A Day At Shenley Is An Eye-Opener
Nov 7th, 2011 by 'holic
Last week another interminable international break was looming. “What on earth can I fill it with this time?” I thought to myself. The email inviting me to have a look around the new medical facilities at Shenley was a gift from the Arsenal Gods. At least we have something to start the fortnight with.
A little scene-setting is in order. Last week I was sent a link to a 1963 John Boorman documentary about a week in the life of Swindon Town. Now I started playing nearly a decade after that but it was something of a comfort to recall that the pros used to enjoy their half-time cigarette as much as us pub players. Training was running up and down terraces for an hour and then off to the bookies. Down injured? Get up quick or the sadistic bastard with the bucket of freezing water and a tin of freeze spray will get to you.
Now I know from reading elsewhere that there are those who are critical of the medical set-up at Arsenal. That’s understandable. The lack of tangible, solid silverware in recent years means excuses have to be found to satisfy the supporters desire for answers. How could we have lost Tomas Rosicky and Thomas Vermaelen for so long when Arsene told us they would be missing for two weeks, then two months, then…you get the picture.
The new Medical Centre follows extensive research from Arsenalβs Medical Team, headed by Club Physiotherapist Colin Lewin and Club Doctor Gary OβDriscoll, which has included visits to medical facilities from a number of different sports, including the NFL, NHL and NBA in the United States. “We wanted to capture the best ideas from establishments with proven reputations in the world of sport, although you have to understand that different sports will result in different types of injury.” Colin and Gary answer the questions I have asked our resident quacks, I mean proper medical ‘holics, to suggest beforehand. (I’ll get back to you tomorrow by mail Drs C and T!).
The inner sanctum displays a wealth of information about individual players. I start to understand why this place is like Fort Knox to get into. I haven’t signed the official secrets act, but really there is nothing sensational to reveal, even if that were my bag. Well, other than the fact that players, being players, do sometimes add mysterious ailments to the whiteboards around the place. One, no names, no pack drill, is being treated for being ugly, apparently. I cannot reveal one of the more serious ailments in a family blog!
We intrude on a Prozone study of Saturday’s encounter with West Brom, and I start to understand how many staff are employed here with the sole purpose of maximising the availability and potential of the squad. The club now have three full-time physios with the First Team, two with the Academy and Reserves, three full-time masseurs, a full-time doctor, two strength and conditioning staff and consultancy advice from a range of people – nutritionists, podiatrists, osteopaths, yoga teachers and psychologists. All these people play their part in trying to keep the players on the pitch.
We move on to the changing rooms and are treated to a drop of the strawberry protein drink that Jack Wilshere didn’t need today. I get the benefit on my return home. I drop off at the local greyhound track and win the 19.24 race. In all seriousness though it is fascinating, if not entirely surprising, to see that each and every player has different blends prepared for them to suit their personal tastes and needs.
The nutritional needs are matched by diverse physical development facilities. There is not just a bog standard gym in the new facility, but specialist rehabilitation facilities as well. I’m fascinated by the anti-gravity treadmill. “Effectively we can make players carry half their body weight on here, relieving the pressure on fragile joints.” I’m assured even Andre Santos could run a mile in four minutes on this bit of kit.
Want to work up a sweat, then take an ice bath? The swimming pool depth can be adjusted by moving the floor, and again provide some relief on the joints for those seeking peak fitness.
“The new building is more focused on the rehabilitation of the injured players. For that you need good space, in a rehab specific environment. We already had the majority of the equipment and we have the best personnel so to finally be able move over into a bespoke facility is a real boost for the players and the staff.” Colin and Gary are clearly proud of what has been developed here, but they are definitely not standing still.
“Ten years ago when this place took shape we thought the gym facility, for example, was a cut above anything any other club had, and it was. Now though it is in need of extending. Off the pitch as well as on the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City are improving their facilities. If you stand still in fact you go backwards. We want to set the standards here, and if we do that then this facility will attract players.” It is easy to see why.
Awkward questions are asked, and answered frankly. My fellow guest, a sneaky soul you may know from Dublin, will probably go into more detail than I. I have to say though I suspect he was as blown away by the sheer depth of stuff we have witnessed this afternoon as I was. Thanks Colin and Gary for a real eye-opener. Pictures of the facilities will follow later this week, which will be ‘Shenley week’ on the blog. Stuff the international break!
135 Responses to “A Day At Shenley Is An Eye-Opener”
Pictures? I’m shocked you get the authorisation!
Drink for the sweeper. Great selection though I’d have put Alex James in there somewhere
Yes the sweeper will be demanding use of the facilities quite soon, I suspect. π
The medical staff deserve credit for their work – especially when you consider they are the ones that have to deal with the casualties caused by thugs like Shawcross. Glad to see the ambition of the club.
*I hope the good doctors of the quackery are taking note. π
Top work old bean!
‘Holic,
Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is a physio? What is the difference between a physio and a doctor?
