We've discussed how the brain can produce a pain experience when it perceives a threat. Threatening inputs, memories and circumstances can also lead to a stress response, which many in turn worsen your pain. Today we'll talk about how relaxation brings pain relief – but first, what is stress? We've...

Tabitha shares her personal feelings about taking on the running challenge Until four months ago, I could not have conceived of calling myself 'a runner' – I was sure that it was something obviously, even inherently impossible. I'm not sure what made me so sure, since I've led a fairly active life a...

Make time for yourself In pregnancy and after the arrival of your baby, even a short relaxation time each day will make a big difference to your stress levels and feelings of tiredness that can seem overwhelming. This time spent relaxing can also increase your ability to cope and aid in a better ove...

Discover the 'core' muscles of your neck – the deep neck flexors We are all aware of the role of the deep abdominals, pelvic floor and diaphragm as postural support muscles for the lower trunk and pelvis. These act together and in balance to support and stabilise the gentle curves of the lumbar spin...

Ion channels, receptors and action potentials Last month we began to explore the role of nerves in the pain experience. We talked about 'nociception' – danger messages that a nerve or nerves will send to the brain. You may recall that these electrical impulses themselves are not a 'pain message' and...

Pelvic Floor and Pelvic Wall Overactivity We know that the pelvic floor muscles are a hammock-like group of muscles within our pelvis that extend from our tailbone to our pubic bone and fan out to our sit bones. These pelvic floor muscles exist to support our pelvic organs as well as to provide pelv...

Did you know that it is thought that headaches are the most common complaint of mankind? There is much confusion about the cause of headaches and therefore the best way to manage them. I am often asked 'how do I treat my headache?' and in my opinion, the correct and most helpful answer cannot be giv...

Nerves as a part of the danger alarm system Pain is a highly sophisticated alarm system that is designed to warn the body of danger. We all need it to keep ourselves and our tissues safe. Nerves conducting messages from our muscles, skin and joints are only a part of the system. Today we will explor...

Want your pre-baby bodies back sooner? Fix now stock the famous $1 for our post-natal mums. SRC Recovery shorts offer compression and support around the pelvis an abdominal area after you have your baby. The benefits include: \- reducing caesarean and episiotomy pain \- supporting the abdominal musc...

Are you hitting the slopes this winter? Then you better start getting your body prepared for the burning thighs, cold noses and adrenalin hits! Melanie shares her favourite exercises to get your legs and buttock strong so you aren't in pain and ice baths after your skiing adventure. **Lunge.** Anoth...