I grew up playing soccer – I was privileged to share the field with some of my generation’s finest players, as our Club won three successive Victoria Cups and toured Fiji for the Asia-Pacific Championships. Life took over, however, and it was a few years before I returned to the pitch: indoor soccer with work. Knee trauma followed. A misdiagnosed torn ACL meant surgery was delayed a year, so the injury and pain management challenge increased, particularly as a long-term headache and migraine sufferer. Having recovered from the left ACL reconstruction, I returned to indoor soccer, and promptly tore the right ACL, and went under the knife again. Clearly, soccer was off the agenda from then on. I redirected my desire for excitement and competition towards motorsport. I’ve had further injuries and required surgery multiple times since, so managing pain and recovery is always front of mind.
While wandering around during the 2017 Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix, I noticed the PainPod stall. I immediately approached and got to sample the PainPod 3 on my neck (where I’m most likely to feel tension caused by migraine or posture issues). It was an amazing sensation. I bought one on the spot.
During the racing season, the premium pads work a treat on long drives to or from the racetrack, and whenever I can’t make it to visit my myotherapist to relieve tension in my neck and shoulders. During the pandemic lockdown, the Bio Belt was brilliant while working from home, helping to relieve stiffness in my lower back.
There’s a tool for every part of the body, my current other go-to is the PainPod HEAT device, while I’m looking forward to trying one of the new compact massage gun devices for immediate targeted treatment.
The older we get, the more attuned we become to our body, which means it’s easier to identify and address issues earlier. The increasing range of PainPod solutions means I’ll be able to keep ahead of the increasing stiffness, pain, and recovery required after busy race weekends, wear and tear from normal life and ageing, or any future surgery.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep racing as a great outlet for competition and exertion for a number of years.
For anyone interested in getting on track – it’s not as intimidating as you’d first think! Do some driver training to feel how cars behave closer to the limit, then when you’re feeling more comfortable, you can progress to an on-track experience. Research some Driver Training organisations in your area, look around for a local Motorsport Australia affiliated Car Club that runs “Come and Try” days, and you’ll be starting off in a welcoming, controlled environment. Most people love to chat about their experience and passion – don’t be afraid to ask around and build up your knowledge before spending too much money.
Whether you’re an athlete or simply enjoying a hobby, your body is the most important equipment you use. When I was younger, I was fast and flexible, with powerful legs but not much else, but it seemed to do the trick. Looking back, I would have benefited from knowing more about other elements: how to build core, back, and upper body strength; while also understanding dietary elements such as macronutrients and gut health. These factors may even have helped with my migraines as well as physical capability. There’s so much information out there, and it’s so easy to contact experts who can help build that knowledge. Never be afraid to ask.