I would suggest to the Arsenal staff that the next time they visit NFL facilities, they should make a quick stop by US Army facilities in San Antonio or D.C. (Naval facilities in D.C.).
I am biased, of course – being former Army, but, for my money, no organization has more state-of-the-art rehabilitation facilities than the Army. Not just for traumatic injuries mind you (although, a few land mines for Cousin Op and his ilk wouldn’t be too bad an idea – I kid, I kid…), but for repetitive motion injuries and exertion-related injuries as well.
BMBD!
By the by – ‘Holic, you are really getting “top flight” treatment (you and Blogs).
I can’t believe, I be able to say I “knew” you when…
Cheers to you, sir. Drink of Choice on my tab.
BMBD!
And I hope the good doctors of quackery are aware that I am keeping a clear eye on them and will pounce at the very first suggestion of Mal-Quackery.
Hugh Lewis Dewey Attorney,
Sr. Associate Partner,
Dewey,Cheatam,& Howe
played ‘holic – interesting to see the club continuing to open itself up to a support that’s felt like it’s been kept at arm’s length by it in recent times …
something frothy and green with steam on top, ta
uREDS!
Nice post Holic . Sounds like a great day , and reassuring that the Medical team at Shenley appear to cut from a rather different cloth from The HT medical types .
Work up a sweat and then take an ice bath ? No thanks if it’s all the same to you .
Single Malt and a cigarette , ta .
TaBS,
Thanks for the OJ, my good man.
BMBD!
Barrister Dewey,
Might I suggest, kindly of course, that one cannot be a Sr. Associate Partner. Also, I have it on good account that the good folks at CarTalk HQ are looking for you π
Be careful, Click & Clack aren’t to be mucked about with…
BMBD!
No probs Lonestar . You went for the OJ over the Single Malt ? This health craze started by The Sweeper appears to be catching on π
First I cant get rid of Wolfie , and now Carlos is hanging around annoyingly . Apologies .
We have to keep Wolfie away from the anti-gravity treadmill. You have to put on a pair of oversized rubber shorts, just the sort of thing that gets him going, if you catch my drift. π
‘Holic,
Please keep in mind that by “knew” (#7, suppra) I mean that I don’t really “know” you at all…
Sad thing that I probably won’t ever be able to meet up with you lot…
BMBD!
A good concise piece ere, good read as always! I am a final year student studying Clinical Physiology at the University of Hertfordshire, I am trying to contact the club (Gary O’Driscoll in particular) hoping to visit London Colney and possible gain a short term placement to gain experience in the field of Sports Science. Can you recommend any method I can contact the club? Iv sent emails but none have been replied to. Any advice will be much appreciated!
Keep up the good work!
Very interesting, ‘holic. Sounds a really good day.Hope you scratched a ‘holic was here’ in the head.
Holic @14 – I like my rubber shorts to be on the tight side π
I also will not be taking any ice baths . As one might suppose , they have already had a dreadful effect on my physiology .
Simeon, you will appreciate that is just about the most popular placement on the planet you are after. Persistence is the key. That, and have something in your mail that makes you stand out.
Perhaps you could suggest to them that you are a specialist in the field of “Tight anus”, which is the malady I could not refer to in the main body of the blog.
These players are comedians, aren’t they? π
Oops, pardon – Meme Mee @ 9 – imho, of course, ta
Up The Arse!
Holic @19 heh π
News headline:
*** Chelsea set to announce Stamford Bridge stadium sponsor ***
Here’s an exclusive preview of the winning sponsor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPPBnciNAqI
Blimey neighbour, you get more ITK by the second
Wow, goonerholic, what a fantastic opportunity for you and thanks for sharing it with us. I do hope you didn’t see Diaby in there!
Lewin’s words are so you – you can’t stand still, either you go forwards or you go backwards.
**
@ Lonestar Gooner
A physio = physiotherapist and is concerned primarily with the mechanical movement of the body. I would think they have to have studied anatomy and need a bit of medical knowledge – enough to recognise when they need to pass their patient/client on to a doctor. They’re the ones who will devise the stretching routines , or the exercises designed to build up muscle mass in a previously broken leg, etc
Meant to say “Lewinβs words are so *true*. Not “you”. Cah.
Interesting read, ‘Holic (and props on getting the invitation). I wonder if Lewin and O’Driscoll visited the Milan Lab. AC Milan’s advanced medical facility is famed for extending the careers of older players. Kept Maldini going beyond 40 — though our problem at the moment seems to be to keep them going past 20.
HLD@8: Is your firm associated by any chance with Sue, Grabbit & Runne. I think we should be told.
Nice post ‘Holic.
‘Forward’ is on our badge this year and its good to see the club moving in that direction in all fronts and aspects.
A glass of the Sweeper’s OJ for me.
(What can I say? I’m an addict π
Yes, they have been to Milan NBN, and are confident that what we have is now superior. Funny you should ask as they were specifically mentioned.
Good drinking π
NBN,
My good friend Art F. Deleigh of the venerable firm – Chase, Levy & Deleigh PLLP – assures me that Dewey, Cheatham & Howe as well as Sue, Grabbit & Runne are slanderous attacks on the respectable legal trade…
He was very saddened.
