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All Posts in Category: Physiotherapy

Comments Off on GLA:D program STARTS SOON, book your spot now!

GLA:D program STARTS SOON, book your spot now!

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GLA:D®, from ‘Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark’, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.  It was then brought to Australia in 2016 to help Australians with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

What does GLA:D® involve?

This education and exercise program reflects the latest evidence in osteoarthritis (OA) research. It also includes feedback from people with OA and trainers on what works in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms.

GLA:D® Australia is run in private, public, and hospital physiotherapy clinics. The cost of the program can vary depending on the location. Please discuss this with your physiotherapist. You do not need a referral from your doctor.

Eligible participants may be able to use Medicare funding to cover costs of assessments and some people may be eligible to access publicly-funded services.  Private health claims should be discussed with your insurer.

The GLA:D® Australia program consists of:

  • An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability
  • Two education sessions which teach you about OA, its risk factors, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
  • Group exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve your control of the joint, your confidence in the joint and your strength
  • A review at 3-months with your physiotherapist to discuss progress and goals, and re-measure your functional ability
  • Completion of a questionnaire on registration with the program, and then again at 3 and 12 months after registration to measure changes in areas such as pain, function, quality of life, and medication use.

Can I Participate in GLA:D® Australia?

GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee pain or symptoms of OA, regardless of severity.

You may participate in the GLA:D® Australia program if you have a hip or knee joint problem that resulted in visiting a health care provider.

You may need to explore other options than the GLA:D® Australia program if:

  • You have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including: tumor, inflammatory joint disease, results of leg fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems
  • You have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia)
  • You are unable to understand and communicate in English

However, there may be parts of the program that will still be helpful for you.  Your physiotherapist will discuss your best treatment options with you as part of the assessment process.

Osteoarthritis Treatment in Australia

Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 year of age and older, but can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age.

Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight management as first line treatment for everyone with osteoarthritis.

In Australia, treatment usually focuses on medications and surgery. The GLA:D® Australia program offers a safe alternative that may reduce your need for medications, avoid the need for surgery, and improve your ability to participate more actively in work and recreational activities.

This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities, ensuring participants develop skills to self-manage their osteoarthritis. By strengthening and improving confidence with exercise, participants develop better capacity to become or stay active, prevent symptom progression, and reduce pain.

Research and the GLA:D® Program

Research from the GLA:D® program in Australia (GLA:D® Australia Annual Report 2020) found an average reduction in pain of 27% (hip) and 33% (knee), improved quality of life by 20% (hip) and 29% (knee), and reduced usage of pain medication by 45% (hip) and 49% (knee).  It was also found that less people desired surgery after completing the program.

GLA:D® Australia continues to collect information from participants so that it can keep working towards improving access to the best possible care for people with osteoarthritis.

 

Please contact our friendly reception team for more information if you are interested in participating in the GLAD program.  

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Comments Off on GLA:D program – Best first treatment for hip & knee osteoarthitis

GLA:D program – Best first treatment for hip & knee osteoarthitis

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GLA:D®, from ‘Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark’, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.  It was then brought to Australia in 2016 to help Australians with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

What does GLA:D® involve?

This education and exercise program reflects the latest evidence in osteoarthritis (OA) research. It also includes feedback from people with OA and trainers on what works in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms.

GLA:D® Australia is run in private, public, and hospital physiotherapy clinics. The cost of the program can vary depending on the location. Please discuss this with your physiotherapist. You do not need a referral from your doctor.

Eligible participants may be able to use Medicare funding to cover costs of assessments and some people may be eligible to access publicly-funded services.  Private health claims should be discussed with your insurer.

The GLA:D® Australia program consists of:

  • An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability
  • Two education sessions which teach you about OA, its risk factors, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
  • Group exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve your control of the joint, your confidence in the joint and your strength
  • A review at 3-months with your physiotherapist to discuss progress and goals, and re-measure your functional ability
  • Completion of a questionnaire on registration with the program, and then again at 3 and 12 months after registration to measure changes in areas such as pain, function, quality of life, and medication use.

