I’ve recently returned from a reconnaissance trip to Melbourne to tour the Collingwood AFL rehabilitation facilities. Situated at Olympic Park, I visited the facility with former Sports & Spinal, now, Collingwood physio Chris Howley.

The facility consists of;

• a large rehab pool for post game hydrotherapy and injury rehabilitation
• ice baths: for promoting post game and post rehab session recovery.
• large gym space with weights, strength, cardiovascular and agility equipment for improving performance and facilitating rehabilitation.
• running Track for running drills.
• high Altitude training room for improving cardiovascular fitness,
• seamless communication between, Medical, Physiotherapy, Sports Science and Coaching staff ensures there is an optimum balance between, performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation.

It was incredible to see just how big and strong these boys really are. Chris Tarrant has the biggest arms I’ve ever seen!! Interestingly, whilst the intensity is obviously much higher,  the rehabilitation process these athletes go through is not too dissimilar from what our patients go through.

As we’ve seen this year, you cant always stop injuries, and whilst Collingwood has had an unlucky run at the start of the year. Their high quality rehab set up will ensure that they will be highly competitive at the business end of the season.

The visit to the Olympic facility has really stimulated my interest in being able to provide a similar set up to the people of the Sunshine Coast. It struck me that the equipment and principles of rehabilitating an elite athlete are really not that different to what is required for rehabilitating any patient experiencing pain or loss of function.

Watch this space for some exciting changes over the next couple of years!!

Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centres are basedon the Sunshine Coast with practices in Maroochydore, Buderim, Nambour, Coolum and Caloundra.

Studio Pilates is Different.

A bit of history on Pilates…

Joseph Pilates, a native German, first developed the method of body conditioning that bears his name, over 70 years ago. In many ways he was ahead of his time, his approach was unique in that it emphasized building a strong ‘Powerhouse’, or core (deep abdominals, deep spinal muscles, and pelvic floor), thus allowing the body to build an intrinsic support system that minimises the risk of injury, and is a highly safe and effective way to stretch, strengthen and streamline the body.

“Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirits” -Joseph Pilates

Where Studio Pilates differs from mat classes is that the classes are limited to four participants per class and the exercises are performed on specialized equipment – the ‘Reformer’, ‘Trapeze Table’, ‘Barrel’ and ‘Rollers’

The 'Barrel'

The 'Reformer'

The 'Trapze Table'

The equipment adds another dimension to the matwork exercises, and works areas that can’t be reached with matwork exercises alone. The equipment adds more resistance and therefore increased toning of the entire body, and because the classes are tailored for each participant, fantastic results are achieved!

“In 10 sessions you will feel a difference. In 20 sessions you will see a difference. In 30 sessions, you will have a new body” -Joseph Pilates

So why not give Studio Pilates a try, your body will thank you! Sports & Spinal run several Studio classes each week and caters from beginners to advanced.

Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centres are located on the Sunshine Coast with practices in Maroochydore, Buderim, Nambour, Coolum and Caloundra.

Whilst recently working in London I had the good fortune of flicking through a physio magazine that screamed at me: ‘Energetic physios required for the Greek Isles!!’

It didn’t take much convincing to go for the job, and with a bit of good fortune, a big smile, plenty of people experience and a history of volunteering as a lifesaver, I was leaving London in April 2011 for a 6 month post on a sizable island called Limnos or Lemnos. You may be familiar with the haloumi cheese brand ‘Lemnos’ – same place! It is the island in the North Aegean Sea opposite Turkey, where the ANZACS went prior to going to Gallipoli. Lemnos is also famous for its deserted beaches, wine, cheese, homemade pasta, windsurfing / kite-surfing and gigantic airstrip where planes go to refuel before heading on to Libya.

I was posted in a British resort as the on-site physio.  I got to learn the local lingo but it was not a necessity. I got to experience the Greek cuisine and hospitality … and I also got to work with and meet more British people than I ever did by living in London!

I lived in town in a house close to the popular Greek summer party scene, close to the cobblestoned streets and dramatic backdrop of the local capital of the island that featured a wonderful fortress.

 I saw a wide variety of clientele including active go-getters who probably went a little hard wake boarding or suffered injuries from too much tennis or mountain biking when used to normally sitting in an office chair. There were also the people who didn’t have time in the daily commuter’s life to look after themselves. I took joy in helping these people move again and to be able to participate in the sports they love!

I also took joy in performing weekly in open mic nights (played guitar), learning to windsurf, and taking snorkel tours. Somehow I managed to also become fitness instructor for an entire week, took the occasional bike tour where I got many people lost but safely returned to the resort grounds…. The best part for me was being able to swim for miles on end and NO SHARKS!!