BMBD!
Thanks for the clarification, FG!
Over here we don’t abbreviate the physical therapist. I’m not sure why I didn’t realize that was what “physio” stood for.
BMBD!
I once had some strawberry protein drink and took a heavy mama onto that antigravity treadmill. Let’s just say, 12 hours later we were still sweating in the atmosphere. No injuries recorded baby.
Shenley Pleasure Centre is what it should be called.
LG@29: Why is it that I find it difficult to read the words ‘respectable’ and ‘legal trade’ in the same sentence? My learned friends will know what I mean.
‘Holic@28: The Milan Lab’s work is heavily dependent on data analysis and psychophysical assessment so it figures Lewin and O’Driscoll would have been there.
With you finest claret, my drinking could not be otherwise. Purely for psychophysical reasons, of course.
Holic, it’s becoming more and more prestigious to know you π
So glad the club is going forward on this front, and (knock on 290348902384 wood) so far we haven’t had lots of injuries.
I remember thinking that Arteta was supposed to be injury prone from what we’ve been led to believe and he played every single PL game since he joined.
That has to be a sign that the prevention of injuries is not only those GPS systems but a step forward and perhaps some more techniques and mechanics.
Very interesting, so this was something that many other bloggers were also invited to then judging by the other articles also up on the same theme. It seems this is a conscious decision by the club to rectify the direct criticism that the medical team has received from many fans, to disseminate the untruths that have been perceived during the spate of injuries. This kind of interaction to bring on board the blogging community has to be a welcome one and I hope it’s the first of many moves by the club to engage with the support.
About time we had some decent PR regarding the club it’s gotta be said, there’s been too many own goals and shot off feet in that department.
This is from arsenalinsider’s piece on the new medical center:
“An interesting piece of information was a chart provided directly by UEFA, which shows that Arsenal are well below the average for muscle strains, training injuries and severe injuries involving Champions League games. This was based on p/1000 hours of training and matches. There are certain clubs who participate in sharing their information with UEFA. Itβs all confidential and the medical team only get to see the information concerning their respective clubs. The other clubs on the graph are marked as βxβ.”
That can only mean one thing. We get injured mostly in the PL because like Danny Graft says – “Still attack Arsenal, shame on you wankers. Shame on the papers, fuck any haters. So sick of mugs bigging up leg breakers.”
Haha. I’ll be sure to note that down! Cheers Goonerholic.
Interesting post Holic. Anti-gravity treadmill? Hi-tech stuff!
Daer Simeon @ 16.
Vis a vis your problem getting into London Colney,
May i suggest you consult my learned friend Wolfgang Smallballs,
He is an expert at gaining entry to areas others cannot.
Using the new Jellies now available on the black market,he can access any entry point with the minimum of fuss.
Indeed apart from a mild slapping noise at their rear entry,they don’t even know he’s been there.
Once inside, [ You that is,not Wolfie ] you are on your own.
As an Arsenal supporter,you already have more Front than Harrods,
So you should be able to talk your way into a position,just make sure Wolfie is not lurking.
Good Luck
Cheers
The Sweeper.
FG – I can assure you that the average physio will have a far greater knowledge of the musculo-skeletal anatomy than the average Doc.
Docs spend a few hours on musculo-skeletal anatomy in their learning. Chiropractors (for example) spend 48 hours on it in the first term of their first year’s studies…..
Ice baths? Pah! Anti-gravity treadmills? Pah!
Tush and nonsense. No wonder we’ve got problems.
No doubt they have “treatment consent” forms and the like.
Cold sponge, a bottle full of pills to “pep” them up, and a bit of a rub down from Wolfie. If they’ve got any pain then inject a little lidocaine, some more pills and a Guinness to wash them down (good for the iron and Vitamin B levels, don’t you know).
If that doesn’t work then transfer their pathetic wimpy bodies out of the club, we only have room for real men here. Except Wolfie…
La grieve shown around with a self-sustaining model? In physios parlance would that be referred to as rubbing it in?
Up The Arse!
Good job, good sire. This from a Nigerian Gooner with a pretend English accent. I read regularly but have just overcome a severe bout of “read-and-slinkoffitis”. More fluid to your joints.
Back from X-Ray. Unfortunately not at the Arsenal Training Centre.
Looks like there’s nothing wrong with the spine.
So we’ll see what the next step is (beyond getting new in-soles anyway, but I don’t think they’ll solve anything new).
I’m pretty sure a visit to Shenley would make a clear and good diagnostic.
Now can you get me into the new Medical centre, ‘holic? π
I want to play football again.
diagnosis. Sorry for my Belgium.
Oops, pardon – beautiful self-sustaining model
UREDs!
I don’t normally follow the drinks session so I don’t know all the regular personalities. I apologise if Dr C was being “tongue-in-cheek” but I couldn’t help jumping in.
