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”
Our simple checklist to help you decide — without guessing Back pain is incredibly common — but knowing what to do next isn’t always clear. This checklist will help you: This is general information — not a diagnosis — but it will help you make a confident next step. YOU MAY NOT NEED PHYSIO YET IF: ☐ Your pain is …
Aging is inevitable — but how well you age is largely in your hands. Staying active, strong, and mobile is the key to maintaining independence and enjoying life’s adventures well into your later years. Why it mattersWithout regular movement and strengthening, muscles weaken, balance declines, and joint stiffness increases. But research shows that with the …
As we move into 2026, the conversation around aging is shifting. It’s no longer just about how long we live—it’s about how well we move, feel, and thrive along the way. The good news? You have more control than you think. Building strong movement habits now is one of the most powerful ways to increase …
Continue reading “Top 5 Movement Habits to Age Well in 2026”
Reduce Pain – Improve Quality of Life, Performance and Long-Term Health
Staying active into your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health span.
Autumn often brings a shift in energy. Days grow shorter, temperatures drop, and our routines can get a little off-track. But it’s also a powerful time to refocus on what keeps us feeling strong, mobile, and energised.
As we get older, aches, pains, and stiffness seem to become part of daily life. Whether it’s waking up with a stiff back, feeling knee pain after a short walk, or struggling with tight shoulders after a day at your desk, many people believe that discomfort is just a normal part of aging.
When it comes to health, longevity, and performance, we often focus on exercise and nutrition, but there’s another crucial factor that often gets overlooked—sleep.
Aging well isn’t just about living longer—it’s about staying active, strong, and pain-free so you can enjoy life to the fullest. While exercise and movement are essential, what you eat plays a huge role in how you feel as you age.
As we age, maintaining strength, balance, and bone health becomes increasingly important—yet many people don’t realise that conditions like osteoporosis can develop silently, with no symptoms until a fracture occurs. The good news? You can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of fractures, falls, and mobility loss.
What if you could improve your physical and mental well-being in just a few minutes at a time? Enter exercise snacking—a powerful and time-efficient approach to movement that can significantly impact your strength, endurance, mobility, and mental clarity.