Ahhhh the life.

But to be honest it all had to come to an end, the pay was not so flash but the experiences were ones to never forget. I can now read Greek (don’t really understand a word of it ) and have some great stories. I am very pleased to be back using my brain again busy at Buderim and Coolum Sports and Spinal!

Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centres are based on the Sunshine Coast, in Maroochydore, Buderim, Nambour, Coolum and Caloundra.

I speak with great love and from years of hindsight and wisdom.
As we enter our next phase of womanhood , I reflect back and see some things I wish we had known when we were your age- things that would possibly make things better for us now. Perhaps they are things I did hear but chose to ignore so I write through the passage of time to ask or beg you not to ignore what I did.

• do not allow yourself to get constipated. Constipation causes strain on our pelvic organs and whilst it seems too embarrassing to talk to anyone about it now – please do …seek help and save us from the pain, straining and anal fissures. Drink plenty of water and use psyllium husks or something similar ( ask at the pharmacy , they will know what will suit you ). Eat your veggies and fruit.
• sit properly on the loo - use a footstool to get you nearer a squat, lean forwards and gently widen your waist and bulge your tummy. Try “mooing” it really helps. Don’t strain or bear down . Squatting like when we went camping is even better.
• do not diet you don’t need to- accept yourself as the beautiful girl you are. Dieting leads to all sorts of problems including constipation because you aren’t eating correctly, things will work out and you will grow into a beautiful young woman….we don’t need the angst of body image issues – there are plenty of more important things to worry about
• exercise regularly – you enjoy your sport , keep it up , it will help keep your weight normal and it helps the bowels work more effectively – a natural easy cure for points one and two
• start doing some pelvic floor exercises now – learn about it, educate yourself….am sure there are articles in teenage magazines if you are too embarrassed to ask . Most importantly, learn how to use it properly when you lift and do heavy activities. Keeping your core working properly will save us from problems later in life.
• when Mum said sit up straight  she was right! I know those boobs are making you slouch but be proud of them ( they will serve you well in life ) good posture is vital for so many reasons…health, core stability, organ function, and if you do it for no other reason than vanity then do it- good posture makes you look fabulous!
• use the loos at school – don’t be embarrassed in case someone hears you going – it is bad for our bladder if you hang on too long – it can overdistend and not function properly ;or if you put off emptying your bowel , over time this can cause constipation and our rectum to distend beyond it’s capacity- all pretty yucky things.
• don’t drink so much coffee and alcohol through uni – it set us up for an irritable bladder later in life. Do you really want to be wetting our knickers when you get older? You hate wearing pads once a month, now, imagine wearing them every day to catch leaking wee!
• think very carefully about who you have sex with and for god’s sake use protection…just because you are on the pill doesn’t mean you can’t catch an STD…yes they really do exist and yes anyone can catch them, you are not immune and he must wear a condom. Remember the ad – ” if it’s not on , it’s not on?”

PS -  one day you meet a wonderful man and have two beautiful children….life isn’t all smooth sailing but it is worth the journey …oh and take up yoga now , not at 40 like I did, you will wish you were more flexible by then…..now I am off to give this lecture to your 15 year old daughter…let’s hope she listens to me….but first I will stand under the fan because I can feel a hot flush coming on

love Menopausal you

Physiotherapist, Fiona Rogers, works at Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centres and has a special interest and expertise treating all Pregnancy, Pelvic Floor and Incontinence (for Men and Women) issues.

Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centres are based on the Sunshine Coast with practices in Maroochydore, Buderim, Nambour, Coolum and Caloundra.

By Physiotherapist, Kelly Walsh from Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centres.

Your Initial Assessment

The Questions….

Your Physiotherapist will run through a range of questions with you such as how the pain/problem started, what aggravates it and what eases it.  It is important for the Physiotherapist to ask these questions as gives them a picture of what is going on and what is contributing to the issue.  This will then shape their physical assessment.

What next?

The next step will be when the physiotherapist assesses the area involved and any areas that may be contributing to your pain/issue.  They will often look at different movements to assess the range of movement, how your joints and muscles move and if there are any restrictions.  They may test your muscle strength and flexibility.  The Physiotherapist will also feel the joints, muscles and/or ligaments to help determine what the issue is.

Following the Assessment:

When your Physiotherapist has finished the assessment, they will discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan with you.  Treatment will often begin in your first session and don’t be surprised if you get some exercises for homework! 