Can I Participate in GLA:D® Australia?

GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee pain or symptoms of OA, regardless of severity.

You may participate in the GLA:D® Australia program if you have a hip or knee joint problem that resulted in visiting a health care provider.

You may need to explore other options than the GLA:D® Australia program if:

  • You have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including: tumor, inflammatory joint disease, results of leg fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems
  • You have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia)
  • You are unable to understand and communicate in English

However, there may be parts of the program that will still be helpful for you.  Your physiotherapist will discuss your best treatment options with you as part of the assessment process.

Osteoarthritis Treatment in Australia

Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 year of age and older, but can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age.

Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight management as first line treatment for everyone with osteoarthritis.

In Australia, treatment usually focuses on medications and surgery. The GLA:D® Australia program offers a safe alternative that may reduce your need for medications, avoid the need for surgery, and improve your ability to participate more actively in work and recreational activities.

This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities, ensuring participants develop skills to self-manage their osteoarthritis. By strengthening and improving confidence with exercise, participants develop better capacity to become or stay active, prevent symptom progression, and reduce pain.

Research and the GLA:D® Program

Research from the GLA:D® program in Australia (GLA:D® Australia Annual Report 2020) found an average reduction in pain of 27% (hip) and 33% (knee), improved quality of life by 20% (hip) and 29% (knee), and reduced usage of pain medication by 45% (hip) and 49% (knee).  It was also found that less people desired surgery after completing the program.

GLA:D® Australia continues to collect information from participants so that it can keep working towards improving access to the best possible care for people with osteoarthritis.

 

Please contact our friendly reception team for more information if you are interested in participating in the GLAD program.  

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Comments Off on We are still OPEN during lock-down…

We are still OPEN during lock-down…

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We are still OPEN during the lock down period from 16th July 2021 …with some restrictions and Covid-safe procedures of course to keep us all safe!

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Victoria, have made it very clear that during stage 4 lock down restrictions, you should still seek the healthcare you need, which includes physiotherapy.

There has been some confusion in the general public about what is and isn’t allowed for physiotherapy services in Melbourne currently. The main points that you need to be aware of are:

👨‍⚕️ You DO NOT need a GP referral to see our physiotherapists

🚙 You CAN travel outside the 5km radius to receive healthcare (use your appointment SMS as proof of service) You can also accompany someone for treatment if you are a parent, guardian or necessary support person.

🤒 DHHS have encouraged everyone who needs healthcare to continue to receive healthcare. However you may only attend the clinic in person if the absence of care will mean that your condition and function may significantly change/deteriorate resulting in an escalation of care

☎️ Telehealth exists for all patients, no matter what condition you may be dealing with. Please do not underestimate your condition! Recently, we have had people attend our clinic with what they thought were minor issues, and they turned out to be serious injuries, some being stress fractures.

If you are unsure whether or not you should attend, but you are in pain, then we would prefer to see you for a face-to-face consultation. This will allow you to gain a firm diagnosis and plan for your recovery. Where required, we’ll continue to see you in the clinic for face-to-face consultations. If we feel your condition doesn’t require further immediate care, then we can review you via telehealth to continue to provide you physiotherapy care. Otherwise, we will give you a plan to help you get through until you are able to attend again face-to-face, when the restrictions ease.

If you need us, we are here to help you! 🙂

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Comments Off on Working from home during iso? Tips & tricks from Emma Selbie…

Working from home during iso? Tips & tricks from Emma Selbie…

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Here are some simple tips/tricks to prevent neck and back pain when working from home…

  1. Posture

Our desks/seats are generally designed so that we sit in a slumped, forward head posture. Believe it or not, your head actually weighs about 5kg! If your head isn’t positioned correctly over your neck, this weight can increase the pressure on the joints, ligaments, and muscles of the neck.

Imagine that you are drawing a line from your earlobe down to your shoulder, then down to your hip. If your ear-lobe is sitting forwards of your shoulder, you may need to gently tuck your chin in. If your shoulder is sitting forwards of your hip, you may need to think of opening through your collarbones.

