Hip flexor tightness is a common issue that affects many individuals, particularly those who lead sedentary lifestyles or engage in activities that require prolonged sitting. The hip flexors are a group of muscles located at the front of the hip joint, including the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, sartorius, and tensor fasciae latae. These muscles play a crucial role in various movements such as walking, running, and bending at the waist. When the hip flexors become tight, it can lead to a range of discomforts and limitations in mobility. Factors such as excessive sitting, lack of stretch ..read more

As the seasons shift and temperatures drop, we are beginning to see many colds and viruses making their way around, meaning it is crucial to prepare both physically and mentally for the inevitable onslaught of sneezes, sniffles, and sore throats. Chinese medicine presents a holistic approach that focuses on enhancing the body's natural defenses. Here's how you can support your system through the cold and flu season with the help of Chinese medicine. 1. Boost Your Immune System: Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of strengthening the ‘Wei Qi’, or protective energy to ward off il ..read more

At Bodyactive, we regularly see clients who have ‘strained their back’. They are usually in a lot of pain, feel very stiff across the lower back, which may be felt more on one side than the other, have trouble walking and bending and can have pain radiating through the top of one leg. The most common cause of this type of pain and stiffness is facet joint strain. This acute type of back pain may begin after doing a deadlift incorrectly, moving or lifting a heavy object or simply bending down to pick something up off the floor. Facet joints are the small joints between the vertebrae in your low ..read more

There are hundres of magnesium supplements on the market and thousands more containing magnesium in combination with other ingredients. But which is the best form of magnesium to take? Here we discuss the difference between the some common forms of magnesium found in supplements and which conditions they are best suited for. Magnesium minerals. Magnesium citrate = magnesium + citric acid This is one of the most common forms of magnesium used and is one of the cheapest to produce. Although it contains a low amount of magnesium, it is highly bioavailable which means most of the magnesium is abso ..read more

Did you know up to 50% of women experience pains at some stage throughout their pregnancy? It’s common and you’re not alone. Your body will experience a series of mechanical, postural and hormonal transformations in pregnancy, that can lead to discomfort and pain, particularly in the pelvis and lower back. Osteopaths can provide manual therapy, exercise support and postural advice, helping the mother-to-be find pain relief and improved wellbeing. We’re sharing some common questions and tips when it comes to osteopathic treatment during pregnancy. Can I exercise during pregnancy? Exercise and m ..read more

Returning to work after the Christmas break means more time on the computer, staring at screens and constant visual stimuli, so taking care of our eyes has become more important than ever. Eye strain from excessive or prolonged computer use can lead to visual disturbances and headaches. Here are a few helpful tips to relieve eye strain and support eye health. ● Give your eyes a break, and a stretch. Take time to exercise your eyes by looking away from the screen. One simple exercise is called 20-20-20. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 meters away, for 20 seconds. ● Address tension in su ..read more

With such a huge variety of magnesium supplements on the market, different brands with different ingredients, it is a daunting task to decide which one is best for you. Magnesium is an essential mineral for good health and is found in a range of food including almonds, avocados, bananas, eggs, leafy green vegetables, legumes, soy beans, and wholegrain cereals. However much of the magnesium content of food can be lost in cooking and processing. Milling of wheat can loose up to 90% of its magnesium content. Magnesium is used in the body for a variety of functions such as contraction and relaxat ..read more

As the saying goes, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” September is Pain Awareness Month, a great time to acknowledge and talk about pain. In a 2022 survey, we found two in three (65%) Australians aged over 45 rely on medication to manage their pain, with most people either trying to deal with it on their own, or not dealing with it at all. This included 82% of people with sciatica, 78% of people with arthritis and 80% of people with postural or ergonomic problems. How can osteopathic techniques help to manage pain? Osteopathy focuses on the whole body to promote healing, improve th ..read more

Many physical changes occur during the course of the mother-to-be’s pregnancy. As the baby grows, postural & hormonal changes occur, as well as weight gain. This can add pressure to muscles & joints of the spine & pelvis. It is common for the mother to experience some pain & discomfort while pregnant. There are many options to help alleviate this pain & discomfort – a safe & gentle option is Osteopathy. WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY? Osteopaths are allied health professionals who offer patient-centred approaches to healthcare and functional improvement, with emphasis on the import ..read more

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can assist with many common gynecological conditions. Our acupuncturists frequently help women who experience dysmenorrhea - more commonly known as period pain. Period pain is experienced by up to 95% of women at some stage during their lifetime. But in 5% to 10% of women the pain is severe enough to disrupt their life. For this reason there has been significant research at University of Western Sydney to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture to resolve period pain. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318532 "women undergoing acupuncture frequently ..read more