Often overlooked is the positive impact weight loss can have on physical rehabilitation and recovery. It’s tough enough coming back from injury without having to deal with weight issues. In particular, the success rate for back and knee rehab increases as you keep the excess weight off.

A workout is a workout, right? Well, actually, it isn’t that simple. You work out to keep yourself fit, build up strength and endurance for a healthier and more enjoyable life. So here are some things you need to optimise your workout every time.

Many people who perform desk-bound jobs complain they do not have time to exercise or they simply get absorbed in their work and forget to have a break. Many suffer from being overweight and its attendant problems. The fact is you don’t have to take your office job sitting down. Wonderful opportunities present themselves to help you break the monotony and feel better…

“Abs” actually means two thin bands of muscle running straight down your abdomen, from the end of your rib cage to the upper edge of your pelvic bone. Also called the rectus abdominis, each muscle is divided into segments by tendons running right across them. When the muscle in between the tendons is built up, you get the classic six-pack look.

The type of injuries depend on the type of mountain biking you do, with downhill biking having a higher incidence of injury than biking on flat terrain. Injuries may be acute and traumatic or those resulting from overuse. However, like in any other sport, many of these injuries are preventable. For example, fractures and/or concussions can occur as a result of a fall, but wearing a helmet and protective gear can prevent or reduce the impact of these injuries…

Most joint manipulations are most commonly performed on the intervertebral joints of the spine and consist of thrust and rotation methods of manipulation. The patient has no control over these movements, instead you are asked to relax the area and not resist the movement the physiotherapist performs. Manipulating a joint often brings about immediate relief of stiffness…

Martial arts in its different forms carry with it the risk of injury, ranging from mild to severe. Seasoned martial arts performers stand a higher chance of sustaining a more serious injury due to the competitive nature of the sport. Amateurs are more likely to suffer contusions, sprains and strains. Before beginning martial arts or any type of sport, it is wise to consult with your health professional to see if you can withstand rigorous training. Some major martial arts injuries are…

Interferential therapy is a type of TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) which has two alternating currents that are applied to the skin. Interferential machines are set a medium frequency current with controls on the machine to adjust the strength of the current and the type of nerve stimulation required. Either two or four pads are applied…

Some of the most serious cycling injuries involve trauma to the back. Particularly on a long ride, a cyclist may be hunched over the handlebars for long periods of time. Add this to a sudden bump in the road and the entire back region experiences a jolt…

Your spine is made up of three main regions: the cervical spine, also referred to as the neck; the thoracic spine or “mid-back” and the lumbar spine or “lower back”, which bears a great deal of the body’s weight and is vulnerable to strain or injury. You can protect your spine and keep it healthy by paying attention to the following…