Our bodies are designed to conserve energy and use as little of it as possible. Sometimes, you may find your lower back slumping into your chair. It can be helpful to place a rolled-up towel or lumbar support behind your back. This will act as a prompt, and encourage you out of the slumped position.

  1. Daily exercise/activity

The WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least 5 days per week for adults aged 18-64. This doesn’t mean you have to go for a 10km run. Breaking up your day with a short walk in the morning, and short walk in the afternoon may be enough to help prevent aches and pains. Find a type of exercise that you enjoy!

  1. Regular movement/stretching

Motion is lotion. Joints like movement. When we sit for long periods, particularly in a slumped/flexed position, this puts us at higher risk of lower back injury. To help compensate for the time spent in this flexed position, lower back extensions/cobra exercises can be particularly helpful.

To do these, lying on your stomach, gently prop up onto your elbows, the lower. Repeat 10 times. If these are easy, you can progress to propping up onto your hands.

Some gentle neck stretches/movements can also be helpful. Gently tilting your head will stretch through the upper trapezius muscle, whilst gently rotating your head will help to prevent stiffness of the joints on the side of the neck.

  1. Self-massage with tennis ball/spikey ball

If you find you do have some “tight” spots in your muscles from sitting, a helpful hint is to use a tennis ball/spikey ball. Lean against the wall with the ball under the “tight” muscle, and gently roll until you find a “tight” spot. Hold and wait for approximately 10 seconds, until the pain starts to subside. Roll the ball and repeat in other “tight” areas in the muscle.

  1. Get up at least once every hour

Sitting for prolonged periods of time can put pressure on the joints, ligaments, and muscles in our neck and back. Try to get up and move around at least once every hour. This helps to lubricate the joints and prevent that joint stiffness/pain. You will feel better for it.

The advice above is general. If you are experiencing any neck or back pain from WFH, we recommend that you come and see one of our physios so that you can have personalised assessment and treatment, with a home exercise program tailored to you specifically.

Emma Selbie (Physiotherapist)

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Comments Off on Dry Needling explained, by Nando Lee

Dry Needling explained, by Nando Lee

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What is dry needling?

Dry needling is an invasive procedure where an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle. Commonly it is aimed at a painful or knotted part of a muscle which is known as a myofascial trigger point.

The aim of dry needling is to reduce pain and restore active range of motion, with an emphasis on improving tissue healing and restoring normal tissue function

Your physiotherapist may insert needles superficially (mostly with many needles) or deeply (usually with less needles) depending on assessment and condition.

How does it work?

The exact mechanisms of dry needling are complex, probably not fully known. However, there is an increasing number of studies which support the positive effect that inserting a needle has on the electrical and chemical communications that take place in our nervous system.

Dry needling into a certain body tissue causes a local twitch response which can be explained as ‘our brain reacts to the damaged tissue which is created precisely by the insertion of needles’. The reaction has been shown to reduce the concentration of pain inducing chemical substances.

What will I feel during a dry needling session?

Generally, needle insertion is not painful. You may feel a very slight, brief pain which is triggered by the local twitch response or sudden slight contraction of the muscle.

During treatment, and depending on the dry needling technique used, patients commonly experience heaviness in the areas of insertion, or overall relaxation.

Is it safe?

Dry needling is a very safe and widely accepted treatment. Serious side effects are rare with an incidence of less than one per 10,000 treatments. Your physiotherapists are trained to provide safe treatments. At PhysioFit Berwick, we use only individually packaged, single use, sterile needles.

Common conditions to treat with dry needling therapy:

Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute injuries, muscle spasms, chronic pain or muscle pattern imbalances caused by other injuries or issues.

  • Low back/hip pain
  • Neck pain
  • Headache
  • Knee pain
  • Ankle/foot injuries
  • Shoulder pain
  • Elbow pain

Written by physiotherapist Nando Lee, who is highly experienced in dry needling techniques.  If you have any questions regarding dry needling please contact Nando at the clinic on Mondays and Thursdays, or ring for an appointment. 

