As the Christmas holidays approach, formal training, and conditioning start to wind down. As we should, we shift our focus to enjoying our time off after busy years, sporting seasons and training regimes. However, we often find the reload process post-Christmas, particularly for those with an injury history can be a common cause for physical break down, re-aggravation and the development of load related conditions.  

Whilst Physiotherapist’s and Exercise Physiologist’s here at Physioactive specialise in the rehabilitation of sporting and musculoskeletal conditions, we work hard to emphasise the importance of injury prevention and forward planning. That doesn’t sound that exciting, does it? Think of it as “Body Insurance”, a free policy and plan you can undertake that research tells us is effective in maintaining and developing capacity, lowering the risk of injury, and keeping you primed for the season to come. Remove the need for formalities and the structured approach to exercise, these “prehab” programs are a small battery of targeted strengthening, stability or mobility-based exercises individually tailored to meet the needs of your injury history, current injury and return to activity goals.  

Our musculoskeletal system is made up of five different tissues; bone, muscle, ligament, tendon, nerve, with each individual tissue positively and negatively reactive to certain stressors. Expert knowledge in these areas, along with targeted programming form the crux of the “Body Insurance preventative program.” Considerations around weekly exercise load (running, jumping etc), exposure to high impact exercises (pertinent for healthy bone load and tendon capacity), sport and age specific strengthening and balance training all come together to formulate this off-season gem.  

To have a chat with one of our clinical team about these expert programs, feel free to contact our administration team at 3281 8876, or book online at www.physioactive.com.au 

Written by Aidan Lunney – APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist  

When we think of Australia’s exercise recommendations of at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week alongside two strength training sessions, many of us will immediately link this to helping maintain our physical and cardiovascular health, managing our weight, and preventing disease or conditions like diabetes. 

Thanks to social media and the marketing tactics of the fitness and beauty industry, the view on exercise has been skewed to be a ‘must do’ chore or a punishment for eating tasty foods – a tick-list item that is necessary to achieve an “ideal” body. But there is so much more to exercise than what we see in advertisements and viral videos – and don’t just take our word for it – this is the exact theme of this year’s national Exercise Right Week campaign, which is aiming to change the unhealthy relationship with exercise that this dialogue in the media is creating, showing you that the real additional benefits of exercise have nothing to do with the number on a scale or the amount of kilometres on a tracking app.  Read more

After sustaining an injury during sports, the first thing on many players’ agenda isn’t just recovering from that injury, but how to do so as fast as possible. While injuries sustained during sports can vary greatly in their location, severity, and how they occurred, there are five things that anyone can do to help optimise their recovery so they can get back on the sports field as fast as possible regardless of their circumstances. Read more

Menstrual related pain can quite often make it harder to engage in exercise or skip planned sessions. Menstrual associated symptoms such as abdominal cramps, increase in fatigue, bloating and reduced quality of sleep often causes a decrease in exercise or general movement during the time of menstruation. However recent research shows that engaging in appropriate exercise  can help manage common period discomforts (Demiralp and Kirmizal 2020).

Read more

Knee rocks stretch - Tradie Health Month
Knees to chest stretch - Tradie Health Month
Glute stretch - Tradie Health Month

Suffering from a sore lower back?

You are not alone – about 80% of the population experiences a sore back at some point in their lives, regardless of their physical and psychological health. But don’t despair – most people recover within 4-6 weeks.[1]

Why am I experiencing low back pain?

Low back pain can affect us at any age but it most commonly occurs between the ages of 20 and 60 years. There are various factors that can contribute to a person experiencing low back pain including repetitive awkward lifting or a sudden trauma such as a fall. But there is strong evidence that non-physical factors, such as the presence of other co-morbidities (e.g., diabetes), not getting enough sleep, changes in mood, stress, smoking, can also result in a person experiencing back pain. Low back pain can be a scary experience, especially when it’s persistent and effects work performance, social responsibilities and family life.

Do I need physiotherapy to relieve my low back pain?

There are many different approaches that physios can take to help you manage low back pain – the approach taken will, amongst other things, depend on your individual presentation and your goals. But in the first instance, you might like to try these 4 gentle exercises as a starting point. If you are unable to perform any of these tips safely or easily, it’s a good sign that you will benefit from seeking advice from a physio.

If I have low back pain, should I rest?

There is good evidence that lying in bed and being still for long periods will prolong back pain symptoms. Although it can be challenging, movement is typically the best way to help you recover as fast as possible. Keep up with gentle activity and regular short walks – even if the walks are only around the house to start with.

Here are 4 gentle movement-based exercises you can try:

  • Knee rocks – Performed to help relieve pain. Try performing 10-15 each direction, ensuring you keep breathing comfortably and relax your tummy muscles.
  • Knees to chest – Performed to help relieve pain – i.e. try this movement and test to see whether it helps relieve your symptoms or improve your movement. Keep your tummy and back muscles relaxed whilst doing the exercise.
  • Glute stretch – Hold for 30 seconds on both legs
  • Avoid prolonged positions –  Aim to move at least every 20 minutes. For example, if your job involves sitting for long periods, try standing up every 20 minutes, walking around or even kneeling on something soft such as a cushion
Male osteopath doing a postural evaluation on a young female patient assessing the alignment of her vertebrae and spine in an alternative medicine and healthcare concept

Note: all of the above exercises are a guide only – if you’re unsure on how to do these correctly feel free to contact your physiotherapist.


We’re here to help

If you are finding your low back pain is not settling and/or you would like further advice on how best to manage your symptoms or prevent recurrence, get in touch with one of our physiotherapists. Our highly trained physiotherapists will work with you to help you understand what’s going on and help you address the factors contributing to your back pain. We can also make a plan to be proactive about your lower back with options such as weights, Pilates, yoga and general body exercises to name a few.

References

[1] Stochkendahl MJ, Kjaer P, Hartvigsen J, Kongsted A, Aaboe J, Andersen M, et al. National clinical guidelines for non-surgical treatment of patients with recent onset low back pain or lumbar radiculopathy. European Spine Journal 2018 Jan;27(1):60-75. 2018.

What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is largely exercise-based therapy performed in a heated pool under supervision of a
health professional.


How does it work?
The warmth and tactile sensation of the water are fantastic for relaxing muscles to soothe aches and
pains. The water itself also adds buoyancy – with your body submerged, your body weight, and
therefore load, can be supported by up to 90%. This allows for easier, less painful movement. Your
physiotherapist will be able to determine if you need the water to support you, to relieve pain or
increase flexibility, or to resist you, which can be used to increase strength.


Who will benefit from hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy has been shown to be effective in a range of conditions, including but not limited to:
Low back pain; rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; people who are at risk of falls; and people with
neurological conditions. It can also be very effective following orthopaedic surgery and aiding people
in returning to work and activities they enjoy.


How do I get into hydrotherapy?
You will first need an assessment with one of our physiotherapists, who along with your goals, will
determine suitability for hydrotherapy, making sure that it is safe for you and that there are no
contraindications or specific precautions. They will then see you in the pool and provide an
individualised program for you. They then will continue to supervise and progress your exercises as
appropriate.


Locations!
Physioactive utilises two pools in Ipswich. These two pools have different benefits depending on the
individual needs of the client, and as such suitability will be determined in the initial assessment.


1) JUST Leichhardt: 27 Toongarra Road, Leichhardt.
2) Peter McMahon’s swim factory: 1 Martin Street, Woodend.