Physiotherapy and Health Articles

We were recently asked onto Channel 7’s Sunrise program to discuss whole-body vibration plates, which are back in fashion after a previous boom in the 2000s.

If you believe the hype, vibration plates are something of a panacea. They’re said to provide a shortcut to fat loss, better circulation, enhanced digestion, lymphatic detoxification, and much more.

The research base is more substantial than it was a decade or two ago, but the picture it paints is cautious and far more nuanced than the marketing suggests. Here’s what the evidence actually shows.

Squats and deadlifts are two fundamental strength-training exercises that target multiple muscle groups, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, and core. These movements are highly effective for building lower body strength, improving mobility, and enhancing overall athletic performance. However, improper technique and load can lead to injuries, particularly in the knees, lower back, and hips. Fortunately, the risk of injury associated with weightlifting is comparable to – or lower than – many other sports and hobbies.

Ageing is inevitable, but staying active can slow the decline of physical function and significantly improve your quality of life. Research consistently highlights the benefits of physical activity for older adults, showing it reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves mental health, and, importantly, prevents falls—a leading cause of injury and loss of independence in older Australians.

We often hear that regular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle. But can the type of physical activity we choose have a direct effect on our lifespan? A fascinating study of over 80,000 British adults sheds light on how specific sports and exercise types are linked to reduced mortality, particularly from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The findings suggest that not all activities are created equal—some sports may significantly prolong life more than others.

Starting a running routine can be an exhilarating journey toward improved fitness, better mental health, and even new social connections. But for many novice runners, the path isn’t without hurdles. One of the most common challenges new runners face is injury. Whether it’s the discomfort of a sore knee, the sharp pain of shin splints, or the relentless ache of Achilles tendinopathy, injuries can derail progress and leave runners frustrated on the sidelines.

Tendon Neuroplastic Training (TNT) introduces the concept of pacing through rhythmic external stimuli, like metronomes, to optimise recovery. But why is this seemingly simple addition so effective?

The answer lies in how our brain coordinates movement. When we experience tendon pain, such as in Achilles tendinopathy, our motor control—the brain’s ability to efficiently guide muscles—becomes disrupted. This not only leads to pain but can also impact our ability to perform everyday movements. TNT addresses these motor control issues by helping to “retrain” the brain using external pacing.

Parkour, the sport of moving fluidly through urban landscapes, is as physically demanding as it is thrilling. But for many athletes, this fast-paced, energy-intensive discipline can take a toll on the body, particularly the knees. The explosive jumps, precision landings, and rapid changes in direction can lead to a frustrating injury known as patella tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee.

This article explores how you can prevent and manage this common overuse injury with smart physiotherapy practices, proper load management, and effective warm-ups. After all, keeping your body strong and healthy is key to mastering parkour and pushing your limits.

The diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can be overwhelming. It can make you question how your pelvic floor will function, child-bearing plans, continence and the impact on physical activity and sex. This article aims to explain the pelvic floor, its function, what prolapse is and what treatment options are available.

Constipation can oftentimes be difficult to discuss, even with a health professional. It is a defecation disorder that can significantly impact daily life and should not be neglected. Normal bowel movements occur up to 3 times per day or 1 to every 3 days. If your bowel movements occur less than twice per week, continue reading.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition defined by generalised, chronic musculoskeletal pain for more than three months duration. It is present in four or more different areas of the body (widespread pain) with hyperalgesia (heightened sensation) and psychosomatic symptoms such as fatigue, non-restorative sleep, anxiety/depression, cognitive deficits, headaches, and digestive disturbances. Fibromyalgia primarily affects women between the ages of 20 to 50 years old. It is estimated that 3-6% of Australians suffer with fibromyalgia, as many as one million people.

What is Osteoporosis?

Derived from the Greek terms “osteo” (meaning bone) and “poro” (meaning porous), osteoporosis is a disease which occurs when bone becomes weak and brittle as a result of bone density loss. Bone density is an important factor when it comes to bone health and strength, and when this is significantly reduced it places the bone at risk of being fractured with relatively little force. For example, vertebrae affected by osteoporosis lack the capacity to withstand normal strain or forces of everyday tasks such as bending forward or lifting a window. These tasks are known to be a common mechanism of causing a vertebral fracture of osteoporotic bone.

Stretching is a great way for our bodies to keep moving and prevent stiffness in joints and muscles. Stretching can increase our range of motion (ROM), maintain our activities of daily living and preserve muscle length for sports/activities. Stretching has been debated in regards to its efficacy and who it is most appropriate for. This article aims to discuss the idea of dynamic stretching vs static stretching for warm-ups before sport or exercise.

There are 4 different types of stretching including; dynamic, static, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and ballistic.

It has become common knowledge that in this 21st century our society is battling rising rates of obesity. Over the years there have been huge amounts of research that links higher obesity rates with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and… the list is endless. 

However it is less commonly known that being overweight and carrying even a little bit more weight than we should can be linked to experiencing pain.

One in every 200 people suffers from lymphoedema. Given that lymphoedema is such a common side effect of cancer treatment and several other conditions, why is it that most health care professionals don’t know anything about it?

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Cities are full of studios dedicated to it, most gyms have several classes and new Mums take their bubs along to baby friendly sessions. Pilates is a health trend that has stayed the course and it certainly doesn’t look like it is going away anytime soon. So, what exactly is Pilates and why does everyone rave about it?

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Summer in Australia means sun, sand, holidays, family and Christmas. On the sporting front, it means dropping the Steedens and Sherrins and trading them in for those shiny red Kookaburra cricket balls. Since we’re in the middle of the cricket season, we thought it was time to take a look at the sport through the eyes of a physiotherapist.

Do you have a problem with leg cramps during the night?

Do these cramps cause pain, and disturb your sleep?

If this sounds familiar you are not alone. Up to 33% of the general population over the age of 50 experience nocturnal leg cramps. Read more

With over 200 types of headaches and migraines now classified, research has shown that different headache and migraine conditions may share a common disorder, i.e., they are not separate conditions.

So, if we can effectively learn to treat headaches by influencing that common thread that defines them, that means we may be able to have an effect across the entire range of headaches that exist.

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Australian rules football, rugby union, rugby league, netball, soccer, and skiing are all sports synonymous with winter time in Australia. What you may not know is that these sports are also the most frequently associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures within Australia (Janssen et al, 2011).

What is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?

The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee responsible for stabilising the joint. The anterior cruciate is arguably the most important of these ligaments and, if injured, is certainly the hardest to recover from. An ACL rupture (complete tear) is one of the most-feared athletic injuries, as it generally requires surgery and a 7-9 month recovery period.

Prevalence of ACL injuries in Australia

A recent study conducted by Zbrojkiewicz, Vertullo, and Grayson (2018) looked at the rates of ACL reconstruction for young Australians between 2000-2015. As the winter sports season has just kicked off, it is important to be aware of their findings and how they may impact you.

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What is “Dry Needling”?

Is it acupuncture? How are they different?

Do I want to try it?

Pilates Origins

Pilates developed the exercises with the goal to avoid strain or pain through attention to detail and precision. Flow of movement is sustained as well as using full range of motion to encourage lengthening out of your body as you work it. Read more