A few  questions answered……………

1.       What should I wear?

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in.  Your Physiotherapist will need to have a look at the area you are coming in for so it’s best to wear something to allow for this ie. If you’re coming in for your knee it’s easier if you wear shorts!  But don’t worry, we always keep shorts and gowns on hand for you to change into if needed.

 2.       Do I need a referral?

You don’t need a referral to see a Physiotherapist.  However, if you have one then bring it along.

 3.       Should I bring my x-rays/scans?

If you’ve had any x-rays/scans for the area you are getting assessed and treated then it’s a good idea to bring them along.

 4.       How many visits will I need?

No one persons’ injury is the same.  Therefore everyone will require a different amount of visits.  Your Physiotherapist will discuss this with you in the first session and develop a treatment plan which will include the likely number and frequency of visits.  However, this will continue to be assessed in subsequent visits. As a general rule, most programs will require your focus for 6-8 weeks in order to ensure that we get you back to peak condition with the aim of preventing further problems rather than just patching you up and sending you off to reinjure yourself.

 Remember – feel free to ask any questions you may have!

Sports & Spinal Physiotherapyon the Sunshine Coast and have practices in Maroochydore, Buderim, Nambour, Coolum and Caloundra.

Kandice is a new member of the Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy team.  She has passion and expertise in paediatrics. Kandice has worked with babies and children in number of settings, including public and private hospitals, and in community organisations.

Kandice strongly believes in the importance of early intervention and empowering families with tools to help their children.

Kandice can help your child with:

• Babies with a flat head or asymmetrical head shape;
• Congenital muscular torticollis (when a baby’s head is tilted to one side, since birth, due to tight neck muscles);
• Positional, congenital foot deformities;
• If you notice that your baby is not achieving motor milestones;
• High, low or fluctuating tone (Cerebral Palsy or other movement problems);
• Premature baby developmental follow-up; or
• Any other posture or movement concerns.

Sports & Spinal are located in Maroochydore, Buderim, Nambour, Coolum and Caloundra.

By Sunshine Coast Physiotherapist, Andrew Duff.

Celebrating Adam's golden moment! Left to right: Myself, Adam, JT (athlete manager), Scott (coach)

I’m just back from Panorama Village, British Columbia where I was part of NZ Paralympian Adam Hall’s ‘entourage’ and in charge of his physical management.

It was World Cup Finals time and athletes with all forms of physical abilities were competing. From the ‘visually impaired’ category, where guides ski down in front communicating via microphone systems, to those in ‘sit skis’ (think wheelchair bound athletes sitting in seats with a single ski attached). Some might say these guys were even madder than the upside down snowboarders of last week!

It was a great end to the competitive season for Adam and he settled comfortably into race mode, taking out gold medals in both the Super Combined and Slalom events.

Adam tearing it up on the slopes!

Adam has Spina Bifida which means his lower limb strength is minimal, yet enough to stand with his skis tied at the tips and the use of outriggers (like crutches on mini skis). Subsequently his upper body can suffer from ‘overload’ and between the two of us, we worked hard every evening to ‘loosen things up’. A combination of this, encouraging recovery spins on a stationary bike and lower limb ‘flush’ massages were my main priorities for the week.

Do you suffer pain whilst walking, have trouble lifting objects or has your injury resulted in reduced strength and fitness levels? If so, then Hydrotherapy may benefit you! 

If you are interested in attending a Sports and Spinal Hydrotherapy class this is what to expect:

 Before attending any of our classes you are required to have a single in -room treatment session with one of our physiotherapists to ensure you are suitable to participate (most people are) and more importantly to assess your needs. The assessing Physiotherapist will then write an appropriate referral to the Physiotherapist taking the hydrotherapy class you wish to attend so that we can ensure your needs are met and  that the exercises within the class are tailored to benefit each individual’s rehabilitation.  After this you are welcome to attend any of our scheduled hydrotherapy classes at any time.

 Hydrotherapy classes are performed nearly every day at our local swimming pools by one of our experienced Physiotherapists. Each class is allocated an  hour  . There are usually 8-12 participants to each class, all of which are there for similar reasons to you  and  will be very understanding that you may need a break whilst  getting started. Classes are very much self -paced .

The class itself is conducted within a specialised hydrotherapy pool which has a temperature of 32-33 degrees. A heated pool is an important facet of hydrotherapy treatment as it increases blood flow and aids muscle relaxation that allows for increase movement capacity.  The bouyancy of water also reduces the load placed on joints, tendons and muscles allowing you to move more normally and perform a number of exercises that you thought impossible or find extremely painful on land.

