At Performance Medicine, we take health care very seriously in all genders. Men’s health is also a crucial part of that, which we find can be difficult to talk about. We want you to feel comfortable to talk about anything and our pelvic health service is available to you at any time. Pelvic health in men includes, but is not limited to, pelvic pain, bladder and bowel changes. November is men’s health awareness month and we want to make sure that men are getting the help that they need at all times.  Here, our Pelvic physio Zeba Haroon has answered some common (but not asked often enough ..read more

As a runner I’m sure you have heard people say that “running is bad for your knees”. Sometimes I think they are just saying that because they are looking for a justification for not hitting the pavement themselves. But is there any truth to it? Exercise and knee osteoarthritis I hear a lot of people say they are concerned about developing knee osteoarthritis if they run. Well, I’m comfortable telling those people that it is highly unlikely that running will lead to knee osteoarthritis. In fact, it could actually protect you from it! A recent review (a summary of 17 research papers) of 14000 ru ..read more

Incorporating variety into your running routine is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for your fitness and overall well-being.  Here’s how you can balance running fast, running slow, tackling hills, and enjoying flats. 1. Interval Training (Run Fast) Intervals involve alternating between high-intensity sprints and recovery periods. These sessions improve speed, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolism.  For example, run at a fast pace for 1-2 minutes, followed by a slower recovery jog.  Repeat this pattern for several sets. 2. Long, Easy Runs (Run Slow) Longer, slower runs a ..read more

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and at Performance Medicine, we want to make sure we’re spreading as much awareness as possible across Breast Cancer Awareness Month and every other month of the year.  1 in 7 women and 1 in 500 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s approximately 1000 diagnoses each year.  The key to improving the breast cancer survival rates is early detection for early treatment. Performing a breast self exam every month is the best way to know your breasts well and be able to notice any changes that may occur.  Cancer cells pi ..read more

Dr Brea Kunstler – Physiotherapist and behavioural scientist, Performance Medicine I feel like there are two types of runners: those who run to music and those who don’t.  Some enjoy listening to their favourite tunes or a podcast and change what they listen to depending on the run (e.g. fast, upbeat music for sprint training compared to podcasts for easy runs).  Some refuse to listen to anything and instead appreciate being disconnected from the world for a short period of time or prefer to run and chat with friends.  However, some might do both and what they choose depend ..read more

I ummed and aaahhhed about a bike upgrade for years – love my cycling – commuting, rail trails, stationery bike when the kids were little and even enjoy classes in the dark or virtually riding the Dolomites.  All do it for me, whether its cardio, leg strength, calories or getting somewhere cycling does it for me. Plus you mostly get to sit down, so suits a flexion biased person or a great balance to activities like running or swimming. The e-bike is more of a car replacement.  Yes, you have to turn the peddles for the ‘e’ to kick in and we are speed limited by law in Aus so it won ..read more

When it comes to massage, not all are created equal. Different techniques and modalities are designed to achieve different outcomes.  Swedish Massage Swedish massage is one of the most commonly practiced forms of massage therapy. It is a gentle, full-body massage technique that promotes relaxation, relieves muscle tension, and improves overall well-being. Techniques may include using a combination of kneading, circular motions, long strokes towards the heart and gentle joint movements. Swedish massage can be beneficial for those who are looking for a lighter touch and more of a relaxing ..read more

Shoulder Strength in the performance world – is it what you’re missing?  Shoulder strengthening exercises are essential for performers in the arts, particularly for those involved in activities that require repetitive or strenuous use of the upper body. Such performers include, dancers, circus artists, musicians, actors, and singers. Strong shoulders enhance stability, mobility and control during various movements. Here are several reasons why performing artists should incorporate shoulder strengthening exercises into their training routines: 1. Injury prevention: Performing arts can put ..read more

Are you troubled with tendon pain?  Is your hamstring tendon a pain in the butt? Nagging Achilles or heel pain?  Been given a diagnosis of Tendinopathy? Maybe you’ve been told you have Tendinosis? Tendonitis? Tendon tear? Tendons are what connect our muscles to our bones and when we load them in ways that are problematic they can become dysfunctional and cause pain and can be given any or all of the above labels or diagnosis.  While all tendon pains present differently and absolutely require targeted individualised assessment and treatment – there are some top tips from the guru ..read more

Greetings, dear witches and wizards! Today, we embark on a captivating journey to explore the enchanting world of physiotherapy through the lens of Harry Potter. Just as magic can heal wounds and mend broken objects, physiotherapy possesses a remarkable ability to restore strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. So grab your wands, put on your robes, and let’s delve into the realm where spellbinding science meets the art of healing! 1. Leviosa Lumbarus: The Power of Core Strengthening Spells Remember the moment when Harry discovered the power of levitation through Wingardium Leviosa? Wel ..read more