Flexibility for Injury Prevention and Performance 1

For many people stretching (flexibility training) is an important part of their pre and post exercise routine. However, in recent times the effectiveness of it has been questioned. When stretching, we need to consider when and how it should be performed in order to...

What’s My Threshold?

This is a transcript to the "What's My Threshold?" audio article available to Optimal Movement Members. For more information on becoming a member please click here. You've probably ridden along in pack or ran within a group and heard someone say "I'm sticking below...

Lactate

Lactate and lactic acid have had their fair share of controversy over the years. Many people have heard of one or both of these molecules but knowing what their functions are and why they’re important to us in endurance sports is a complicated procedure! So, where do...
Runners Knee – A Self Help Guide

Runners Knee – A Self Help Guide

Here’s a guide for you to help with the prevention and recovery from the dreaded runners knee pain. We'll start off by giving you a quick overview of the mechanics of the injury, and how to identify if you’re suffering from it. Then we'll look at some top...

3 Steps to a Parkrun PB

3 Steps to a Parkrun PB

With the Olympics inspiring lots of us we thought it would be a great time to talk about getting your own PB! If you’re running the Parkrun religiously every weekend and want to go a bit faster – try these three simply steps.   The three key areas to...

Good Luck Half Marathoners

Good Luck Half Marathoners

Good Luck to everyone doing the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon and The Great North Run tomorrow. For everyone that's been in for a pre-race sports massage this week - I hope you feel fresh and ready to go. I hope you all have a great run and enjoy...

Your Body – A Healing Machine

Your Body – A Healing Machine

One of the biggest aspects of my job involves working with the body’s natural healing process to speed up recovery from injury, training, and the stresses of everyday life. With this in mind I thought it would be good to share some information with you to maximise the...

Tips for Runners on How to Stay Injury Free

Tips for Runners on How to Stay Injury Free

We all love running and hate getting injured, but unfortunately they come hand in hand, studies have estimated 70% of runners sustain an overuse running injury every year. There are many factors that predispose us to running injuries, some of these are difficult...

Good Luck Shrewsbury Half Marathoners

Good Luck Shrewsbury Half Marathoners

It's been another busy week in the clinic - great to see so many of you coming in for pre-race treatments for the Shrewsbury Half Marathon. It's promising to be a great day with the new organisers UK SPORTS CHAT taking the event up a notch. I hope you all have a...

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue that links the heel to the forefoot. When you lift the heel to push off against the ground the plantar fascia is stretched. If you over-pronate your foot you are more likely to suffer from plantar...

Ways for Runners to Reduce Calf Pain

Ways for Runners to Reduce Calf Pain

We're sure that a lot of you are, or have been, experiencing some sort of calf pain or soreness in the last couple of months, especially if you’ve done a marathon or intense road race! The two main muscles of the calf are the gastrocnemius and soleus, these muscles...

Good Luck London Marathon Runners!

Good Luck London Marathon Runners!

It's been brilliant to see so many of you in preparation for the London Marathon tomorrow There's definitely a sense of excitement mixed with a lot of nerves in the air I hope you all have a great race, enjoy the atmosphere, and achieve the goal that you set out to...

The Power of the Glutes

The Power of the Glutes

The connection between the gluteus maximus and hamstring injuries The gluteus maximus (Gmax) plays an important role in the gait cycle, it works with the hamstrings to stabilise the sacroiliac joint (the joint between your sacrum and pelvis). When moving from...

What is Sports Therapy?

What is Sports Therapy?

What is Sports Therapy? Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and...

Kinesiology Taping – The Science Behind it All

Kinesiology Taping – The Science Behind it All

You may have seen many athletes wearing kinesiology tape in various sports. Here’s a bit more information about how it works. Kinesiology tape helps speed up the natural healing process by increasing vascular and lymphatic flow. It’s unique lifting effect reduces...