Physios, Doctors, Occupational Therapists are all people who base their works on evidence based science. They know what they are doing.
Chiropractors on the other hand are QUACKS, shills or magicians. A brief google search will enlighten you on this subject.
Sorry if I have offended anyone but it is important that everyone knows where to spend their hard earned money. Do not spend it on shills, spend it one trained professionals who have years of training.
I wonder what the strawberry drink did to you at home! i can only wonder…miracles of the 21st century!
@ 35 Snir Geuli
Well there you go – objective proof of what we all knew about the PL!
And also an endorsement of our training methods and the quality of our support staff, really.
Hmmmm Stevie T …. my univsersity degree in chiropractic took 5 years to obtain.
British Medical Association recommendations to GPs (based on evidence)- refer all mechanical back pain to CHIROPRACTORS, physios or osetos.
Chiropractic has the highest patient satisfaction levels of any health profession.
It also has the lowest professional indemnity premiums (ie it is the safest).
Not everyone has to “like” one profession or not, and a “google search” for any profession will find critics of all.
Fair enough – that’s human nature.
I’m not offended, just responding to an inaccuracy.
A drink of your choice.
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7298428/-I-Only-Said-What-His-Teammates-Say-
I called him something that his own Manchester United players call him.
Oh, so they call him a cunt too?
Sorry for typos in that post – had to fit it in between all the patients coming in to my quack clinic this morning! π
Dr C, your qualification let me thing you’re the doctor I need!
think, not thing
Ollie – if you drive down then the treatment is free! π
Oops, pardon – The beautiful Arsenal supporting self-sustaining model –
I may be on my own here, but i think it’s important to get these just things right
Ps when the doc was explaining to ’em how difficult it is to fix nasty, unnecessary fractures i’d like to think there was a glint in his eye … again am aware i’m rabbiting away to myself here, but determined to find material to maintain recentish full basking position throughout interlull
UReDS!
@ Catalan Gunner.
I am glad that you are not offended as I’m definitely not out to create any arguments. From what I understand, there are new “branches” of Chiropractics which do what Physical therapists do. Physical therapy is definitely science based work and effective. While it is true that Chiropractors are evidently do seem to be effective in treating lower back pain, if you look deeper, it is because the treatments they use are those of physical therapy.
Chiropractors, that adhere to the ideals of actual chiropractics, use the scientifically unproven phenomenon that you can treat ANY DISEASE by fixing sublaxation in the vertebrae.
Please understand that I am against ACTUAL chiropractics in the strictest sense as manipulation of the vertebrae to treat things such as asthma, cancer etc is potentially dangerous. But these people go to “schools” which let you graduate in a matter of months or a year.
From what I would assume, you were trained by a university and it took 5 years, I might surmise that what you offer to your patients is physical therapy which I am very much for.
I guess one way would be to regulate the titles of such “health professions” so that there isn’t any confusion.
I would urge anyone to evaluate any chiropractors’ educational background and if unsure, a physio will get your back sorted in no time.
In summary, if you chiropractor claims he can cure asthma or any disease by manipulating your back, be skeptical. If he says working on your back can cure your back then that’s a little more closer to the truth.
Declaring any conflicts of Interest: I am not a physio, nor a chiro and not a previous unhappy customer of a chiro.
Morning All ,
Shaft @31 – π
Clive@38 – An excellent suggestion Sweeper ! Simeon , I am of course able to put you directly in touch with Wolfie . He will have no problem letting you in through the back door . If he’s not there , he’s likely to be in the swimming pool in his Speedoes , where he likes to slip in a sneaky length . If you still can’t find him , try the Gym . He likes to spectate .
Lots of stuff re both the legal and medical professions above . Get too much of the first in real life , and don’t know enough of the second , to want to get involved . I would only say that if I had muscular etc probs I would go to a chiropracter etc . Correct me if I’m wrong , but it would not be my first port of call if diagnosed with a more serious ailment as described above .
Finally , am I the only one confused ? Is Stevie T our very own Steve T , or is it just a massive coincidence ?
Dr Z , Carlos wishes me to thank you for your prompt response re his concerns about his job satisfaction in the last set of drinks and looks forward to Dr Feelgood’s response once he is back on terra firma π
Steve T
Of course, any professional MUST be suitable regulated and qualified – that it why it is a legal offence in the UK to call yourself a chiropractor if you do not have the correct qualification – which is a degree standard training of minimum 4 years.
The same regulations as apply to doctors, dentists, physios.
Anyone who does a course of a year is NOT a chiropractor, and therefore the argument is moot.
BTW – the chiropractic profession is 125 years old this year.. not so new π
The chiropractors who see patients with asthma etc. Will NOT say they can “cure” the asthma. In fact they will tell you that they can’t “cure” anything. What they will look to do is clear any restrictions in the body that affect the central nervous system (which controls every process in the body), and then let the body regain better function.
A bit like being for will help you with heart disease. It isn’t a 100% guarantee. Naturally, like anything this theory needs investigation – whilst there isn’t strong supportive evidence FOR it, there is also noting AGAINST it – ie no research has been done!
