Pre-season: Recharge. Reset. Rebuild
As the year winds down, so should your training intensity. December isn’t just a time for holidays- it’s a crucial window for recovery in order to start the new year with a bang. Before you dive into heavy pre-season training, your body needs time to repair, rebalance and restore movement quality. Rest isn’t laziness- it’s […]
Shin splints: The sneaky overuse injury you shouldn’t ignore
There’s nothing worse than finding your stride, only to be stopped in your tracks by a stubborn ache in your lower legs. Shin splints might start as a dull throb- but left unchecked they can turn into a full-blown setback that makes every step feel like punishment. As physios, we often see shin splints in […]
Is your body waving a red flag? How to detect overuse injuries
Have you ever had a small ache that started during a run or workout? At first you can ignore it like a whisper but then it starts nagging louder, until that whisper turns into a loud shout- and you have got yourself an overuse injury. Unlike a sudden twist or fall, these sneaky injuries happen […]
When to rest, and when to move after an injury
“Just rest.” How many times have you heard this advice after an injury, flare-up, or when struggling with body aches and niggles? And while rest can definitely be helpful, it’s not always the magic fix it’s made out to be. We believe in listening to your body, not stopping movement completely. What is the problem […]
Strapping Up: How Taping can Boost Your Body’s Proprioception in Sport
We have all seen sports matches or competitions with athletes strapped up over a variety of joints. Many people think this is to provide support following an injury, but there is another important aspect to consider which is proprioception. Proprioception is your body’s ability to know where it is in space. For example, you don’t […]
Too flexible for your own good? How hypermobility can lead to injury.
If you’ve ever impressed your friends by twisting your thumb back to your forearm or going into a split without warming up first, you might have hypermobility. It’s the party trick that gets gasps and maybe even a little envy from those who can’t touch their toes. But behind the “wow” factor, hypermobility can sometimes […]
When Pain Doesn’t Go Away: Understanding Chronic Pain
Believe it or not, pain is a good thing. It is the body’s way of protecting itself- but what happens when that pain is persistent and just won’t go away? If you have been dealing with pain for months (or even years) you are living with chronic pain. As physiotherapists, we often hear things like […]
ITB Syndrome: What Actually Helps…
What is iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome? The iliotibial band is a thick band of fascia (like a strong rubber band) running on the outside of your thigh. It starts at your hip where it connects to muscles at the front (hip flexors) and the back (glute) of the hip and travels all the way down […]
Part 2: Game, Set, Match – Tips for Playing Padel and Staying Injury-Free
Padel is all fun and games- until your elbow, shoulder or ankle decides otherwise. One moment you are delivering the perfect smash, and the next you are wincing in pain and wondering if your physio is free this week. Ever felt your elbow after a killer backhand, or landed awkwardly chasing a drop shot? You […]
Game, Set, Match: Why Padel Is a Great Workout
What is Padel and why is it so popular? Padel has taken the world (and South-Africa) by storm! Even though the sport has been around since the 1970’s, it’s really gained popularity in the last few years. Unlike traditional racket sports, padel’s technique and rules are easier to pick up, meaning everyone from pro-athletes to […]