All of us at some stage in our lives have experienced a build-up of muscular tension in our bodies. It is commonly felt in the neck and shoulders but can actually be experienced anywhere in the body. If muscular tension persists it can develop into a source of pain. Why do muscles become tense? Muscular…

The best people to understand the challenges you face are others with arthritis. They can commiserate with your difficulties, share encouragement, and give you tips that come from their own experiences. Sometimes, just sharing that you’ve had a hard day and having someone respond, “I understand completely” can help you feel better. As for friends…

World Spine Day is a great opportunity to shine light on spinal disorders and encourage you to take steps to better health. This year the theme is ‘Your Back in Action’, emphasising the importance of physical activity and improving posture as part of good spinal health and prevention of injury. Millions of people worldwide suffer…

There are many myths and misconceptions about core stability which has become a popular concept in both the rehabilitation and fitness industries in recent years. Everywhere you look, social media, TV, online, emails and even women’s magazines now implore you to ‘train your core’. Physiotherapists are seeing an increasing number of people who have fallen…

It can be confronting to be struck with a sudden onset of acute low back pain. The disabling pain and immobility often generates catasrophising thoughts about permanent damage and the requirement of surgery. Fear not, low back pain is extremely common, affecting up to 85% of people at some stage in their life. The good…

This gentle stretch can help alleviate the aches associated with tight muscles around the neck and upper back. This can be done first thing in the morning, as well as during breaks at work to help minimise tightness and decrease the potential of tension related headaches. Gently bend your head forwards with one hand whilst…

Rubber band exercises are a great way for strengthening the finger extensors muscles; Place a rubber band around your fingers and thumb. Gently spreads your fingers apart as far as possible. Relax your fingers, then repeat 10 times. This can be done on all fingers at once, or between two individual fingers.

After partying in heels’ ease tension in your lower back with a simple twist. Lie down on the ground. Close your eyes and breathe deeply as you bend your knees and plant your feet on the ground, hip-width apart. Drop your knees to the left as you gently turn your head to the right. Hold…

While seated or standing, rotate your shoulders backward and down in the largest circle you can make. This opens the chest, counteracting the rounded shoulders that are common among pregnant women, office workers, teenagers and students.

Accelerate pain relief and speed up injury recovery time. Lengthen short (tight) muscles, tendons, and ligaments. “Ease muscle, tendon and joint pain. “Prevent physical imbalances that can predispose you to injury. Promote optimal spinal range of motion. Your foam roller can assist your spinal joints and surrounding tissues to stretch. Promote optimal hip range of…