When your shoulder hurts, it’s natural to focus entirely on the shoulder. But some of the most stubborn shoulder problems we see at Pottsville & Cabarita Physio have a hidden accomplice sitting just below and behind the joint: a stiff thoracic spine — the mid-back region between your neck and lower back. If you’ve been diligently doing …
Continue reading “The Stiff Upper Back Behind Your Shoulder Pain: Why Your Thoracic Spine Matters”
If you’ve been told you have “shoulder impingement,” “a bit of bursitis,” or “a rotator cuff issue,” you may have left the appointment more worried than when you walked in — especially if the word tear came up. Here’s some news that surprises most people: the way we understand and name this problem has changed, and for …
When something hurts, our instinct is to rest and protect it. With a fresh injury, that’s exactly right. But with persistent pain — pain that’s hung around for months — too much rest can actually keep the cycle going. The evidence is clear: for chronic pain, movement is one of the most powerful medicines we …
Continue reading “Movement as Medicine: A Physiotherapist’s Guide to Managing Chronic Pain”
If you’ve had pain that’s stuck around for more than three months, you’re far from alone. Persistent or “chronic” pain is one of the most common reasons people walk through our doors here on the Tweed Coast — and one of the most misunderstood. The good news? Modern pain science has completely changed how we …
Continue reading “Understanding Chronic Pain: Why It Lingers and What Actually Helps”
by Melissa Macdonald (Physiotherapist) If you’ve been dealing with an ache in your hip, groin or outer thigh, you’re far from alone. Hip pain is one of the most common presentations we see in physiotherapy — and one that’s frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and unfortunately, ignored for far too long. -1 in 4 Australians over 45 …
Continue reading “Hip pain: what’s really going on — and when to see a physio”
by Daniel Macdonald (Sports Physiotherapist) Pain on the outside of the hip is one of the most common complaints we see in clinic — particularly in women over 40. It’s often diagnosed asHip bursitis But in many cases, the real issue isGluteal tendinopathy Understanding the difference is key — because the treatment approach is completely …
Continue reading “Hip Bursitis vs Gluteal Tendinopathy: What’s Really Causing Your Hip Pain?”
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” — because most people don’t know they have it until a fracture occurs. But here’s the important part: There is a lot you can do to prevent it, slow it down, and even improve your bone health. What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become less dense and …
Continue reading “Osteoporosis: The Silent Condition You Can Actually Do Something About”
Do you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle? Your pain settles…You get back to normal…Then it flares up again. This is one of the most common frustrations we hear in clinic. Why does this happen? Pain is rarely just about the injury itself. Often, the underlying issue is: So while symptoms improve, the root …
Continue reading “Why Pain Keeps Coming Back (And What You Might Be Missing)””
“Why Am I Losing Muscle as I Age? (And What You Can Do About It)” As we move through our 40s, 50s and beyond, many people notice changes in their strength, energy, and body composition — even if their weight hasn’t changed. This isn’t just “getting older.”It’s something called sarcopenia — the gradual loss of muscle mass …
Hi, I’m Karina… I grew up in Brisbane before heading over to the UK in my early 20s, where I met my now husband and we started our family. In 2022, we made the move back to Australia to be closer to my parents and settled here on the Tweed Coast. I’m passionate about making …
We sat down for a Q and A……. 1. Tell us a little about yourself — where did you grow up and what brought you to the Tweed Coast? I’m originally from the US—born in New York but raised in California. I initially made the move to Australia for postgraduate school, and like so many …
Continue reading “Meet Emily: Physiotherapist at Pottsville Physio”
Dan B sat down with us for a Q and A Tell us a little about yourself — where did you grow up and what brought you to the Tweed Coast? I was born on the Gold Coast but have spent the last 10 years living here in Northern NSW. I originally moved down to …
Continue reading “Meet Dan Boeren – Physiotherapist in Pottsville”
At Pottsville & Cabarita Physiotherapy, we believe great care starts with great people. Our team is passionate about helping our community stay active, strong and doing the things they love. Today we’re introducing Lara, one of our physiotherapists who brings a holistic approach to injury recovery, strength building and long-term health. Tell us a little about …
Continue reading “Meet Lara – Physiotherapist at Cabarita Physio”
Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet many women are surprised by the physical changes that can occur during this transition. Fluctuating hormone levels can influence joint health, muscle strength and bone density, sometimes leading to new aches and pains. Understanding these changes allows women to take proactive steps to maintain strength and mobility. Why …
Continue reading “Menopause, Joint Pain and Bone Health: How Physiotherapy Can Help”
Do you:
Wake with a tight jaw?
Notice clicking or locking?
Clench when stressed?
Get headaches around your temples?
Feel tight through your face and neck?
You may have TMJ dysfunction.
I’ve been working as a physiotherapist for almost five years now, originally practicing in Brisbane before recently making the move down the coast to enjoy a life by the beach. At home, I live with my partner and our two-year-old Border Collie, Nelly who keeps us on our toes. In the clinic, I absolutely love …
Melissa Macdonald is the founder of Pottsville & Cabarita Physiotherapy and has been helping people move better, feel stronger and live with less pain for almost 30 years. With a special interest in headaches, migraines, jaw pain and neck pain, Melissa combines deep clinical experience with a strong belief in strength, resilience and long-term health. …
Continue reading “Meet Melissa: Founder & Headache / Neck Physio”
What To Do — And What To Avoid Do you have pain on the outside of your hip? Is it worse when lying on that side in bed?Does it ache walking hills, climbing stairs, or after sitting too long? You may have what’s commonly called hip bursitis — although in many cases it’s actually a condition called gluteal …