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Tennis Injuries & How We Can Help!

Majority of tennis injuries are due to overuse of a muscle or joint and the rest are due to traumatic type injuries such as sudden twisting or turning of the knee joints, wrists or shoulders!

Below are some common types of tennis injuries and how our practitioners at The Melbourne Chiropractor can help treat them!

Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow is a form of overuse injury that causes extension of the elbow. The forces from hitting a tennis ball causes this type of impact continuously throughout a game of tennis and therefore is the most likely cause of injury whilst playing!

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Pain and tender elbow joint that may cause pain when lifting, clenching the fist tight or straightening the arm into an extended position. Swelling may also be present depending on the severity of the injury.

How To Prevent Tennis Elbow

Easiest way to avoid Tennis Elbow is to strengthen the surrounding muscles using either a stress ball or gripper. Other ways are to stretch the muscles in the forearm and triceps area to ensure they do not tighten up to the point they start causing pain!

Treatment For Tennis Elbow

Stretching can help although our chiropractors can help decrease tension within the area by using soft tissue therapy and trigger point therapy to help alleviate the stiffness within the area. Our chiropractors can also use dry needling and mobilise the joints within the area that are not moving adequately!

Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Common shoulder injury or concern that is due to overuse or weak musculature within the area. Usually muscles become irritated and cause inflammation within the joint causing clicking sounds and an inability to lift the arm up above the shoulder.

Symptoms of Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Can be soreness and possible swelling depending on the extent of the injury. Usually clicking can be heard when raising the arm and can be painful on movement.

How To Prevent Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Strengthening the surrounding muscles of the deltoid using bands to begin with is a great way to get started. Stretching and warming up the upper body before training or competing is always a great way to prevent injury.

Treatment For Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Chiropractic Care involves dry needling, soft tissue therapy, mobilisations and other forms of adjustments in surrounding regions to help free up the area and decrease inflammation within the shoulder joint.

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Subacromial Pain Syndrome / Shoulder Pain

Muscle Strains

Common Injury that can occur to anyone who plays a sport. Common reason can be the lack of stretching or poor conditioning.

Symptoms Of Muscle Strains

  • Muscle Stiffness
  • Bruising or Swelling
  • Weakness and Pain

How To Prevent Muscle Strains

A warm up is always a great way of combatting such an injury. Stretching throughout the weak and ensuring that correct posture is being used throughout daily life can help prevent strains from occurring.

Treatment For Muscle Strains

Ice or Heat is great for as soon as the injury occurs. Compression of the strained muscle can also help sooth the area. Elevation is also a good way to reduce swelling depending on the severity of the injury.

Our team of Chiropractors are able to help stretch, mobilise and adjust areas of concern. Pelvic instability can be an issue in most athletes and therefore would be something to look more into. As for postural issues everything plays a part in bodily movement which means there can be other factors which may be playing a part.

*Note: If you are someone who is looking for help or wants to find out more about our services don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of practitioners! Online bookings are available online and we are available 7 days a week at our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Chiropractic Clinics!

https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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6 Tips To Get You Through This Winter!

2022 has not been nice to use regarding the cold this year and this is why we need to get on top of our health and keep ourselves in check! It is now a time of uncertainty and it can be quite easy to get sick. Even though it is common for your natural immunity to decrease during this period there are still ways of overcoming this!

Below we have put together 10 ways in which you can improve your lifestyle to ensure you are not calling in sick to work this year.

1. Get Enough Sleep

An Ideal sleep varies from 7-9 hours. This will all come down to how busy you are throughout the day and whether or not you are a shift worker. A lack of sleep could mean a weakened immune system and increased sensitivity to stress!

2. Eat A Healthy Diet (Include Fruits & Vegetables)

A variety in your diet is key, but the most important factor during winter is hitting your micronutrient goals. This means that making sure you are eating enough foods containing Vitamin C, D and B and if not supplementing these nutrients to combat insufficiencies.

3. Get Active!

Being physically active does not mean you have to go to the gym! the best exercise can be something that you enjoy. Whether it be walking or cycling or jumping a rope all types of exercise is great! Other forms of exercise such as Yoga and Pilates are great alternatives to help with flexibility and ensure movement throughout the body.

4. Wash your hands

Hand washing is one of the easiest things to keep on top of! Germs are so easily spread and one of those ways is by touching. Everything that is touched by your hands can then easily be transmitted from surface to surface or person to person!