 

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Comments Off on Skiing and snowboard injury prevention and treatment

Skiing and snowboard injury prevention and treatment

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The snow season is well and truly here again with the resorts in full swing…

The majority of skiing injuries occur traumatically, often the result of a fall or collision with another skier or object, such as a tree.

Skiing injuries commonly involve the knee, shoulder, wrist, thumb, head and neck. 

These injuries often include ACL and MCL ligament sprains/tears, medial meniscal tears, quadriceps and groin muscle strains, thumb joint sprains and shoulder dislocations, fractures and bruising, and often concussion, with some being quite serious requiring surgical management.

If you do receive an injury, the best advice is to get it treated as soon as possible.

Prior to treatment – initial RICE management is suggested (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Avoid alcohol, and no APRE ski.

If you do require treatment, PhysioFit will endeavour to help you within 24 hours. Please phone 03 9707 4452 to book an appointment.

At PhysioFit Berwick, we offer the following services:

  • Physiotherapy treatment for all ski/snowboard injuries
  • Post injury / surgery rehabilitation, including supervised rehabilitation programs
  • Programs to strengthen muscles used in skiing/snowboarding
  • Balance programs to improve skiing/snowboarding to reduce the risk of falls
  • Pilates to strengthen core stability

Avoid Skiing Injuries!

Physiotherapist have been treating ski injuries for years and have been able to produce an accurate account of the “how, when, who, why and where” of injuries.

Critical periods for injury:    

  • First day on the slopes – after a long drive (3.5-6hrs for most of us) all skiers are eager to get straight on the slopes without warming up.’
  • First two hours on the slope – snow is harder, body not warmed up, skiing is a little rusty and body may be a little sore from previous day
  • Just before a break – the body is fatigued from a demanding session
  • Just after a break – the body has had time to cool down and may be out of rhythm. Fatigue is also still a factor
  • Last hour before finishing – the body is well fatigued by now and hunger/thirst begins to take over. Skiing conditions can also become a little harder late in the day.

Quick tips to help avoid injury:

  • Get fit to ski– prepare ahead for the ski season with a tailored program prepared by your physiotherapist to target muscle groups and balance
  • Warm up to increase your body temperature
  • Stretch main muscle groups and practise appropriate skiing movement before heading to the lift queue
  • Do some gentle stretching after a long session on the mountain
  • Consider a practice fall, especially if you have had an injury
  • Check that all your gear is functional/safe, or have it checked for you
  • Snow-boarders should use gloves with wrist guards to avoid wrist fractures during a fall.

Injuries do occur however careful you may be.  Our physiotherapists understand the mechanism and treatment of ski injuries so you can trust that you will be in good hands in the unfortunate event of an injury.

For a printable version, please click HERE.

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Comments Off on Thursday 8th September is World Physiotherapy Day!

Thursday 8th September is World Physiotherapy Day!

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APAEach year, on 8 September, we celebrate World Physiotherapy Day, a global event recognising the incredible role physiotherapists play in the community and the relationships that patients have with their physiotherapist. The theme for this year’s World Physiotherapy Day is ‘add life to years’.

Physiotherapy helps Australians of all ages be active, stay independent and have quality of life.

Physiotherapists are health professionals who play a key role in helping people with long-term conditions achieve their goals, fulfil their potential and participate fully in society. They work with people to maximise movement and functional ability. If you have problems that affect your mobility, ask a physiotherapist, the qualified experts in movement and exercise.

As the peak body representing the interests of Australian physiotherapists and their patients, the APA are passionate about championing rehabilitation. The APA represents more than 23 000 members who conduct over 23 million consultations each year. On World Physiotherapy Day, we promote awareness of the benefits of physiotherapy in the prevention, maintenance and treatment of injuries to ensure all Australians can add life to years.

This World Physiotherapy Day, the APA is launching a community mosaic showcasing the different ways everyone can add life to years. Have a place in the mosaic by sharing your photo on social media using the hashtag #addlifetoyears.

