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Knee Pain in Yoga
In this post, Sam is back with Serenity Flow Yoga founder and instructor Shizuka, this time to discuss yoga-related knee pain. To check out the clips, head on over to our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSvXTgPkUtE/?img_index=1&igsh=b2N3bzYzcWZ3N2dy Have some yoga related pain that you need advice on, come in and see one of our experience and caring physios: https://tokyofitness.cliniko.com/bookings?appointment_type_id=6209 #yoga #tokyo #injury #pain #physiotherap


Shoulder Pain in Yoga - Part 2
In this second of our 2 part series, Sam is back with Serenity Flow Yoga founder and instructor Shizuka to continue the discussion around yoga-related shoulder pain, particularly with movements such as the handstand and downward dog. To check out the clips, head over to our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSDwVkjk_Ku/?igsh=MXU3ZTV5bHhuaDA2eg== #yoga #tokyo #injury #pain #physiotherapist #physiotherapy #physicaltherapist #physicaltherapy


Lower Back Injuries in CrossFit-Part 2
In this second part of our series on CrossFit related back pain, Sam teams up with Marc Keen from CrossFit Roppongi to discuss the opposite type of issue - extension sensitive lower back pain. To see the videos, head over to our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRn-qQ5EkJo/?igsh=Y3JmMTB1MW9jY3U= #lowerback #crossfit #physiotherapy #physiotherapist #physicaltherapy #physicaltherapist #training #strengthtraining


Stretching Myths and Misconceptions - Part 9: Is Stretching Useless
This is the last article in the series, where we do another "myth flip" and go back the other way. To see the video version. check out our instagram page: https://instagram.com/p/DRVTQoykhAG/ With all the talk about stretching, you might wonder if it’s really worth your time. The answer isn’t so clear-cut. While stretching might not be a cure-all, it remains crucial for many movements and can be particularly beneficial if you have specific mobility limitations impacting pain


Some aspects of rehab really are this simple
Graded exposure is often the most important part of a rehab program for both acute and chronic conditions. The idea is straightforward: gradually load the injured tissue — whether muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve or bone — and increase that load as tolerated to improve tolerance and desensitise the area. To see the video version, check out our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRDPdFxkx4z/?igsh=MWhianV3dTVmZHhlMA== A practical example from my own rehab: I’m workin
Shoulder Pain in Yoga, Part 1
In this first of a 2 part series, Sam is back with Serenity Flow Yoga founder and instructor Shizuka to discuss yoga-related shoulder pain, particularly with movements such as the handstand and downward dog. To see the clips, check out our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPzkgF5kwqI/?igsh=YWZ2bGVuOWlrbDU5 #yoga #tokyo #injury #pain #physiotherapist #physiotherapy #physicaltherapist #physicaltherapy


Rethinking the 10% Rule for Runners
The “10% rule” is one of the most common pieces of advice in the running world — the idea that you should increase your running volume by no more than 10% per week to reduce your risk of overuse injury. As load management is one of the cornerstones of injury prevention, this is generally sound advice. However, there’s a great deal of nuance behind this seemingly simple guideline. Below are some important factors to keep in mind when applying the 10% rule. 1. Your Current Trai


Stretching Myths and Misconceptions #6 - Stretching Makes Muscles Longer
(To view the video version, head over to our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPKsJcBEv93/?igsh=NHF4Zng3N210dHN4 So when we stretch we are able to move a joint further so that must mean we're making the muscle longer. With all the research that has been conducted in relation to mechanism of flexibility increase post stretching, the only mechanism that has been rigorously supported is increased tolerance to stretch. So essentially the brain and nervous system is


The Dreaded "Yoga Butt" - Partner Post with Serenity Flow Yoga
In this post we're back at Serenity Flow yoga studio where founder Shizuka and I cover the topic of "yoga butt" or proximal hamstring tendinopathy. To see the videos, check out our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOzacq6E0So/?igsh=YnZ6ZmFweWc3dDh2 #yoga #tokyo #injury #physiotherapist


Client Highlight- Pascal, Part 3: Successful ACL Healing Using the Cross Bracing Protocol
Regular viewers will be familiar with Pascal, who underwent the revolutionary cross-bracing protocol following an ACL injury earlier in the year. To see the video version check out our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOrvWiJk_P3/?igsh=cTZrN2VjYzNmYmo2 Despite studies showing positive results in other cases, the outcome in Pascal's case could never be guaranteed. Pascal had further imaging while on vacation in Europe which showed healing of the ACL. The scans we


