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”
Most people step on the scales and focus on a single number: their weight. But weight alone tells you very little about your health. Two people can weigh exactly the same, yet have completely different bodies — one with higher muscle mass and lower body fat, and another with lower muscle and higher fat. This …
Continue reading “What the Scales Don’t Tell You: Understanding Your Body Composition”
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”
As we age, one of the most important factors for maintaining independence is mobility. Mobility refers to the ability of joints and muscles to move through their full, comfortable range of motion while maintaining control and stability. When mobility decreases, everyday activities can become more difficult. Signs Your Mobility May Be Declining Many people first notice …
Continue reading “Mobility Training for Seniors: Why Movement Matters More Than Ever”
For many years physiotherapy was something people sought only after an injury occurred. A sore back.A torn muscle.A painful shoulder. But a growing number of people are now asking a different question: “How can I prevent injuries and stay strong as I age?” This is where longevity-focused physiotherapy comes in. Instead of waiting for pain to appear, the …
Continue reading “Longevity Physiotherapy: Why “Pre-Hab” Is the Future of Staying Active”
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”
Modern physiotherapy increasingly recognises that pain is not purely mechanical. Our nervous system plays a major role in how we experience pain, tension and recovery. Somatic movement is an approach that focuses on improving awareness of how the body moves and responds to stress. What Is Somatic Movement? The word somatic refers to the body as experienced from within. …
Continue reading “Somatic Movement & Nervous System Regulation: A Missing Piece in Pain Recovery”
If your jaw clicks, catches, or feels stuck when you open your mouth — you’re not alone. Many people ignore it for months (or years) because it doesn’t hurt much… at first. Until one day: Let’s break down what’s actually happening. Why Does the Jaw Click? Inside your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits a small cartilage …
Continue reading “Clicking Jaw? Difficulty Opening Your Mouth? Here’s What It Really Means.”
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.
If you suffer from headaches, you’ve probably tried everything. Painkillers.Massage.New pillows.Stretching.Drinking more water. And yet… the headaches keep coming back. One of the most overlooked causes of persistent headaches is the neck. The Neck–Headache Connection The upper cervical spine (the top three joints of your neck) shares nerve pathways with the trigeminal nerve — the main …
Continue reading “Why Your Neck Might Be Causing Your Headaches (And What To Do About It)”
We sat down with Marie 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 grew up on Reunion Island (a French Island in the Indian Ocean) and moved to the Tweed Coast as a teenager to pursue …
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 …
Living in a coastal community like ours, board sports are part of everyday life. Whether it’s skateboarding at a local park or surfing before school, these sports build confidence, resilience, and incredible skill. But what most people don’t see is this: The athletes who progress — and stay injury-free — are not just the most …
Continue reading “Board Sports Athletes: Talent Is Great — But Athlete Behaviour Builds Longevity”
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy — and for many, it’s not the first episode. How Clinical Pilates Helps Prevent It From Coming Back We often meet people who say: In many cases, the issue isn’t that treatment didn’t work — it’s that the underlying causes weren’t fully addressed. …
Continue reading “Why Treating Low Back Pain Alone Isn’t Enough”