Exercise and depression

The positive effects of exercise have been strengthened by a recent review of the latest evidence of papers related to depression and exercise. There was no conclusion as to the best types of exercise or whether there was any lasting effect if exercising stopped.

Comments made  included distinguishing between curative and useful activities. For instance having  pneumonia benefits from getting out to get more fresh air but it doesn't cure the pneumonia. Exercise in itself will not relieve depression unless it is done to a level that causes the release of endorphins  which would mean running at 6.5 to 6.7 miles per hour for 10 minutes; not often attempted by those suffering with depression.

To find out more about the physiotherapy services we can offer to help you with exercise, please contact us today for more information and to book an appointment.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;9:CD004366. Abstract

Barefoot running

Barefoot running is not a panacea for avoiding running injuries; we evolved to run barefooted but this does not make it best for everyone.
There are some theories as to why barefoot running may prevent injuries:
Humans evolved  to run barefoot so putting on shoes may alter the running form.
It may decrease the impact on certain parts of the leg and foot and increase foot strength.
The benefits remain unproven and injuries may be related to many factors including mechanics which vary with the individual. Just going barefoot may not alter the risks
There is a need for controlled prospective injury studies comparing shoes or no shoes and the need to understand how best to progress to barefoot running and gradual slow change with attention to posture and form will play their part. Start on a smooth hard surface. Run for about 100m and assess how you do. Progress from that

To find out more about the physiotherapy services we can offer to help you prepare for barefoot running, please contact us today for more information and to book an appointment.

From British Journal of Sports Medicine
http://bit.ly/16va98X

Getting ready for the ski season

If you’re heading off on a skiing trip this winter, it is important you’re in good shape. Skiing is excellent exercise for the entire body, but it can exacerbate existing joint and muscular problems, so it is important that these are treated before you head onto the slopes.

Seeing a physiotherapist is the best way to ensure you are in the best possible physical condition before you go skiing, and is recommended for everyone from first time skiers to those who have been skiing for many years.

Skiing can be very physically demanding, so if you have pre-existing sports injuries or have simply never seen a physiotherapist before, now could be a good time to take the plunge. You need to be relatively agile and able to respond quickly, especially when you reach the trickier ski runs, so it can be invaluable to have a physiotherapist help you with your posture and work through any potential joint issues that need addressing.

To find out more about the physiotherapy services we can offer to help you prepare for the ski season, please contact us today for more information and to book an appointment.