A good professional will explain all of this and then the patient can make an informed decision on their treatment.
Your pint is on the bar π
I was wondering the same, tabs.
@ takeabowson
Massive coincidence, I’m actually Steven Gerrard in disguise. The scousers would murder me if they found out that I’ve been an Arsenal fanatic since young.
Re muscular pain. My personal advice would be two options:
1. More thorough but perhaps thoroughly more expensive. See a GP to ensure it’s not a serious problem then go see a physio. Muscular problems would be a Physio’s bread and butter.
2. Go straight to a physio but it risks having a more serious problem going undiagnosed.
PS I’m not saying Dr Catalan Gooner is a quack. I’m just saying that anyone who follows chiropractics, the ACTUAL chiropractics which claim outlandish things then run away quick. If what Dr CG offers is in the realm of physical therapy then it’s going to work as they don’t claim to cure cancer with the crack of the ‘ol back.
What I’m actually saying is that Dr CG would deserve better than to be called a Chiro. He seems more akin to a Physical therapist. It would go a long way to dispel myths within the community as well.
PS Behind all this, I am a die hard gooner and love the blog. My dad tried bringing me up a Leeds fan π Fortunately, I am a gooner till I die! π
Welcome on board the HT, StevIe T.
@ Dr CG
It seems that I agree with you about regulation but am quite surprised that Chiropractics is a regulated health profession in the UK. Can I get a link to a university offering this course please? It is not that I don’t believe you. I just want to see what it is like in the UK.
I would have to politely disagree about your other points about working on the CNS to help relieve asthma or heart disease. You claim that there is no evidence against it. That is a logical fallacy as absence of evidence against does not equate to evidence for. There is no scientific body of work claiming that John terry is despicable, does that mean he is not? I Doctor would not go around prescribing unproven medicine. That is what evidence based practice implies. You must have evidence it works first. Not having evidence against something does not mean the same thing as having evidence for if you know what I mean.
Anyways, we;re all gooners here. π Anybody else love what Jack Wilshere has said lately? π
Many thanks to you and Old Arseblog for a fascinating insight into some of what happens behind the scenes at our great club.
Also, tip of the hat to The Arsenal for giving you access and answering your questions, I wonder if the totts would do that or just sell a DVD?
Steve T
Just off for lunch, but will send you a link as requested after.
Good to have different points of view in life….trying new things is how evolution happens. I’m afraid I find it insulting to call myself a PT, just as a PT would be insulted to be called a chiropractor, or a doctor a dentist for that matter. Education of the public is the way to dispel the myths.
Just one more point before we bore everyone (well two).
Tabs – of course if you have a serious illness you should consult a doctor – I know of not a single chiropractor who would say otherwise. If they do they are a fool and likely to be struck off the charter.
I have read that 70% of medical procedures are “unproven”. Doesn’t mean that they are “disproven”, just no one has the time or the money to test everything. I don’t know if that figure is accurate or not – it’s amazing some of the inaccuracies you can find on the web π
Dr C, don’t add to the confusion by calling Stevie T Steve T π
Anyway, here’s the proven medical procedure :
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sGCVASXbw0c/S3u4mKcyp8I/AAAAAAAACcA/i0aXsdSPNSs/s400/clyst%C3%A8re.JPG
Thanks Dr CG, I feel proud that most Gooners I meet are level headed and we are able to discuss things in a civilised manner. I will just your points and then leave it be as I’m sure you’re right that everyone is bored of this.
A medical doctor might find it insulting being called a dentist and vice versa as they both have different bodies of knowledge. One the whole body minus the teeth and one, teeth (+ Head & neck region). It is another whole argument whether this should be the case but that is for another day. π The reason I say that certain Chiropractors are better off being called Physical Therapists is that the treatments they provide are of Physical therapy as traditional chiropractors work with the yet to be proven phenomena they claim. If a chiropractor, relieves back pain through working the muscles and skeletal aspect of the back, that is physical therapy. If a chiropractor “helps” asthma but relieving mystical undetectable things in the back then that is not physical therapy and pure chiropratics.
Secondly; medicine, dentistry and physio therapy are all evidence-based thus any treatment must have actual scientific backing. That is, it has a plausible mechanism and can be proven over and over to work. If you have high blood pressure, a doctor prescribes anti-hypertensive drugs which have a physiological mechanism and has been tested through numerous trials to prove that it works. It would be questionable for any health professional to provide actual unproven treatments.
Unproven treatments are in the realm of alternative medicine. People are free to utilise this if they wish but they must know that there is no proof that it works.
One great example is general anaesthetic. The statistics behind it show that it is relatively safe and work BUT we actually don’t know how it works physiologically. Evidence-based means that even something that we do not understand will be used as long as it goes through rigorous scientific testing.
Chiropractics, that is, not physical therapy-based work; the sublaxations in the CNS-part have been tested and results are mixed at best and most of the scientific community would be skeptical. It has been shown that with manipulation of the cervical vertebrae (neck part of the spine), the risks outweigh the benefits.
