Author: Julie Johnson

Foam Rolling

What is it? You have probably seen or tried it at your gym or exercise class. It looks like a pool noodle but a bit thicker and firmer than it. That is a foam roller. It is a self-massage tool used to release muscle knots and enhance recovery after a workout. How does it do […]

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Running Principles

A slew of running injuries have been arriving at the clinic recently and I have found myself educating clients on efficient running mechanics. So, I thought it would be a good time to revisit a blog on running. Is there an optimal running technique? Should we all run the same way considering there are vast […]

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How dysfunctional breathing can effect your performance and pain

Many clients wonder why physiotherapists often work on breathing as part of your recovery or rehabilitation. Improvement in the mechanics and pattern of your breath can have a major impact on your performance during activity, minimize tension around the neck and shoulders, and help with muscular stability during exercise. In fact, several studies have demonstrated […]

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How often should I come in for a massage?

Almost without fail, during a massage with a new client, I get asked “How often should I come in for massage?” There is no universal answer to that question. Here are most of the factors I take into account when answering: What brings you in for this visit? Acute pain/ new injury: Frequency of treatments […]

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Massage 101

I have recently had some requests from the public to teach them basic massage techniques, so I thought I might as well start with the basics of massage. Of course massage is a combination of manual techniques combined with body contact and tissue manipulation, but there are 4 basic principles to follow when starting your […]

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What’s the fuss with warm-ups?

A question I ask anyone coming to see me for a sporting injury is if they warmed up before playing or practising on the day of the injury. Most people tend to say yes, they do some sort of stretching or jog around to sweat a bit before playing. In the encounter, I always get […]

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Travelling and your health

When we take holidays, we like to take the opportunity to get some much needed R&R. Now, don’t get me wrong this is very important for our mental and physical health, however, it can also play a negative role if taken to far. All too often I see clients return from their holiday with complaints […]

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Types of Medical Scans

We see a lot of injuries in this clinic which means a lot of medical reports and scans. So I thought I would give a little summary of the ones we see often in case you ever find yourself needing one…hopefully not though! X-Ray X-rays are a naturally occurring form of electromagnetic radiation; they are […]

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Brushing your teeth to a healthier body

Most of us have embraced the habit of brushing our teeth twice a day and sometimes more. Its been established in our routine and we don’t question why its good for our teeth. It’s 2 minutes of brushing, 2-3 times per day of mindless activity. So I have been known to ask my clients to […]

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Yoga for Runners

Most runners are aware that cross training is important for maintaining optimal balance in the body with an activity that can be very repetitive nature. Why choose yoga? Targeting flexibility, strength, alignment, and breath, yoga can help to prevent injury, speed up recovery and improve running efficiency and form. Specifically, the practice helps to lengthen […]

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