If you’ve ever worked with me as a patient, you’ve probably heard me say it: “Physiology over biomechanics.” It’s a phrase I repeat often, and for good reason. While biomechanics—the way our bodies move—is important, it’s not always the most important thing. In fact, for most people I see in clinic, it’s not even close.
My own injury rate these days is remarkably low, and it’s not because I’m doing more technical exercises than I used to. It’s because my physiology—despite getting older—is better than it was ten years ago.
Let me explain.
Biomechanics Matter… But Mostly at the Extremes
Biomechanics absolutely have a role to play—especially at the far ends of the activity spectrum. For elite athletes training at high intensity, movement patterns matter. Small inefficiencies, repeated thousands of times, can lead to injury or limit performance. On the other end, someone completely sedentary often shows poor biomechanics because of basic strength and mobility loss. In those cases, a few simple exercises can make a big difference.
But most people I see fall somewhere in the middle. They’re everyday people trying to stay active. Maybe you aim for 10,000 steps a day, stretch when you wake up stiff, or hit the gym a couple of times a week. You’re not training for the Olympics, but you care about your health.
And for most of us, physiology matters more than movement perfection.
What Do I Mean by Physiology?
Physiology is the science of how your body works. It’s the chemistry and physics behind everything from how cells create energy to how organs repair themselves. When your physiological systems are functioning well, your body becomes more resilient. You’re not immune to injury, but you recover faster. You’re less likely to develop chronic pain. You adapt better.
This is the foundation of health—and it’s often overlooked.
We’ve Normalised Poor Health
Modern medicine has given us many powerful tools, but it has also normalised ongoing dysfunction.
Arthritis? “That’s just getting older.”
Reflux? “Take a tablet.”
Skin rashes? “Use this cream.”
Neck pain? “That’s just screen time for you.”
But none of this should be accepted as your baseline.
We do ourselves a disservice when we settle for chronic symptoms. I believe that at nearly any age or stage, the body retains its capacity to heal. That capacity might slow with age, but it never disappears. Our biology is wired for repair. So I help patients return to what our biology actually needs.
What Allows Physiology to Thrive?
Unsurprisingly, it’s the things we evolved with:
1. Diet
Food is foundational. If your cells don’t have the nutrients they need, no amount of stretching will fix the underlying problem. If your immune system is constantly triggered by the wrong foods, strengthening the body becomes much harder.
Look at what you’re eating and ask yourself: Could I have found this same food 50 years ago? Unfortunately, much of today’s food production prioritises profits over health. Chemicals are added to prolong shelf life. Cheaper ingredients are used that can disrupt metabolism, digestion, and immune function.
Rather than focusing on restriction, shift toward quality. Reduce your reliance on major supermarkets and buy from local butchers, bakeries, farmers markets, or stores like Harris Farm. Talk to the people selling your food. Build relationships. It might cost a little more—but poor health is expensive too. You’ll support local businesses, grow community, and improve your health. Personally, I now shop at Coles or Woolworths only for household items—and it’s one of the best health decisions I’ve made. The difference between a supermarket loaf of bread and a sourdough from an artisan bakery is, frankly, shocking.
2. Circadian Biology
We evolved with natural light and dark cycles. Now we live under artificial light, spend our days indoors, and scroll through screens before bed. This disrupts sleep, hormones, and recovery. Even small changes help—one hour of natural light daily, or no screens in the hour before bed, can reset your internal clock.
If we’re talking optimal physiology, this is an underrated area. Personally, I’m confident that walking in nature at sunrise benefits the body more than an hour in the gym under artificial lights. I’m not anti-gym—I go most days. But I prioritise outdoor time too. If I had to choose one, I know what I’d pick.
3. Community and Purpose
We’re social beings. Connection helps regulate our stress response. Feeling supported—or helping others—has measurable effects on immune function, pain perception, and healing.
If a tree in your garden starts to decline, or your goldfish becomes sluggish, what’s your instinct? You don’t run tests on the tree or medicate the fish—you change their environment. Fresh soil, clean water, better light, fewer weeds, maybe some healthy companions. And when the environment improves, physiology often follows.
Why We Love Biomechanics (Even When They’re Not the Answer)
Biomechanics are popular because they’re tangible. It’s satisfying to believe that one weak muscle or tight joint is the problem—and that one exercise can fix it.
And sometimes, it really is that simple.
But often, it’s not. Changing your diet might mean giving up foods you thought were “healthy.” Going outside to sit in the sun can feel like a waste of time. Listening to your body instead of micromanaging it might seem like “woo woo” nonsense.
But this is what worked for me. And for countless patients I’ve worked with.
Once you stop trying to outsmart your body—and start supporting it—things begin to shift. You don’t need to troubleshoot every ache or track every metric. The body begins to take care of itself.
Final Thoughts
Biomechanics matter—but they’re just one part of the puzzle. For most people, the biggest breakthroughs come not from perfect posture or form, but from restoring the body’s natural ability to function.
Focus on your physiology—and you might be surprised by what your body can still do.