Evidence-based reviews of sports and health gear, such as braces, belts and recovery tools, rated by what the research actually supports.
Athletes use all kinds of strategies to recover faster and perform at their best. At the highest level of sport, recovery matters enormously, so it is understandable that athletes are willing to invest significant amounts of money in tools that might give them even a small advantage.
If you have spent any time in a gym, you have probably seen resistance bands in use. They often show up in rotator cuff and shoulder exercises, but they are also used for general strength training and mobility work.
Many of my patients track HRV using different types of wearable devices. Some use watches, others use rings, and many use a chest strap.
Grip strength is a widely studied measure of physical function in sports and geriatric medicine, but its usefulness extends beyond research settings.
Cold exposure has become a major wellness and recovery trend, from cold showers and ice baths to winter swimming, which is especially familiar here in Finland.
Kneecap pain is a common reason people end up seeking medical advice, and the cause can vary considerably. Sometimes it follows a clear injury or accident; in other cases, symptoms appear after repetitive loading, gym training, or an overuse problem such as patellar tendinopathy.
Flexi bars — also sold as oscillating bars, vibration training bars, or under brand names such as Flexi-Bar and Bodyblade — have made their way from physiotherapy settings into gyms, rehabilitation clinics, and home workout routines.
Vibration plates have a reputation problem. They are often dismissed as gimmicky fitness products — the kind of equipment people associate with late-night shopping channels or a single machine sitting unused in the corner of an expensive gym.
Knee pain is one of the more common musculoskeletal problems I see in clinical practice, but the underlying cause can vary considerably from one patient to another.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sport, and they are also among the most frequent injuries I see in clinical practice.
Foam rollers have become a staple in the training routines of many athletes, and I’m no exception—I own several myself.
Hip, lower-back, and buttock pain are common reasons for consultation in my clinical work, and these symptoms can have a substantial impact on daily life.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for coming to my office. Right after a cold. For most people, back pain comes from long periods of sitting at work.
