Pain Free Start

13/12/2025

Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Achy, Sore Bodies

Looking for something thoughtful for a loved one who struggles with aches, stiffness or sore muscles? Here are a few physio-approved ideas that bring comfort and support:

* Heated throw – snuggle up and ease winter stiffness https://amzn.to/4aKn5R
* Collagen – supportive for skin, joints and tendons. https://nskn.co/dfid6o
* Capsicum cream – gentle, topical relief for achy joints https://amzn.to/4s2WQwP
* Massage gun – relax tight muscles (this blog will help you find the perfect one)
https://painfreestart.com/are-massage-guns-worth-it-a-physiotherapists-honest-review-plus-best-picks/
* Supportive slippers – comfort indoors, reduce fatigue
https://amzn.to/3MGandi
* Physiotherapy gift vouchers – personalised support & expert guidance
http://painfreestart.com
* Heat pack
https://amzn.to/48QIYgl
* 3 set heat set.
https://amzn.to/4q08uXo

These gifts aren’t just practical — they say “I care about your comfort and wellbeing.”

Perfect for anyone you want to feel cosy, cared for, and supported this winter!

Always here for help and support.

Take care, Helen

10/12/2025

I had so many lovely messages about this week’s Body Talk newsletter that I just had to share a little of it here. 💛

This week, I spoke about Christine — someone who has inspired me deeply. Her story reminded me how powerful it can be to step outside your comfort zone, not just physically but mentally. Real growth often happens in the moments where we feel stretched, challenged, or uncertain… and her courage captured that beautifully.

It also happened that one of our community completed a full 24-hour charity run and raised an incredible £1,318 for mens mental health charities, another reminder that we are all capable of so much more than we think.

If you missed the newsletter and want more weekly inspiration, mindset support, and physio-backed tips to help you feel strong inside and out, you can sign up below.

Link to sign up to my newsletter - http://eepurl.com/igoW41 #

Link to the full blog version- https://painfreestart.com/comfort-zone-or-growth-zone-what-a-24-hour-charity-run-taught-me-about-courage-health-and-personal-growth/

(links in comments if you can't see here)

As always if I can help in any way please let me know.

Take care, Helen.

09/12/2025

Festive dog drama. 😩

The clinic is Christmas ready we even have a resident robin along with the usual cheer.
However what I don’t have is chocolates to offer you all. Thanks to my chocolate obsessed Spaniel who broke into clinic, got onto the desk, opened the tub and consumed the lot!

Yes a few choice words were said and Daisy is absolutely fine after a trip to the vets the chocolates were all still wrapped so thankfully not absorbed!

I will endeavour to get more chocolates, and keep them more dog safe this time. 😩

03/12/2025

02/12/2025

So many people come to the clinic after years of pain and say they wish they’d come to see me sooner. Yesterday is gone, but today is still yours.
Plant your tree - don’t wait any longer.

If you need help planting your tree or assistance with pain or injury then I’m here and always happy to help.

Take care, Helen

01/12/2025

He did it! After 24 hours of relentless running, Edan crossed the finish line! Raising over £1000 for men's mental health charities and running over 100km.

This incredible feat reminds us all of the power of courage, determination, and pushing beyond our comfort zones. Not just physically, but mentally too - growth often happens when we challenge ourselves in ways we didn’t think possible.

I hope you have been inspired following his journey, and it’s a beautiful reminder that investing in yourself, your health, and your goals is always worth it.

If you’re looking for motivation to step out of your comfort zone, take today as proof that it’s never too late to start.

28/11/2025

It’s Pain-Free Friday! 30% OFF!
A calmer, supportive alternative to Black Friday - giving you 30% off all my online physio programs.

Prices from £12, links to programs in the comments.

If you’ve been battling:
• Back pain
• Arthritic knees
• Plantar fascia pain
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Or just feel like your body is not as good as it should be (Pain Free Body Program - Full Body MOT will be perfect)

Today is your moment to take a gentle step toward feeling better.

✔ 30% off
✔ Expert guidance
✔ Evidence-based routines that won’t flare you up
✔ Instant access

Use code 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 at checkout

All links to programs in the comments

No pressure. No overwhelm.
Just support, clarity, and a path to feeling good in your body again.

I would LOVE to see you there.
(Full 14 day money back guarantee - so no risk)

25/11/2025

Take the self - check test

Athletes of all levels can be at risk of RED-S — not just elites.
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, injured, or “not quite yourself,” this quick RED-S self-check is a great place to start.

It’s completely anonymous and designed to help you understand if low energy availability could be affecting your performance or wellbeing.

Take the self-check - https://red-s.com/toolkit/energy-checker

24/11/2025

Something is coming this Friday…

And if you’ve been battling back pain, arthritic knees, plantar fascia pain, achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, you’ll want to keep an eye out.

I’m creating a calm, supportive alternative to Black Friday -
a day focused entirely on helping you feel better in your body.

No overwhelm.
No pressure.
Just support. 💛

More soon…

24/11/2025

I’ve just had Edan Petrie in clinic before his mammoth run on Saturday 29th November for Movember. Saturday is Edan’s 20th birthday 🥳

Edan plans to run 120km over 24hrs.

The furthest he has ever run is 32km so this is going to be a massive challenge but he is such a talented athlete that I have no doubt that he will smash it 💥

Please support Edan if you can it’s a fabulous charity.

https://movember.com/m/15474740?mc=1

Starting on Saturday at 12 noon on the green in Newton and finishing at 3pm on Sunday at York Minster.

Good luck Edan you are a star ⭐️ and will smash this.

23/11/2025

Many athletes are training hard… but not fueling enough.
That imbalance can lead to RED-S - Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport - a condition that affects energy, hormones, bone health, recovery, and performance.

If you train regularly, this is something you really need on your radar.
It’s not about eating more for the sake of it - it’s about giving your body the fuel it needs to stay healthy, strong, and performing well.

I’ve written a blog explaining the signs, risks, and simple ways to protect yourself.
Tap the link here or in comments to read more. https://painfreestart.com/understanding-red-s-why-fueling-your-training-matters-more-than-you-think/

And check out Project RED-S online for an excellent explainer video.

Train smart. Fuel well. Protect your health. ❤️🔥

22/11/2025

I love my Thursdays at the hospital for so many reasons. Hanging out with my awesome colleagues, sharing ideas and expanding my knowledge.

This week was no different, we said goodbye to a fabulous colleague Sarah Slade who is leaving to focus her attention on her growing private practice in Wakefield specialising in pelvic health.
Thea Pelvic Health
https://www.sarahsladephysio.com

Before she left she delivered a brilliant in service training on RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) something that impacts many of you who train. I will be exploring this with you over the next few days.

Good luck Sarah it has been a pleasure working with you.

Founded by Sarah Slade, a Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist – THEA will provide timely, evidence-based advice and support.