5. Stay Hydrated

Making sure you are hydrated at all times is a great way of decreasing headaches due to dehydration but also allows the body to flush unneeded toxins through the body.

6. Get Adjusted

Having an adjustment from our chiropractors over winter is an effective way to get the nervous system functioning at its best. It will also decrease the amount of stress you are under

Still Worried and need more Help?

Depending on the severity of your injury or area of concern our practitioners in our BroadmeadowsWestmeadows and Fawkner Clinics will treat accordingly to your complaint!

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP 😴


We all know that sleep is important. But do we know why? Sleep plays a vital role in both your physical and mental health. It aids the body’s ability to function through a variety processes:


1️⃣ Improved recovery and body repair. Decreased sleep increases the possibility of fatigue and low energy levels. This is explained by the link between sleep deprivation and decreased synthesis of glycogen and carbohydrates stores [used for energy]. It is also believed that a significant amount of growth hormone is produced when we sleep; primarily responsible for muscle growth, repair, bone building and fat burning. Studies have linked increased amounts of sleep with improved athletic performance such as sprint speed and free throw shooting ability in basketball.


2️⃣ Improved cardiovascular health. Decreased levels of sleep has been linked to increased levels of hypertension, increased stress hormone [cortisol] and an increased heartbeat. It’s believed that too little sleep causes disruptions to important biological processes of the body such as blood pressure, and glucose and inflammation regulation. Evidence strongly supports a link between sleep apnoea and compromised heart health.

3️⃣ Decreased weight. Decreased sleep has been linked to decreased activity in the hormones that control appetite. Furthermore, a lack of sleep has been linked to decreased processing of stored carbohydrates. A study conducted in the Public Library of Science Medicine found that individuals who had less than 6 hours of sleep were more likely to have a higher BMI.

4️⃣ Increased immune function. Lack of sleep has been linked to suppressed immune function. Evidence suggests that sleep deprivation decreases the production of infection fighting antibodies and inflammation promoting cytokines. A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that almost half the amount of antibodies were produced in sleep deprived individuals [in response to the flu vaccine].


5️⃣ Improved cognitive function. Sleep deprivation has strongly been linked to a decrease in cognitive function and changes in mood. 

*Note: If you are suffering from a lack of sleep and are finding that Neck painLow back painpoor posturestressheadaches or joint pain are holding you back. Don’t hesitate to contact our team of experienced health professionals who are always happy to help! We also have Contoured Memory Foam Pillows in Stock! Online Bookings are available 7 days a week! https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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Can Chiropractors Help With Disc Herniations?

What Can Cause A Herniated Disc?

  • Age-related, wear and tear on the spine known as disc degeneration.
  • Micro-trauma and repetitive stress to spinal joints.
  • Sudden trauma
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity and smoking

Difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc

A bulging disc involves the inside of the disc protruding whilst staying inside the borders before the outer layer. A herniated disc protrudes past the outer layer causing compression. Whilst most people suffering with these injuries have symptoms they may vary or even be absent depending on the degree of protrusion.

Symptoms Of A Herniated Disc

Neck disc herniations:

  • Sharp / shooting pain into the upper back, shoulder blades, arms, hands, and fingers
  • Numbness or tingling sensation into the upper back, shoulder blades, arms, hands, and fingers
  • Muscle weakness
  • Constant neck pain and discomfort

Lower back disc herniations:

  • Sharp / shooting pain into the lower back, buttock, or legs
  • Numbness or tingling sensation into the lower back, buttock, or legs
  • Muscles weakness
  • Constant lower back pain and discomfort
  • Loss of bowel and bladder control.

Things To Avoid With Disc Herniations

  • Running
  • Jumping
  • Heavy Lifting
  • Bending, Twisting or Turning

How can a Chiropractor Help?

Chiropractic care may help decrease the pain from discs that are herniated and may help to reduce the possibility of them happening in the first place. Some ways in which Chiropractors can help assist those suffering from disc injuries include:

If you are someone that is suffering from a disc herniation or bulging disc and doesn’t know where to start our team of practitioners are always happy to help you out!

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Top 5 Exercises In 2022 For Upper Back Pain!

Posture Pole

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Posture Pole Exercise

This exercise is the most common type of exercise for both posture and upper back pain. This is because it is simplistic and is very easy to set yourself up in this position. It also exerts very little energy to complete and has amazing benefits such as decreasing muscle tension, increasing joint and ligament flexibility and relaxing the areas of concern.

