Unfortunately, when one gets to a certain age, parts of one’s body start to hurt. And, unfortunately, I have reached that age.

First it was a bad sprain (running), then sciatica, calf muscle problems and lower back pain. I’ve had issues with my knees (to a lesser extent) and my feet. My hips have never been quite right since childbirth. I think you can get the picture. 

In October, I managed to get to Covid and had to isolate for the family for 10 day. That was 10 days I spent in bed, watching Netflix on my laptop and knitting. However, the consequence of sitting in bed for hours at a time, was this recurring pain in my lower back. Ultimately, I want to get back to Park Run and book myself in for some 10km races as soon as I’m able and I don’t want any injuries to stop my training.

As soon as I was out of isolation and the Covid related brain fog had lifted, I booked an appointment to see Bradie, at Physio Motive, based at Zest Gym in Sudbury.

Bradie’s ethos is to find the cause of injury, make an accurate diagnosis and share with you how best to manage that injury. 

For myself, Bradie needed to discover what hurt and when; was it when I was moving in a particular way so he could pinpoint the cause of the injury. (Or in my case, injuries) After a thorough investigation, including checking my reflexes to discover how responsive my muscles were in my knees) I was given strategies to stop the pain from getting worse and exercises to help improve. The ultimate goal, to get back to Park Run.

At Physio Motive, they don’t believe in working through the pain but respecting it. And I like that. This was especially the case when assessing the extent of my injury and paid around my legs and back. Rather than enduring the pain, whilst being manipulated and prodded, Bradie simply asked me to try readjust the position I was sitting in or moving my legs.

After my thorough examination was over, we went through some simple exercises for me to do at home that would help strengthen my lower back and increase my flexibility. 

Immediately the dull pain in my lower back felt improved, but I know getting back to pre-pandemic fitness isn’t going to be a quick fix. I know I have to do the exercises I’ve been given and follow up in the next few weeks. These things take time, but I have no doubt, I’ll be at Park Run before I know it. 

If you've got an injury, whether it's back pain through to a sports injury, get in touch with the team at Physio Motive and chat with them about they can help.