The classes combine strengthening, mobility and stretching with cardiovascular fitness exercise. An example of exercises performed included simple walking and running, squats, arm exercises with floatable weights, balancing and core strengthening. The exercises within the class are aimed to enhance the rehabilitation of many conditions including; lower back pain, osteoarthritis, shoulder injuries, post- surgical rehabilitation and reconditioning. As previously mention hydrotherapy is a good , but gentle, cardiovascular fitness workout which has long been proven to have a positive impact on general health and wellbeing such as reducing blood pressure and weight loss.

All equipment is supplied on pool deck therefore all you need to bring to the class is swimmers, a towel, water bottle and a voice, as although it is a great work out for the body we all get a chin wag work out too!!! It’s fun, social and beneficial to your health and rehabilitation…. so come and join!!

What is Hip Impingement?
The correct medical term is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI). This occurs when there is abnormal contact between the head of the femur (Ball) and the acetabular (socket) during leg movements. Due to this the range of movement is usually affected, limited by pain and/or stiffness. Often young athletic type individuals may experience this, however it can affect any one at any age. Repeated stress on this joint can wear away the articular cartilage and cause labral (rim tissue that acts as a cushion between the two) tears. Inflammation can occur within the hip joint due to the shearing of the joint, pinching and tearing of the labrum or the debris caused from either of these, resulting in pain.

What are the symptoms?
The pain usually manifests as a deep ache often located in the hip itself (not surprisingly) but often can radiate to the lower back, groin, buttock and even the knee, depending on how much wear and tear has occurred at the joint. Symptoms are often brought on or increased with movements requiring hip flexion, coupled with internal/external rotation of the femur, such as squatting (low seats), sprinting, quick changes of direction.  If a labral tear has developed there may be a locking sensation of the hip or feeling that the leg is giving way.

There are 3 types of impingement :

 CAM impingement, Pincer and Mixed and are classified according to which part of the joint is causing the biggest issue.

CAM impingements: these are usually seen in the younger, athletic men that participate in sports requiring a lot of hip flexion with multi-directional changes in movement, such as rugby, soccer and AFL.

In CAM impingements there is bony overgrowth on the femoral head that puts excessive, uneven pressure on the acetabulum. This makes it increasingly difficult to move the joint without bony pressure of the femoral head grinding the soft tissue of the joint away. Think, square peg into a round hole.

In PINCER impingements the bony overgrowth occurs on the front of the acetabular rim which places excessive pressure on the femoral neck. Think, round peg into a square hole.

In MIXED impingments there is a combination of bony changes on the femoral head but also bony overgrowth of the acetabulum.

 How does FAI occur?
Unfortunately there is no definitive consensus on the etiology of FAI however there are 2 general categories

1.      Structural/developmental
The mechanism being that during normal development structural abnormalities such as Dysplasia, Perthes Disease or a Slipped Femoral Epiphysis all cause stresses on the hip joint. Other structural abnormalities can occur from trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, water skiing accident or bike accident.

2.      Mechanical
The mechanism here is more of a repetitive stress and biomechanical dysfunction surrounding the hip that cause unusual wear and bony changes. This is known as a pathmechanical model of injury whereby mechanical changes within the body lead to a pathological condition ie FAI. Activities that require repeated hip flexion and internal rotation, coupled with the downwards compression of body weight, will increase the contact of the femoral head and acetabulum, possibly leading to bony changes and poor bony congruency. There we have FAI!

 How do I treat FAI?
If you suspect that you have FAI the best thing to do would be to consult your physiotherapist or GP. A GP will likely refer you to a physiotherapist or to an orthopaedic specialist to have a thorough assessment and diagnosis. They will be the best to inform you of your treatment options.

The options can range from physiotherapy to surgical repair.

As a physiotherapist, after correct diagnosis we are usually the first port of call. This entails a thorough assessment after which we will be able to provide you with a progressive and comprehensive exercise program that will help you be free of pain.

 Things for you to consider 
Below are a some positions and activities that could increase your symptoms and/or pain, if possible try to limit or avoid

-        sitting in low seats/car seats 

-        walking up hills and in deep sand

-        deep squats, lunges, high step ups and sprinting as exercise

-        if it brings on your symptoms and increase your pain then the activity should be avoided

Samantha Hamill (200m butterfly), Nick Darcy (200m butterfly), and Melanie Schlanger (100m freestyle).

Congratulations to all swimmers and to Nick and Melanie for now being National Champions, after winning their races in the 200m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle!