The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
Menopause is more than hot flushes. As estrogen levels fall, many women notice new aches and pains, sore tendons, stiff shoulders, and a drop in muscle and bone strength
Why Building and Maintaining Muscle Mass from Your 30s Onward Is Essential
As a women’s health physiotherapist, one of the most important messages I can share is this: your muscle mass is your long-term health investment. From your 30s onward, and particularly during the menopause transition, preserving and building muscle becomes critical—not just for strength, but for your overall wellbeing.
The Unsung Roles of Muscle Through Menopause—It’s Not Just About Strength
We often think of muscle in terms of strength and movement—but it plays so many more behind-the-scenes roles, especially as we transition through menopause. As a physiotherapist, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding these hidden benefits of muscle can completely transform how women approach their health.
Training for Strong Bones in later life
Strong Bones, Strong Body: Why Exercise Is Essential for Bone Health
Bone Mineral Density – why is it so important?
Bone health often goes unnoticed—until there’s a problem. As we age, our bones naturally lose density, making them more fragile and increasing the risk of fractures
Vaginal Pessaries: A Conservative Option for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects millions of women worldwide, often impacting daily comfort, bladder or bowel control, and quality of life
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What You Need to Know & How Physiotherapy Can Help
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects up to 50% of women who have given birth vaginally, though not all experience symptoms.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What You Need to Know & How Physiotherapy Can Help
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects up to 50% of women who have given birth vaginally, though not all experience symptoms.
Shoulder Pain from the Gym: What Are You Doing Wrong?
Why gym workouts can hurt your shoulder — and how to fix it
The Truth About “Sciatica”
Why leg pain isn’t always from your leg — and how to treat it
Cracking Knees: Harmless or a Warning Sign?
Why your knees make noise — and when to worry about it
Patellofemoral Pain: The Mystery Behind “Runner’s Knee”
Why your kneecap hurts — and what to do about it
When Wrist Pain Is More Than Just a Sprain
What’s causing your wrist pain — and how to treat it properly
How to Prevent Hamstring Strains
Why your hamstring keeps pulling — and how to stop it happening again
Osgood-Schlatter in Active Kids: A Growing Pain
Why your child’s knee hurts — and what you can do to help
Headaches from the Neck? Yes, It’s a Thing
When your sore neck is the real cause of your pounding head
ACL Tears: From Injury to Comeback
How a knee injury can change everything — and how to recover strong
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis: Stepping into Trouble
Why that first step in the morning hurts — and what you can do about it
Core Strength and Back Support: What’s the Link?
Why training your middle helps protect your back
Shin Splints: What’s Causing That Ache?
Why your shins hurt after running — and how to stop it
Frozen Shoulder: A Pain That Won’t Let Go
Why your shoulder becomes stiff and sore — and what helps it thaw
Back Pain: Why It Happens and How to Beat It
It’s the world’s number one cause of disability — but there’s hope
Tennis Elbow Without Playing Tennis
Why your elbow hurts — even if you’ve never picked up a racquet
Knee Pain from Running: What You Need
Why runners often feel it in the knees — and how to stay pain-free
The Real Story Behind “Tech Neck”
Why screens are hurting your neck — and what to do instead
Bouncing Back from a Sprained Ankle
Why one wrong step can lead to weeks of pain — and what you can do about it
Bladder Urgency and Overactive Bladder: Understanding and Physiotherapy Manageme
Bladder urgency and overactive bladder (OAB) are common conditions that significantly impact quality of life. Bladder urgency refers to a sudden and overwhelming need to urinate, which may or may not lead to incontinence.
An Introduction to Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Pelvic Physiotherapist's Perspective
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a condition where one or more of the pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum—descend into or beyond the vaginal canal due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues.