I will leave it there and hope I haven’t stepped on any foots with my first foray into these drinks.
PS I’ll just take a bourbon and cola (yes, I’m not very good at this :P)
PPS What’s with the “Good win gays!!!” at the top of the blog?
Hello all,
Today work is proving to be very anti-climactic.
PPPS Thanks for the welcome Ollie.
Is that procedure for van Persie’s ailment? π
It’s flattering that they would look at facilities in the US. Is that Kronke’s influence, or is there evidence to support that the US is advanced in this field? It’s probably a case of “follow the money” and there’s no doubt that sport is big business in the US.
We get these odd dichotomies, though. We’re leaders in medical technology, I guess, but the average person will generally receive better care in a county like France where access to medical services is less of a hassle.
Welcome Stevie, the tag line is Andre Santos’ tweet after last weeks win.
@ ‘Holic
Haha that’s quality.
I enjoy reading the blog very much btw. I found out about it through Arseblog and find both the only Gooner blogs I read.
Please don’t tell anyone that I’m a Gooner so I can score an own goal at the next Arsenal v scousers fixture.
Here’s the link StevIe T;
http://www.aecc.ac.uk/undergrad/career.aspx
Here’s the course overview:
http://www.aecc.ac.uk/undergrad/courses/chiro/overview.aspx
Here’s a little research:
http://www.aecc.ac.uk/research/archives.aspx
Here’s the legal regulatory body:
http://www.gcc-uk.org/page.cfm
“It has been shown that with manipulation of the cervical vertebrae (neck part of the spine), the risks outweigh the benefits.” – that falls foul of your own rules, I’m afraid.
Medical risk of serious incident following intake of aspirin (classified medically safe); 1 in 10,000
Risk of serious incident following chiropractic care; 1 in 1-2 million.
Enough… and welcome!
Thanks 433. But we’ve been reduced to a county now? ;D
@ goonerholic
Thanks for the link to the arseblog article – lots of interesting details.
No public funding for Tottenham Hotspurs’ planned redevelopment – e-petitions
https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/14605
Sorry – that’s FunGunner – don’t know where the GU keep disappearing to!
@433
Due to manpower (population) and finances (US has many $$$$), research in the US is quite good hence they lead the world in many things in medicine. For example, previous to Obama, there was banning on stem cell research due to religious reasons and that delayed the entire scientific knowledge relating to that field by about 8 years.
Unfortunately, it’s all about politics and the lack of universal health care really does mean that not everyone has access to affordable health care in the US.
So I would definitely believe that the US would have the the forefront of technology in terms of sports medicine.
Fun person.
not a product placement, but The GΓΌ stuff generally disappears down your oesophagus
Thanks for the links Dr CG. I gotta go to bed now, I’ll definitely check it our tomorrow while I procrastinate π
Have I been cloned???????
The ‘real’ Steve T is back in town!
Cloned indee. Though not as an Apple product, as the extra ‘i’ seems to have been inserted in the middle of the name.
Although….how come you appear precisely at the moment Stevie C says goodbye?
I guess clones take turns to do their work. Fair enough, it makes sense.
Very interesting reading today, both the main post and the drinks.
It is quite interesting that since just after we had a long, long debate here about the shortcomings in the PR department, the club has done a lot of good things PR-wise. Now, I am in no way saying that this was down to us but it probably shows that the club did realize it was somewhat off the tracks in that department. The brilliant debunking of the myth about the “catastrophic” attendance for the Shrewsbury game was top notch and now they open up the medical centre for bloggers to come and have a look – brilliant work! As some said earlier in the drinks, it does feel like they are actively trying to bridge the gap between club and fans which can only be a good thing.
I agree with the Swede and will celebrate by suggesting he buys a round π
I was sat on a train and just logged in for a catch up? And then this.
One thing I would say Ollie is that you never see us together??????;
Ollie, you know my tab is always open!
Agreed Lars re the PR. The penny seems to have dropped.
Talking of which – I’ll have a pint please!
Ollie – I was wondering where Nurse Wolfie had left that instrument – please return it to The Quackery tout de suite.
Re: Ollie @66 Ha Ha Ha!!!!! Post of the day, with apologies to the good and no doubt spectacularly competent Dr. C. π
So you copied all this from Le Grove’s ‘exclusive’?
For shame!
Ollie @63 and 83 – Double heh π
Dr C @65 – Cheers for the confirmation , just as I thought . In addition , and just for the record , I also go to a Chiropracter , when I am in search of a little something for my pipe π
Wolfie has told me that he will return forthwith the instrument of terror to the infirmary , together with your missing tie . It seems they both formed part of some elaborate game he was playing to the sounds of INXS . Haven’t a clue what he’s going on about .
Steve T – I’d get the chap to change his moniker , unless you want to be mistaken for a Chiro-basher , and we all know that the HT just can’t run properly without the input of our eminent Drs .
Lars@84 -Good stuff , definitely worth a pint on your tab !
