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In this ever-changing world we live in, running remains a timeless pursuit enjoyed by people of all ages and sizes. One of the great things about running is how easy it is to get started- All you need is a good pair of shoes, and you are all set to go!! In recent post pandemic years, running has not just become a hobby but a lifestyle with run clubs becoming the new place to meet eligible singles! With the growth of the rub club phenomenon here are some tips to ensure you stay injury free! Pace yourself The number one mistake made by beginner runners is going out too fast and blowing up! While running with others can make the experience more enjoyable make sure you don’t allow them to dictate a pace that is too fast for you. A good rule of thumb is to run at a pace that you can comfortably hold a conversation for. Of course, there will be days that you are doing speed workouts that you will need to increase the pace but for easy runs use the talk test- if you can’t talk comfortably – slow down! Good running shoes Investing in a good pair of shoes that provide the right support and fit for your feet is very important. One thing to consider is how the shoe feels. Some shoes have a lot of cushioning which makes the shoe feel squishy like Brooks Ghost. Others such as Adidas Adizero SL are lighter and built for speed which will mean your feet make firmer contact with the ground. Secondly, where do you plan on running? If you plan on running on the roads or the treadmill, Saucony Tempus and Hoka are good options. Saucony tempus also helps with overpronation. If you are going to be running on uneven surfaces or mountainous terrain it would be best to invest in trail shoes such as Solomon which provide good traction and grip. Make sure to discuss this with your physio or the shop assistant before settling on a pair.  Listen to your body and avoid too much too soon! Pay attention to your body as you start your running journey. If you feel discomfort or pain stop and get it checked out- your body isn’t used to this type of loading. To increase your mileage a good rule is to increase your weekly distance by no more than 10% each week. This will help avoid overuse injuries such as shin splints and tendonitis. To further help prevent injury, keep your core and legs strong through strength and conditioning training. With beginner runners 1-2 days of strength work is recommended. Some easy exercises to include are: Glute Bridges                  2. Squats  Fuel appropriately! Eating the correct food pre and post runs will enhance performance and help speed up recovery. An ideal pre run meal approximately 90 mins before your run is high in carbohydrates to provide readily available energy. Examples include nuts, bananas and whole wheat bread. Carbohydrates are also important post run, as your muscles need to replace what they have burned during the run. Post meals should also include protein to support muscle repair and recovery in order to get our body ready for its next run! Warm up and cool down correctly  Warming up is essential to prevent muscle injuries and will also optimise performance. Dynamic stretches that involve movement such as leg circles and high knees are advised to increase blood flow in the legs.  Incorporate drills such as a-skips and bounding to mimic running to activate key muscle groups like hamstrings and glutes. Slowing down is just as important and will allow your body to get back down to a resting state. Slowing down gradually at the end of your runs will allow your heart rate to come down slowly and reduce muscle soreness. Include some light stretching and foam rolling at the end to promote recovery. Remember – listen to your body and enjoy the process! Appreciate the joy of the simple movement of running – its magic! If you feel any niggles or ache, or if you’re unsure of anything, please don’t hesitate to ask us or book in for a check up here

In a world where footwear is often synonymous with fashion statements or performance gear, there's a quietly growing movement that's stepping back to basics – quite literally. Enter the realm of barefoot shoes, a trend that's not just about fashion, but a philosophy of natural movement and connection with the earth. The Essence of Barefoot Shoes Barefoot shoes, as the name suggests, aim to replicate the experience of walking barefoot while providing protection from the elements. Unlike traditional shoes, which often feature elevated heels, arch support, and rigid soles, barefoot shoes are minimalist in design. They typically have thin, flexible soles that allow for maximum sensory feedback and natural foot movement. History and Evolution The concept of barefoot walking or running isn't new. For millennia, humans traversed various terrains without the cushioning and support of modern footwear. However, the resurgence of barefoot shoes in contemporary culture can be traced back to the work of researchers like Daniel Lieberman, who highlighted the biomechanical advantages of barefoot running. Inspired by these findings, companies began designing shoes that mimicked the barefoot experience. Brands like Vibram with their FiveFingers line and Merrell with their minimalist designs were among the pioneers in this movement. Since then, the market for barefoot shoes has expanded, with numerous brands offering their take on the concept. Benefits Beyond Fashion While barefoot shoes certainly make