SMARTPHYSIO Blog

During Sleep Awareness Week, I find myself reflecting on what might be the most undervalued component of recovery I see in my physiotherapy practice: quality sleep. After years of working with patients managing pain and recovering from injuries, I've observed a clear pattern. Those who prioritise sleep tend to make more consistent progress in their rehabilitation. It's not just anecdotal – the research strongly supports this connection. As a physiotherapist, I often focus on

As a physiotherapist who has worked with women of all ages and backgrounds, International Women's Day feels like an important moment to reflect on the unique health journeys of my female patients. Throughout my clinical practice, I've witnessed remarkable resilience. The postpartum mother rebuilding core strength after delivery. The athlete returning from an ACL tear with unwavering determination. The grandmother committed to maintaining independence despite arthritis. Each w

Having collaborated on thousands of articles across various publications, from The Times to The Sun, I've learned that tone isn't just...

Are you struggling with shoulder pain? Check out our fabulous video filmed by Kitty and Zoe at the practice with some tips and tricks to help you alleviate your shoulder/thoracic pain Do of course make sure that you consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you experience severe pain, swelling, or limited range of motion. And stop k any activity that increases pain and seek medical attention if pain is severe or persistent. 1. Rest

Many of you will be making a New Year’s resolution to improve your posture. There is a long-standing belief that a straight back with a strong core minimise the likelihood of developing joint pain.That is only part of the picture and it's a very mechanistic view. It can definitely help but is not the only thing to consider. Several studies have shown that there’s no such thing as a good or bad posture. As we move into 2025 it’s really important to not only look at the physica

As the New Year approaches, many of us are contemplating our resolutions. Whether it's drinking more water, eating better, or focusing on overall well-being, our health is often at the forefront. As a Physiotherapist, I believe it's essential to emphasise the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, especially for those over 50. Why Exercise After 50? Staying active as we age is critical not only for prolonging our physical health but also for helping our emotional and

We have recently seen a large increase in Parkinson's Disease and I have to question as to why the is on the increase. The increase in Parkinson's disease cases can be attributed to a combination of factors, reflecting both genuine rises in incidence and improvements in our ability to diagnose and report the condition. Here are some key reasons behind the observed increase: 1. Aging Population : Parkinson's disease is primarily a condition that affects older adults, usually d

Front or back? Working out in the mirror is helpful for form and it’s important not to forget the back bits also know as the posterior chain. Training the posterior chain—the muscles along the back of the body including the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings—is crucial for overall strength and functional fitness, especially in the context of activities of daily living. With sedentary lifestyles and sitting all day in a ‘c’ shapes position it’s important to strengthen the back

What can you do to help it? Delighted to have a visit from Kush Joshi at Sammy Margo MSc MCSP MMACP HCPC AACP to discuss the conservative...

Chair-based classes offer several benefits for residents. Here are some of the key advantages: 1. Physical Health: Chair-based exercises promote physical well-being by improving circulation, flexibility, and strength. These exercises are designed to be gentle on joints and muscles, making them suitable for people with mobility limitations. 2. Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging in chair-based activities can help stimulate cognitive functions. These exercises often incorporate m

Patients always ask this question and it's important to go back to the basics of timeframes for healing. This is one of the first and most important principals of patient care You can't speed up nature, you can optimise the conditions for healing. There are three main phases of tissue healing after injury: 1. Inflammatory Phase: This phase begins immediately after the injury and can last up to several days. The purpose of this phase is to protect the injured area from furthe