The Benefits Of Switching Up Your Exercise Routine

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Kate Brown

Let’s face it…life is hectic! We all have a tendency to become creatures of habit…falling into a predictable routine, moving through the same motions, day in and day out. Don’t get us wrong, having a routine is fantastic! It keeps us organised, helps us form healthy habits and reduce stress! However…there are many benefits, physically and mentally to challenging ourselves to expand outside our norm.

We all know that regular exercise is imperative to promoting a healthy lifestyle and optimising our functioning every day. When it comes to exercise, there are many benefits to switching up your routine and trying different forms of movements. This may feel like it is outside of your comfort zone but rest assured not only your body, but your brain will absorb so many wonderful benefits from trying something new.

At The Physio Clinic, we provide a fantastic space for all our clients to utilise our knowledge and clinical assessment to access and enjoy a tailored exercise program to reap all of the benefits in our Physio Exercise Classes (PEC).

With the variety of equipment, individualised programs and Physiotherapist supervision in each class, there is no limit to what you can achieve and no shortage of opportunities to reach your goals, whether these be improvements in strength, endurance, rehabilitation, pain relief, balance, mobility…the list goes on and on!

What is Young Stroke?

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Kate Brown

Stroke is usually associated with older people, however this is not always the case. Young stroke is defined by a haemorrhagic (bleed) or ischaemic (blockage) stroke which occurs in an individual aged 18-65 years old.

The Stroke Foundation reports that in 2020 there were 27,428 Australians who experienced stroke for the first time in their lives. This equates to one stroke every 19 minutes. More than 445,087 Australians are currently living with the effects of stroke. In 2020, 24% of first-ever strokes occurred in people aged 54 years and under. That equates to approximately 20 strokes per day affecting a young person under the age of 65.

Regardless of age, it is important to recognise stroke and think F.A.S.T

F 🡪 Face – has their mouth drooped?
A 🡪 Arms – can they lift both arms?
S 🡪 Speech – is their speech slurred? Can they understand you?
T 🡪 Time – time is vital, if you recognise these signs call 000 immediately

What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Kate Brown

By Kate Seeliger

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common inner ear problem and cause of vertigo (a false sense of spinning). Each word in the name ‘BPPV’ is important in describing the condition:

Benign means it is not life-threatening, even though the symptoms can be intense and disabling.
Paroxysmal means that the symptoms come in sudden, short spells.
Positional means that certain head positions or movements trigger symptoms.
Vertigo is the term used to describe the feeling that you are spinning or the world around you is spinning.

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Kate Brown

By Angela Zerella

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a condition relating to the compression of structures including the brachial plexus (a bundle of nerves supplying the arm), a major artery and vein, through an anatomical area called your thoracic outlet. This area is located between your lower neck, collar bone and first rib.

What are the signs & symptoms?

Compression of this area can cause many symptoms most commonly in the arm, hand, and neck. You could experience one of more of the following:

Pain
Muscle weakness and wasting
Pins and needles
Numbness
Paleness of the skin
Temperature changes

This collection of symptoms can also closely mimic other more serious medical conditions, so it’s important that you seek expert advice without delay.

Dry Needling for Myofascial Trigger Points

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Kate Brown

By Samantha David

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique in which a fine needle is used to penetrate the skin, subcutaneous (underlying) tissue, and muscle; and is is often used to treat myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are described as localised hypersensitive spots in a palpable taut band of a muscle (Gattie et al.,2017).

Joint Replacement: What to Expect After Surgery

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Kate Brown

Joint replacements are becoming increasingly common. In 2017–18, 54,102 knee replacements (218 per 100,000 population) and 32,929 hip replacements (133 per 100,000 population) were completed. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020). Between 2008-09 and 2017-18 the rates of total knee replacements increased by 27% and total hip replacements increased by 33% in Australia (AIHW, 2020). The most common joint replacements involve the hip or the knee, however, shoulder and ankle replacements also occur.

Building Strong Bones: How Exercise Can Help Prevent and Manage Osteoporosis

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Kate Brown

By Jasmine Reynolds

What is Osteoporosis?

The aptly-named osteoporosis (‘bones with holes’), is a common condition that affects 6.2 million Australians. During childhood our bone formation exceeds our bone resorption (breakdown). As we age, we have a gradual and progressive decline in hormones, particularly estrogen, which is linked to bone loss. The decline of estrogen production causes a reduction in bone formation, hence, increased rates of bone resorption/breakdown. Over time, this leads to a low bone mineral density making the bones weaker and more susceptible to fractures.

Women over 50 are at increased risk (23%) of developing osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency-related to menopause, compared to men with a 6% chance of developing the condition.

Cancer Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy & Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Kate Brown

October is Breast cancer awareness month!

Being told “you have cancer” can leave you feeling shocked, anxious, upset or confused. At any stage after a cancer diagnosis you may experience a range of emotions such as disbelief, anger and fear. These can be seen as a form of grief and can leave you not knowing where to turn for help and guidance.

It is important to keep the lines of communication open with your doctors and health professionals. At The Physio Clinic physios have completed additional training in supporting people affected by cancer. We will assess each patient individually and work with you to create a rehabilitation program to suit your particular stage of recovery. Our focus is on individual needs.

WHAT IS AN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST?

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Kate Brown

Exercise Physiologists are university qualified allied health professionals. They program, deliver and evaluate safe and effective, evidence-based exercise interventions to assist in the management of a variety of medical conditions, injuries and disabilities.

Exercise Physiologists work with a range of people; from healthy individuals looking to increase their exercise, to those with medical conditions that may benefit from exercise management. Some categories of conditions commonly treated by Exercise Physiologists include, but are not limited to:

Cardiovascular
Metabolic
Neurological
Musculoskeletal
Cancer
Kidney
Respiratory/Pulmonary
Mental Health

Heart Week

Posted on May 17, 2021 by Kate Brown

Heart Week occurred this month.
Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer in Australia, causing 1 in 4 deaths and hospitalising one Australian every minute. Many risk factors associated with Heart Disease can be modified with lifestyle changes that will reduce your risk.