News5 min readNovember 26, 2024

Closing Men’s Health Month: A chat with Rhys, Co-Founder of Carter & George

What’s one piece of health advice you wish you had followed earlier in life?
Definitely to be easier on myself. I’ve always struggled with perfectionism, and when I get the balance wrong, it can negatively affect my mental health. Understanding that you can only control what you can control and being okay with that has really helped.


What’s the one thing you believe makes the biggest difference in maintaining good health?
Taking time to do things you enjoy and not compromising on it. For me, that’s cricket, squash, and spending time with friends and family. I am a happier, healthier, and better version of myself when I make time for these activities.


Many men delay seeking help for injuries—how can physiotherapy break that cycle?
Proactive healthcare is what we should be aiming for. The UK spends millions each year treating injuries and illnesses that could be prevented with a more proactive approach. Physiotherapy can identify areas that need attention, allowing you to stay injury-free and continue doing the things you love. Our Performance and Prevention Programme was designed specifically for this reason.


What common misconceptions do men have about fitness and injury recovery?
That we recover as well at 40 as we did at 20! As we age, our bodies take longer to recover, and we need to respect that more. Also, staying fit and healthy doesn’t have to be boring—try something new or exercise with friends to make it more enjoyable.


What are the most common fitness or injury challenges you see men facing?
The main challenge is unrealistic expectations around recovery time. Speaking to a physiotherapist can help align those expectations and create a solid plan to maximise the speed of recovery and prevent injury recurrence.


When you're out of pain after an injury, does that mean it's fixed?
Not necessarily. Many injuries start to feel better once the inflammation has reduced, but the injured tissue may take longer to remodel, adapt to load, and fully recover. Respect the injury and trust your physio!

As Men’s Health Month comes to a close, Rhys’ insights remind us that prioritising health is about prevention, balance, and consistency. At Carter & George, we’re committed to supporting men in their health journeys, whether through physiotherapy, practical advice, or simply encouraging self-care. Let’s keep the momentum going beyond this month. Here's to better health and a brighter future for men everywhere.