Caroline Hooper. Chartered Physiotherapist

02/02/2026

‘The best movement is the next movement’

There is some really good advice in this article. Rarely is back pain due to one single movement, the same applies to it’s prevention and management

🔗 via bio on my page

02/02/2026

‘The best movement is the next movement’

There is some really good advice in this article. Rarely is back pain due to one single movement, the same applies to it’s prevention and management

An estimated 80% of the population will suffer from lower back pain at some point. The good news is that preventing it is a lot easier than treating it

25/01/2026

The health benefits of snacks and cocktails 🍪🍹

I’ve recently posted about recent evidence on the benefits of regular short bursts of activity “snacktivities”.

This study concludes that “exercise cocktails” are also extremely beneficial for our health. In simple terms variety is key.

A combination of exercise involving for strength, mobility, balance, heart & lungs… is key.

This is all great news for folk who come to my exercise classes as this is exactly what we do.

Don't just focus on one activity - doing a variety every week gives you more health benefits, a study suggests.

21/01/2026

Something only recently medically recognised. “The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause “.

You are not just getting old…
Dr Amir Khan explains this helpfully

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTxJpiciDcR/?igsh=MWN2YWxvbGZ4d3Uxbg==

18/01/2026

You can use your housework 🧹as a cardio workout session …

This was my heart rate when I vigorously hoovered the house this morning: up to 84% of my maximum heart rate - averaging 80% max over 30 minutes. That just counts as hard work, & the same as doing a 30min run!🏃‍♀️

If you would like to calculate your maximum heart rate you can do so here: https://www.ntnu.edu/cerg/hrmax

17/01/2026

Movement is Medicine 🚶‍♂️🕺🏻💃🏻🏋️‍♀️ 🏃🏌️‍♀️🏊‍♂️🚵‍♀️🏄‍♂️⛷️🚣🏇

What movement do you enjoy?
Any movement is better than no movement
The best activities are the ones that you enjoy & do regularly
Why not divide you activity into Snacktivities”- regular shorts bursts of activity are most effective.

We should aim for at least 2 1/2 hours moderate intensity activity over a week: e.g. walking, housework, a gentle boogie to your favourite music …

Intersperse with some more vigorous activity if you can e.g. up/ down stairs, hills, running, jumping

Progressive strength training at least twice a week: simple body weight exercises like squats, standing heel raises, push ups off a wall…

Daily balance practice e.g stand on one leg while waiting for the kettle to boil

All these will help keep keep you healthy and happy

If you struggle with motivation join a class, social support medicine in itself.

My fitness class incorporate all of the above & more. Pop me a message if you’d like more information or to try out a taster session fave to face or via zoom.

10/01/2026

Up to 30% of us have chronic pain and for 6% no structural diagnosis is possible. This can be extremely distressing and disabling.

Why can this happen? A key component is that our our nervous (including pain) system is neuroplastic. The great news is that this means we can train ourselves out of pain too!

Many people come to professionals such as physiotherapists hoping for a quick fix. When this doesn’t happen they lose trust and hope.

This fabulous informative and practical book by Dr Deepak Ravindrum, a UK Pain Consultant explains all you could want to know - about the complexities of pain, and management options notably 7 key ways of how to help yourself.

The book is not complex, it’s wonderfully practical. I would recommend it to anyone who struggles with persistent pain and health professionals who want to support people too.

05/01/2026

This week we were setting the scene for my fitness classes by considering visual/ motor imagery. Just by visualising or really thinking about doing a movement or exercise we can improve our strength and performance. This is through a process of neuroplasticity.
We can also reduce pain in the same way.
How fabulous is that!

03/01/2026

Many of us set resolutions for the New Year, but many of us fail as we set too many or they are extremely difficult to achieve.

Just making some small changes however, can make a profound difference to our health and wellbeing, and are easily achievable.

The infographic summarises 4 achievable activities based on studies done in 2025 that help us all age well. It’s not age that makes us frail, it is a lack of appropriate physical activity

We address all of these in my fitness classes, targeted to our individual capacity for any age!

Pop me a message if you would like to find out more.

31/12/2025

Yesterday we had my last fitness class of 2025.

Thank you to all of you who faithfully and enthusiastically join my face to face and zoom sessions. You have enabled me to run an amazing total of 115 classes over the last 12 months.
That is 115 hours of activity helping you get fitter, stronger, bendier, balanced, relaxed, and physically/ mentally healthier. How fabulous is that!!

I’m looking forward to seeing you next year. If anyone is interested in trying out a class here is more information, & just pop me a message 💃🕺

https://www.caroline-hooper-physiotherapist.uk/services-1

24/12/2025

I hope you all have a lovely healthy and happy Christmastime🎄

My present to you is some great news for those of you that struggle to “exercise”: “Snacktivities” could be the way to go ….

Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity or VILPA, also described as "exercise snacking," "snacktivity," or "activity microbursts," for as little as 1 minute at a time 4 times a day could be extremely beneficial for your health & wellbeing. Here are some simple ideas that you could try.

Plus a bit more info: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20251204-how-activity-microbursts-can-improve-your-health

17/12/2025

Many of us find it stressful the festive season approaches. Finding a few minutes to focus on our breathing can help us relax and sleep better. This can help reduce muscle tension, pain and can even lower our heart rate and blood pressure

We have focussed on breathing for performance and relaxation in my fitness classes this week.

Here are some ideas that are worth trying so you can practice and see what suits you best.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/breathing-and-relaxation-exercises/ #