HEALTHY HABITS FOR 2019

Whilst most people make New year resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier and start the gym, did you know that there are some really simple habits that can make a big difference to your health?

Here are some tips for a healthy body and mind in 2019: 

1)   Get enough sleep: the average adult needs 7-9 hours sleep per night to be healthy.  Lack of sleep can contribute to chronic pain, weight gain, chronic diseases, anxiety and depression and also leads to poor work and sporting performance.

2)   Sit Less: Humans are designed for movement! Motion is lotion! Movement lubricates our joints and pumps blood around the body which reduces pain and stiffness, improves metabolism and has a whole host of other health benefits! Try to limit sitting to 4 hours per day if possible or consider a standing workstation.

3)   Drink enough water: It is so easy to forget to drink enough when you’re busy! Simply having enough to drink can improve concentration, reduce fatigue and headaches.

4)   Move a little bit more: Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore if it is something you enjoy.  All movement counts, it doesn’t have to mean going to the gym! Choose something that you enjoy doing with people you like spending time with, it makes a huge difference!

5)   Stress less: Stress contributes to a huge range of health problems, including chronic pain.  Taking steps to reduce stress can be hugely beneficial. If you think stress is an issue for you, speaking to a GP or Counsellor can help.  Other strategies such as exercise, mindfulness, meditation and yoga can be beneficial. 

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Lymphoedema... something Physiotherapy can help with.

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema occurs when the body’s ability to drain lymphatic tissue is compromised. This can lead to swelling in the legs, arms, torso or head and neck

The lymphatic system is important in managing the fluid levels in the body, filtering out bacteria, and housing types of white blood cells crucial to the body’s ability to fight infection.

Symptoms:
· May feel a heaviness in the affected region
· Skin can feel tight
· Swelling, often with pitting oedema
· Warmer skin
· Aching
· Pins and Needles
· Joint pain

Causes: Primary Lymphoedema: Is the rarer of the two types characterised by structural problems with the lymphatic system. Often the system which pumps the fluid around the body becomes sluggish. This may develop at birth, during puberty or middle age.

Secondary Lymphoedema: This is caused by obstruction within the lymphatic system which may be caused by:

· Surgery – particularly cancer-related surgery where lymph nodes are removed

· Radiotherapy – May damage the nearby lymph nodes

· Trauma – injuring the lymphatic system

· Parasites – such as worms, which may inhabit and block a lymphatic vessel

· Reduced movement –Lack of movement allows the lymph to pool, particularly in the legs. Muscle contraction help pump fluid, particularly up the legs against gravity.

· Allergy – allergic reactions may affect the lymphatic system.

Treatment: Includes education, skin care and infection prevention, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage/massage and compression bandaging and garments.

Our Physiotherapist Brooke has had extensive training and experience in managing Lymphoedema

WELCOME MYOTHERAPIST NICOLE

We're so excited to welcome Nicole to our Equip team! Nicole is a Myotherapist with lots of training and experience, which we'll introduce in another post, but for now here is a little bit about Myotheray

What is Myotherapy we hear you ask?

Myotherapy is the evidence based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and myofascial pain and associated conditions. Myotherapists use massage in their treatments but also use a wide range of other treatment approaches like dry needling, and thermo and electro-therapeutic techniques, cupping, corrective exercise prescription, education about pain management, activity modification and lifestyle modification.

What conditions can Myotherpists treat/manage?

Myotherapy can treat and manage a wide range of conditions including;

•  Neck and shoulder pain

•  Sports Injuries

•  Headaches and Migraines

•  Tennis Elbow

•  Sciatica & Hip pain

•  Frozen Shoulder

•  Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

•  Chronic Back Pain

•  Restricted movement & inflexibility

•  Foot & Ankle pain

•  Postural conditions

 

If you’d like an appointment with Nicole, give the clinic a call on 5382 0276 or press the book now button.

WELCOME TO Mikaela

We’re so excited to welcome to Mikaela to the Equip Physiotherapy and Pilates team!!

Here is a little more information about Mikaela.

Mikaela is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Sports Scientists. Throughout her degree, Mikaela had extensive experience in the area of orthopaedic surgery and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Mikaela also worked with clients with chronic pain, cancer and diabetes.

Mikaela strongly believes in designing exercise programs that are tailored to the client’s goals and interests. She enjoys utilizing different modes of exercise, such as hydrotherapy, Pilates and gym based exercises.

Mikaela is always interested in furthering her knowledge, recently gaining her Matwork Pilates Instruction qualification. She is also undertaking study in Ante/Post Natal Pilates. Furthermore, Mikaela dreams of completing further research through a Master's Degree in the area of cardiopulmonary exercise rehabilitation.

Originally from a farm in the Warracknabeal area, Mikaela is extremely happy to be living and working locally. She is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of her client's and looks forward to working with the local community.

WHAT IS AN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST?

What is an Exercise Physiologist?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist is an allied health professional who specialises in the prevention, treatment and management of chronic disease and injury, through modes of exercise. All Exercise Physiologist's hold a four year University Degree and are also considered Accredited Sports Scientists.

Exercise Physiologists focus on the overall health and general wellbeing of a client, instead of just treating the injury or condition. For instance, a client with a condition, such as osteoarthritis in their knee, may be less active due to pain or discomfort.  Therefore, an Exercise Physiologist will consider improving the client’s cardiovascular health, as well as implement strategies to decrease pain and increase movement in their knee.

How is an Exercise Physiologist Different to a Personal Trainer?

Exercise Physiologists are required to undertake extensive training at University in order to treat clients with chronic disease and other complex conditions. However, Exercise Physiologists can certainly treat clients without any known conditions and implement safe, individualised exercise programs to promote long-term health and wellbeing. An Exercise Physiologist can also implement specialized exercise programs for the prevention of conditions such as cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

How is an Exercise Physiologist Different to a Physiotherapist?

Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy have similarities in they both use exercise to treat injury and illness.. However, Exercise Physiologists also use exercise in the prevention, or secondary prevention of chronic conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, Physiotherapists typically treat clients in the acute phase of rehabilitation, whereas Exercise Physiologists see a client in the sub-acute phase and focus on long-term management. Lastly, Exercise Physiologists only use exercise (including hydrotherapy and stretching) to treat their client, while a Physiotherapist may also use other manual therapies like massage, mobilisation and dry needling.


What Conditions can an Exercise Physiologist Treat?

Accredited Exercise Physiologists prescribe safe, individualised exercise programs for:

·       Obesity

·       Cardiovascular Disease

·       Pulmonary Disease

·       Diabetes

·       Osteoporosis and arthritis

·       Falls prevention

·       Mental health

·       Cancer

·       Chronic Pain

·       Women’s health

·       Post-surgical rehabilitation

·       Neuromuscular conditions (Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and stroke, for example)

·       Plus many other conditions

Accredited Exercise Physiologists also work with clients through TAC, DVA, WorkCover and Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans.


Contact the clinic  on 53 820 276 to make an appointment or press the book now button.