As a physiotherapist working with young people, I often hear concerns from parents about adolescents engaging in weight lifting. The questions are valid: Is it safe? Will it stunt growth? What are the benefits? Fortunately, decades of research and updated clinical guidelines now give us clear answers.

The Myth of Growth Plate Damage

One of the most persistent myths is that weight lifting can damage growth plates and stunt growth. However, evidence shows that properly supervised resistance training does not negatively affect growth or development. In fact, when done correctly, it can enhance bone density, muscular strength, and overall physical health

There are many physical and psychological benefits to strength training and starting this early in life is a great way to establish positive benefits early, which can be carried through to adulthood. Some benefits for adolescent strength training include:

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As a physiotherapist, I’ve always believed that movement is medicine. Yoga integrates breath, posture, and mindfulness in a way that complements physiotherapy beautifully. Yoga has increasingly become a valuable adjunct in physiotherapy practice, offering evidence-based benefits across a range of musculoskeletal and pelvic health conditions. It’s integration into rehabilitation is supported by recent research and clinical guidelines, highlighting its role in improving physical function, neuromuscular control, and psychological well-being.

As a physiotherapist I teach yoga because it allows patients to reconnect with their bodies in a safe, empowering way. It’s especially effective for those who feel disconnected due to injury, trauma, or chronic conditions.

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Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary, and often painful contractions that occur in skeletal muscles. They’re a common complaint among athletes, gym-goers, and even sedentary individuals after prolonged inactivity. While cramps are usually short-lived, they can significantly affect performance, recovery, and confidence -especially when they strike during a critical moment in competition.

Why Do Muscle Cramps Happen?

Although traditionally blamed on dehydration or electrolyte loss

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Running is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise - it builds fitness, strengthens bones, supports mental health, and gives many of us a sense of freedom. But what if you start to feel pain? Should you keep running, or is it time to stop and get checked out?

Some level of aches or pain is normal while you run. It can be difficult to know when to worry, and when to wait out the pain. Here is a guide to help you decide whether you are ok to continue, but as a general rule of thumb - if in doubt get an early assessment and react quickly to ongoing pain. This can help prevent more serious injuries, and prolonged time off and hopefully keep you running!

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If you’ve ever felt pain or tightness in the back of your ankle that just won’t go away, you might be dealing with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. It’s one of the most common causes of Achilles pain—especially in runners, walkers, and anyone who enjoys being active. A recent article in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT, 2024) highlights what we now know about this condition and how to treat it effectively.

What Is Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy?

Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. In midportion Achilles tendinopathy, the middle part of the tendon becomes painful, thickened, or stiff. This area is particularly vulnerable because it experiences high loads during walking, running, and jumping. People often describe pain with activity, stiffness in the morning or after rest, and sometimes weakness in the calf.

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Have you ever experienced neck pain that travels down your arm, accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness? You might be dealing with cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is a condition caused by compression or irritation of one or more nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck), leading to pain, weakness, or sensory changes in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand.

This condition can affect your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy daily activities. But the good news? Physiotherapy can help you recover and regain control.

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine (neck) becomes compressed or inflamed. Common causes include:

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Diastasis Recti Abdominis Muscle (DRAM) is a common condition affecting many women during and after pregnancy. It involves the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba, often due to the mechanical and hormonal changes that occur during gestation. While it’s frequently dismissed as a cosmetic issue, DRAM can have significant implications for core function, posture, and quality of life.

What Is DRAM?

DRAM is defined as a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles exceeding 2 cm, typically measured at the umbilical level. This separation results from the stretching and thinning of the linea alba, which accommodates the growing uterus during pregnancy. Although some degree of separation is physiologically normal, persistent or excessive widening can lead to functional impairments.

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Plantar heel pain — especially that sharp pain under the foot when you get out of bed in the morning — is one of the most common foot problems we see in the clinic.

Two recent articles in the British Journal of Sports Medicine give us both a practical roadmap for treatment and a new way of thinking about what happens when pain lingers. Together, they show how to manage plantar heel pain in both the short and long term.

Step 1: Start With the Basics

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