Do you understand the “core”?

The “core” is scientifically called the lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC). It’s everything our head, arms and legs attach too, the torso or trunk of the body. Most often its acts as a stabiliser and force transfer, yet people focus on training it in isolation as a prime mover, with exercises like sit-ups, crunches, and planks. If …

Pain, what’s​ really going on?

Pain is tricky; it can be a valuable and potentially life-saving protection mechanism. You only have to touch something unexpectedly hot to appreciate that the resulting OUCH was helpful because it made you pull your hand away and prevent possible further injury. But what exactly is pain? 

Core stability, demystifying the myths.

Almost every day, I hear someone talking about their core, usually stating that they need to strengthen it, or that having a strong one [core] will cure their back pain… mmm [sigh]. Here’s a recent example; a new patient lets call him mister B was telling me that a trainer had told them they needed …

Calming the monkey mind

Mindfulness and meditation are everywhere; it’s being offered as a cure-all for everything from IBS and low-self esteem to help pain management and depression. There is good science to confirm the benefits, and growing research shows that when people train to be more mindful, they are rewiring the physical structure of their brain, but what …

Movement matters,  5 exercise hacks for standing and balance

Proper alignment can help your body move in a way that’s efficient and intelligent, it can reduce the risk of injury and prevent wear and tear on joints. Standing well has other benefits too, our respiratory and digestive systems are more efficient when the body is aligned, and we can appear more confident.  This simple …

Movement matters: exercise hacks for low back health

As an osteopath and Pilates teacher movement is always the first and most important goal I consider in my treatment plan. We need to get blood and other body fluids moving to naturally lengthen, contract and relax muscles. With the simple aim to create strong, flexible bodies and building resilience for everyday activities.Supporting people to …

Delayed onset muscle soreness, explained. 

Delayed-onset muscle soreness or DOMS  is exercise-related muscle pain, which often peaks a day or two after the event. It is known as muscle fever, a beautiful exotic explanation to describe the distinctive muscle pain and soreness that nearly everyone experiences after intense or unfamiliar exercise.  Muscle fever is a meaningful term because DOMS makes …