Damn you, Jackster, you made me check Le Grove to see if they really were claiming the exclusive.
Heh Jackster. To be fair they were not the only ones claiming an exclusive. I was going to change my tag line to ‘not exclusive but first’.
What’s the point π
How on earth was an invitation extended to that pair of f*ckwits . Is the club aware of the total b*llocks that they write , and the disgusting abuse of AW that they are prepared to tolerate and even encourage in their forum ?
I despair sometimes . π
What’s quite extraordinary (well, no, completely predictable) is that the title of their article claims ‘Exclusive’, and the first sentence features
‘Le Grove and a number of other bloggers’.
What a bunch of…… (fill that gash as desired).
… semantically-challenged c*nts ?
If chiropractors help me recover after a day of footie and a night of laying thick bitches then I’m first in line, baby.
Shaft is my name, shaft is my game
Lurkaholics?
Anyone out there?
Get in there you Centurion you…
Shaft – a star in the making. And, no doubt, a legend in his own underpants.
Question – has anyone seen Shaft and Wolfie in the same room?
Congrats, CoR.
Remiss of me, even if you did self-assist!
hmmm , not sure about the route one effort Canons , but i think your @97 deserved it π
Well in mate !
*trudges back to the drawing-board*
I think you’ll find Canons and Shaft are one and the same , Dr C , on account of his perfectly waxed ‘tache .
Off to do something far more boring .
Tabs 96, that works!
Thanks TaBS – one less mystery to rattle around in my head!
I can’t believe it’s only 4.30.
It feels like 6.30 and wanting to go home soon.
Despite me having started late because of the X Rays.
Not the day of highest motivation, I guess.
I blame the interlull.
[…] A Day at Shenley Is An Eye-Opener by Goonerholic Β Some Related Stories:(Guest Blog) Fighting the Ugliness of the Interlull: Top 10 Wenger Deals from 1996-2011 […]
Afternoon all.
Excelent piece ‘holic, a nice little insight behind the scenes that adresses questions that many of us had. Well done to the club too, for finally sussing out the reach that the bloggers have and utilising them for positive spin.
Been busy over the lat few days, but have been popping in to catch up on the drinks, some good stuff from the usual suspects, I particulary enjoyed the rant from Trev in the last drinks. I do however believe that SAF deserves the honour of having his name bestowed on an all seated area at Old Toilet, pretty ironic too, as most football fans I know can’t Stand Alex Ferguson.
Voddie shots on the bar gents.
Cheers H2H, I’ll take one of those – I’m all worn out from explaining myself earlier!
Salud, Dr C.
Heh;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-15640176
Maybe they should of sent someone down to the Grove to find out what it would take to be a decent club π
How many alter egos do you people have ?!?
I can’t keep track!!
Stevie T? That has to be someone quite creative!
Gentlemen,
I must say that I have been a fan of dear Wolfie’s antics, but after further counsel with friend and fellow counsel, Mr. Deleigh, I am now becoming more worried about WSB’s demeanor (and freedom), to wit:
– recent machinations for clandestine entry onto private and corporate property;
– engaging in criminal mischief on said property by use of anti-gravity machines to engage in “off-label” behavior with big women and/or men (Shaft);
– repeated physical assaults and forcible rear-entry activities; and
– consistent use of blackmarket drugs to sedate fellow holic Gang Goolie
I humbly submit that WSB has become a criminal menace, and he/she/it should be made to standdown and undergo the appropriate re-education therapy.
Conrad Murray was convicted on less; and Jo Pa is about to be shown the door for less.
Mr. Deleigh informs me that US case law could ascribe liability to WSB’s digital aidors & abettors (TaBS!) – so prompt action might be warranted.
Yours-in-Arsenal, so on and so forth.
BMBD!
I can’t believe it’s already 7.15
Time to go home methinks.
In all seriousness, Ollie – what is ailing you?
Feel free to contact by back channels if you’d rather..
Patient Lonestar,
I will NOT have you slandering The Quackery staff.
I have reviewed your list of “misdemeanours” and see not a jot wrong with any of them.
Nurse Wolfie is a highly valued member of staff who acts at all times under my unqualified supervision. Or on her own.
Now be off with you you lily-livered liberal.
Clive @38 π
tabs @ 58 – noted and a response is guaranteed.
Stevie T – “I’m not saying Dr C is a quack…..” – Dr Feelgood would beg to differ π
Finally Holic – well done to you and Blogs for bringing some positive news from the club to the masses. Makes a change (for them, not you and Blogs) π
Drinks for whichever of our motley rabble are currently at the bar – Lars tab.
Hmmm, perhaps the good Dr C might use his prescription pad to procure some mood lighteners for personal ingestion π or a drink of your choice.
“Lily-livered liberal?” LMAO! Is that how you Brits/Spaniards actually talk? π
Mr. Deleigh warned me…
Still, up the Arse! BMBD!
