Understanding BPPV: A Guide to Physiotherapy Support
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of dizziness, affecting people across different age groups but especially prevalent in older adults. While it may sound intimidating, BPPV is manageable and treatable, often with the help of a trained physiotherapist.What is BPPV?BPPV occurs when tiny crystals (called otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into semicircular canals - structures within the ear that help you keep your balance. These crystals disrupt the normal flow of fluid that helps your brain interpret motion. As a result, people with BPPV experience vertigo, a spinning sensation often
How Physiotherapy Can Help You Bounce Back from Whiplash
As the crisp winter air rolls in and the snow begins to blanket the streets, it can brings more than just cozy evenings and hot chocolate. Winter also ushers in slippery sidewalks, icy roads, and unfortunately, a higher likelihood of accidents. Whether it’s a slip on the ice or a fender-bender on a snowy drive, injuries can happen—but you don’t have to face them alone.One common injury associated with wintertime are Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD), often occurring in rear-end motor vehicle accidents. While it might sound daunting, understanding this condition and knowing where to turn for help is key to a
Youth Resistance Training – Part 4: Guidelines for Youth Resistance Training
Youth Resistance Training Guidelines: Safe and Effective Approaches for Young AthletesResistance training offers significant benefits for youth and adolescents, enhancing strength, coordination, and overall fitness. However, to maximize these benefits while ensuring safety, it's important to follow established guidelines that account for the unique physical and psychosocial development of young people.When Should Youth Start Resistance Training?While there is no specific minimum age for starting resistance training, youth generally become ready when they can follow instructions and handle the demands of a basic training program. A medical exam isn't required for healthy youth, but it's recommended for those with any health
Youth Resistance Training – Part 3: Health and Fitness Benefits
The Benefits of Youth Resistance Training: Building Health and Fitness for LifeResistance training for youth and adolescents is an effective way to enhance their physical and mental well-being. While much of the focus on youth fitness has been on aerobic exercise, increasing evidence shows that resistance training offers unique health benefits when performed safely and under proper supervision. From improved cardiovascular health to stronger bones and better self-esteem, regular resistance training can provide young people with a solid foundation for lifelong fitness.Health Benefits for YouthPhysical activity is vital for the healthy growth and development of youth and adolescents. It not
Youth Resistance Training – Part 2: Effectiveness
The Effectiveness of Resistance Training for Youth: Building Strength SafelyResistance training for youth and adolescents has evolved from a debated practice to a widely recognized method for boosting strength and physical development. Research now shows that with proper supervision and program design, resistance training offers significant benefits, enhancing strength, coordination, and overall fitness in youth. Let’s take a closer look at why resistance training is effective for young athletes and how it helps them build strength.How Resistance Training Enhances Strength in YouthYouth and adolescents experience rapid physiological changes, including increases in muscle strength and endurance. However, resistance training can lead
Youth Resistance Training – Part 1: Safety
The Safety of Resistance Training for Youth and Adolescents: What the Research SaysFor decades, resistance training was discouraged in youth and adolescents due to concerns about injury risks. Much of this fear stemmed from early data suggesting that strength exercises were harmful to young people. However, recent research shows that resistance training, when properly supervised and age-appropriate, is not only safe but also beneficial for youth development. Here’s why resistance training should be a key part of youth fitness programs.The Myth of High Injury Risk in Youth Resistance TrainingIn the 1970s and 1980s, data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance
Hypermobility: What It Means and How to Address It
Have you ever been told you’re ‘double-jointed’ and wondered what that really means? This excessive range of motion at a joint, known as hypermobility, might be more than just a party trick—it can impact how your body moves and feels.Understanding HypermobilityHypermobility refers to the ability of a joint to move beyond its normal physiological range, either actively or passively (Castori et al., 2017). It is more of a descriptive term rather than a standalone diagnosis and is often a symptom of a broader condition (Castori et al., 2017).When hypermobility—whether localised to one joint or generalised across multiple joints—is accompanied by
Saddle Tilt and Back Pain: Enhance Your Bike Fit for Comfort
Lower back pain is a common complaint I see when doing bike fittings for clients. While various factors can contribute to back pain, a sub-optimal saddle tilt is often one of the causes. A proper saddle tilt is an important part of maintaining a good lumbar spine position and letting you ride with comfort for longer rides. Let's dive into how saddle tilt affects your lower back and how to achieve the best position for a pain-free riding.Understanding the Impact of Saddle TiltWhen riding a road bike, the rider's torso must be inclined to reach the handlebars. Ideally, this motion
Rethinking Squat Mechanics: could squatting with “knees-in” provide some benefit?
Squatting is a complex exercise involving multiple joints and muscle groups. Historically, the focus of this exercise’s research has been predominantly on how far your knees travel over your toes or how deep you should go. However, movement in other directions are equally important to consider for optimizing squat technique and minimizing injury risk. Conventional wisdom often warns against squatting with knee valgus, defined as internal rotation of the femur about a fixed tibia, causing the knee to drift inwards and rotate externally relative to the femur (Neumann & Kelly, 2010). This position is generally avoided due its association with increased
Unlocking Longevity Through VO2max: Essential Insights for Fitness Beginners
In the quest for a healthier, longer life, the significance of VO2max (link VO2max Blog) — the pinnacle measure of our body's ability to utilize oxygen during exercise — emerges as a pivotal indicator. Notably, in the critical period of midlife, evidence points to a direct correlation between VO2max levels and life expectancy, underscoring its value beyond a mere fitness metric to a crucial biomarker of longevity.VO2max and Its Role in Extending LifeResearch illuminates the stark impact of VO2max on longevity. Individuals whose VO2max levels are in the top five percent for their age group enjoy close to five additional
