Physical exercise is not just a mechanical stimulus on the muscle. It is an integrated biological stressor, with simultaneous impact on the metabolic, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. The response to exercise depends on intensity, duration and the organism's internal context, and this context, in the female body, varies cyclically. Ignoring the menstrual cycle is...
Joint stability is an essential element for bodily health and the quality of movement. It refers to a joint's ability to remain aligned and controlled when faced with internal and external forces, preventing dislocations or injuries. When there is good stability, the body moves with greater safety, efficiency, and confidence, both in training…
Facial paralysis is often associated with a physical change, an asymmetry in the face, difficulty smiling, closing an eye, or expressing emotions in the usual way. But for those who experience this, the impact rarely stays with the body. The face is one of the primary ways we relate to…
Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, refers to pain located in the neck region and is part of the broader group of spinal pain, potentially coexisting with back or lower back complaints. Neck pain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints in the adult population, with a significant impact on daily functionality, work performance, and well-being…
Flat feet, also known as flat feet or valgus flat feet, is a common condition characterised by a reduced or absent medial plantar arch. In these situations, a large part of the sole of the foot comes into contact with the ground during walking or standing. Although it is often seen as a...
There are times when tiredness can't be solved by physical rest. You sleep, you slow down, but the feeling of exhaustion remains. The mind is still racing, scattered, with difficulty focussing or making simple decisions. Many people describe this state as “mental fatigue”, although they can't always explain exactly what it means. A...
Working long hours sitting down or maintaining the same position for long periods has become commonplace, but that doesn't mean it's healthy. The human body is designed for movement. Scientific evidence shows that a sedentary lifestyle at work is associated with muscle stiffness, discomfort and musculoskeletal pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, back and wrists. In addition...
About the author David Brandão is a Physiotherapist (Licence 3652 | College of Physiotherapists) and Osteopath (Licence C-0031697 | ACSS), specialising in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology. He sees patients at Integrativa, where he helps people with musculoskeletal complaints, chronic pain, and functional imbalances. Clinical assessment in Osteopathy is a process that analyses the body as a whole, not just the…
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common compressive neuropathies of the upper limb and can have a significant impact on quality of life. It is characterised by compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing pain, tingling, numbness and, in more advanced stages, reduced strength in the hand. According to clinical guidelines...
The menopause is a physiological phase in a woman's life, characterised by the definitive cessation of menstrual cycles and significant hormonal changes, especially a decrease in oestrogen and progesterone levels. These changes have systemic repercussions, with an impact on physical, metabolic and emotional health. Symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, increased fat...
