Co Recare Physio

In the fast-paced life of Dubai , stress often leads to a shallow breathing pattern known as "Chest Breathing." While it seems harmless, it is one of the leading causes of chronic neck and shoulder tension. What is Accessory Muscle Overuse? Your neck muscles are designed for movement, not for primary breathing. When the diaphragm (your main breathing muscle) becomes weak or "locked," your neck muscles take over. This constant over-activity leads to fatigue, stiffness, and ev

Are You Dreading the Stairs After Your Run? You’ve just finished a beautiful run at Kite Beach or a long session at Al Qudra, but as soon as you hit the stairs, it happens—a sharp, stabbing pain on the outside of your knee. Many runners mistake this for a joint issue and try to "push through it," only to find the pain getting worse. If this sounds like you, the real criminal isn't your knee joint; it’s likely IT Band Friction Syndrome (ITBS). At Co'Recare Physio , we believe

If you’ve ever felt that nagging ache or sharp pain in your knee, you know how it can disrupt your day. Whether it’s from an old injury, sports, or just the wear and tear of daily life, knee discomfort can be frustrating. But here’s the good news: there are practical, effective ways to ease that pain and get you moving comfortably again. Let’s explore some solutions that can help you regain your active lifestyle naturally and confidently. Understanding Your Knee Discomfort: W

Many runners in Dubai come to us at Co'Recare Physio  asking the same question: "Which shoes should I buy to stop my knee pain?" Our answer usually surprises them: "It’s not about the shoes; it's about your rhythm." The Science of Cadence According to a landmark study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise , increasing your step rate (cadence) by just 5% to 10%  can reduce the impact on your patellofemoral (knee) joint by up to 20% . Why it works: Eliminates Ov

We’ve all been there. You leave the physiotherapy clinic feeling great, but then life in Dubai gets busy. The exercise sheet stays on the counter, and you think, "I'll just do it all on Saturday."  At Co'Recare Physio , we want to help you understand why daily consistency is the "secret sauce" to moving from temporary relief to a permanent reset. 1. The Science: Neuroplasticity (Retraining Your Brain) Pain isn't just in your muscles; it's a signal managed by your brain. To f

Living in Dubai’s fast-paced environment—from long commutes on SZR to intense Padel matches—takes a toll on your musculoskeletal system. When traditional massage or stretching isn't enough, many turn to Dry Needling . But what exactly makes it so effective? At Co'Recare Physio , we combine this evidence-based technique with Korean clinical precision to provide more than just temporary relief. 1. The Science Behind the Needle: How It Works Dry Needling is not about "energy flo

If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain, sports injuries, or recovering from surgery, you might have heard about dry needling as a treatment option. But what exactly is it, and how can it help you? I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know about dry needling and why it might be the natural solution you’ve been searching for. Dry needling is a technique used by physiotherapists to target muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting thin needles into sp

Sandals and slippers are deeply integrated into daily life in Dubai. While they feel comfortable, many designs provide minimal arch support and heel stability. What happens biomechanically? Research shows that flat, unsecured footwear increases intrinsic foot muscle activity as the toes grip the shoe to prevent slipping. This leads to increased load through: Calf muscles Achilles tendon Plantar fascia (Shroyer & Weimar, 2010) Over time, repeated loading without adequate recov

Sit-ups have long been considered a “go-to” exercise for flat abs and a strong back. However, modern spine biomechanics and rehabilitation research tell a different story. The problem is not effort — it’s misunderstanding what the core is designed to do . ❌ Myth 1: Sit-Ups Burn Belly Fat Many people perform sit-ups hoping to lose belly fat. Scientific reality: Spot reduction does not work. Multiple studies show that fat loss depends on: Overall calorie balance Whole-body phys

Introduction: The New Year is the perfect time to lace up your shoes. But as a Physiotherapist in Dubai, I see a surge of running injuries every January. The culprit? Lack of strategy. Here is how to start smart. Body: The Walk-Run Method:  Don't stress your joints by running 30 minutes straight. Start with 1 minute of running followed by 2 minutes of walking. The Talk Test:  Keep your intensity in check. You should be able to speak a full sentence while running. The 48-Hour