Heel Pain in Football and Soccer Players
Pain in the back of the heel in many sports and physical activities is often a sign of Achilles Tendinopathy. However, kicking sports such as football and soccer and particularly in soccer due to the angle at which the ball is kicked, the pain is more likely to be related to a condition called posterior impingement , where structures at the back of the foot are being repetitively compressed during the kicking motion, which involves what we refer to as plantarflexion. To see


Do Topical Pain-Relieving Patches Really Work?
Topical pain-relieving patches — or “shippu” — are everywhere in Japan. If you’ve ever tweaked your back, strained your shoulder, or felt sore after a long day, chances are someone has handed you one of these cooling or warming patches. They’re available over the counter at any pharmacy, or you might get a stronger version prescribed by your doctor. They’re popular with everyone from office workers to athletes. But do they actually work — or are they just expensive stickers


Shoulder Injuries in CrossFit - Part 2
In part 2 of this series, Sam and Marc Keen from CrossFit Roppongi continue their discussion on strategies to deal with shoulder pain in CrossFit, this type discussing pressing, snatching and jerking. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOPaY6XE0CL/?igsh=MTlkamdldG9ydG85ZQ== #shoulder #crossfit #physiotherapy #physiotherapist #physicaltherapy #physicaltherapist #training #strengthtraining


Meet Our New Physiotherapist - Samson Fong
Samson is a physiotherapist passionate about helping people return to the activities they love. A sports enthusiast himself, he has played basketball, handball, and volleyball, and graduated with Honours in Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney. Listen to Samson's introduction on our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOHfcZdkzXg/?igsh=bjBkbjgxejVmMTIw He has served as the team physiotherapist for The University of Hong Kong Handball Club, where he supported


Bullet Proof Your Hamstrings - Part 2
In part 2 of our series on exercises for hamstring injury prevention Sam and Magnus go over some more advanced exercises including the nordic curl, the RDL and the kettlebell swing. Check out the clips on our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN1PQa55lO1/?img_index=1&igsh=N2VveHVpaWpuMzN0 If you are struggling with sports-related soft tissue injury or are after some advice on injury prevention, come in and see one of our experienced physios today. A shout out to our


Strength Training for Running: Optimise Performance and Reduce Injury Risk
(Check out the clip on our instagram page) https://www.instagram.com/p/DNjQrbuTaF5/?igsh=MTV3MHhpdmNlaHZwcg== The Recent Debut of Hyrox in Japan was a massive event, and this new sport has taken the world by storm. The advent of Hyrox Competition has meant that many people have increased their running mileage. In addition to getting the miles under the belt, strength training can be hugely beneficial as an adjust to improve running performance and decrease injury risk. One of


Wrist Pain in Yoga - Part 2
Do you struggle with wrist pain in positions such as plank and downward dog? In this series of clips, Shizuka from Serenity Flow Yoga and Sam expand on from the previous post and go through some other useful strategies for dealing with this common problem. https://www.instagram.com/p/DNABLsYzElp/?igsh=aTYybnc0ZGhwaWVv #yoga #wrist #pain #injury #physiotherapist #physicaltherapist #physiotherapy #physicaltherapist #physio #tokyo


Shoulder Injuries in CrossFit - Part 1
In this post Sam teams up with Marc Keen from CrossFit Roppongi ( https://crossfitroppongi.com/ ) to discuss some common causes of shoulder pain and some strategies to deal with them. To see the post check out our instagram site: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMhS_LvTfbz/?igsh=cWF2aTFtdXJ3YzVj #shoulder #crossfit #physiotherapy #physiotherapist #physicaltherapy #physicaltherapist #training #strengthtraining


Clicking or Pain in the Jaw? Understanding TMD
Have you ever noticed clicking sounds or pain in your jaw when talking or chewing? You may be experiencing a condition known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). What is TMD? TMD is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the muscles surrounding them, and related structures. Common symptoms include pain at rest, pain when speaking or eating, and clicking or popping noises when you move your jaw. Because the jaw is closely linked to the h


Cleared by doctor does not mean good to go
To see the video version check out our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMcJBNZzAQS/?igsh=bXZmNndobnp2cnls If you’ve ever had the misfortune of getting injured, you know the relief and excitement that comes when your doctor finally says you’re “cleared to return.” It’s natural to feel eager—sometimes too eager—to jump straight back into your usual sport or activity. But here’s what many people don’t realize: being cleared simply means that, structurally, your m
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