At this time of year I see a lot of people with new injuries. When I ask them what they think caused it, they give me a sheepish kind of look, like they know they did something wrong. They then proceed to give me a list of “reasons” as to why they were a bit slack about exercising during winter but now that summer is approaching, they really need to get in shape fast, so they’re trying to fit 6 months of training into 3.

I think the most common times …

Heya, I was recently asked to write an article for the Michelle Bridges 12WBT website. They asked me to write a piece responding to concerns from some of their members about being pushed too hard by personal trainers. The article is about learning when to tell if the pain you are feeling is a sign that you’ve hurt yourself, or if it’s just that deep burn you get from a good workout? Want the answers – Click here…

A new study has shown for the first time what happens at a genetic level when we exercise. The findings add a whole new level of support to the idea that regular exercise helps people lose weight. We know that exercising requires your body to burn fats, carbohydrates or protein to obtain fuel, but this study shows there is a lot more going on than just that.
The study followed a group of “slightly overweight” people in their mid 30s who did not have a history of regular exercise. They were …

A new study has looked at which is more effective for people with chronic lower back pain – specific strengthening exercises or walking. A lot of people make a lot of noise about core strengthening programs and I absolutely believe they play a role in supporting the lower back, but they need to be part of a general program which includes overall strength and fitness. And this study supported that; they found that “A six-week walk training programme was as effective as six weeks of specific strengthening exercises programme for …

New research has suggested that if you have a torn meniscus you might not need surgery after all. The study compared the progress of half a million people who either had an operation or had rehab. They found the surgery led to a quicker improvement, but that over time the results with rehab were great – 70% of people who did their exercises did not end up needing surgery.
A couple of quotes from the article:
1. The researchers found that physical therapy cost far less and carried far fewer risks from …

I get asked about those shoes that look like gloves all the time. People bring me copies of those books about the mountain men of Chile running barefoot and get all philosophical about how our ancestors ancestors ran barefoot and it’s more natural and better for us and for the environment. I look outside at all the concrete and wonder if they’ve considered how hard the environment has become lately.

I’ve never personally been a fan of the “barefoot” running idea. I see a lot of people with a lot …

Hey guys, just read an interesting article about a study which compared the health benefits of running and brisk walking. Now, if you’re training for a fun run or a triathlon this probably won’t apply to you, but for the average person just trying to improve their health this is worth a read. Some of the key stats:

Running reduced the risk of heart disease by 4.5% while walking reduced it by 9.3%.
Calorie for calorie, walking also had a stronger impact on heart disease risk factors. The risk of first-time high …

Pictured is Joycey, my grandmother, who came to visit me in Singapore. She could only stay 36 hours as she was on her way to Budapest to get on a cruise that went through Austria, Germany, The Netherlands etc. As you do. She is enjoying a Singapore Sling (the first of many that day I’d like to point out) at the famous Raffles Long Bar.
Working as an Osteopath in Singapore was very different to working in Sydney. In Sydney the average person at least knows what an Osteopath is for …

Hi! Thanks for being patient with me, I know from the calls, emails, and the waiting list that there are a few of you out there hoping I’ll be starting back soon and I have good news – I spoke to someone at the registration board yesterday and my return to work is imminent! I will be going back to Bondi Junction to my old clinic, I have that funky picture of the castle already hung, and a fresh batch of pool noodles to hand out for rolling on.
Just to …

In a recent article I read on theconversation.edu.au, it was reported that “In 2010, the promotion of the Nurofen range of products “targeting” migraine, back pain, tension headache and period pain was awarded a CHOICE shonky award.”
The take home message of their review was that the different flavours of Nurofen claim to ‘target’ specific sites all contain the exact same active ingredient (Ibuprofen) in the exact same dosage. And there has been no research to prove that Ibuprofen specifically acts at one point rather than another.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in …