissue Improving blood circulation, so that oxygen and nutrients can reach the wound more effectively Supports skin repair, allowing the wound to close more quickly Reduces inflammation through its soothing effect on tissues This form of light therapy is a supportive treatment and can also be used alongside other medical treatments. PowerCure red light therapy for cats The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy laser that you can use to treat your cat’s wound. This laser is designed for home use and can be used for various complaints and conditions, for both people and animals. Upon purchase of the laser, you will always receive personalised treatment protocols, so that you know exactly how best to treat your beloved cat. More information about the PowerCure Pro

If your belly button piercing is infected, it can be really unpleasant. Not only is it often red and irritated, but it can also be quite painful. Fortunately, there are things you can do yourself to treat your belly button piercing. In this blog, we’ll share the most useful tips with you. What does an infected belly button piercing look like? If your belly button piercing is infected, it’s usually quite easy to spot. That’s because you can often see and feel the infection straight away. These are the symptoms: The area around the belly button piercing is painful The skin feels warm, is red and may look shiny Pus or fluid is coming out of the piercing If these symptoms appear shortly after getting your navel piercing, it could simply be irritation, which is quite common in the early stages. However, if the symptoms persist for a long time or if it isn’t a new piercing, there’s a good chance it’s an infection. Can an infected piercing heal? In most cases, an infected piercing can heal just fine. It’s quite common and can be caused by the simplest things, such as accidentally moving the skin. However, it’s important to look after your piercing properly, even if it isn’t infected. Always keep the area clean and avoid excessive friction, for example from a T-shirt. Have you tried everything but your piercing is still infected? Then it’s wise to contact your piercer or GP. Source: Pexels How to treat an infected belly button piercing If your belly button piercing is infected, there are several things you can do yourself to treat it. Read below to find out what you should do. 1. Gently keep the skin clean Clean the piercing 1–2 times a day with a saline solution or a mild, unscented soap. Do not use harsh substances such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the skin. Be careful when cleaning and always do so with clean hands. 2. Avoid pressure and friction Make sure there is no pressure on the skin and that no clothing rubs against it. This will prevent the skin from becoming further irritated and allow it more space to heal. 3. Touch the piercing as little as possible Even if your hands are clean, it’s best to keep your hands off your piercing. Don’t fiddle with the piercing and only touch it whilst cleaning it. 4. Cool the area around the piercing If you’re in pain or experiencing swelling, applying a cold compress for a short while may provide temporary relief. Always place a cloth between the cold compress and your skin for 5–10 minutes. 5. Keep a close eye on the infection If the symptoms do not improve and you perhaps even develop a fever or experience more pain, you need to take further action. Contact a professional piercer or doctor and do not wait for the symptoms to subside on their own. 6. Use red light therapy Red light therapy helps to reduce inflammation, pain and other symptoms. It improves blood circulation, thereby stimulating the body’s natural healing process. You can easily treat this yourself at home. Read below to find out how red light can help if your belly button piercing is infected. How does red light therapy work if your belly button piercing is infected? Red light therapy helps with the healing of an infected belly button piercing. It works because red light penetrates the skin, allowing the cells to absorb it. This makes the cells more active and speeds up the healing process. Here’s what red light does in the event of an infection: Improves blood circulation, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach the skin more effectively and speeding up recovery. Reduces inflammation, thereby also reducing redness and swelling. It helps the skin and tissues to heal by accelerating the production of new skin cells and collagen, making the skin stronger. Red light helps to speed up the healing process and reduce pain. Of course, it’s always important to keep your skin clean. You can use red light yourself with a red light therapy device. PowerCure red light therapy for inflammation The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that helps if your navel piercing is inflamed. Furthermore, it not only helps with inflamed piercings, but also with other complaints and conditions, in both people and animals. This makes the device useful for the whole household! View the PowerCure Pro laser

The wound-healing process takes place in four stages. Although every wound is different, your body essentially always goes through the same process. Are you curious to know which stages your wound goes through? We’d be happy to explain this to you. How does a wound heal? If you have a wound, your body immediately begins a healing process. This process consists of several stages during which your body works on its own to repair the damaged tissue. The wound, scab or redness you can see is only a small part of what’s actually happening. Underneath your skin, a whole lot is going on to ensure that everything heals properly. If a wound doesn’t heal properly, something has gone wrong in one of the stages of wound healing. We’ll explain these stages to you in a moment. Do all types of wounds go through the same healing process? Actually, every wound goes through the same process. However, this can look different for everyone, and some processes run more smoothly than others. For example, a graze will usually heal faster than a cut or a surgical wound. The depth and size of the wound, as well as its cause and the condition of the skin, have a major influence on how quickly it heals. Source: Pexels The 4 stages of wound healing explained Each stage of wound healing has its own unique role in ensuring your skin heals properly. Below, we explain each stage one by one. 1. Inflammatory phase – clearing and protecting Immediately after the wound occurs, your body activates the immune system. It ensures that the wound stops bleeding and that your white blood cells clear away bacteria and damaged tissue. Redness, warmth and sometimes swelling often begin during this stage. A scab may also form towards the end of this stage. 2. Proliferative phase – repair and regeneration In the second phase, your body produces new tissue. New skin cells, collagen and small blood vessels are formed. The wound now becomes slightly smaller and new tissue forms, sometimes beneath the scab. 3. Granulation phase – new tissue Your wound is now reinforced with granulation tissue. This is healthy, new tissue that forms an important foundation for strengthening the skin. 4. Maturation phase – consolidation In this phase, the wound is largely closed. However, even once it is closed, the skin continues to heal. This is because the new tissue is now becoming stronger and the scar may still change. This is the longest phase, which can sometimes last from weeks to as long as months. Exactly how long this process takes depends very much on the type of wound. For superficial wounds, this often takes a few days to two weeks, whilst deeper wounds can take up to four weeks or longer. Phase four can sometimes even last up to a year, but you won’t really notice much of this yourself. Fortunately, there are ways to promote the wound-healing process. How can you promote wound healing? It is a natural process, but in some cases you can speed up wound healing or support the process. Here’s what you can do yourself: Keep the wound clean Avoid pressure or irritation, for example from clothing Eat a healthy diet with plenty of nutrients and stay hydrated Get plenty of rest Use red light therapy Red light therapy can be a very valuable addition to effective wound recovery. This is because the red light stimulates the body’s natural processes, enabling tissues to repair more quickly and helping to reduce or prevent inflammation. Promote wound healing with red light therapy Red light therapy supports your skin’s natural healing processes. It penetrates the tissues and stimulates key bodily processes: Cell activity, causing skin cells to divide more quickly and damaged tissues to repair themselves faster Collagen production, making connective tissue stronger and helping scars heal better Blood flow, ensuring more oxygen and nutrients reach the wound Anti-inflammatory effects; the red light reduces swelling and irritation Nowadays, you can easily use red light yourself with your own laser device. The PowerCure laser is one such device that you can use at home, for just a few minutes a day. In addition, the laser can also be used for other complaints and conditions, for both humans and animals. So it not only helps heal your wound, but is good for the whole household! Check out the PowerCure Pro laser

