Form + Function Blog

Muscle cramps are incredibly painful and they can affect anyone regardless of age, fitness or sport, sending you straight to a physiotherapist for relief. Here’s some insight into what happens during a cramp and why they occur, from a leading exercise physiotherapist at a clinic specialising in physiotherapy in Richmond What are Muscle Cramps? Exercise associated muscle cramps (EAMC) are painful, involuntary contractions in the muscle that occur during or after exercise. This feels like a very sudden, sharp pain lasting anything from a few seconds to 15 minutes, occasionally accompanied by a bulging lump of muscle.  Cramps usually occur in the back of your lower leg, the back of your thigh or the front of your thigh, although they can also occur in feet, arms, hands and your abdominal wall. Although these are EAMC, they can also occur at night while you are sleeping. What Causes EAMC? Exercise physiotherapists generally agree that there are multiple triggers for muscle cramps, and yo

As adults, we’re all aware that exercise is good for our physical and mental health – and sports physiotherapists know that our current lifestyles are a bit too sedentary for our own good. But this applies to our children too – and in some ways, it’s even more important for them than it is for us! Here’s some insight and guidelines from strength conditioning specialists at our physio in Richmond . Why Exercise is so Important for Children Exercise is important at every stage of childhood development, helping to build strong, healthy lungs, muscles and bones, helping to improve learning and mental skills development and helping kids make friends. Exercising regularly as a child also helps to build healthy habits for adult life, helping to fight diseases like heart disease, diabetes and obesity, and helping to prevent injuries that can send you to a sports physiotherapist. Exercise is also key to mental health and learning, helping children to manage stress, learn problem solving skill