SMARTPHYSIO Blog

World Health Day is a reminder that lasting health comes from consistent movement, prevention and sustainable habits. Learn how physiotherapy supports long-term wellbeing.

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

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

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

As a Chartered Physiotherapist, I have spent may years watching my patients as they age. Some age well and some could age better. The key difference between those that age well and those that don't seems to be related to exercise diet, sleep as well as positive thinking. Frailty is on the rise and we are continuously looking at ways to stave off the inevitable. The current research suggests that a combination of strength exercises and dietary protein is the most effective and

Most people will experience tightness in their back it at some point in their lives. Four experts reveal the causes and how to relieve pain The Times Thursday February 23 2023, 12.01am, The Times Fitness and Wellbeing Health Sammy Margo, physiotherapist Lower back tension is often accompanied by pain, aching, spasms, stiffness and cramping. There are several simple stretches and exercises you can do to improve flexibility and strength, and hence reduce tension in your back

If you are looking to live a long, healthy life, bringing weight lifting into your workout may be best according to new research. You...

At the age of 78 he is incredible. He dances around the stage full of energy and life So how does he do it? I don’t know the answer to...

Thursday February 24 2022, 12.01am, The Times How to reduce muscle soreness after exercise: advice from the experts Prepare properly for exercise to reduce post-workout muscle soreness Warm up properly If you’re getting sore after training, make sure you’ve warmed up properly and that your exercise is appropriate for your fitness level. Especially when weights are involved, there’s a temptation to go too heavy and too fast, and that’s a recipe for very unhappy muscles! Step

POSTED BY ALICE BARRACLOUGH FOR WORKOUTS SERIES Strong Women From preventing back and knee pain, to improving your balance and...

Saturday January 30 2021, 12.01am, The Times written by Peta Bee Long days at laptops have taken a physical toll. Here are the best...

Carer training is the provision of specific skills training for those who care for your loved one. Care companies and family members often need a bit of extra training to be able to confidently help with transfers or handling, safely use equipment, and many other aspects of your parent's care We can offer specific training sessions, and produce instructions on specific skills. What is the point of carer trained? There are many reasons to train your parent's carer Ensures all

It's icy out there so please take care! I see so many slips and trips, so here are my tips to minimise the possibility of slipping over....

People exercise for an average of eight minutes less per session in winter than in summer, research has found. But now could be the best...

The term 'dementia' is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions. Dementia...

Because every stroke is different, there is no set pattern for recovering from one. The quickest recovery takes place in the days and...

BACK pain is a common complaint from the British public, particularly now people have been asked to work at home to help prevent further spread of coronavirus. So Dr Dawn Harper and physiotherapist Sammy Margo have shared their expertise which includes five exercises to relieve the ache. What are they? Back pain is an uncomfortable reality of modern life. Whether it's from bad posture or for sitting down for hours at a time, how can you relieve the pain? Dr Dawn Harper and ph

Are smartphones a pain in the neck? According to new research carried out by a US doctor, they are far worse – “text neck” is becoming...

A simple set of exercises designed especially for older people to help everyone stay active at home Expert physiotherapists have designed a set of six simple exercises that you can do from your own home to make sure that you are getting some exercise. Strengthening your muscles will improve your mood, help your sleeping patterns, bring benefits for your overall health and wellbeing and importantly prevent deconditioning. Getting started is easy, try out the strength and balan

Physiotherapy plays an essential part in promoting and maintaining mobility for people in care homes as well as in their own homes. Losing the ability to move freely and experience independence is a huge fear for a lot of people. As we age, these possibilities become a little closer to reality, and it can be difficult to know what you can do to keep your independence as time goes on. There are a number of ways to increase mobility as well as ways to ensure that you don’t lose