Croxley Home Physio

13/11/2025

For all my female clients who want to boost their fitness and longevity

Cold plunging has exploded in popularity, with everyone from elite athletes to wellness influencers posting their ice bath rituals. But long before it hit social media, cold-water immersion was a Nordic tradition—often paired with saunas—as a way to build resilience, reset the mind, and connect socially. Those plunges weren’t just about recovery; they were about ritual, renewal, and community.

Fast forward to today, and you’ve probably seen the claims: “Go as cold as possible for maximum benefit.” But as is so often the case in exercise and recovery science, what works for men doesn’t always work the same way for women.

When I see women shivering in tubs of icy-cold water at 4°C (39°F) because they’ve been told it will boost metabolism, burn fat, or supercharge recovery, I want to jump in (literally) and explain: you don’t need to go that cold—and in many cases, it’s counterproductive.

Let’s unpack what’s really happening physiologically, how cold exposure can support both health and performance, and why for women, the sweet spot often sits around 15°C (59°F)—not ice-cold extremes.

​Read the full article >>> https://bit.ly/47OXVix

13/11/2025

I wanted to share this animation on the process of dying voiced by our amazing Consultant Dr Ros Taylor, Medical Director of the Michael Sobell House hospice where I privileged to work part of the week.

Difficult topic but worth considering

In this video, Dr Ros Taylor, explains how to recognise when someone is entering the last weeks or days of life. She shares the physical, emotional and spiri...

29/10/2025

Dr Stacy Sims has been spreading evidence based knowledge about bone and muscle health for years. I also encourage all my patients to maximise their potential and hop, jump or challenge their routine to encourage better mobility and function.

We all lose bone as we age, and the long-term effects of this are osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fracture. I’m often asked about how to maintain and improve bone health—so in a previous newsletter, I addressed this question, as well as providing some valuable resources for you.

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation reports that up to 50% of women and 25% of men aged 50+ will break a bone due to osteoporosis. It’s hugely important to build the best skeletons we can in the first 30 years of our lives and then try to maintain bone mass as we age. But how?

​Learn more here and view all research links >>> https://bit.ly/48OyS12

20/10/2025

Happy Diwali to all 💐

04/10/2025

Interesting article that validates what o prescribe day after day: leg strengthening exercises are essential to healthy, independent older years. It is never too late to start, at whatever level you are at. Contact me if you need further support to get your knees, and mobility , in greater shape !

Our knees are arguably one of our most important joints. Here’s how to strengthen them: https://bbc.in/3IRuLGR

04/10/2025

Another two 5 ⭐ reviews from patients. I get so humbled and moved by the feedback I receive. I am so glad I can make a difference. Read more on https://shorturl.at/j0tpW

“Stephanie has been helping my father get moving after hip replacement surgery further complicated by a broken shoulder. She has a wonderful manner and has really motivated him to get moving. Her simple and easy to follow instructions have meant that he confidently and diligently completes his exercises between visits. He really looks forward to her visits!”

“My 93 year old Dad had a fall resulting in a head injury that put him in hospital for a month. When he came out he was very frail and wheelchair bound. As a result he was quite depressed as he had always been very independent and active. So we looked for a physiotherapist who could help him regain his mobility... and found Stephanie.
Her speciality is palliative care and has been wonderful. She worked with the care home to ensure that his environment was set up correctly for safe transfers between the bed, wheelchair/chair and walking frame and has since focussed on strengthening exercises and practising these transfers with my dad so that he can carry them out safely with minimal assistance. At first he was scared and panicked when trying to stand, but only after a few sessions there was a marked improvement and he can now walk with a frame independently under supervision.
Stephanie has also provided him with an exercise program that he can do on his own complete with easy to follow diagrams which he has described as “rather excellent”... a top notch compliment from him! My Dad’s mood has improved considerably and now looks forward to Stephanie’s visits and is always keen to show us the new exercises he has learnt.
I cannot recommend Stephanie enough for those struggling to regain their mobility and especially the elderly who are also dealing with cognitive decline. It is her expertise here that we have found most beneficial in giving my Dad encouragement and hope for the future.”

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01/09/2025

Another two days until I complete my 12 day Alpine hike. I am looking forward to coming back on Monday 8th September . As longevity physiotherapist I love helping all my clients maximising their mobility and function, whatever their level. Get in touch for a chat or to book a session.