Do you get headaches?

We all know that person who keeps a couple of pain killers on them ‘just in case’.

It’s the ‘go to’ for dealing with niggling headaches so you can get on with the million tasks to do each day.

You only have to look at the “Panadol” website to see how heavily they market their product to deal with headaches.

For some,

Dealing with the pain from headaches is a constant battle…

• The ache sitting behind your eyes

• The band of pressure around your skull

• Constantly needing to rub your neck and jaw

It’s definitely not what you want to put up with.

It’s not like you can’t put up with it, it’s just an annoying background irritation that sits there while you try to get on with your busy day..

Over the years, we’ve been able to help all types of people suffering headaches. Of all the patients, there’s one which really stands out…

Case: 32 year old business owner with headaches.

Having suffered headaches since she was 25, she’s had them for 8 years now and she’d all but given up. Everything she had tried seemed to help a little bit. But without fail it would come back. It became a priority for her because since she started her own business, her headache frequency and intensity increased and made it harder for her to get on with things.

As much as I just wanted to help her, I knew the processes to follow. Before I could provide any effective treatment…

---

Figure Out The Pattern

Yes, it’s important to diagnose the ‘type’ of headache and get a clear diagnosis… it really comes down to what the triggers are… Sometimes without a bit of digging and coaching can we start to eventually uncover what the triggers are - and there may be multiple.

Some say “time of the month”
Other say “It’s when I’m stressed”
Or “I just didn’t drink enough water”
Just to name a few.  

Sleep, Stress, Nutrition, Movement 
Essential to working out why headaches affect some of us and not others

Sleep - Without entering REM 4-6 times per night, you’re essentially starting the day before the start line. If you’re going on a 12 hour flight, would you do engine checks, refuel and maintain the plane? Yep.. Well, if you choose to not sleep for 4-6 sleep cycles (each cycle is about 90mins) you’re essentially cutting corners on your 12 hours of living. Manage your sleep.

Stress - Break this into 2 parts: Cognitive and emotional. Cognitive load refers to how much is on your mind and how much thinking you’re currently doing. Emotional load refers to how many and how strong the emotions are that you’re experiencing. Stress occurs when the cognitive or emotional load is higher than what one can tolerate. Too much going on and too many emotions or both! Manage your mind.

Nutrition - The calories and nutrients consumed. If you’re under-eating, your body will tell you. If you’re eating too many things that your gut and cells don’t agree with, you’ll have gut symptoms like bloating, irregular bowel movements and more commonly, daily lack of focus, brain fog, a general sense of unease and lethargy. Manage your food.

Movement - A history of trauma - whiplash or some other head, neck, spine or nerve injury, can sit there quietly in the background. Combine that with not enough movement, we create areas in our bodies that become sensitive simply because we aren’t moving them enough. Much less often, we see people with issues due to overmovement, but it’s more likely that the region you’ve got history with, doesn’t move as well as you need it to. Manage your movement.

---

So, back to the 32 year old with headaches

It turns out:

• She had a car accident 10 years ago where he dealt with some whiplash and concussion

• Her cognitive load has spiked because of his business

• Her eating has become more like “eat what you can find while you’re driving”

• Her hasn’t trained for a year because he’s so time poor.

• Her goes to bed late doing business ‘stuff’ and then has to get back to work from 5:30am…

Using the buckets of sleep, stress, nutrition and movement, we can audit the lifestyle triggers. Reducing these triggers will inherently reduce how sensitive your nervous system is all the time and allow you to be more tolerant of triggers as they come up.

3 Step Process We Take To Manage Headaches

1. Lifestyle audit with 1 recommendation at a time

2. Injury history

3. Provide treatment and move the areas that have been neglected

If you deal with headaches on a regular basis don’t wait 10 years to get treatment. Pain killers will help with some short term relief but it doesn’t compare to finding and then treating the cause.

Book a FREE CALL with one of our practitioners to help you audit your headaches.

Pinching shoulders

Most of us have either experienced or heard someone complain about pinching pain in the shoulder. It’s one of the most common complaints we hear in clinic.

Often followed by a series of pressing queries…

• Am I lifting too much weight?

• Is my form wrong?

• Should I stop lifting all together?

The Shoulder Complex (Simplified)

The Shoulder blade with the ribcage (scapulothoracic)
Shows how well and smooth the connection is between the shoulder blade and the back of the ribs

The shoulder blade with the collar bone (AC Joint)
Is the connection between the collarbone and the front of the shoulder blade

The ball and socket joint which connects the arm to the shoulder blade (Glenohumeral joint)

The Shoulder Blade Is Key
But How Do I Fix My Bloody Pinching?

This is where I get to have some fun playing detective. Need to figure out the ‘why’

Usually when people complain of pinching going overhead at the tip of the shoulder, they point straight to the top of the shoulder.

Why?

Whether its the rotator cuff, the bursa or the joint (or all of these structures) they are sensitive and can be prone to becoming hypersensitive with repetitive irritation and compression.

Why is that important? If you look at the mechanics of the shoulder, in simple terms

Glide – Slide – Rotate – Compress

 Depending on what you need to do in life and how you need to position the shoulder - your Arm, shoulder blade, ribcage and collar bone need to position themselves, perfectly in synchrony. We take it for granted how smoothly things just seem in happen in life.

The shoulder blade needs to glide, the ball and socket needs to slide and rotate and the AC joint needs to compress at different times in order to reach up to the top of the pantry for example.

