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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

Posture And Alignment Problems INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: Achilles Tendonitis Ankle Sprains Back Pain Bursitis Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica Dizziness Or Vertigo Elbow Pain Hamstring Injuries Headaches Jaw Problems Or TMJ Issues Lower Back Pain Meniscus Injury Neck Pain Osteoarthritis Plantar Fasciitis Post Operative Rehabilitation Posture And Alignment Problems Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Sprains, Strains And Tears Posture And Alignment Problems "PERFECT POSTURE DOES NOT EXIST" Let’s start with giving a bit of context around a common misbelief: ‘we should all sit / stand in a certain way’. Everyone is shaped slightly differently due to genetic or anatomic variations. Different forces to our bodies due to sports, hobbies, or jobs that require specific movements or positions that are advantageous to that task will contribute to differences in our individual alignments. This is normal and no one has ‘perfect alignment’ or posture because it doesn’t exist! It is impossible to objectively measure ‘perfect’ posture because there is a lot of normal variation among different individuals. "Posture is the current position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting" If you don't move for a while, the nervous system will eventually remind you (through some discomfort) that you need to change positions or get moving. Biomechanically speaking, you will probably be able to tolerate certain positions for longer, as the sustained load to specific tissues of the body will be greater in some postures and less in others. But, some tissues may be loaded more in what you might think of as "poor" posture while others may be loaded more in what you think of as "good" posture. Listening to your body and spending more time moving around and switching positions rather than staying in one position for long periods is key to a healthy movement system. Even slight changes make a big difference! Desk neck or tech neck: These terms describe a position where the chin is forward and the upper back is hunched over at a desk, working at a computer. This posture can still occur whether sitting or standing, although it is more common in sitting. This position in itself isn't bad, but sustaining the posture for long periods (such as working at a desk for 9 hours) may load parts of the neck in a way that become irritated as the day goes on. Once the position is changed such as a lunch break or the end of the day, the discomfort usually goes away. However, postures that are repeatedly sustained, say working at a desk for 9 hours a day for 6 months, can actually cause changes in the function of the muscles of the neck. Muscles that are chronically held in a shortened position will become tight and progressively weak, and muscles that are chronically lengthened can also become weak. Slumped positions: Most people will have the slumped sitting or standing position in mind when thinking of ‘bad posture’: Slouched through the lower back, a curved upper back and a forward head posture to try to see what’s ahead of us. To get into a better sitting position, we should start with the base of the spine, which is the pelvis. An anterior tilt of the pelvis will help a lot with correcting everything atop of it. At Physio K, we can teach you how small changes make a big difference! Activity assessment and activity modification Activity assessment and activity modification play crucial roles in helping individuals with pain related to poor posture. Activity assessment involves evaluating a person's daily activities, movement patterns, and postural habits to identify any factors that contribute to their pain. It allows healthcare professionals to pinpoint specific activities or positions that exacerbate the pain and determine the underlying postural imbalances. Based on this assessment, activity modification aims to implement targeted strategies to alleviate pain and improve posture. This may involve teaching proper body mechanics, recommending ergonomic adjustments, suggesting postural exercises, or providing guidance on lifestyle changes. By addressing the root causes of pain and encouraging healthier postural habits, activity assessment and modification can effectively relieve discomfort, enhance overall posture, and promote long-term pain management. In the video below, Anthony from Physio K runs you through a thoracic strengthening program, which is really good for improving your posture. Please always check with your physio to know which exercises will be helpful for you. These videos are here as a guide and will contribute to your rehab, in addition to some specific manual treatment. Sometimes you'll need a different approach, so always contact your health practitioner to get the best recommendation for you. Watch the video about posture correction exercises . 1. Straight arm pull backs For this exercise you'll need to stand up and hold a theraband in either hand and have it attached to something in front of you; ideally a doorknob is really good for this. With both of your elbows extended, keeping them nice and straight. You're going to pull your arms just behind your hips and then slowly come back to the starting position. For this exercise, we recommend that you perform 10 reps and you repeat that for 3 sets. It's also important to make sure that you're squeezing your shoulder blades together really tight, imagining that you're gripping a pencil between them. 2. Vertical row This exercise will be in a similar position, having a theraband attached to a doorknob or something in front of you. You're just going to have your elbows bent and then pull straight back. As you're doing this, remember to squeeze your shoulder blades together nice and tight as if you were gripping a pencil. For this exercise we're looking at repeating 10 times and doing three sets of that. 3. Band pull-aparts Standing up, holding a theraband in your hands, you're going to keep them roughly shoulder width apart and you're going to keep your elbows fully extended. As you do this, you're going to pull them all the way apart, squeezing your shoulder blades together nicely as you do that. For this one, we're looking at performing 10 repetitions and you're going to do three sets. These exercises are great for mid-back strengthening, if you have any other questions please feel free to contact us or come into the clinic for a visit.

