Are you doing the “right” exercises for your pain?
One week ago, not long after recovering from a lower back strain, I was catapulted over the handlebars of my mountain bike and hit the ground hard on my left shoulder. Thankfully, I was able to dust myself off and continue riding, albeit at a more sensible pace. After a self-assessment that evening I was confident I had a low-grade sprain of the AC joint of my shoulder (a common mountain biking injury). Four days later, one of my strength workouts for the week [...]
My journey to becoming a Women’s Heath Physio – by Tash
Slowly, slowly. I watched the mum with the large expectant belly rise from her seat in the waiting room. She held her breath while stepping from one foot to the next and tentatively waited each time for the sharp jolt she knew would come. I look on with empathy while recalling 11 years ago this was me. Afraid to walk more than a few metre and heavily reliant on a walking stick. My pelvis felt like it would fall apart with each step. I [...]
Matching my training to my goals: From Tim
I recently started jiu jitsu in the footsteps of my younger brother. It was a timely pursuit that I participated in right before he got too good and wanted to settle the score after all our sibling disputes in our early childhood (as competitive siblings with a two year age gap, it wasn’t always brotherly love . . .). Taking up a new sport has provided a few valuable lessons along the way. Despite being a reasonable long distance runner in my formative high [...]
What hurting my lower back taught me about recovery:
My recovery after a recent low back strain Last month I strained my lower back whilst performing deadlifts, one of the key exercises in my current strength program. As an experienced physiotherapist of 20 years, I treat patients with low back pain every day and it is one of my interest areas. Being on the other side of the fence, then, highlighted some key aspects of recovery which are worth reminding you about. Here are four key principles that I believe are corner-stones of [...]
Why does Strength matter when you’re not a “gym junkie”?
Over the past 4 months I have had an experience which I want to share with you. As a relatively fit 45 year old male my regular exercise usually includes cycling, hiking, gardening and DIY projects around the home, and swimming during the warmer months. Over the past 2 to 3 years I have noticed that I don’t pull up as well from a big day of gardening, a 3 hour cycle or a solid afternoon of trail riding on nail can hill. Nothing [...]
Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running
Do you like running, but also walking your local trails or climbing a hill? Are you bored with “pounding the pavement” on your morning or afternoon run? Do you want to avoid hip, knee or achilles pain from your previous running efforts? If so, trail running could be for you! Before you don your runners and hit your local trails, though, read our five trail tips to ensure the experience is a good one: The right tool for the job: Trail running means your [...]