a statement with their unconventional appearance, their appeal goes far beyond aesthetics. Advocates of barefoot shoes cite several benefits: Improved Biomechanics: By allowing the foot to move naturally and engage muscles that are often neglected in traditional footwear, barefoot shoes can promote better posture and alignment. Enhanced Sensory Perception: The thin, flexible soles of barefoot shoes enable wearers to feel the ground beneath them, fostering a greater awareness of their surroundings and promoting balance and proprioception. Injury Prevention: Some believe that the natural movement encouraged by barefoot shoes can reduce the risk of certain injuries, particularly those related to overpronation or poor gait mechanics. types of injuries they may help prevent: 1. Overuse Injuries Barefoot shoes promote better foot and ankle strength by allowing your feet to move naturally. This can help prevent overuse injuries like: Plantar fasciitis:  By strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the feet, barefoot shoes can reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Shin splints:  Improved biomechanics may help reduce stress on the tibia and associated muscles. Achilles tendonitis and tendinopathy :  Barefoot shoes encourage a natural foot posture and strengthen the Achilles tendon. Over time, this reduces strain and promotes tendon health. 2. Foot and Toe Issues Traditional shoes with narrow toe boxes can lead to problems like: Bunions:  A wider toe box allows the toes to splay naturally, reducing pressure on the big toe joint. Hammer toes:  Natural toe positioning may prevent deformities caused by cramped footwear. 3. Knee and Hip Pain Barefoot shoes encourage a more natural gait, which can reduce impact forces on the knees and hips, potentially lowering the risk of injuries related to joint strain or misalignment. 4. Ankle Injuries By strengthening the muscles and ligaments around the ankle, barefoot shoes can help improve balance and proprioception, reducing the likelihood of sprains or twists. 5. Lower Back Pain Barefoot shoes can improve posture by encouraging better alignment of the spine, hips, and knees, potentially alleviating lower back pain caused by poor posture. Increased Foot Strength: Just as walking barefoot can strengthen the muscles of the feet and ankles, wearing barefoot shoes provides a similar workout, helping to develop greater strength and stability over time. Overcoming Challenges While the benefits of barefoot shoes are compelling, transitioning to them can pose challenges, especially for those accustomed to more supportive footwear. Common concerns include discomfort, blisters, and the need to adjust one's gait to accommodate the minimalist design. However, proponents suggest that these challenges are temporary and that with patience and gradual adaptation, most individuals can reap the rewards of barefoot footwear. Embracing the Barefoot Lifestyle For some, barefoot shoes are more than just a footwear choice – they represent a lifestyle centered around simplicity, connection, and a return to our primal roots. Whether you're a dedicated runner seeking to improve your performance or simply someone looking to reconnect with nature in your daily life, barefoot shoes offer a compelling alternative to conventional footwear. So, the next time you're in the market for new shoes, consider stepping outside the norm and giving barefoot footwear a try. Who knows? You might just find that the path to healthier feet and a more grounded existence begins with going barefoot.

It seems like the whole world has taken up running. As a result, running shoes have soared in price and popularity. With so many options available its hard for new runners to know what shoe to buy. When it comes to shoes the perfect shoe can be the difference between a comfortable run and a painful experience. Having incorrect footwear can lead to poor running techniques and injuries. How do I know my running style? Ideally before buying runners, you should get a gait analysis either from a physio or in a running shop to assess your technique and specific loading patterns. An ideal running technique is a neutral pattern with natural inward rolling of the foot meaning the weight is evenly distributed. Some runners overpronate which is excessive inward rolling of the foot as it hits the ground, meaning most of the load is going through the inside of your foot. And to a lesser extent some runners supinate which is an outward rolling of the foot meaning the weight is transferred to the outer edge of the foot. If this is picked up in an assessment your physio should be able to recommend an ideal shoe or orthotic to help correct this issue and allow the weight to be evenly distributed upon landing. The right shoe will also depend on training load, specific needs and style choice. How often do I change my shoes? This is a common question asked to us by patients. A number of factors like your gait, running style, weight, terrain you’re running on will all contribute to how often you should change your shoes. Typically, if a shoe has a higher stack they tend to last longer as their midsole foam will take longer to break down. A lighter, lower stack shoe has less mileage in them but can be kept for your weekly session or race. As a result, building a shoe rotation can help get the most out of your shoes. To make things easier, Physio K have put together a list of popular and recommended shoes