If your piercing is infected, you’ll know just how annoying it can be. Fortunately, there are things you can do yourself to slow down the infection. Read all the tips and tricks on treating an infected piercing here. How do you know if your piercing is infected? If your piercing is infected, you can recognise this by several symptoms. If the piercing is brand new, it’s naturally normal for it to be sensitive, red and perhaps a little swollen. But if your piercing isn’t new, there are signs you should look out for. These are the symptoms of an infected piercing: Persistent redness and swelling Pain, warmth or a throbbing sensation Pus or discharge around the area A hard or swollen feeling The piercing isn’t healing even after a long time If the symptoms do not improve and you have a lot of pus or even blood, it is advisable to contact your GP. In rare cases, you may also experience a fever or feel unwell; in such cases, it is particularly important to see your GP. How long is it normal for a piercing to be inflamed? If you look after your piercing properly, mild irritation is normal. However, this shouldn’t last long – no more than 3 days. It also varies depending on the type of piercing. For example, if your navel piercing is infected, or other piercings that go through the skin, the infection should clear up within 3–5 days. With cartilage piercings – for example, if your helix piercing is infected – you need to take action more quickly. This is because cartilage has a reduced blood supply, which means infections can worsen more rapidly. If the symptoms haven’t improved after 2 days, see your piercer or GP straight away. Source: Pexels What should you not do if your piercing is infected? If your piercing is infected, there are also a number of things you should avoid doing. It is particularly important to keep the area as hygienic as possible. You should avoid the following: Twisting or pulling on the piercing, as this irritates the skin Don’t touch it with dirty hands to avoid transferring bacteria Don’t use harsh substances such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or strong soaps, as these dry out the skin Don’t try to remove the piercing yourself, as this can make the condition worse or cause scarring Don’t cover it with tight plasters, as this restricts airflow to the area Do not use home remedies such as vinegar or toothpaste Now that you know what not to do, we’ll tell you what you should do if you have an infected piercing. 5 things you can do yourself for an infected piercing You can largely treat an infected piercing yourself. If you’re unsure or if the symptoms don’t improve, it’s important to contact your piercer or GP. Below are some tips you can follow yourself to stop the infection from spreading. 1. Keep the area thoroughly clean Wash your hands thoroughly and gently clean the piercing. It’s best to do this with a saline solution or a special piercing cleaner. To be on the safe side, contact your piercer if you’re unsure what to use. Gently clean the surrounding area once or twice a day. 2. Apply heat Use heat, such as a clean cloth soaked in warm water, to stimulate blood flow. This also helps bring the pus to the surface. Do this for 5 minutes, twice a day, but make sure you dry the area thoroughly afterwards. 3. Allow the skin to breathe Allow the piercing to breathe as much as possible and avoid tight plasters or clothing. With more air, your piercing has more space to heal properly. 4. Live healthily If you get enough sleep, eat healthily and drink plenty of water, your body will be healthier. This helps reduce inflammation more quickly, allows your skin to heal and strengthens your immune system. 5. Use red light therapy Treat the area with red light therapy. This helps improve blood circulation, speeds up the healing process and reduces inflammation. These days, you can easily do this yourself. How does red light therapy help with a pierced area that’s become inflamed? Red light therapy supports the recovery process of an inflamed piercing by stimulating the skin’s natural healing process. This happens in several ways: By improving blood circulation, allowing more nutrients and oxygen to reach the skin. This helps your body eliminate waste products and bacteria more quickly. Accelerating cell function and stimulating the production of new skin cells. This helps to repair damaged tissue. Reducing inflammation, swelling and redness by balancing the body’s natural inflammatory processes. Reducing pain and irritation through rapid skin repair and improved blood flow. Red light therapy can be an excellent solution for treating an inflamed piercing. In addition, it is of course important to keep the piercing clean and to maintain a generally healthy lifestyle. PowerCure red light therapy for piercings The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that you can use for an inflamed piercing. It offers the benefits mentioned above and is easy to use at home. With just 1–2 minutes of treatment per day, you can already support the healing process. You can also use the PowerCure laser for other complaints and conditions, in both humans and animals! View the PowerCure Pro laser