As an osteopath, one of my goals is to help patients achieve optimal musculoskeletal function—not just through hands-on therapy, but also through lifestyle and nutritional guidance. One often overlooked mineral that plays a crucial role in this process is magnesium.

Why Magnesium Matters

Magnesium is essential for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, many of which directly influence muscle function, nerve transmission, and bone health. Yet it's estimated that a significant portion of the population doesn't get enough magnesium from their diet.

Key Benefits of Magnesium for Musculoskeletal Health

Muscle Relaxation and Cramp Prevention

Magnesium acts as a natural muscle relaxant. It helps regulate muscle contractions by balancing calcium levels in muscle cells. Low magnesium can lead to increased muscle tension, cramps, and spasms—issues I often see in clinic. Powders or sprays can be particularly helpful for those experiencing frequent leg cramps or tightness in the shoulders and back.

Bone Strength and Density

While calcium and vitamin D often steal the spotlight in bone health, magnesium is just as critical. It helps convert vitamin D into its active form and supports the structural development of bone. Chronic deficiency may contribute to conditions like osteoporosis and increase the risk of fractures.

Nervous System Support

Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters that send messages throughout the brain and nervous system. This is especially important in managing conditions related to chronic pain, tension headaches, and even stress or anxiety, all of which can exacerbate physical tension and discomfort.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Low-grade inflammation is often a root cause of chronic pain. Magnesium has been shown to help reduce markers of inflammation in the body, potentially easing symptoms for individuals with joint pain or inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Improved Sleep Quality

Restorative sleep is essential for recovery and healing, especially after manual therapy. Magnesium helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the system responsible for calming the body and preparing it for rest. It also regulates melatonin, the hormone that guides sleep cycles.

Supporting Your Body from the Inside Out

As an osteopath, I focus on treating the whole person—not just the symptoms. 

Nutritional support, like ensuring adequate magnesium intake, can be a powerful complement to manual therapy, helping you feel stronger, looser, and more resilient in your day-to-day life.

I stock Metagenics magnesium powders, magnesium bath salts, magnesium sleep spray and magnesium oil.

If you’re curious about how magnesium might support your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to ask me during your next visit!

As we age, it’s common for our bodies to begin feeling the effects of the life we’ve lived.
You’ve probably heard the terms osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, often in reference to older adults—but what do they actually mean?

Osteoarthritis refers to the degeneration of the joints in our body, while osteoporosis is the weakening of our bones. Both conditions become more common as we get older.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to stop living the active lifestyle that living in Birregurra allows!

Why Is Exercise Important?

Exercise is essential for bone health at all ages, and its importance only increases as we get older. Regular physical activity helps maintain strong bones and also supports:

• Better cardiovascular health

• Increased muscle strength

• Improved balance and coordination

Below are some exercises you can incorporate to help reduce the impact of these conditions as we inevitably age.

Weight-Bearing and Resistance Exercises

Research shows that bone is highly adaptable and responds to the environment it’s exposed to. To improve bone health, we need to place stress, or load, on the bones of the skeleton.

The most effective way to do this is through weight-bearing and resistance exercises.

• Weight-bearing exercises force you to work against gravity.

• Resistance exercises require the body to work against an external force, such as weights.

Exercises to Try

• Walking

• Pilates – try Reformer Pilates with Brooke and the team at BELfitness

• Weight training – Brooke also runs Strong classes, a technique-focused strength training class

• Hiking

• Playing tennis

•         Dancing

These suggestions are a general guide only. If you have any questions or would like tailored ideas, feel free to come and have a chat—I’d be happy to help.

A Local Collaboration to Support Your Movement

Renew Osteopathy is proud to be collaborating with BELfitness to help our Birregurra community stay active, strong, and confident as we age.

As part of this collaboration:

Renew Osteopathy clients who try Reformer Pilates at BELfitness will receive a complimentary pair of grippy pilates socks when they purchase an Reformer Intro Pack

BELfitness clients will receive $20 off an initial osteopathy appointment with Stacey at Renew Osteopathy

It’s a great opportunity to combine hands-on care with guided movement, helping you build strength, improve mobility, and move with confidence.

If you’d like to know whether this combination is right for you, feel free to have a chat with either team — we’re happy to help guide you.

A Quick Safety Note

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, or any other medical condition—or if you’re returning to exercise after a long break—it’s important to start slowly and choose exercises that are appropriate for you. Always listen to your body, avoid movements that cause pain, and seek guidance from a qualified health or fitness professional if you’re unsure. When in doubt, getting personalised advice can help you exercise safely and confidently.