"Physiotherapy is something you do, not something you have"

This is our industry mantra and as much as I like seeing and treating you all I know you would much prefer to not have pain or problems. 
New Year tends to encourage us all to make resolutions or at least pledges to eat and drink less and exercise more and this is normally enough. There are faddy diets and clever training routines out there but incorporating these two simple concepts into your life is the easiest approach.
However, I am not about to spout general advice but thought I would email out 3 specific snippets of musculosketal advice (not training or weight loss) to help you cope with an increase in your activity levels or just to cope with daily aches and pains.
I hope you find it useful - please feel free to unsubscribe if you don't or get in touch.
Next month - shoulders

Knees
These tend to be the first to complain when you return to running and are problematic for most runners. 
Remember your knee depends on your thigh and calf muscles for stability so these need to be in tip top condition. Make sure you warm up before exercise and stretch afterwards. If your heel cannot touch your bottom your quads are too tight

More Knees
A good buy is a foam roller - if I haven't mentioned these to you then I will. They allow you to massage many parts of your body but are particulaly good for the thighs, calves and ITB - this is the Iliotibial Band. A large ligament controlled by your glutes and other muscles that priovides lateral stability to your knee.
Cheap ones start at around £6 but even expensive ones are only about £30. Much cheaper than a sports massage.

Ok, you've noticed its about knees.
Knee stability is often lacking in many people and this leads to damage and pain at the knees. Practising standing on one leg and bending the knee is a simple way to test your stability - look in a mirror. Does your knee wobble? A more advanced knee stabilising exercise is pictured above with Steve from the gym, balancing on a bent keg and bending at the waist lifting the weights. Tough.