Bursitis INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: Achilles Tendonitis Ankle Sprains Back Pain Bursitis Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica Dizziness Or Vertigo Elbow Pain Hamstring Injuries Headaches Jaw Problems Or TMJ Issues Lower Back Pain Meniscus Injury Neck Pain Osteoarthritis Plantar Fasciitis Post Operative Rehabilitation Posture And Alignment Problems Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Sprains, Strains And Tears Bursitis Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. A bursa is a sac, filled with fluid that acts as a cushion between your bone and the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, fascia,...). The reason why we have these bursae (plural of bursa) is to minimise friction and assist with joint movements. We can compare bursa fluid with the oil in your car or in a machine: everything moves smoother with a bit of extra lube or oil. WHERE COULD YOU HAVE BURSITIS? There are over 150 bursae in the body, so there are many different areas where your bursa could get inflamed! The most common joints are the places you put a lot of pressure on. The top 5 we see and treat at Physio K are: Shoulder bursitis (subacromial bursitis) Elbow bursitis (olecranon bursitis) Hip bursitis (trochanteric bursitis) Knee bursitis (prepatellar bursitis) Feet: big toe, heel or ball of the foot CAUSES OF BURSITIS: THE MILLION-DOLLAR QUESTION "The most common cause is overuse or repeated pressure on a part of the body." Many patients arrive at our clinic with an ultrasound scan showing bursitis. At Physio K, we tend not to see this as a diagnosis, but as a result of a problem. Let’s explain this with a few examples: Posture induced overpressure causing bursitis is quite common. Treatment for the bursitis will only solve your current symptoms, but does nothing to the cause of your issue, which is your posture! Repetitive gym workouts could cause overpressure in a joint (for example the shoulder joint) and because of that give inflammation of the bursa. Shoulder instability or imbalance of the shoulder muscles can be the real cause to address, rather than just do treatment for the bursitis! Bursitis can also be caused by acute trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls and sporting collisions. SYMPTOMS OF BURSITIS: The most common symptoms are: Localised pain Swelling Stiffness Warmth or heath in that area Redness of the skin in that affected area TREATMENT OF BURSITIS: As mentioned above (in causes of bursitis), it is important to treat the cause of the real problem, rather than just treating the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medication, relative rest, cold packs and sometimes corticosteroid injections may resolve the symptoms. But if we maintain the same lifestyle, these symptoms will come back at some point. A thorough assessment will be necessary to find the root cause, which is what we do at Physio K. DOES DRY NEEDLING HELP BURSITIS? With bursitis, together with treatment for the symptoms, we need to address the root cause of your problem. Sometimes, that can be a wrong movement pattern or muscle tension that has been building up over time. Releasing a taut band and trigger points in the affected muscle can ease the pressure in the joint and therefore ease the bursitis. To learn more about dry needling, click here .

Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: Achilles Tendonitis Ankle Sprains Back Pain Bursitis Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica Dizziness Or Vertigo Elbow Pain Hamstring Injuries Headaches Jaw Problems Or TMJ Issues Lower Back Pain Meniscus Injury Neck Pain Osteoarthritis Plantar Fasciitis Post Operative Rehabilitation Posture And Alignment Problems Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Sprains, Strains And Tears Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica A spinal disc is the natural shock absorber and also allows movement of the spine. A bulging disc is actually a very common condition in our spine. It is natural wear and tear, the older we become, the more discs can bulge. DIFFERENCE BULGING DISC AND HERNIATED DISC The spinal disc consists of 2 parts: the inner nucleus: is a jelly-like structure, a bit comparable with the liquid part inside a chocolate cake. The outer annulus fibrosus: the more dense part of the cartilage. When a disc is moving out as a whole, it’s called a disc bulge. When the outer ring (annulus) is damaged and the inner nucleus is escaping from within the disc, it’s called a herniated disc. CAUSES Spinal degeneration (wear and tear) Repetitive trauma such as shocks from work or sports, or poor posture can lead to degeneration of the discs. An acute injury with heavy lifting or in an accident (although most disc problems due to an acute injury already had some kind of degeneration) Initial bulging or herniation might be symptom free. A bit more chronic condition will usually give a broad ache in the area, often accompanied with muscle tightness. When the disc is heading towards the nerve root (beginning of the nerve), it can cause inflammation of that nerve. Sciatica is a condition where the nerve gets irritated and refers into the leg. The further down the leg you feel the sensations, the more the nerve will be irritated. Early stage nerve irritation will only give different sensations (numbness, pins and needles), more inflammation or nerve compression can result in loss of strength of the limb. DISC BULGE TREATMENT SCIATICA TREATMENT "At Physio K, we will determine the best course of treatment for you. It is important to know exactly what you have, before moving on to a solution." We will provide a thorough assessment to determine what specifically is causing your problems. Treatment is predominantly determined by the stage of your healing as more chronic pains will require longer and different treatment than more acute ones. We are very experienced in the treatment of all kinds of low back pain and neck pain and will provide you with the best outcome in order to get you moving well again. HOW CAN DRY NEEDLING HELP WITH NERVE PAIN /SCIATICA? When certain muscles are tight or overactive, they can cause pressure on the spine and therefore directly or indirectly cause irritation of the nerve root (which is the beginning of the nerve when it's exiting the spine). Sometimes these muscles can be overactive or underactive, and via dry needling, we can normalize the tone. Underactive muscles can be stimulated and overactive muscles will get released. As a result, the irritation around your nerve should disappear and therefore, your symptoms as well! To learn more about dry needling, click here . In the bellow video, Kenny from Physio K is showing an exercise program for people with lower back pain, tailored for people who have disc issues or sciatic nerve problems. Numbness in the bum or further down the leg or the feeling of pins and needles could be an indication of this problem. Please always check with your physio to know which exercises will be helpful for you. These videos are here as a guide and will contribute to your rehab, in addition to some specific manual treatment. Sometimes you'll need a different approach, so always contact your health practitioner to get the best recommendation for you. Watch the video with lower back pain exercises for people with disc problems or sciatic nerve issues. 1. Cat cow exercise. On your hands and knees, in all four position, making sure that your hips are above your knees and your hands are underneath your shoulders. Try to tilt your pelvis forward and backwards. We're going to focus on the lower back, imagining tucking a tail in between your legs and then putting your tail up in the air. The curved up position is a bit like how a cat is rounding its back and the opposite, curved down position, is similar to the position of a cow. Make sure you stay mid range, don’t push all the way up or down if you have disc issues or sciatic nerve irritation. Do this for about a minute: 20 to 30 times and if possible multiple times a day. 2. McKenzie extension exercise Laying on your tummy on a mat on the floor and putting your elbows underneath your shoulders (sphinx pose). Try to extend your lower back and look up with your head. You'll have a little bit of compression in the lower back which is great for your disc and you can also feel a little bit of stretch in the front so that's why you have to look up to have the maximum amount of stretch in the front. Stay in that position for 20 - 25 seconds and go down again. Do that four to five times in a row. If this is too easy for you then you can go to the next step, which is trying to extend your elbows. Put your hands underneath your shoulders, extend your elbows totally and try to relax in your back and look up. 3. Stretch of the Piriformis Laying on your back on a mat, pull up one leg and grab your knee with one hand and grab your heel with your other hand. The purpose is to try and pull your knee towards your opposite shoulder and make sure you leave your head relaxed on the table. You should feel a deep stretch under your glutes. The piriformis is a muscle that's laying in the pelvis, underneath your glutes. That's a very important muscle for your nerve health. If you have any kind of nerve issues make sure you do that stretch. Hold this position for 20 to 25 seconds, relax, do that four or five times in a row. Make sure you have a straight angle in your knee which is 90 degrees and pull across 4. Nerve glider Laying on your back on a mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. If the problem is on the right side, then you'll do the exercise with your right leg. Put your right knee on top of your left knee and then, in this position, relax your foot and try to extend your right knee up and down. Don't hold, don't try to stretch, we're trying to get a glide in the nerve. This is a good stand alone exercise, or could be used as a warm up. The next step is the same thing but at the same time, pull your toes towards your nose while you extend the knee and then go down again, leaving your knee on top of the other one. Try to do 20 to 30 repetitions each, a few times per day.