Achilles pain that feels worse in the morning, improves after a short run, and flares up again with hills or speed is commonly associated with Achilles tendinopathy . Current research indicates that this condition is degenerative and load-related , rather than inflammatory. Excessive or poorly managed loading exceeds the tendon’s capacity to adapt. Common Clinical Features Morning stiffness or limping on first steps Temporary symptom relief after warming up Increased pain wit

Many patients ask the same question after exercise or physiotherapy: “If it hurts, should I push through it — or stop?” The popular phrase “No Pain, No Gain”  can be misleading.In rehabilitation and exercise science, not all pain is equal , and understanding the difference is critical for safe recovery. Good Pain: Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) Delayed-onset muscle soreness typically appears 24–48 hours after exercise , especially following new or increased activity. A

The Importance of Neural Mobilisation Sciatica is not simply a muscle tightness problem. In many cases, symptoms are related to increased mechanosensitivity or reduced mobility of the sciatic nerve . Traditional stretching alone may aggravate symptoms if the neural tissue is irritated. This is why neural mobilisation (nerve gliding) is commonly used in physiotherapy. Why Neural Mobilisation Matters Neural mobilisation techniques focus on improving the movement of the sciatic

"Sit up straight!" It’s the most common advice for back pain, yet many office workers in Dubai find that even the "perfect" sitting position leads to deep, nagging aches. At our clinic, we are busting the myth of the rigid spine. The Evidence: Static Loading vs. Dynamic Movement The Fallacy of the Rigid Spine:  Research by Professor Peter O’Sullivan and other leading spinal experts suggests that there is no single "ideal" posture. In fact, people who try to maintain a perfect

Long commutes in Dubai are more than just a waste of time; they are a significant risk factor for chronic spinal issues. At our clinic, we see a high volume of patients with "Commuter’s Back." This guide explains the biomechanical evidence behind the perfect driving posture. 1. Maintaining Lumbar Lordosis (The C-Curve) Sitting increases intradiscal pressure by up to 1.5x compared to standing. When your back flattens against a car seat, the load shifts to the discs. Evidence

Being told you have a herniated disc often leads to fear and uncertainty. Many patients assume that surgery is the only way forward. However, scientific evidence suggests a different story. What the Research Shows Studies published in leading medical journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) , have demonstrated that more than half of lumbar disc herniations improve or resolve naturally over time without surgical intervention . This improvement occurs thro

Out-toeing gait, where the feet point outward during walking, is commonly associated with altered hip and knee mechanics . Research suggests that excessive external foot progression can increase rotational stress through the knee joint and sacroiliac region , especially during stance and push-off phases of gait. Two common physical contributors are: Shortened adductor muscles , limiting controlled hip movement Reduced gluteus medius activation , impairing frontal-plane pelvic

Many people say, “I can feel the rain coming in my joints.” This belief is so common that it has become part of everyday language. But does rain itself actually cause joint pain? The short answer: Rain does not enter your joints. The longer, evidence-based answer is more nuanced. 🌧️ The Myth A widespread belief is that rain, cold, or damp air seeps into the joints  and directly causes arthritis or joint damage. This is not biologically possible. Joints are sealed structures

Sharp pain on the outside of the knee is a common complaint, especially among runners, active individuals, and people who spend long hours sitting. Although many describe it as sudden or unexplained, lateral knee pain often reflects iliotibial band (ITB) overload , not a random injury. The iliotibial band is a dense fascial structure running from the pelvis to the lateral tibia. Repetitive knee flexion and extension, altered hip control, or excessive tissue tension can increa

Have you ever finished a workout or a run and suddenly felt your knee ache? It’s a common experience, and if you’re wondering why your knee hurts after exercise, you’re not alone. Understanding what causes this pain and how to manage it can make a huge difference in your recovery and future workouts. Let’s dive into the details together. What Causes Post-Exercise Knee Pain? Knee pain after exercise can stem from several factors. Sometimes, it’s just your body telling you it n