to suit all types of runners for all types of training sessions. Adidas Novablast A neutral shoe which is said to hug the foot with a snug midfoot. FF Blast Plus Eco foam gives a thick stack height allowing for serious bounce. As well as the bounce in the newest version, Novablast 4, there is a toe spring in the forefoot making it ideal for speed sessions. Best for: 5k & 10km races, tempo sessions Brooks Ghost Each variation of the Brooks Ghost offers comfort and durability making them an ideal shoe for winter training. The newest version in the series contains nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 technology, adapting to your stride for a personalized feel. Best for: neutral runners, daily training and long-distance running Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Series A long-standing favourite amongst distance runners, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus series offers a balance between soft cushioning and responsiveness and features a wider forefoot. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Turbo is a lighter shoe built for speedier tempo runs while the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Trail is more versatile and ideal for trails and varied terrain. Best for: Everyday runners seeking a reliable shoe for daily mileage and workouts Adidas Supernova Rise Ideal for all running needs, the Supernova Rise isn’t overly soft or hard but balances nicely a cushioning feeling with reaction and feedback. Best for: long, easy miles, can manage tempos but a stacked midsole makes cornering at speed difficult. Saucony Ride 17 The newest Saucony Ride model, the 17, features a new engineered mesh which gives support while also giving enough flex to still feel pliable and unrestrained. Like other shoes in this blog the biggest advantage comes in the midsole. The change to Pwrrun+ foam improves the ride by feeling bouncy and soft giving enough liveliness for some faster running. Best for: beginners, half marathon & marathon runners Hoka Arachi 7 The shoe features Hoka’s compression-moulded EVA midsole foam and combats overpronation with a J-frame midsole support. It lacks the springiness of some before mentioned shoes but if security and stability are what you’re looking for then this shoe is perfect for everyday training. Best for: overpronators looking for support What are carbon plated shoes and when should I wear them? Carbon shoes have become more popular over the last few years, allowing athletes to improve their performance and reduce their fatigue. The shoes are designed with carbon plate technology to provide spring-like motion when the foot hits the ground while expending less energy. However, this also makes them more expensive than many of the  best running shoes , so they're less suited to daily training and more appropriate when you're racing or looking for a PB. They also have reduced durability. Conventional running shoes typically have about 300-400 miles of racing in them while the carbon shoes have about 120-150 miles before they ‘expire’. They’re popularity amongst fitness influencers, particularly the Nike Alphaflys, have led everyday runners to think they need these shoes for daily training. But given their durability and that they are the most expensive shoe on the market it is advised to keep them for sessions and racing! Most sports brands have now released their own versions of the carbon shoe, two of the best are recommended below. Nike Alphaflys Probably the most recognisable shoe out there at the moment the Alphafly 3 is even lighter than the record breaking Alphfly 2. Its 15% lighter but has a continuous outsole for stability. Built for speed, the ZoomAir pods provide propulsion and response. Best for: performance Hoka Rocket 2 The rockets are thought to be the best carbon fibre plated Hokas available. They have a scooped carbon fibre plate to allow for a fast toe-off. They also feature the classic Hoka’s full Peba midsole foam which surrounds the carbon fibre plates. Important to note that the sizing is unisex, so it is advised to size up if you are in between sizes as the inside cage of the shoe hugs the foot tight. Best for: performance

EMMA PRESTON | QUALIFICATIONS: BACHELOR DEGREE IN SPORTS THERAPY (TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY, ENGLAND). DIPLOMA IN REMEDIAL MASSAGE (SYDNEY). CERTIFICATE III & IV IN PERSONAL TRAINING AND DIPLOMA IN SPORT AND RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT (SYDNEY). Emma Preston Emma is an enthusiastic and energetic Massage Therapist who has recently returned to Australia after working in a private Physiotherapy clinic in England for the past several years She has provided treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal problems including, pain and tension as a result of everyday life stressors, sport specific injuries and other specific musculoskeletal conditions. Emma also has experience with assisting in long term rehabilitation, post event recovery massage, and pregnancy massage. She is passionate about not only treating and easing your pain and muscle tension but also identifying and working with you to find ways to help manage it long term. Emma has a particular interest in sports injuries and assisting in rehabilitation back to doing the things you love, whether it be a specific activity or sitting at your desk pain free. In her spare time Emma enjoys playing soccer, being active and spending time outdoors.”

