In this post we discuss why you should choose evidence over intuition to reduce aches and pains. We understandably place a lot of value in what we feel is happening with our bodies. In most cases, that sensation you don’t like is what motivates you to take action. Whether that’s a tight muscle, an aching […]
Training
How I resolved my hand pain by moving my shoulder
In this post I discuss how I resolved my hand pain by moving my shoulder, and what we can learn from this. Here’s a fun story for you. I woke up the other morning with searing pain in my hand. I was unable to make a fist and I’d more or less lost the function […]
Overuse or underuse? Rethinking musculoskeletal care in 2025
In this post we discuss whether overuse or underuse is the best way to think about musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, through the lens of cardiac rehabilitation. In the 1950s heart attacks were thought to be caused by ‘overuse’ of the heart. If you saw somebody jogging you’d think they had a death wish. Patients were routinely […]
Why strengthening beats stretching (even when done badly)
In this post we explore why strengthening beats stretching (even if your technique isn’t perfect) using an interesting case study. Here’s an instructive story for you. A gentleman was referred to me with discomfort at the back of his knee. He’d been managing this situation with massage, stretching and orthotics for the past 7 years. […]
How to tell if a muscle is tight or weak and what to do next
In this post we discuss how to tell if a muscle is tight or weak and give you some suggestions to reduce any discomfort you might be feeling. So you have a sensation coming from a muscle, how do you decide if it’s being caused by tightness or weakness? And therefore whether you should stretch […]