To perform this exercise: 

  • Put down a foam roller or rolled up towel on a flat surface.
  • Position yourself on your back in the middle of the pole
  • Your head should be on top like in the image above
  • Ensure your knees are bent for comfort
  • Try to get your low back as flat as possible to the pole
  • Position arms outwards in a position you feel the stretch most

Recommended Tasks:

  • Hold the position for atleast 2-5 minutes
  • Holding for more than 10 minutes can improve flexibility
  • Complete this stretch twice per day.
    Special Instructions:
    • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling
    • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax
    • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation

Cat-cow

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Cat Cow Exercise

The exercise above is great for releasing tension within the upper and lower back. The main goal is to stretch and remobilise areas of restriction whilst also relaxing the body.

To perform this exercise:

  • Position yourself on all 4’s
  • The Goal is to arch your back hold the position up to 5 secs with a deep long breath in
  • Once completed bring your stomach towards the ground out of the arched position and slowly breath out

Recommended Tasks:

  • Repeat 10 – 15 times
  • Perform the exercise 3 times.
  • Rest for 15-30 seconds between exercises.
  • Complete this exercise twice per day.
    Special Instructions:
    • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling
    • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax
    • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation

Brugger’s relief position

Brugger-Postition-TMC
Brugger Relief Position

This is a great exercise for desk workers as it helps to open up the shoulders and alleviate tension throughout the shoulders! 

To perform this exercise:

  • Sitting on the edge of your chair
  • Bring your chest upwards toward the roof.
  • Pull your shoulder blades together.
  • Bring your arms out straight and ensure your hands are facig outwards like in the diagram above!

Recommended Tasks:

  • Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Perform the stretch 3 times.
  • Rest for 15-30 seconds between stretches.
  • Complete this stretch twice per day.
    Special Instructions:
    • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling
    • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax
    • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation

Cobra Pose

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Cobra Pose

This exercise is going to help in several ways, including increasing the strength of your postural muscles, stretch the chest, shoulders and abdomen, decrease stress, help improve breathing and lastly, decrease tension in the mid and lower back.

To perform this exercise:

  • Prop Yourself using your elbows or arms depending on your capabilities.

Recommended Tasks:

  • Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Perform the stretch 3 times.
  • Rest for 15-30 seconds between stretches.
  • Complete this stretch twice per day.
    Special Instructions:
    • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling
    • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax
    • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation

Child pose with thoracic rotation

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Child Pose with Roation

This exercise is great for increasing thoracic mobility while also strengthening the core muscles and simultaneously stretching the chest, shoulders, and thoracic back muscles. 

To perform this exercise:

  • Thread your arm under your torso and out the other side. 

Recommended Tasks:

  • Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Perform the stretch 3 times.
  • Rest for 15-30 seconds between stretches.
  • Complete this stretch twice per day.
    Special Instructions:
    • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling
    • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax
    • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation

Still Worried and need more Help?

Depending on the severity of the injury or area of concern our practitioners in our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Clinics will treat accordingly to your complaint. Treatments that may be provided but are not limited to include:

  • Spinal manipulation, Activator Methods, Drop Piece, SOT and other adjustive techniques can help alleviate joints that have restriction such as spinal segments and joints (LeFebvre, Peterson & Haas, 2012)
  • PNF/PIR/prescribed stretching – Stretching has shown to reduce pain, improve functionality of the wrist and hand also maintains strength and improves patients in both long and short-term outcomes.
  • Remedial Massage, Trigger point therapy or use of handheld massager – Have shown to decrease pain/tenderness, enhance both range of motion and quality of life and influence flexibility (Shah et al., 2015) (Imtiyaz, Veqar & Shareef, 2014)
  • Advice on daily living activities/diet – This enables advice on how to change to make healthy        actions into habits and may offer a valuable alternative with potential for long-term   impact. (Gardner, Lally & Wardle, 2012)
  • Prescribed exercises – produce more beneficial outcomes in terms of increased strength, improved function and reduced pain scores. (Fernandes, Pedrinelli & Hernandez, 2015)
  • Dry Needling or Cupping to the surrounding musculature to help decrease tension and inflammation around the area of the hand and forearm.
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Can Chiropractic Care Benefit An Athlete?

Chiropractors are allied health professionals who place a large focus on helping people move, feel and function to their greatest potential. Chiropractors use a number of different techniques, such as Chiropractic Adjustments to help make changes to the musculoskeletal system.

People often come to see a Chiropractor for a number of different reasons. These reasons can include neck painback painheadaches, sciatica and more! Chiropractic care may be able to help with these issues by restoring movement in the spine and helping to relieve tension. Some patients seek long term care from a Chiropractor as it may assist in preventing tension and stiffness building to a point that it affects function in everyday tasks. 

When it comes to athletes, some athletes prefer to be adjusted by their Chiropractor prior to their competition or game so they are able to perform to their best ability. Adjustments allow full movement throughout the body by decreasing restriction through joints and muscles.

Some Common Areas In Which Chiropractors Can Help Assist!

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Athletes?

Chiropractic care may be help athletes in the following ways:

  • Decreasing muscle tension
  • Increasing mobility and flexibility
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Decreasing pressure off muscles and joints 
  • Increasing blood flow
  • Decreasing Stress
  • Increased Energy Levels
  • Increased range of motion and movement
  • Improving posture and creating a balance throughout the bodies sytem
  • Reduction of pain

If you are an athlete wanting a better idea of what we have to offer or help with performing to your best ability without the restriction of muscle and joint tension, consider contacting The Melbourne Chiropractor to get started on your healthcare journey.

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Neck Pain Causes & Treatment Options!

Neck Pain is a common issue and can sometimes put us in a difficult position where we start to look at various methods for a quick fix! Many stress in their upper back and neck which is the usual cause of neck pain. When there is an area of weakness of underlying condition muscles tend to get injured as they try to engage to protect the area of complaint.

Common Neck Pain Causes:

Muscles that commonly cause pain in the upper back and neck are the trapezius and sub occipital muscles that are found at the base of the skull. These muscles have the ability to bring on unwanted headaches and causes a total restriction in mobility.

How Can Pain In The Neck & Upper Back Be Treated?

Chiropractors have various ways of treating neck pain and this is great for dealing with different neck and upper back pains

Some Of These Treatments Include:

*Note: If you are suffering from severe Neck painLow back pain, shooting pains down the legs, troubles lifting limbs due to poor posture, sciatica, stressheadaches or joint pain and need help today, don’t hesitate to contact our team of practitioners who are always happy to help! Bookings are available online 7 days a week! https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women frequently get amazing results from chiropractic. Chiropractors utilize specific techniques for adjusting pregnant women. Due to pregnant woman being unable to take medication for pain, the natural approaches of chiropractic are the smarter choice for pregnant women. As of late Obstetricians are also referring to chiropractors due to the effectiveness of spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy for pain relief.

Treatment before, during and after pregnancy

Congratulations! Pregnancy is an exciting time for you and your family. It’s also a huge learning curve for everyone involved, everyone will face both the expected and unexpected as your body changes rapidly effecting you physically, mentally and emotionally.

Our therapists have been treating pregnancy patients for over 10 years. We offer gentle and specific treatment to address issues such as pain in the joints, spine, muscles and fascia. Our chiropractors, osteopaths and remedial massage therapists can all offer care during your pregnancy. Lower Back Pain is reported to affect between 45% and 75% of women at some stage during their pregnancy. This pain as well as what’s commonly referred to as Pelvic Girdle Pain during pregnancy are common reasons for sick leave, with reports suggesting that over 20% of women take sick leave because of their pain (Bishop, Holden, Ogollah, & Foster, 2015).

During your pregnancy it’s no secret that your environment and mental state are paramount. But when you’re sore all over it’s difficult to stay positive, chiropractic therapy can assist keep the muscles relaxed and body free.

How Can Treatment Help?

Pregnancy Care at The Melbourne Chiropractor offers treatment to help with musculoskeletal types of pain, both prior to and after birth. Treatment may help to relieve back pain, pelvic pain, hip pain, neck pain and associated symptoms that may occur during pregnancy.

Our chiropractors treat the whole body using gentle adjustment, activator stimulation and low force techniques to help improve muscular strength and reduce muscle tension. This will in turn help to reduce stress, anxiety and anxiousness during your pregnancy.

When During Pregnancy Can You Have Treatment?

Our practitioners can work on you at any stage of your pregnancy. Our qualified team offer support and treatment to help with your pain or discomfort.

Our therapeutic treatments for pregnancy includes soft tissue therapy, supplement advice, pregnancy specific stretches, take home exercise program, support cushions, pregnancy cushions and ongoing treatment recommendations.

