Blog Posts - Mark's musings.
Tips and thoughts to help you live your best life...

The placebo effect is one of the most fascinating examples of the mind-body connection — proving that sometimes, belief alone can create real physical changes in the body. From fake surgeries producing real results to patients improving simply because they thought they were being treated, these mind-blowing placebo facts might completely change the way you think about health and healing. 1) It’s not “fake”—your body can actually change Even if a pill has no active ingredient,

What surprised me most about my first half marathon is how busy it was and how many supporters were lining the road. It was quite overwhelming to begin with, but the energy of the day really helped, not only as a distraction but as a real motivator. I think both Heidi and I found the whole race very challenging. From about the 12km mark we really had to motivate each other. Our legs became very heavy, and it felt like they may cramp at any moment, so we took the decision at

I have been practising Lymphatic drainage for the past 8 years, especially with elderly clients who have Oedema in their lower extremities, in particular feet and ankles. However it’s much more common for me lately to be helping people post-surgery with lymphedema (build-up of lymph fluid), and more recently I have treated clients with lymphedema post cancer treatment. Sometimes as a result of excess fluid, surgery or illness there can be a blockage in the lymph nodes or t

Let’s explore why temperature influences how our bodies feel when we first wake up.

Good hydration shouldn’t start when we begin exercise or even immediately before. Hydration in the days leading up to exercise is crucial. This is because it allows your body to maintain optimal fluid balance, ensuring that your muscles and organs function efficiently during physical activity. Starting hydration early also helps prevent fatigue, cramps, and heat-related issues, supporting overall performance and recovery. Cheers! I'll drink to that 💦

Before and after I exercise, I have a very routine set of stretches that I perform. These stretches are tailored to what I need i.e. Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Hip flexors and Calves. This may differ for you depending on the type of exercise you are undertaking (swimming, running, walking, Pilates, spin class, circuit training, weight training, boxing etc.) as well attending to muscle groups in our own bodies that we have identified as being tight or restrictive. Before exerci

In November last year, my eldest daughter Heidi was coming home to live with us full time after being away studying for 5 years, and she thought it would be a nice idea to do the Sydney Half Marathon together. Well I jumped straight away at the chance of doing something together, and it was only later that I started to wonder what exactly it was that I had agreed to... Let's face it, 21km is a crazy long way! I'd have been lucky to run anymore than 5km, since I was 18 - whic

For years, much to my youngest daughter's consternation I would never listen to radio or music in the car; it was always silent – I loved the quiet of driving, I found it calming. Then one day I was clearing out some old books from my Mum's house and came across some books I had read when I was a teenager and in my early 20’s. Instead of re-reading them all, I now have a list that I play as audiobooks and my car is no longer the cone of silence – not that it will make my

It is such a privilege to work in the Castlecrag/Willoughby area and to have two dedicated and generous practitioners in Chris and Meg, to collaborate with.

Spring can be such a rewarding time of the year in the garden, but it can be tough on the body when we are out of practise. You may not know this about me, but I was a landscape gardener for many years pre-massage therapist; and I have certainly rediscovered my love for the garden! I get enormous joy from pottering around the garden on a Sunday morning. My hints for pain free, weekend garden fun include some light stretching and muscle activation before I begin, such as: Squ

What is Creatine? Creatine is a molecule found naturally in our muscle cells. It provides energy when we do high intensity exercise. It...

Understanding the Best Approach for Injury Recovery... When an injury occurs, knowing whether to apply heat or cold can make a...

Pros of Ice Baths: 1) Reduces muscle soreness and inflammation · One of the primary reasons athletes turn to ice baths is for relief...

Enhancing Wellbeing Through Touch As individuals age, maintaining physical and mental health becomes increasingly important. Massage...

Winter can make muscles feel tighter and less responsive, but keeping them strong and healthy is definitely doable! Here’s how you can...

As the colder months approach, the chill in the air brings about a range of physical and mental challenges. One effective way to combat...

Massage therapy has long been recognised as a beneficial practice for athletes and sports enthusiasts. It offers a myriad of advantages...

A Holistic Approach to Wellness: Massage therapy has long been celebrated for its myriad benefits, ranging from pain relief to improved...

These 12 benefits to Deep, Long Stretches will have you wondering why you haven't incorporated them into your fitness regime before...

Let me take you through an hour of deeper, longer stretches. From stretching your Pecs, Lats and Traps to lengthening your Glutes,...