Latest news with #HelenOLeary
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Want to avoid aches and pains while driving? Physiotherapist reveals all
A physiotherapist has revealed a number of tips for motorists so they can avoid aches and pains while driving. It comes as research from Cazoo found that 57% of drivers surveyed say they suffer from 'Repetitive Driving Strain' (RDS). This is pain in areas such as their back, neck, shoulders and hips while driving. To help them out, Helen O'Leary, director and physiotherapist at Complete Pilates, has teamed up with Cazoo. Together, they have created a driver-friendly car guide on how drivers can best position themselves when driving, to avoid aches and pains. It's important to if you're driving a shared car to adjust the seat so it bests fits you when you're behind the wheel. Helen explains: "First of all, you need to ensure that the seat is not pressing against the back of your knees - many cars allow you to lengthen or shorten the seat to achieve this. "Seat height is also key - you should be sitting upright, similarly to in a desk chair. "Finally, when thinking about the steering wheel height, you should ensure that your arms are slightly bent. "Most modern cars allow you to adjust the seat exactly, so ensure you take time to set it correctly before each drive.' Supporting your spine is the most effective way to avoid RDS, which can be done fairly easily. Helen says: "The easiest way to do this in a car is getting Lumbar support, or finding a way to support your lower back - for example through a cushion. "Ensuring you have enough support in your lower back will help you sit up straight without overextending.' If you have the option for cruise control in your car, then that can help reduce RDS. Helen explains: "This feature can be incredibly useful for preventing pain. Having a car with cruise control means that you can take your foot off the gas and therefore not work your foot and ankle muscles constantly. "This will help reduce the chances of a sore and tired foot and ankle, particularly those muscles at the front of your shin.' Cars with options for this include a Volkswagen ID5, and a Ford Mustang Mach E. It's important to take breaks from driving to give your body a chance to move and lubricate its own parts. Recommended reading: UK's top 10 stolen car models in the last year revealed (Is yours on the list?) The top 10 cars on the market that are the easiest to park in the UK How often should your car's engine oil be changed? Motoring expert reveals all Helen adds: "It is also worth taking time to stretch in this break, as it can help to prevent any further stiffness'. It is important to maintain a good strength and flexibility routine to aid recovery after long drives. Exercises Helen recommends include back extension, Reverse Nordics, sumo squat, high step up and book openings.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The 5 Best Pilates Exercises To Strengthen A 'Runner's Knee'
I love running, but I'll be honest; I've been off for the past week with a terrible runner's knee. I know that engaging in strength training can help to prevent the niggles and aches associated with jogging, and trying some squats and lunges really has been useful. However, according to Helen O'Leary, a physiotherapist at Complete Pilates, there are some pilates-based moves I should try in addition to my current routine. 'The expert advice from clinical practice guidelines on patellofemoral pain strongly recommends exercise therapy that includes a combination of hip and knee targeted exercise to reduce pain and improve patient-reported outcomes in the short, medium and long term,' she said. 'Hip abductor strengthening exercise is recommended for runners with ITB compression syndrome for reducing pain and improving function,' she added. With that in mind, here are her five top pilates-based runner's knees recovery movies: As Bupa said, performing a bridge can strengthen your knee by stabilising your hips and glutes. O'Leary stated you can complete the move with the following steps: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your heels elevated on a bench, pressing down into your heels to lift your bottom up off the mat. Articulate the spine one piece at a time as you roll your hips up. Pause at the top, then roll one piece at a time back down to connect to the mat. Designed to strengthen your outer hips, thighs, and glutes, the move can increase all-important balance while you're running. Per O'Leary, this is how it's done: Lie on your side with your head supported and legs straight. Lift your top leg with its foot flexed up to the sky and lower it down. Repeat. Runna explained that this move benefits your glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and calves – all of which are 'vital for running to allow you to transfer power down and into your stride.' Here's how it's done: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms down by your side, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Sit your hip bones down and back into a squat. As you rise up to stand, continue to rise up onto the balls of your feet. Lower your heels back down. Repeat. Healthline said that donkey kicks can 'target the glutes in a way many other exercises can't,' which in turn improves your hip stability and decreases knee pain. These can be done, O'Leary shared, in these four stages: On all fours with hands under shoulders, with your knees underneath your hips, raise and bend one knee's heel towards your bottom and flex the foot. Keeping your weight spread between your opposite leg's hands, start to lift your working leg's heel up towards the sky, keeping the hip and knee bent, then lower back down to the start position. These aim to strengthen the knee directly. To do them: Stand in a split stance with both knees bent and a loop resistance band above both knees. Keep your front knee bent and still while raising the back leg heel off the ground. Ensure your arms are holding onto a wall in front for stability. Keeping this start position, begin to straighten the back knee against the resistance band, maintaining the heel lift. Release, bending the knee. Repeat. O'Leary explained that common causes of a runner's knee include not sticking to a warm-up routine and jogging on hilly terrain. She also says we should 'optimise rest and recovery.' After all, she says, 'Load management is key.' Speak to a physiotherapist if you're concerned about your running form or knee pain, and visit your GP if the pain lasts for more than a few weeks. I Tried The 'Balloon Method' And My Running Form Has Never Been Better I Tried 'Plogging,' The Eco-Friendly Running Trend – And I'll Never Do It Again I Ditched This Fitness Class – And My Running Suffered