Pregnancy Symptoms Commonly Treated Be Practitioners

  • General aches and pains
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Incorrect foetal positioning (breach)
  • Uncomfortable movement
  • Swelling
  • Headache treatment
  • Pelvic discomfort or pelvic instability
  • Excessive uterus pressure
  • Weight distribution issues
  • Excessive labor time in previous birth

Our Practitioners Aim To Help Manage

  • Musculoskeletal related aches and pains
  • Ensuring correct weight distribution for the baby’s growth
  • Prevent spinal pain
  • Helps to manage muscular soreness or joint pain
  • Postural strain or sprains during pregnancy
  • Labor exacerbated/previous spinal weaknesses or injuries

Pregnancy & Posture

Our practitioners aim to greatly improve nervous system function and musculoskeletal irritation, to allow for better communication around the body and improved posture and weight distribution.

Our treatments during pregnancy care focus towards helping and supporting posture during all stages of growth, change and pressure during your pregnancy. We focus on weight bearing and strength during your pregnancy and birth.

If you are someone who is suffering from headachesneck pain or low back pain and don’t know where to start, or wondering what to expect on your first chiropractic visitour team of chiropractors at our Broadmeadows or Westmeadows clinic locations are more than happy to help you get back on track. You can always contact us or book online @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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Types of Conditions Chiropractors Help With!

Chiropractors are skilled practitioners who have a an understanding of multiple regions of the body. Ways in which chiropractors treat can vary based on symptoms and patient goals and in most cases patients can find themselves feeling better within the first couple of sessions.

Some conditions chiropractors can treat include but are not limited to:

Other Benefits Of Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care decreases pain and promotes the bodies natural healing process so that it can repair itself to the best of its ability.

Chiropractic treatment offers the following benefits:

  • Boost in physical performance (increases mobility)
  • Improves mental health
  • Decreases stress
  • Better range of motion and flexibility
  • Better sleep
  • Increased energy

How Can Our Chiropractic Team Help?

Depending on the severity of the injury or area of concern our practitioners in our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Clinics will treat accordingly to your complaint. Treatments that may be provided but are not limited to include:

  • Spinal manipulation, Activator Methods, Drop Piece, SOT and other adjustive techniques can help alleviate joints that have restriction such as spinal segments and joints (LeFebvre, Peterson & Haas, 2012)
  • PNF/PIR/prescribed stretching – Stretching has shown to reduce pain, improve functionality of the wrist and hand also maintains strength and improves patients in both long and short-term outcomes.
  • Remedial Massage, Trigger point therapy or use of handheld massager – Have shown to decrease pain/tenderness, enhance both range of motion and quality of life and influence flexibility (Shah et al., 2015) (Imtiyaz, Veqar & Shareef, 2014)
  • Advice on daily living activities/diet – This enables advice on how to change to make healthy        actions into habits and may offer a valuable alternative with potential for long-term   impact. (Gardner, Lally & Wardle, 2012)
  • Prescribed exercises – produce more beneficial outcomes in terms of increased strength, improved function and reduced pain scores. (Fernandes, Pedrinelli & Hernandez, 2015)
  • Dry Needling or Cupping to the surrounding musculature to help decrease tension and inflammation around the area of the hand and forearm.
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For more information on whether we can help contact using the link below – https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/contact

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New Chiropractor Near Greenvale!

BOOK NOW

The Melbourne Chiropractor in Westmeadows is now open!

1 Hopetoun Court, Westmeadows 3049 (Off Mickleham Rd)

Our team will be providing chiropractic services for those suffering with aches and pains. Those who may benefit include

Our westmeadows and broadmeadows clinics offer chiropractic services which also include modalities such as dry needling, cupping, sports taping, trigger point therapy, Stretching and exercise prescription.

Our Westmeadows chiropractic practice also accepts referrals from GP’s for chiropractic services. If you are given a CDM or EPC plan you are eligible for up to 5 chiropractic visits per year!

What Can You Expect On Your First Visit To Our Clinic?

First Visit or First Treatment at either of our westmeadows or broadmeadows health clinics includes a case history, posture scan, movement analysis, pain assessment, orthopaedic testing and a full body treatment.
Referral for X-ray imaging (if required) is bulk-billed through Medicare.

Our Westmeadows Clinic

Our Westmeadows Clinic is spacious and easily accessible by car, bus and train. Onsite Parking is available with wheelchair accessibility and is within 10km of Melbourne CBD

What Can Our Team Do To Help?

Depending on the severity of the injury or area of concern our practitioners in our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Clinics will treat accordingly to your complaint.

BOOK NOW

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