Elite Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation

26/01/2026

A misaligned pelvis can cause instability in the balance of the spine. This leads to the surrounding muscles and ligaments either tightening or lengthening to compensate for this imbalance. Discs in the spine may shift and become compressed, resulting in back pain and aching muscles.

24/01/2026

24/01/2026

Common Types of Back Pain

Muscle or Ligament Strain: The most common type, often caused by improper lifting, sudden movements, or poor posture, resulting in achy, stiff, or tender muscles.

Herniated or Ruptured Discs: Occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc protrudes through the outer layer, frequently causing sharp, radiating pain (sciatica) if it presses on nerves.

Sciatica: A type of nerve pain (radiculopathy) where the sciatic nerve is compressed, causing pain to radiate from the buttock down one leg.

Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, common in older adults.

Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear causes discs to shrink and break down, often causing chronic lower back pain.

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis or Ankylosing Spondylitis): Inflammation of spinal joints, often causing stiffness, particularly in the morning.

Spondylolisthesis: A condition where a vertebra slips out of alignment with the one below it.

Fractured Vertebrae: Often caused by trauma or osteoporosis, causing intense, sharp pain. 

24/01/2026

Current clinic price list (medical acupuncture not available at moment). We are still very competitive within the industry.

24/01/2026

A rotator cuff injury, often causing pain in the outer upper arm, shoulder, or neck, involves irritation or tearing of the tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, frequently triggered by repetitive overhead motions or acute falls
Symptoms include pain at night, weakness, and limited range of motion
Treatment ranges from physiotherapy, rest, and injections for minor tears to surgery for severe, acute injuries

23/01/2026

What's the difference between traditional acupuncture and medical acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture is a holistic, energy-based practice (Qi) focusing on meridian balance for overall health. 
Medical acupuncture (Western) is an evidence-based approach used by conventional healthcare providers to treat specific, localized pain, myofascial trigger points, and musculoskeletal issues using modern anatomy. 

23/01/2026

Elite Therapy and Exercise will soon be offering Dry needling and medical acupuncture.
Keep watching for updates.

20/01/2026

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch. You can usually ease the pain yourself but see a GP if it does not improve within 2 weeks.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis

The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch.

It's more likely to be plantar fasciitis if:

the pain is much worse when you first start walking after sleeping or resting

the pain gradually gets better when you start moving around, but gets worse if you stand, walk or run for a long time

it's painful to stretch the bottom of your foot, for example when you raise your toes off the floor or walk up stairs

How to ease plantar fasciitis yourself

If you see a Sports Therapist for plantar fasciitis, they'll usually suggest you try these things:

Do

rest and raise your foot on a stool when you can

put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

wear shoes with cushioned heels and good arch support

use insoles or heel pads in your shoes

try regular gentle exercises to stretch the sole of your foot and your heel

try exercises that do not put pressure on your feet, such as swimming

take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen gel, or ibuprofen tablets if you need them

try to lose weight if you're overweight

Don’t

do not walk or stand for long periods

do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes

do not wear flip-flops or backless slippers

try not to walk barefoot on hard surfaces

20/01/2026

A slipped disc, also called a pr*****ed or herniated disc, is when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine bulges outwards. It's painful if it presses on nerves. It usually gets better slowly with rest, gentle exercise and painkillers.

19/01/2026

Simon McDonald BSc (Hons): Over 30 Years at the Elite Level of Human Performance
For more than three decades, Simon McDonald BSc (Hons) has been a recognised and respected figure within the health and fitness industry, working where performance, rehabilitation, and results meet. His career has been defined by hands-on expertise, supporting national and international athletes at the highest level of sport.
Simon’s reputation for precision, discretion, and outcomes extends well beyond the sporting arena. He has worked closely with film and television celebrities, delivering elite-level therapy and exercise rehabilitation under demanding schedules where physical performance and appearance are non-negotiable. His work has taken him across both the UK and the USA, reinforcing his standing on an international stage.
Grounded in science and refined through decades of real-world experience, Simon’s approach blends evidence-based practice with a deep understanding of how the body performs under pressure. Whether restoring movement, improving resilience, or extending athletic longevity, his focus remains clear: build stronger bodies that move better and last longer.
After more than 30 years at the top of the profession, Simon McDonald continues to set the benchmark for elite therapy and exercise rehabilitation.