Experience our effective post-operative rehabilitation in Bondi Junction. Book your appointment online today to alleviate pain for improved healing. Post-operative rehabilitation plays a crucial role in facilitating recovery following surgical procedures. The goal is to enhance recovery outcomes, regain strength and range of motion, restore physical function, and facilitate a safe return to daily activities and optimal function. Post-Surgery Rehabilitation In The Bondi Junction Suburbs To recover strength, flexibility, and functional fitness following orthopaedic surgeries, a specialised physiotherapy treatment is crucial. A personalised treatment plan will be provided to promote optimal recovery and prevent future compensation issues. What Is Post-Surgery Rehabilitation? Post-surgery rehabilitation is a specialised form of physiotherapy aimed at aiding recovery and restoring function after surgical procedures. It focuses on pain management, improving mobility, and enhancing the overall quality of life for patients post-operation. This rehabilitation typically involves tailored treatment plans that may include exercises, manual therapy, and therapeutic modalities specific to the type of surgery and individual patient needs. Post Operative Rehabilitation Bondi Junction BOOK YOUR INITIAL SESSION HERE Why Post-Operative Rehabilitation Is Important? The post-operative rehabilitation process is crucial for several reasons: Optimising Recovery: It helps patients recover faster by promoting healing and reducing complications associated with surgery. Restoring Functionality: Rehabilitation programmes focus on restoring mobility, strength, and flexibility that may be lost or impaired due to surgery. Preventing Complications: It reduces the risk of post-surgical complications such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and blood clots through targeted exercises and therapies. Improving Quality of Life: To enhance physical function and reduce pain, rehabilitation improves the overall quality of life for patients post-surgery. Facilitating Return to Normal Activities: It prepares patients to safely resume daily activities, work, and hobbies, promoting independence and confidence. Addressing Specific Needs: Tailored rehabilitation plans address the unique needs of each patient based on their surgery type, health condition, and recovery goals. These points underscore the importance of post-operative rehabilitation in ensuring a comprehensive healing process and long-term well-being for surgical patients. Post-Operative Physiotherapies That We Offer We offer a comprehensive range of post-operative physiotherapies tailored to specific surgical procedures: Neck and Back Physio: Designed for patients recovering from surgeries such as laminectomy, discectomy, spinal fusion, or scoliosis surgery, focusing on pain management, mobility restoration, and strengthening exercises for the spine Shoulder Physio: Targeted rehabilitation following procedures like rotator cuff surgery, shoulder reconstructions, SLAP tear repairs, and frozen shoulder surgery. Therapy aims to improve the range of motion, strength, and shoulder joint function. Elbow Physio: Includes treatments post-tennis elbow or golfer's elbow release, fractures, or immobilisation, focusing on restoring elbow function through exercises and manual therapy. Hand and Wrist Physio: Tailored for patients recovering from surgeries such as carpal tunnel release, tendon repairs, or fractures, with emphasis on restoring hand and wrist mobility, strength, and fine motor skills. Hip Physio: Rehabilitation following arthroscopy, total or partial hip replacement (THP/PHR), labral tear surgery, or hip fracture repair, focusing on gait training, hip strength, and mobility exercises. Knee Physio: Includes treatments post-meniscectomy, total or partial knee replacements, ligament surgeries (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL), arthroscopy, fractures, or immobilisation, aiming to restore knee range of motion, strength, and stability. Ankle and Foot Physio: Rehabilitation following surgeries like arthroscopy, ligament and tendon repairs, sports injury surgery, or plantar fasciitis release. Therapy focuses on restoring ankle and foot function, stability, and mobility. Muscle Strength and Tendon Repairs: Tailored rehabilitation programs post-surgical repairs of muscles and tendons, focusing on gradual strengthening, flexibility, and functional restoration specific to the affected area. These specialised physiotherapies are essential in promoting optimal recovery, reducing post-operative complications, and restoring patients' functional abilities following orthopaedic and sports surgeries. What To Expect In A Post-Operative Rehabilitation In a post-operative rehabilitation at Physio K, patients can expect the following: Explanation of Precautions and Exercises: Our physiotherapists will discuss the specific precautions and limitations associated with your surgery. They will prescribe targeted exercises tailored to your surgical procedure and individual needs. Progress Monitoring and Guidance: Our team will closely monitor your progress throughout the recovery process. They will provide ongoing guidance and support to ensure that you are achieving milestones and recovering effectively. Individualised Treatment Approach: You will receive a personalised rehab program designed to address your unique recovery goals. Contact Our Physiotherapists For An Appointment Feel free to contact our physiotherapist to schedule an appointment or inquire about your rehabilitation or treatment plan. We are here to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your recovery journey.

