The funny thing about tennis elbow… you don’t actually have to play to get it. Tennis elbow (tendinitis) is very common and the good news is, it is absolutely treatable. The bad news is that it can take a while to get on top of it.

Back Pain is a 248-page illustrated self-help and rehabilitation guide written by Dr Adam Gavine and Dr Rod Bonello. It combines accessible spinal anatomy, discussion of common back-pain presentations, an overview of diagnostic and treatment approaches, advice on choosing a practitioner, and photographed rehabilitation exercises that can be performed at home.

Shockwave therapy is one non-invasive treatment that may be considered for selected musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when symptoms have persisted despite an appropriate period of conservative care. However, the term “shockwave therapy” is used for several technologies, and the evidence is not equally strong for every condition.

Cold mornings and shorter days can make an active routine harder to maintain. An early walk becomes less appealing, evening training competes with a warm home, and wet weather can disrupt outdoor plans. Some people also notice more stiffness, reduced energy or changes in mood during winter.

Pain at the back of the ankle can turn an ordinary walk, run or trip up the stairs into an uncomfortable experience. Achilles tendon symptoms frequently begin with morning stiffness or discomfort at the start of exercise. The pain may improve as you warm up, only to return later that day or the following morning.

The Australian holiday season brings long lunches, Christmas parties, barbecues, travel and more opportunities to enjoy food with family and friends. It can also disrupt familiar routines. Meals happen later, alcohol may be more available, sleep changes and regular exercise can become harder to schedule.

A balanced meal does not need to be perfect, precisely measured or prepared from an expensive list of so-called superfoods. It should provide enough energy and nutrients for your daily needs, include foods you enjoy and leave you reasonably satisfied. It should also fit your culture, budget, schedule, cooking ability and level of physical activity.

Are you ever getting confused with all the different messages around food that are surrounding us every day? A nutritionist can help finding out what the optimal nutrition looks like for you and help you achieve your personal health goal.

Your original pain has improved, normal activities feel easier and you have returned to work, exercise or sport. Your chiropractor then asks whether you would like to discuss maintenance care. Is ongoing treatment worthwhile, or should you simply return if the problem comes back?

Understand how nutrition, sleep, movement and appropriate healthcare contribute to normal immune function - and why supplements are not a shortcut.

The immune system is an intricate network of cells, tissues and organs that helps the body recognise and respond to infectious organisms and other potential threats.

It is common to see products, diets and treatments advertised as ways to “boost” or “supercharge” immunity. However, the immune system is not a battery that can simply be charged above its normal level. An overactive immune response can itself be harmful, as occurs with allergies and autoimmune conditions.

Exercise training supports mental, emotional, and physical health. However, enthusiasm can sometimes lead people to increase their training faster than their body is prepared to manage.

Perhaps you have joined a gym after several inactive months, signed up for a running event or returned to weekend sport after an extended break. The motivation is positive, but moving directly from very little exercise to frequent, demanding sessions can leave you excessively sore or contribute to an overload-related injury.