Lonestar ,
How dare you , how very dare you . I note you sign off with the invitation ” Up the Arse ” . I merely follow that invitation/instruction to the letter , in all aspects of my life , and all of a sudden I find myself the subject of unfounded criminal allegations .
Your pseudo-legal (ie US) qualifications won’t save you from the paddle , my boy .
I’d say see you in court , but given you’re from a land which exonerates OJ Simpson and Wacko Jacko , I’m not sure you have any π
Any summons can be served in the Quackery . Dr C and I are a bit short-staffed at the moment , so a flight to America is out of the question .
The Smallballs name is a global brand and must be protected at all costs .
Yours Litigiously
Wolfgang Smallballs
Dear, sweet brother/sister Wolfie,
I come not to bury you (or DLL Ltd), rather to praise and protect. Yes, our legal jurisprudence (the finest in the world by the way) exonerated the Juice and Wacko Jacko, but we’re gonna hold Joe Pa’s feet to the fire by God (and Herman Cain too, by the by).
I’m just worried about you, mate, and I don’t want to see the day where your “pranks” are lumped in with social anarchists and mindless ultras…
Better to “come-clean” now and reform than to be caught with your, erm, knickers down. You do know that you live in the most heavily video-surveilled society in the world?
At any rate, be of good cheer – my legal qualifications and firm associations are at your service; yours and the various other quacks.
Shots on the bar. Live free or die!
BMBD!
If “they” can get Joe Pa, “they” can get you too, Wolfie…
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7207730/penn-state-nittany-lions-call-joe-paterno-news-conference
BMBD!
Lonestar ,
Good to see you have come to your senses .
As a regular reader of this Blog , you will be aware that my only time in Klink was following an unsavoury incident in the pre-season Far East Tour . As you will be aware I was sprung from gaol in a daring raid by the Gooner Ladyboy Massive , organised expertly by the incomparable Miss Lucy Nutcrackerjee .
I fear that the other names you mention cannot rely on such magnificent resources .
Yours Untouchably (apart from the g-spot)
Wolfgang Smallballs .
Joe Pa ? Pah !
Today’s legal mantra, and one that has been taken to heart by Miss Lucy Nutcrackerjee, I am sure:
Sue them all and disregard the consequences. π
The primary people in need of suing at the moment are the perpetrators of this interlull business, whoever and wherever they are.
In need of being sued, that is to say. π
Lonestar
And now you mock the Queen’s English!?
You colonial rascals!! Ever since you spilt a bit of tea into the briney you’ve been bloody full of it (I’ll admit that man on the moon bit was quite impressive).
I’ll have you know that a “lily livered liberal” very much describes the type of “patients-rights” orientated fools I have the great misfortune to come across from time to time.
As for the Spanish – God knows how they talk. I mean, I do live here, true, but please don’t think for a minute that I fraternise with the locals. Virtually a 3rd world country, for Dennis’ sake.
I think it fitting that Nurse Wolfie be assigned to you at all times when you come to The Quackery. She swings a fine paddle, and equally adept at both forehand and backhand apparently. π
Dr. C. –
Now then, you do know that we didn’t actually “land” on the moon?
It was all faked with bits of spit-paper, duct tape, and polaroid quick shots.
Moon landings? Really, the next thing you’ll tell me is that we Americans actually split the atom, no wait…
You are correct about one thing, my good chum. I am more liberal than most of my Texas bretheren… then again, that just means I’d rather obtain informed consent prior to waterboarding π
Wolfie don’t scare me…as my drill sergeant once told me, “Pain is just weakness leaving the body.”
BMBD!
Hey Lonestar,
It seems like this legal stuff is getting your attention more than the llama stuff these days. What gives? Maybe you could tell us one of the au courantllama jokes as a breather from this medico-legal takeoff the HT seems to have gotten itself sidetracked on at the start of this interlull?
I’ll start off: A doctor, a lawyer and a llama walk into a bar …
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Take it next door fellas π
8 ball –
My llamas went away. With the Texas drought and the exorbitant price of hay, Lonestar Farms went belly-up (or into administration, if you will).
At any rate, between work and my sorrow at having lost my herd, my thoughts have been more legally oriented…
Perhaps I will be able to think of jokes in the future – as for right now, I’ll just mosey over to my familiar dark corner and sip some whiskey.
Bottle’s on the bar fellas –
BMBD!
Ollie@74: Just the old order reasserting itself.
‘Holic@93 π
CG@101: Ain’t no Speedos big enough….
Dr C@128 and LG@Various: The weather has never been the same since they walked on the moon.
LG@129: Can’t one count Texas liberals on the fingers of one hand? (WSB can offer instruction and guidance on the use of one hand, if needed.) Why am I not surprised that the state fruit is a grapefruit?
Stevie T – wondering what studies you reference that show chiropractic treatment to be more harm than good. of note, many studies on massage, chiropractic, and osteopathic work have been performed by allopathic physicians who do not use those therapies. how would they know the best way to measure/set up their studies?
are we talking american or international chiropractors (if there is a difference, as there is with american vs int. osteopaths)? thanks.