S3E6 – Ed Voss – Pain, Injury and Why Strength Training Matters as We Age

Getting older might bring a few more aches and pains, but that doesn't mean you simply have to accept them.

Jim sits down with Ed Voss, a chartered physiotherapist based in Stroud with 16 years of experience across the NHS and private practice. Ed has recently opened a new clinic in Stroud and will also be joining the Jim's Gym team from August.

In this practical, no-nonsense conversation, Ed explains what pain actually is, why two people with the same condition can experience it completely differently, and why pain doesn't always mean that further damage is being done.

They also explore arthritis, recurring injuries, back pain, online diagnoses and the importance of strength training as we get older. Ed explains how getting stronger can increase the body's capacity, reduce the risk of injury and help us continue doing the things that matter to us.

This episode is packed with realistic advice for anyone managing pain, recovering from an injury or wondering how to begin strength training without feeling overwhelmed.
👉 Find Ed: https://www.edvossphysio.co.uk/

In this episode:
How Ed went from studying anatomy and physiology to becoming a chartered physiotherapist

The difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment
Why physiotherapy looks beyond the painful area to identify the root cause of a problem

The difference between acute pain and chronic pain
Why pain doesn't always correspond directly with physical damage
How sleep, stress, activity levels, medical history and our beliefs can influence pain

Why two people with the same diagnosis can experience completely different symptoms

Why arthritis isn't simply a case of the joints wearing out like brake pads
How movement and individually tailored exercises can improve long-term pain
Why back pain might be caused by a problem somewhere else in the body
The risks of relying on Google, social media or AI for a diagnosis
Why generic lists of the “five best exercises” aren't right for everyone
How strength training increases the body's capacity and reduces injury risk
Whether it is safe to continue exercising when something hurts
Why strength training doesn't have to mean lifting extremely heavy weights
How often we should strength train and why recovery is essential
Why it can take eight to twelve weeks of consistency to notice meaningful results
Why strength should always be connected to something you want to do in everyday life

What members can expect when Ed joins the Jim's Gym team
Ed's three practical tips for making exercise a lasting part of your life

Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:47 - Meet Ed Voss: Chartered Physiotherapist
00:01:10 - Why Ed Chose a Career in Physiotherapy
00:02:35 - Physiotherapy vs Chiropractic Treatment
00:04:59 - What Pain Actually Is
00:06:53 - Why Pain Can Become Connected to Certain Movements
00:08:36 - Why Everyone Experiences Pain Differently
00:09:49 - Can Long-Term Arthritis Pain Really Improve?
00:11:34 - Why Treatment Must Be Tailored to the Individual
00:12:29 - Does Getting Older Automatically Mean More Pain?
00:14:18 - What to Do When Pain or Injury Strikes
00:16:23 - Should You Trust Google or AI for a Diagnosis?
00:18:04 - Why Strength Training Matters as We Age
00:19:33 - Can Strength Training Prevent Injuries?
00:20:13 - Is It Safe to Exercise Through Pain?
00:21:25 - What Strength Training Actually Means
00:22:08 - The Minimum Effective Dose for Strength Training
00:24:45 - Strength for What? Training Around Real-Life Goals
00:26:55 - Ed Is Joining the Jim's Gym Team
00:28:05 - Osteoporosis and the Importance of Strength Training
00:29:25 - Ed's Practical Advice for Staying Active
00:31:32 - How to Find Exercise You'll Actually Stick With
Buzzsprout Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:47 - Meet Ed Voss: Chartered Physiotherapist
00:01:10 - Why Ed Chose a Career in Physiotherapy
00:02:35 - Physiotherapy vs Chiropractic Treatment
00:04:59 - What Pain Actually Is
00:06:53 - Why Pain Can Become Connected to Certain Movements
00:08:36 - Why Everyone Experiences Pain Differently
00:09:49 - Can Long-Term Arthritis Pain Really Improve?
00:11:34 - Why Treatment Must Be Tailored to the Individual
00:12:29 - Does Getting Older Automatically Mean More Pain?
00:14:18 - What to Do When Pain or Injury Strikes
00:16:23 - Should You Trust Google or AI for a Diagnosis?
00:18:04 - Why Strength Training Matters as We Age
00:19:33 - Can Strength Training Prevent Injuries?
00:20:13 - Is It Safe to Exercise Through Pain?
00:21:25 - What Strength Training Actually Means
00:22:08 - The Minimum Effective Dose for Strength Training
00:24:45 - Strength for What? Training Around Real-Life Goals
00:26:55 - Ed Is Joining the Jim's Gym Team
00:28:05 - Osteoporosis and the Importance of Strength Training
00:29:25 - Ed's Practical Advice for Staying Active
00:31:32 - How to Find Exercise You'll Actually Stick With

About Ed Voss
Ed Voss is a chartered physiotherapist based in Stroud. He has worked as a physiotherapist for 16 years, beginning his career in the NHS before moving into private practice, where he has worked for the past 11 years.

Ed originally studied anatomy and physiology before training as a physiotherapist. His approach focuses on understanding the root cause of pain, treating each person as an individual and helping people build the strength and confidence needed to return to the activities they enjoy.

Ed has recently opened a new clinic in Stroud and will be joining the Jim's Gym team from August. Through monthly sessions, he will help members better understand common problems involving the back, shoulders, hips and knees, alongside conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

About Jim's Gym
Jim's Gym is an online fitness and wellbeing membership for adults aged 55 and over. With 15+ live classes every week via Zoom, 800+ on-demand workout videos, and a warm, welcoming community, it's everything a gym should be without any of the things that put people off.

Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Tai Chi, Strength, Balance and more, all led by specialist instructors, all from home.

Monthly membership from just £12.99. No joining fees. No contracts. Cancel anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
👉 Join Jim's Gym: www.jimsgym.fitness
👉 Join the free Facebook community: Friends of Jim's Gym
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Jim's Gym Podcast: Inspiring Movement is produced by Jim's Gym and hosted by James Hilton.