If it doesn’t work properly, it’ll be fine for a while. If it stays inefficient, it might start to feel sensitive eventually…

WHY is this important?

The “pinching” sensation is the effect and site of pain. This can be treated and you would feel better. But as the spinal neurologist Dr. Karel Lewit said –

“He who treats the site of pain is lost”

The pain will always return unless you treat the WHY?

The pinching pain could be from sensitised structures anywhere in the shoulder.

First thing we need to uncover is what is driving your sensitivity. Is it load? technique when lifting? Lack of recovery? Stress? 

A systematic approach to diagnose the origin of shoulder pain

Behaviour or trauma. If the problem gradually came on with no apparent cause, then it might have something to do with how you move. If the problem came from some sort of traumatic event such as falling on an outstretched arm - then it’s likely to be localised.

Sometimes, you can have an old site of injury - say at the wrist - and then behave in a compensatory way which, long term, overloaded the shoulder… So it can be a mix of both behaviour and trauma.

But…How do I fix my shoulder pinching?

Well…. 

I’m not going to promise you that this will solve it but you can get access to our FREE SHOULDER PROGRAM. This has helped hundreds get stronger.

My best advice

Get your niggly shoulder that:

• has been pinching for the last 3 months

• you thought would get better with time - and hasn’t…

Checked by one of our professional Chirorpractors and Physiotherapists. Make sure they explain what is wrong with YOUR shoulder and how to solve the issue.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask them WHY?

How to Get Rid of That Nagging Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain that sticks around for months or even years can be frustrating, affecting everything from your ability to exercise to performing simple daily tasks. Chronic shoulder pain is a common issue that many people face, whether you're an athlete, a desk worker, or someone who just moves around in your day-to-day life. While the pain may seem like it's isolated to your shoulder, the causes often stem from deeper issues that need to be addressed.

Here’s how you can get rid of that persistent shoulder pain and get back to moving pain-free:

1. Chronic Shoulder Pain is Common—But Treatable

Shoulder pain that lingers is one of the most common complaints seen in physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which makes it more prone to overuse and injury. The pain can come from a variety of causes, such as rotator cuff issues, muscle imbalances, or referred pain from the neck. The good news is that with proper assessment and treatment, most cases of chronic shoulder pain can be managed and alleviated.

2. Get Assessed: Find the Root Cause

The first step in getting rid of chronic shoulder pain is to find out exactly what’s causing it. This requires a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor. While the pain may feel like it's coming directly from the shoulder, it could be referred from other areas, such as the neck or upper back.

A professional will:

• Assess strength and function in both shoulders to spot any side-to-side imbalances.

• Look at your posture and movement patterns, as poor mechanics can lead to chronic issues.

• Check for any referred pain. For example, issues in the rotator cuff can sometimes cause pain in the front of the shoulder or upper arm, while neck issues can refer pain to the shoulder area.

Pinpointing the exact location and cause of your pain is key to developing a treatment plan that will actually work.

3. Address Underlying Issues with a Rehab Program
Once the cause of your pain is identified, the next step is to address the underlying issues through a personalized rehabilitation program. The rehab plan will focus on strengthening weak muscles, improving mobility, and correcting any movement dysfunctions that are contributing to the pain.

A typical rehab program for shoulder pain might include:

• Rotator cuff strengthening: The rotator cuff muscles are vital for shoulder stability. Weakness in these muscles often leads to shoulder pain, so strengthening them is a key part of recovery.

• Mobility exercises: Shoulder pain can sometimes be caused by stiffness or poor range of motion. Working on mobility can help restore full function and reduce discomfort.

• Postural correction: Poor posture, such as rounded shoulders, can place strain on the shoulder joint. Addressing this through corrective exercises can reduce the likelihood of pain returning.

• Stretching and manual therapy: In some cases, hands-on treatments like manual therapy or stretching may be recommended to relieve tension in the surrounding muscles and tissues.

4. Take a Holistic Approach

Chronic shoulder pain often requires a holistic approach. It’s not just about addressing the shoulder itself but also looking at other factors that could be contributing to the issue, such as:

• Neck pain: Neck issues can sometimes refer pain to the shoulder, so treating both areas may be necessary.

• Posture: As mentioned, poor posture can lead to chronic shoulder pain. Ensuring you’re maintaining proper posture, especially if you work at a desk or sit for long periods, can help relieve stress on your shoulders.

• Stress management: High levels of stress can contribute to muscle tension and exacerbate pain, so incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, may help reduce overall discomfort.

Shoulder pain that sticks around doesn't have to be a permanent part of your life. While chronic shoulder issues are common, with the right assessment and a targeted rehabilitation program, you can address the underlying causes and find relief. Don't ignore the pain or push through it—get assessed by a healthcare professional, develop a treatment plan that addresses any imbalances or dysfunctions, and you'll be on your way to a healthier, pain-free shoulder.

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

How to Deal with That Nagging Pain When You’re Sitting

If you’ve been experiencing discomfort or pain when sitting down, especially on hard surfaces, you may be dealing with a nagging issue that’s more common than you might think: sit bone pain. This type of pain, often mistaken for a glute problem, is actually linked to the hamstring tendon and can be frustrating to manage without the right approach. Here’s a closer look at what might be causing this pain and what you can do to find relief.