Our ambassador

One of Australia’s most celebrated athletes, Steve Moneghetti, an Australian long-distance runner, has joined the APA as the ambassador for this year’s World Physiotherapy Day to help improve the quality of life for Australia’s ageing population.

‘I know the importance of listening to my body and using physiotherapists to help me achieve my best,’ Moneghetti said. ‘I have seen the difference physiotherapists can make, but I am lucky as many people have little understanding of the important role health experts such as physiotherapists play in the maintenance of a functioning, strong and healthy body – and I want to change that. Physiotherapy can change our quality of life dramatically and it can literally add life to years for our ageing population.’

Steve is proud to share how physiotherapy, as well as his running, will add life to years.

Do you live with body aches and pains?

Speak to your local APA physiotherapist Mark Eibl at PhysioFit Berwick! Ph: 9707 4452  Email: reception@physiofit.clinic

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Comments Off on Five important tips for Tradies to avoid injuries – Kyle and Kara

Five important tips for Tradies to avoid injuries – Kyle and Kara

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Berwick, Beaconsfield,Officer tradies encouraged to watch more than just their backs during Tradies National Health Month

Australian Physiotherapy Association leads the annual Tradies National Health Month during August, 2016

In this next u-tube video featured above, Kyal and Kara provide five important tips for our tradies to ensure they are looking after their bodies on and off the job.

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                                               

Physiofit Berwick physiotherapists are calling on tradies in Casey and Cardinia to watch more than just their backs during Tradies National Health Month this August. It comes as Australia’s tradies continue to have among the poorest health and safety conditions of workers across all sectors.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) leads Tradies National Health Month to educate Australian tradies to keep a check on their safety, health and wellbeing, and to help minimise the risk of serious injury for our labourers, technicians, machinery operators and drivers, amongst other tradie groups.

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Comments Off on Get on board – Tradies National Health Month is August!

Get on board – Tradies National Health Month is August!

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Berwick, Beaconsfield,Officer tradies encouraged to watch more than just their backs during Tradies National Health Month

Australian Physiotherapy Association announces annual Tradies National Health Month for August 2016

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                                               

Physiofit Berwick physiotherapists are calling on tradies in Casey and Cardinia to watch more than just their backs during Tradies National Health Month this August. It comes as Australia’s tradies continue to have among the poorest health and safety conditions of workers across all sectors.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) leads Tradies National Health Month to educate Australian tradies to keep a check on their safety, health and wellbeing.

Tradies have among the highest serious injury and disease compensation claims in Australia, according to Safe Work Australia data. Labourers, technicians, and machinery operators and drivers are among the top four occupations when it comes to number of serious injury claims.

The majority of serious claims are from injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, including traumatic joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries. While backs still present the highest proportion of body stress injury claims, other body parts affected include upper limbs, lower legs, hips, the abdomen and the pelvic region.

Research also shows tradespersons, labourers and workers across the agricultural and construction industries have high risks of chronic health conditions.

APA physiotherapist Mark Eibl says it is important to remind tradies that their health and safety is a priority.

“This Tradies National Health Month, we want tradies to look after all aspects of their health and wellbeing,” Mark Eibl said. “Everyone—from tradies to their employers, unions and the communities and governments that rely on them—has a role to play in getting our tradies to be proactive about managing and preventing health conditions. It starts with seeking evidence-based treatments like physiotherapy.”

From musculoskeletal support, physiotherapists extend their care into chronic health impacts, like heart disease and diabetes, and the lesser-known pelvic floor issues men face. Physiotherapists are experts in helping to reduce the alarmingly common health and safety issues associated with working in labour intensive industries.

The Block and Reno Rumble favourites Kyal and Kara Demmrich (‘The Super Ks’) will help lead the campaign, using their respective backgrounds of carpenter and physiotherapist to spread the message that health and wellbeing must be tradies’ most important tools (See U tube video below).

For more information visit www.tradieshealth.com.au or www.physiofit.clinic or phone Physiofit on 97074452.

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