Stress Urinary Incontinence and the Role of Physiotherapy
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical exercise
Introduction and Overview of Female Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary leakage of urine, a condition that affects millions of women worldwide and significantly impacts quality of life
Effects of Perimenopause on Muscle Mass
Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading to menopause, is characterized by significant hormonal changes, particularly a decline in oestrogen levels. These hormonal shifts have widespread effects on various body systems, including skeletal muscle
Bone Health Impacts and Maintaining Bone Mass During Menopause
Menopause significantly impacts bone health, primarily due to the rapid decline in oestrogen levels. Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining bone density by regulating the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue
Why Does My Knee Give Way? Understanding Instability
Experiencing sudden knee instability, or the sensation of the knee “giving way,” can be concerning. This problem can result from underlying structural issues, muscle weakness, or nerve-related problems. Identifying the cause is key to preventing further injury.
Achilles Rupture: Surgery vs Bracing – Which is the Best Option?
An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury that affects the ability to walk, run, or push off the foot properly. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and when it tears, it can cause sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Importance of Lower Limb Strength for Running
Running is a high-impact activity that places significant demands on the lower body. While cardiovascular fitness is essential, lower limb strength is just as important for performance and injury prevention. Strengthening key muscles can improve efficiency, stability, and resilience against common running injuries.
The Effect of Weight Loss on Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common complaint, especially among people carrying extra weight. Research shows that losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce knee pain, improve function, and slow the progression of joint issues like osteoarthritis.
Low Back Disc Degeneration: The Latest Science
Low back disc degeneration is a common condition that occurs as part of the ageing process. It affects the intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers between the bones of the spine. While many people associate disc degeneration with pain, the latest research suggests that it doesn’t always cause symptoms, and conservative treatment is often effective.
Low Back Pain: Causes Beyond the Lower Back
Many people assume all low back pain is caused by issues within the lower spine itself. However, pain in this area can also be referred from other parts of the body. Identifying the true cause is essential for effective treatment.
Managing Headaches from the Neck
Many people experience headaches that actually originate from the neck, these are known as cervicogenic headaches. They are caused by stiffness or dysfunction in the neck joints and muscles. However unlike migraines or tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches are often linked to posture, muscle imbalances, or previous neck injuries.
Ankle Sprains: Physiotherapy vs Surgery – Which is Best?
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, occurring when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn due to a sudden twist, roll, or awkward landing. While many sprains heal with physiotherapy, some severe cases may require surgery. Understanding the best treatment approach can help ensure a full recovery.
Falls Prevention in the Elderly: How Physiotherapy Can Help
As we age, our risk of falling increases, often leading to serious injuries such as fractures or head trauma. Falls can have a major impact on independence and quality of life, sometimes resulting in long hospital stays or a loss of confidence in daily activities
Nutritional Considerations During Menopause
Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life marked by the cessation of menstruation, is accompanied by hormonal changes that significantly impact overall health.
Introduction to Perimenopause
Perimenopause, often referred to as the "menopausal transition," is the phase preceding menopause marked by hormonal fluctuations that signify the gradual decline of ovarian function.
What is Marfan’s Syndrome?
Marfan’s Syndrome Michael Phelps, the famous Olympic swimmer, is often noted as someone who shares some physical traits of Marfan's. While these physical traits can aid in certain sports, Marfan’s can lead to serious health complications, particularly affecting the heart, eyes, and skeletal system.
MRI vs. X-ray vs. Ultrasound: Advantages and Disadvantages
Medical imaging is a valuable tool for diagnosing injuries and conditions, each modality offering unique advantages and disadvantages. X-rays and CT scans are commonly used for bone injuries like fractures because they provide clear images of bone structure.
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS, is the muscle pain and stiffness that peaks a day or two after intense or unfamiliar physical activity.
Interesting Facts About Tendon Pain and How to Manage It
Tendons are tough, fibrous bands connecting muscles to bones, playing a vital role in movement by transferring force. Tendon pain, often called tendinopathy, usually results from overuse or repetitive motion, common in activities like running, tennis, or typing.
ACSM Guidelines for Exercising for Health
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provides evidence-based guidelines for physical activity aimed at improving health and preventing chronic diseases. For general health, ACSM recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.
Managing an Achilles Tendon Rupture
The Achilles tendon, the thick band connecting your calf muscles to your heel, is one of the strongest tendons in the body. However, it’s also prone to injury, especially in older people (often males) athletes or anyone involved in high-impact activities like running or jumping.