Our massage therapy in Bondi Junction provides tailored solutions for your well-being needs. Book a session today and experience the benefits. ‘Massage’ is sometimes a very broadly used term, which means not everyone understands the difference between a spa/relaxation massage and a sport/remedial massage. We provide remedial massage therapy, a therapeutic approach to address muscle pain and dysfunction through targeted manipulation of soft tissues. Best Remedial Massage In Bondi Junction Our massage therapists offer general and sports therapeutic massage across Sydney's Eastern suburbs. We also cater to nearby areas, including Bondi Beach, Waverley, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Randwick, Woollahra, Paddington, Darlinghurst, Bellevue Hill, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Dover Heights, and Vaucluse. What Is Massage Therapy? = Massage therapy involves the application of various manual techniques and deep-tissue massage to manipulate the body's muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It aims to alleviate chronic pain, reduce muscle tension, and relieve stress. This therapeutic approach is used to treat a range of conditions, from acute injuries to joint pain, by improving circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage, and increasing joint mobility. We Offer Sports And Remedial Massage Massage therapy encompasses Sports and Remedial Massage, targeting specific areas of the body to alleviate pain and enhance mobility and function. Sports Massage Therapy Massage Therapy Bondi Junction BOOK AN APPOINTMENT Sports massage therapy involves applying specific massage techniques to athletes and active individuals to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and aid recovery. It addresses muscle imbalances, reduces muscle tension, and improves flexibility and range of motion. Athletes commonly use this type of therapy during training and before or after competitions to maintain optimal physical condition and minimise the risk of injuries Remedial Massage Therapy Remedial massage therapy, on the other hand, is aimed at treating musculoskeletal conditions and injuries through targeted manual techniques. It helps alleviate pain, restore function, and promote overall healing by addressing underlying issues in the soft tissues. Benefits Of Massage Therapy Using sports massage and dry needling to help with recovery and maintain their physical capabilities throughout training and competing. Aside from athletes, the general population also benefit immensely from remedial massage; whether it be to help you complete a sporting activity, a marathon or to help relieve pain that allows you to continue your active daily living tasks without discomfort. By using dry needling in combination with sports massage we can treat multiple areas of the body efficiently to treat both the pain and the cause. If you are recovering from a more serious injury, sports massage can be a great complementary treatment to your physiotherapy. Once back to full activity, regular dry needling and sports massage is an effective way to stay on top of any niggles that may arise once increasing your volume and intensity. How Massage Therapy Works? A variety of techniques are incorporated, such as: Trigger Point Therapy: Involves applying pressure to deactivate sensitive points in muscle fibres that can cause referred pain in other areas of the body, not necessarily where the pain is felt. Dry Needling: A technique using fine needles to release trigger points and muscle tension, often used in conjunction with massage for deep tissue issues. Active Release Techniques (ART): Combines massage, pressure, and movement to address soft tissue restrictions and help restore range of motion. Myofascial Release: Focuses on the fascia, a connective tissue that spans the body. This technique involves stretching and mobilising the fascia around areas of pain to reduce discomfort and improve mobility. These techniques are tailored to individual needs, allowing physiotherapists to achieve optimal results by using them individually or in combination as required. Why Choose Us For Massage Therapy When selecting massage therapy services, our clinic stands out due to our specialised focus on: Expertise in Sports Therapy: Our physiotherapists at Physio K are highly experienced and specialised in Sports Therapy, equipped with in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, particularly musculoskeletal anatomy. Precise Treatment Approach: This expertise allows us to not only target the affected area using a variety of techniques but also conduct specific movement assessments to pinpoint and address problematic soft tissue areas effectively. Integration of Movement: We emphasise the importance of movement alongside hands-on treatment. Appropriate exercises are prescribed and encouraged to complement and enhance the therapeutic process. Contact Our Massage Therapist For An Appointment Contact us to schedule an appointment for customised massage therapy. Our physiotherapists are committed to assisting you in overcoming musculoskeletal issues and improving your physical well-being.