When winter arrives, people living with arthritis may notice their joints feel stiffer, sorer, or harder to get moving. If that sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it. 

While research hasn’t identified a single direct cause linking cold weather to arthritis flares, studies suggest that factors such as temperature changes, shifts in barometric pressure, reduced physical activity, and changes in sleep patterns may influence pain sensitivity and joint stiffness (Arthritis Australia, 2023; Kolasinski et al., 2020).

Pickleball is booming — and we’re seeing it in our clinic. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular on the court, the sport is fantastic for fitness, coordination, and getting outdoors. But with more players comes more injuries, and understanding what to look out for can be the difference between a week off and a month off.

Here’s what we see, what to do, and when to come and see us.

We have all heard the advice to “walk it off” when feeling stressed. For decades, this was vague lifestyle advice. But science has fundamentally changed this picture – exercise isn’t just a side dish in mental healthcare; it is the main course. Research now confirms that for many people, hitting the gym or the pavement can be just as effective as medication or counselling.¹ 

Lower back pain is one of the most prevalent health complaints worldwide. It is estimated that up to 80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, making it the leading cause of disability globally (Hartvigsen et al., 2018). 

As we move into late summer and early autumn, many athletes are shifting gears toward pre-season training for AFL and NRL. This is a phase where training volume, speed work, and (for contact sports) tackling gradually increase. From a physio’s perspective, this period isn’t something to fear — but it does benefit from smart preparation and good load management.