1. Understanding Sit Bone Pain

Sit bone pain usually surfaces when you’re sitting for prolonged periods, and it’s especially noticeable on hard surfaces. Although it’s easy to assume the pain is originating in the glutes, the real source is often high hamstring tendinopathy.

• High hamstring tendinopathy occurs when the hamstring tendon, located at the top of the hamstring and near the sit bone, becomes inflamed or irritated.

• Common causes of this irritation include repetitive strain, prolonged sitting, or insufficient support in the muscles that support the hamstring tendon.

Recognizing this as a tendon issue is crucial for effective treatment. Treating it like a glute issue can lead to delayed healing and even increased discomfort.

2. Targeted Treatment for Sit Bone Pain

Once you understand that this pain is coming from the hamstring tendon, the next step is implementing the right treatment. For high hamstring tendinopathy, treatment focuses on gradually conditioning the hamstring tendon to reduce pain and improve resilience.

• Low-level isometric exercises are a great starting point. These involve holding the hamstring in a static contraction, which helps to stimulate the tendon without placing too much load on it. For example, seated isometric hamstring holds, where you gently press your heel into the ground without moving your leg, can be a good way to activate the tendon.

• Addressing surrounding muscles, particularly the glutes and hips, is essential. Weakness or tension in the glutes can contribute to extra stress on the hamstring tendon, leading to further irritation. Working with a professional to develop a comprehensive strength and stretching routine will help relieve pressure on the hamstring tendon.

Strengthening exercises and targeted stretching for the entire hip complex can reduce strain on the hamstring tendon and promote a better distribution of forces, reducing overall pain.

3. Consulting a Health Professional for a Tailored Recovery Plan

The timeline for recovery from hamstring tendinopathy varies depending on the severity of the condition, your activity level, and how long the issue has persisted. In general, tendon issues are slow to heal because of their limited blood supply, so patience is key.

A consultation with a physiotherapist or chiropractor can help you establish a personalized plan. They’ll assess the extent of the tendon irritation, identify any contributing factors, and help develop a plan to gradually load the tendon without causing further harm. This might include:

• A phased approach that increases intensity and range of motion over time,

• Periodic evaluations to monitor progress and make adjustments,

• Advice on activity modification, including how to adjust your sitting habits to reduce strain on the tendon.

Finding Lasting Relief

Sit bone pain can be persistent, but with a targeted approach focused on hamstring tendon health and surrounding muscle support, you can find relief. The key is understanding that this pain isn’t just a “glute issue” and approaching treatment with patience and consistency. Working with a health professional can give you the tailored guidance and support you need to return to comfortable sitting and living without pain.

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

What You Can Do About Your Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle is a common injury, often caused by twisting or rolling your ankle beyond its normal range of motion. It can happen during sports, walking on uneven ground, or even from a simple misstep. While it’s a frequent injury, the approach to managing it depends on its severity and ensuring it’s correctly diagnosed and treated. Here’s what you need to know and do about your sprained ankle.

1. Understanding the Severity of a Sprained Ankle

Not all sprains are the same. They range from mild to severe:

• Grade 1 (Mild): Involves slight stretching or microscopic tears of the ligaments, often with mild swelling and tenderness.

• Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tearing of the ligaments with noticeable swelling, bruising, and pain. Weight-bearing may be difficult.

• Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tear of the ligament(s), causing significant swelling, instability, and inability to bear weight. In rare cases, surgery may be required.

For most cases, conservative management and a thorough rehab program are sufficient for recovery. However, understanding the severity is crucial to creating an effective treatment plan.

2. Is It a Sprain or a Broken Ankle?

One of the first steps after an ankle injury is determining whether you’re dealing with a sprain or something more serious, like a fracture. The Ottawa Ankle Rules can help identify whether an X-ray is necessary. Here’s what to watch for:

• Unable to bear weight immediately after the injury or unable to take at least four steps.

• Tenderness over specific bony areas, such as the posterior edge or tip of the lateral or medial malleolus (the bony prominences on each side of the ankle).

If you’re unable to stand or experience intense pain in these areas, seek medical attention immediately to rule out a fracture.

3. Why Seeing a Health Practitioner Is Non-Negotiable

While it may be tempting to “walk it off” or simply rest at home, consulting a qualified health practitioner like a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or sports physician is essential:

• They can accurately diagnose the injury, ruling out fractures or other complications.

• They’ll guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program to ensure optimal recovery and prevent re-injury.

• Proper rehab strengthens the surrounding muscles, restores range of motion, and gradually reintroduces load to the ankle, reducing the risk of chronic instability or future sprains.

Skipping professional guidance or rushing back to activity too soon increases the likelihood of re-injury or prolonged issues like persistent pain and instability.

4. Building a Plan for Recovery

Recovering from an ankle sprain involves addressing both short-term pain and swelling and long-term stability and strength. Here’s what the process typically includes:

1. Initial Management (First 48-72 hours):

   • Use the PRICE protocol: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

   • Avoid activities that aggravate the injury.

2. Rehabilitation Phase:

   • Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises to restore movement in the ankle.

   • Gradually incorporate strength training and balance exercises to rebuild stability.

   • Progress to sport-specific or activity-specific exercises under professional guidance.

3. Return to Activity:

   • Resume normal activities only when the ankle has regained full strength, range of motion, and stability. Your health practitioner can help you determine when it’s safe to return.

Takeaway

A sprained ankle may seem like a minor inconvenience, but without proper care, it can lead to chronic issues or re-injury. By understanding the severity of your sprain, ruling out more serious injuries like fractures, and following a structured rehab plan under the guidance of a health practitioner, you can recover effectively and return to your regular activities stronger than before.

Don’t leave your recovery to chance—take the right steps to protect your ankle and your future mobility!

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

How to Know It’s Time to Pull Back With Your Training

When you’re working hard to hit your fitness goals, it’s natural to push yourself in every session. However, knowing when to pull back and give your body the rest it needs is just as important as training itself. Overloading without adequate recovery can lead to increased risk of injury, decreased performance, and burnout. Here’s how to know when it’s time to pull back with your training and prioritize recovery.

1. Persistent Fatigue and Random Aches

Feeling unusually tired or noticing aches and pains popping up in random areas can be a sign that it’s time to deload.

• Fatigue is a natural response to intense exercise, but if you’re feeling worn out in every session, it might mean your body is struggling to recover.

• Random aches and niggles can indicate that certain muscles or joints are overworked or that you’re developing muscle imbalances. Ignoring these small signs can eventually lead to more severe injuries.

A deload week—a period where you reduce your training intensity or volume—can give your body a chance to repair and recover. You might reduce the weights you’re lifting, the volume of work you’re doing, or even take a few days off altogether to reset.

2. Constant Tiredness and the Importance of Nutrition

Constant tiredness isn’t always from lack of sleep or mental fatigue; it can also stem from inadequate recovery in your diet.

• Protein intake is essential for muscle repair and recovery, especially for resistance-trained individuals. A general guideline for recovery is 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

• Energy balance matters too. If you’re training hard but not eating enough overall, you may feel depleted, and your body won’t have the fuel it needs to repair tissues and replenish energy stores.

If tiredness is becoming the norm, try evaluating your diet. Are you getting enough protein and calories to support your recovery? Upping these factors, along with adding more sleep and rest days, can reduce fatigue and give your muscles a chance to come back stronger.

3. Managing Stress as Part of Recovery

A factor often overlooked in training recovery is stress management. The body doesn’t differentiate between different types of stress, so psychological stress can have just as much impact on your physical recovery as training stress.

• Psychological stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, or the body’s “fight or flight” response. This can lead to increased levels of cortisol, which in turn can impair muscle recovery and reduce performance.

• Coping mechanisms like deep breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching can help calm the nervous system, allowing your body to shift into the parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode.

Incorporating stress management techniques into your routine can improve your ability to recover and make your training efforts more effective.

Knowing when to pull back in your training is key to long-term success and injury prevention. When you feel unusually fatigued, experience persistent soreness, or find yourself constantly tired, it may be time to adjust your training. Prioritizing protein intake, managing stress, and taking advantage of deload periods will keep you feeling strong, energized, and on track toward your fitness goals. Remember: rest and recovery are vital parts of the training process, not signs of weakness. Embrace them to stay at your best.

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

This Is How You Can Continue Doing the Things You Did at 20 When You’re 40

As we age, it's easy to think that the days of feeling strong, energetic, and capable of doing the things we loved in our 20s are behind us. But the truth is, with the right approach, you can stay active, healthy, and capable well into your 40s and beyond. The key lies in maintaining a smart, balanced approach to fitness and lifestyle habits. Here’s how to keep doing what you were doing at 20, even as you hit 40.

1. Consistent Exercise Routine: Cardiovascular and Strength Training

A consistent exercise routine is crucial if you want to maintain the abilities you had in your younger years. Your routine should incorporate both cardiovascular and strength training to ensure all areas of fitness are covered.

• Cardio helps maintain heart health, improves endurance, and supports weight management. Incorporating activities like running, swimming, cycling, or brisk walking will keep your cardiovascular system in good shape.

• Strength training is equally important, especially as we age. After 30, we naturally begin to lose muscle mass, a process called sarcopenia. Regular strength training helps combat this muscle loss, improves bone density, and keeps you feeling strong and mobile.

Aim to include 2-3 strength sessions per week, focusing on major muscle groups, and ensure you get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio each week. By staying consistent, you’ll be better equipped to continue doing the activities you love without the limitations often associated with aging.

2. Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition

As we get older, the importance of quality sleep and nutrition becomes even greater. These two elements are often overlooked, but they play a massive role in how well your body functions, recovers, and adapts to training.

• Sleep is when your body recovers, rebuilds muscle tissue, and recharges your energy levels. Getting a full 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night is essential for reducing fatigue, improving mental clarity, and supporting recovery from your workouts.

• Nutrition provides the building blocks your body needs to perform and recover. As you age, focusing on a balanced diet rich in protein (to preserve muscle), healthy fats (for hormone balance), and complex carbohydrates (for energy) is crucial. Don’t neglect micronutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which support bone health and help prevent issues like osteoporosis.

By consistently getting quality sleep and eating nutrient-dense foods, you can improve your energy levels, reduce your risk of injury, and enhance your quality of life.

3. Don’t Limit Your Training Just Because You’re Older

One of the biggest mistakes people make as they age is thinking they need to slow down or take it easy simply because they're getting older. But the truth is, you still need to train with some level of intensity to continue driving progress and making adaptations.

• Training intensity doesn't mean pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion, but it does mean challenging your body enough to make it adapt. Whether it’s lifting heavier weights, running at a faster pace, or increasing the duration of your workouts, pushing beyond your comfort zone is key to maintaining strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

• Progressive overload—gradually increasing the weight or intensity of your exercises over time—is necessary to continue building muscle and improving fitness levels. Don’t let the number on your birthday cake be the reason you stop pushing yourself. Without challenging your body, you won’t see the progress needed to keep up with the demands of daily life and stay in the same physical condition as when you were 20.

Staying as active and capable at 40 as you were at 20 is entirely possible. The key is staying consistent with a balanced exercise routine, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, and not being afraid to train with intensity. By embracing these principles, you’ll maintain strength, endurance, and overall vitality for decades to come, ensuring that age is just a number when it comes to doing the things you love.

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

Should I Pay Attention to Every Ache and Pain?

When you’re training hard, pushing your body to new limits, or getting back into fitness after a long break, it’s common to experience aches and pains. But how do you know when to pay attention to them and when they’re just part of the process? Not every ache is a sign of injury, but some pains do need extra attention. Knowing the difference is key to staying injury-free and making progress in your fitness journey.

1. Not Every Ache Indicates an Injury

One of the first things to understand is that not every ache or pain means you're injured. Especially during periods of heavy training or when you're reintroducing your body to exercise, muscle soreness is a natural response to increased activity. This kind of soreness, often referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), is typically a sign that your muscles are adapting to new or more intense movements.

• DOMS usually kicks in 24-48 hours after a workout and can feel like a dull, aching stiffness in the muscles you've worked.

• Muscle soreness isn't a cause for alarm; it's just your body’s way of adapting to the new demands you've placed on it.

What this means is that while muscle aches can be uncomfortable, they often signal that you need to get on top of your recovery. This could mean focusing on hydration, nutrition, stretching, and sleep—all key factors in allowing your body to recover properly and avoid turning soreness into something more problematic.

2. Lingering Aches Might Be Worth Investigating

While not every ache or pain is an injury, you should pay attention to persistent or recurring pain that sticks around for a while, even after you've rested or reduced your training intensity. Aches that linger or progressively get worse could indicate something more serious, such as an overuse injury.

• Overuse injuries develop gradually due to repetitive movements or not allowing your body enough time to recover between training sessions. Common examples include tendinopathies, stress fractures, and bursitis.

• Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or time may signal that something needs attention. If a pain persists for more than a week or interferes with your daily life or training, it's a good idea to have it assessed by a healthcare professional.

Ignoring these signs could lead to more significant injuries down the road, so early intervention can prevent a minor issue from becoming a long-term problem.

3. Knowing When to Pull Back in Training

One of the most important skills in training is knowing when to push forward and when to pull back. While discomfort and soreness can be part of the process, training through pain without considering recovery can lead to burnout, injury, and long-term setbacks.

• Listen to your body: If your aches and pains are worsening with each training session, it might be time to dial back your intensity. Take an extra rest day or opt for a lighter workout.

• Progress intelligently: Make sure you're gradually increasing your training volume and intensity. Rapidly ramping up your training can increase your risk of overuse injuries.

This is where having a coach, physiotherapist, or chiropractor can be incredibly valuable. They can assess your training routine and physical condition, providing insight on whether you should continue to push through or take a step back to avoid further complications.

Not every ache or pain is a red flag for injury, particularly when you're training hard or getting back into exercise. However, it’s essential to pay attention to lingering or worsening pains that don’t seem to resolve with rest or recovery strategies. Knowing when to pull back, seek professional advice, and adjust your training plan is crucial for avoiding injury and maintaining consistent progress. With the right approach, you can stay on top of your fitness goals without being derailed by aches and pains.

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

Do You Want to Know How to Avoid Dropping Out of Your Competition or Meet Because of an Acute Injury?

Training hard for an upcoming competition or meet is a thrilling experience, but it also comes with risks—one of the biggest being an acute injury. Whether you’re an athlete preparing for a weightlifting meet, a marathon, or a team sport event, an injury can feel like it derails all your hard work. It’s stressful, both physically and mentally, especially when it happens so close to your competition. However, with the right approach, you can manage the situation and still have a chance to compete.

Here’s how to deal with an acute injury right before your competition:

1. Don’t Catastrophize—Stay Calm

The first and most crucial step when dealing with an acute injury is to avoid catastrophizing. When you experience an injury, it’s natural to panic and think the worst: "What if I can't compete? What if my season is over?" This kind of thinking, however, can make the situation much worse. Catastrophizing not only increases stress but can also lead to higher levels of pain and tension, which could slow down your recovery.

Instead of spiraling into negative thoughts, take a step back and evaluate the situation calmly. The injury might not be as bad as it initially feels, and the way you handle the first few hours and days can significantly impact your recovery.

2. Start Moving at Low Levels

Once you’ve mentally calmed yourself, the next step is to gently begin moving. Movement is critical for reducing the severity of many acute injuries. Depending on the nature of the injury, you can engage in low-level activities to keep the affected area active without causing further damage.

The key is to not completely immobilize the area unless it’s absolutely necessary. In many cases, movement at a low intensity helps to reduce inflammation and expedite healing.

3. Make a Plan

One of the most important things you can do after an injury is to make a solid, realistic plan. This plan should have multiple options to account for different scenarios as your injury heals. A well-thought-out strategy will give you a clear path forward and prevent unnecessary stress. Here’s what that plan might involve:

• Consult a healthcare professional: Whether it’s a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or sports medicine doctor, get an expert’s opinion on the injury. They can assess the severity and give you a realistic timeline for recovery. Most importantly, they can help you make a plan that keeps your competition in mind.

• Rehab program: Start an injury-specific rehab program as soon as possible. Your rehab program should be tailored to your injury and focus on recovery while still keeping you in shape for your meet.

• Alternative training options: Depending on the injury, you may not be able to perform your usual workouts. In this case, work with your coach or trainer to adapt your training so that you maintain fitness without aggravating the injury. For example, if you’ve injured your shoulder, focus on lower-body or core work while the shoulder heals.

• Gradual reintroduction to sport: If time permits, gradually reintroduce your sport-specific training as your injury heals. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to injury recovery.

4. Keep Your Eye on the Goal

An acute injury close to competition is not the end of the world. By staying calm, avoiding panic, and developing a plan with the help of professionals, you can navigate your recovery and still make it to your competition. It’s important to remember that everyone faces obstacles in their athletic career—injuries included. With the right mindset and strategy, you can often overcome these setbacks and perform to the best of your ability on competition day.

Acute injuries are an inevitable part of any athletic journey, especially when you’re pushing your body in preparation for a competition. The key to overcoming these setbacks is to stay calm, avoid negative thinking, and develop a comprehensive recovery plan with the help of a healthcare professional. With the right strategy in place, you may still be able to compete and achieve your goals despite the injury.

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

Have You Ever Had an MRI That Comes Back Completely Clear?

If you've ever experienced pain severe enough to warrant an MRI, you likely hoped for answers. An MRI scan is often seen as the final word—a definitive way to diagnose what’s causing your discomfort. So, when the results come back completely clear, it can be incredibly invalidating. After all, you’re still feeling the pain, but the scan says everything is "normal." This situation leaves many people confused, frustrated, and uncertain about what to do next. But this is actually a more common experience than you might think, and it points to a deeper, more complex interaction between your body and your nervous system

Let’s explore why your pain might persist despite a clean MRI and what you can do about it.

1. Understanding the Disconnect: A Small Pebble, a Big Splash

Imagine dropping a small pebble into a still pond and watching the ripples spread out. Even though the pebble is small, it can create a big impact. This is a useful analogy for understanding how our nervous system can sometimes amplify pain signals. The issue may be minor—like a small tweak in a muscle or slight irritation in a joint—but the nervous system amplifies this signal, making it feel like something more severe.

Even though an MRI might not pick up any major structural issues, the pain is real. What’s happening is that your body’s alarm system (your nervous system) is in a heightened state of alert, sending amplified pain signals in response to what might be a minor or even non-existent issue.

This doesn't mean the pain is "in your head" or that it's not legitimate. It just means that the nervous system is playing a bigger role in your pain than any structural damage.

2. Beliefs About Pain: How They Shape Your Experience

Pain is not just a physical experience; it's also shaped by your beliefs and perceptions. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, what you think about your pain can magnify or diminish its intensity. Let’s say you’ve been in pain for months, and you believe that the pain means something is seriously wrong with your body. You might think that continuing to move or exercise will cause further damage. These thoughts can heighten the body’s pain response.

In fact, research shows that the beliefs we hold about pain can actually alter our experience of it. If you believe your pain is a sign of serious damage, you’re more likely to experience higher levels of pain. This is partly because fear and anxiety activate the nervous system, amplifying the signals of discomfort your brain is interpreting.

So when an MRI comes back clear, it challenges those beliefs. If there's no significant damage, then the pain might not be a sign of impending harm. Reframing how you think about the pain can be an important step toward reducing its intensity.

3. Navigating the Emotional Side of a "Clear" MRI

When your MRI comes back clear, it’s natural to feel invalidated. After all, if nothing is wrong, why do you feel so much pain? This can lead to frustration, confusion, and sometimes even a sense of helplessness.

But it’s essential to remember that pain is complex. While MRIs are excellent at identifying structural issues like herniated discs or torn ligaments, they don’t capture the whole picture. Pain is influenced by many factors, including:

• Nervous system sensitivity

• Emotional and psychological stress

• Previous injuries and how the body compensates for them

• Beliefs and fears about the pain itself

4. Where Do You Go from Here?

If your MRI is clear but you’re still experiencing significant pain, don’t lose hope. There are several steps you can take to address the situation:

• Understand the role of the nervous system: Recognizing that your nervous system may be amplifying pain signals can change how you approach your recovery. Calming the nervous system through techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, and graded movement can help reduce pain over time.

• Challenge your beliefs about pain: Work with a healthcare provider or therapist to reframe your thinking about pain. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and pain education can help you reshape negative thoughts and beliefs that may be contributing to your pain.

• Focus on function over pain: Instead of centering your recovery around getting rid of pain entirely, shift your focus to improving your function. Gradual, guided movement can help desensitize the nervous system and rebuild strength without exacerbating your pain.

If you've had an MRI that comes back clear, it's important to remember that this doesn't invalidate your pain. Pain is complex, and many factors—especially your nervous system—play a significant role in how you experience it. By understanding the relationship between pain, the nervous system, and your beliefs, you can begin to manage and reduce your pain effectively. Working with healthcare professionals to develop a treatment plan that addresses these factors can help you move forward, even when the scan doesn’t show an obvious cause.

Need help? leave us your details to receive a free call from one of our health professionals

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

How to Stop Having Consistent Lower Back Niggles

Lower back pain is one of the most common issues that people face at some point in their lives. It can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive, especially when the pain keeps coming back. Whether you’re an active gym-goer or someone who sits at a desk all day, lower back injuries can affect anyone. Even though lower back issues have a high recurrence rate, there’s good news: with the right approach and exercise routine, it’s possible to reduce or even prevent these recurring problems.

Here’s how you can stop having consistent lower back niggles and improve your overall spinal health:

1. Understanding the Prevalence of Lower Back Injuries

Lower back injuries are among the most frequently reported musculoskeletal issues across all age groups. They can arise from a variety of causes, including poor posture, weak core muscles, improper lifting techniques, or even lack of movement throughout the day. Whether it’s a minor twinge after lifting something heavy or a chronic, dull ache from sitting at a desk too long, lower back injuries are something that affects millions.

Due to the complexity of the lower back, these injuries often have a high rate of recurrence. Without the proper intervention and prevention strategies, a small back issue can turn into a long-term, chronic problem. Fortunately, there is a solid body of evidence showing that targeted exercise and proper movement patterns can significantly reduce the likelihood of recurring back pain.

2. Exercise: A Proven Strategy for Preventing Lower Back Pain

One of the most effective ways to stop lower back pain from coming back is through regular exercise. Exercise strengthens the muscles around your spine, improves flexibility, and promotes better posture—all of which are key in preventing injuries.

Some of the most beneficial exercises include:

• Core strengthening: Your core muscles support your spine and help distribute the load during movement. Strengthening your core (which includes your abdominals, lower back, and glutes) can help prevent lower back injuries.

• Mobility work: Stretching and mobility exercises for the hips, hamstrings, and lower back can reduce stiffness and improve your range of motion. This prevents compensation movements that put undue strain on your back.

• Glute strengthening: Weak glutes can cause the lower back to overcompensate, leading to injury. Incorporating exercises like glute bridges, squats, and lunges helps offload stress from your lower back.

• Abdominal training: Exercises like planks, deadlifts, and back extensions teach you how to strengthen your core, which reduces the risk of injury during day-to-day activities and workouts.

Regularly incorporating these exercises into your routine can significantly improve your spine’s resilience and reduce your risk of experiencing chronic lower back issues.

3. Seek Professional Help to Find the Root Cause

While exercise is a key factor in preventing lower back pain, it’s also essential to identify the underlying cause of your pain. Repeated lower back injuries often stem from improper movement patterns or imbalances in your body. Having a health professional, such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or sports doctor, assess your condition can provide invaluable insight into the root cause of your lower back pain.

A trained practitioner will be able to:

• Evaluate your movement patterns to identify imbalances or dysfunction which can be leading to chronic pain.

• Develop a personalized exercise program tailored to your specific needs.

• Offer hands-on treatments like manual therapy or adjustments, which can help alleviate pain.

By addressing the underlying cause of your lower back pain with the help of a health professional, you’re much more likely to prevent the pain from recurring.

4. Consistency is Key

One of the most important factors in preventing lower back pain is consistency. Whether it’s committing to a regular exercise routine or attending follow-up appointments with your health practitioner, the key to reducing your lower back pain lies in long-term, consistent effort. Building strong, flexible, and well-supported muscles doesn’t happen overnight, but with regular practice, you’ll start seeing improvements in both your pain levels and overall function.

Lower back niggles don’t have to be a constant part of your life. While lower back injuries are common and tend to recur, there is solid evidence supporting the use of exercise as a preventative measure. By strengthening your core, improving your mobility, and seeking professional guidance, you can reduce your risk of lower back pain and regain control over your health. Take the time to assess your routine, get professional advice if needed, and stay consistent with your exercise program—you’ll be well on your way to a pain-free lower back.

Need help? leave us your details to receive a free call from one of our health professionals

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

How Grip Strength Can Correlate with Quality of Life

When we think about the benefits of lifting weights, improved muscle tone, better posture, and increased strength typically come to mind. However, one surprising benefit that often goes overlooked is how grip strength, a simple measure of how strong your hands are, can correlate with a longer and better quality of life.

The Surprising Link Between Grip Strength and Longevity

Grip Strength as a Health Indicator: Research has increasingly shown that grip strength is more than just a measure of how strong your hands are. It’s actually a powerful indicator of overall health and longevity. Studies have found that individuals with higher grip strength tend to have better overall muscle strength, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and independence as we age.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Stronger grip strength has also been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases. Conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and even some forms of cancer have been associated with weaker grip strength. This correlation might be due to the fact that individuals with stronger grip strength tend to be more physically active, which is known to reduce the risk of these diseases.

How Grip Strength Impacts Daily Life

• Maintaining Independence: As we age, maintaining the ability to perform daily tasks independently becomes increasingly important. Grip strength plays a crucial role in this. Whether it’s opening a jar, carrying groceries, or holding onto a railing for balance, strong hands make these tasks easier and reduce the risk of accidents and falls.

• Enhanced Physical Performance: Grip strength isn’t just about your hands; it’s a reflection of your overall strength. A stronger grip can enhance your performance in various physical activities, from lifting weights to playing sports. This improved physical performance contributes to better health and a more active lifestyle, which in turn, enhances your quality of life.

Building Grip Strength for Better Health

Incorporating Grip Strength Exercises: The good news is that improving your grip strength doesn’t require specialized equipment or a complex workout routine. Simple exercises like deadlifts, farmer’s walks, and even squeezing a stress ball can help build grip strength. Incorporating these exercises into your regular workout routine can yield significant benefits over time.

The Role of Strength Training: Grip strength is a part of overall muscle strength, and engaging in regular strength training is key to building and maintaining it. Lifting weights, particularly exercises that require you to hold onto a barbell or dumbbell, naturally improve grip strength while also strengthening other muscle groups.

The Long-Term Benefits of Strong Grip Strength

Improving Quality of Life: The correlation between grip strength and quality of life is clear. A stronger grip is linked to better overall health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and the ability to maintain independence as we age. By focusing on building and maintaining grip strength, you’re investing in a future with better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.

A Simple Measure with Big Impacts: It’s remarkable to think that something as simple as how strong your hands are can have such a profound impact on your life. Yet, the evidence is clear: grip strength is a strong predictor of health and longevity. By paying attention to this often-overlooked aspect of fitness, you can take proactive steps to ensure that you not only live longer but also enjoy a higher quality of life.

Grip strength may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about health and fitness, but it’s a critical component of both. By incorporating grip-strengthening exercises into your routine and understanding its importance, you can enhance your physical performance, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your overall quality of life. So, next time you’re in the gym, remember that working on your grip is not just about lifting weights – it’s about lifting your life.

Need help? leave us your details to receive a free call from one of our health professionals

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.

How to Deal with a Strained Adductor: A Guide to Management

Groin strains, or adductor strains, are common injuries that can be both frustrating and challenging to manage. These injuries often occur during activities that involve sprinting, sudden changes in direction, or heavy lifting, such as squats and deadlifts. Understanding how to effectively manage a strained adductor is essential to ensure a full recovery and to prevent re-injury.

1. Understanding Adductor Strains

Common Causes: Adductor strains typically occur during high-intensity activities that place a significant load on the muscles of the inner thigh. Running, particularly sprinting, and sudden changes of direction in sports are common culprits. Additionally, heavy resistance exercises like squats and deadlifts can also lead to groin strains, especially if the muscles are not adequately warmed up or if the load is too heavy.

Symptoms: An adductor strain is often characterized by sharp pain in the groin area, particularly during activities that involve moving the legs together or when trying to squeeze the legs inward. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the inner thigh are also common symptoms.

2. The Challenges of Rehabbing a Groin Strain

• High Risk of Re-Strain: One of the most significant challenges with groin strains is their tendency to recur. Research indicates that once a muscle has been strained, the risk of re-strain is significantly increased. This is why proper management and rehabilitation are crucial. Rushing back into activities before the muscle has fully healed can lead to chronic issues and prolonged recovery times.

• Importance of Early Management: The initial phase of managing an adductor strain involves reducing pain and inflammation. This usually includes rest, ice, and compression to control swelling and pain. Avoiding activities that aggravate the injury is essential during this phase.

3. Effective Management Strategies

Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is the cornerstone of managing an adductor strain. Working with a qualified physiotherapist or chiropractor is essential to develop a personalized rehab plan. This plan will typically involve:

1. Progressive Strengthening: Gradually strengthening the adductor muscles and the surrounding muscles of the hip and core to restore function and prevent future strains.

2. Flexibility Training: Stretching and mobility exercises to ensure that the muscles are flexible and can handle the demands of physical activity.

3. Sport-Specific Drills: Gradually reintroducing sport-specific movements to ensure that the muscles can handle the demands of the activity without re-injury.

   Return to Activity: One of the critical aspects of adductor strain management is knowing when and how to return to activity. Returning too soon can lead to re-injury, so it’s important to follow a graduated return-to-sport protocol. Your physiotherapist or chiropractor will guide you through this process, ensuring that your muscles are strong and flexible enough to handle the demands of your chosen activity.

4. Preventing Future Strains

   Proper Warm-Up: A proper warm-up is essential to reduce the risk of groin strains. This should include dynamic stretching and activities that mimic the movements of your sport or exercise routine. Ensuring that your muscles are adequately warmed up before intense activity can help prevent strains.

   Strength and Conditioning: Regular strength and conditioning exercises that target the adductors and the surrounding muscles can help build resilience and reduce the likelihood of future strains. Incorporating exercises that improve core stability and hip strength is also beneficial.

   Gradual Progression: Avoid sudden increases in the intensity or volume of your training. Gradual progression in both load and intensity is key to preventing overuse injuries like groin strains.
   

   Dealing with a strained adductor can be challenging, but with proper management and rehabilitation, you can make a full recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury. It’s important to take groin strains seriously and to work closely with a qualified physiotherapist or chiropractor to ensure that your rehabilitation plan is effective. By following a structured rehab program and incorporating preventative strategies, you can get back to your activities stronger and more resilient than before.

   
   Need help? leave us your details to receive a free call from one of our health professionals

How we can help…

1. Get to know you:
   Understand whether the problem is due to behaviour or trauma and relate the problem to a particular pattern in movement or in life.
   

2. Find the cause:
   Is the problem due to an injury that needs a diagnosis or is it something movement related that needs to be assessed and identified?
   

3. Make a plan:
   Agree on what the problem is, what the goals are, the way we’re going to achieve the goals and over an agreed timeframe.
   

4. Follow up:
   Check in with you along the way and have an open line of communication to ensure you’re on te right track.