Get to know the Physioworks Health Group team – Meet Physiotherapist Amanda Robertson.

Q. You’re a Physiotherapist but you have expertise in Hand Therapy. Can you tell us a little about what that involves?

Hand Therapy as a specialised area of physiotherapy concerned with the upper limb. This ranges from fractures, both conservative and surgically managed, tendon injuries, over-use injuries, arthritis.
I have worked closely with upper limb orthopaedic and plastic surgeons.

I make thermoplastic splints specifically for my patient that allows me to immobilise what needs to be still but move what can be moved.

I have a special interest in fracture management and sporting injuries. I love that even a severe hand fracture can do better with the right splint and rehabilitation than having surgery.

Q. This is your second year as team physio with Berwick Football Club and you’ve also taken on Casey Demons Netball. Do you approach the different sports in different ways? Are there unique challenges for each sport?

This is a great question. Footy and netball are totally different fish to fry! (so to speak)

Firstly the injuries are different. Netball is a lot of stop/start so there are a lot of knees and ankles vs the footy which could be more hip/groin, knees and shoulders. Footballers are often getting more acute soft tissue injuries such as muscular strains and corkies. You have to take into consideration the heavy contact nature of footy- what is just ‘post game soreness’ vs an injury.

Having said that… have you seen some of the pocket rockets at Casey Netball? Those girls aren’t afraid of a bit of contact!

The other big difference would be the importance of load management with regards to the netball. These girls are often playing and training with multiple teams at once and developing over-use injuries. This can be a challenge to manage!

The physio is the same but there is a definite difference in the communication style in managing female vs male athletes. As an example, I know that if one of my footy guys is avoiding me, it’s because he’s sore and he doesn’t want anyone to know, and he really wants to play on the weekend!

Q. You recently took part in the Wings for Life run can you explain what that is for us?

Wings for Life is a fun run for Spinal Cord research. It is run at the same time all around the world. There is no set distance, it’s about running as far as you can until a pacer car catches up to you. In Melbourne it started at 9pm on a Sunday night and you run south bound down the freeway starting from Toorak Road.

My goal was to beat my distance from 2 years ago which was 9.8km. I surprised myself by running 17.75km. My legs were well and truly cooked. Any patients who I saw on the Monday would be able to tell you that I was not moving very well at all.

Q. What motivates you?

The desire to be really good at something and the desire to beat myself.

As a Physiotherapist, it’s the desire to know more and have better skills compared previous year; and eventually become an expert in my field.

In my training; it’s to beat my previous time, be fitter than I was last year and try new fitness challenges; within what a retired old volleyball body will allow.

I’m very goal driven. If I’ve written it down and set it as a goal, I have to do it. I love being able to tick boxes! Sometimes I even write down things I’ve already done to be able to start ticking boxes!

Q. Do you prefer books or movies?

Can’t beat a great book. Unfortunately you have to read a few lemons before finding that one that you just can’t put down!

Q. Favourite food?

Weirdly enough, I’d probably have to say Garlic Bread. I love the Coles brand baguette style. If someone said to me ‘you can never eat garlic bread again’ I’d be pretty devastated.

Q. Favourite holiday destination?

Can I say Europe? Not very specific I know. After living in the UK I just love going back

Q. Are you the best golfer at Physioworks Health Group?

Ha! I just thought about myself golfing and it makes me laugh. I’m far too hot headed and have too much fire in the belly to have the patience for that sport.

They Dove! They Swam! They got Massage!

And They raised $11,977.85 for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Up to 90 swimmers, which included 7 teams, raised $11,977.85 and swam 467kms in 24 hours for 25,600 people living with MS at the 2019 Casey MS 24 Hour Mega Swim at Casey RACE on the weekend of July 13-14.

One team swam over 100km; one individual raised over $1,100 – a fantastic effort by all involved.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It is characterised by sclerosis or scars that occur within the central nervous system and depending on where they develop, manifest into various symptoms.

MS affects over 25,600 in Australia and more than two million diagnosed worldwide. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20-40, but it can also affect younger and older people. Roughly three times as many women have MS as men.

Physioworks Health Group Massage Therapist Karyn Wheeler and Myotherapist Ashley Law were pool side on Sunday morning at the Casey 24 Hour Mega Swim to give all the participating swimmers a well-earned massage post event to relieve aching arm and leg muscles.

“Physioworks Health Group were delighted to be involved in such a great community event in support of such a wonderful cause. Our pool side Massage services at the MS Mega Swim were very popular for the very weary swimmers. But providing some Massage and muscle relief was easy for us compared to the amazing efforts put in by the participants over 24 hours” said Karyn.

Physioworks Health Group APA Physiotherapist Amy Shipperd discusses the vital role that physiotherapy can play in maternity care.

  

Family planning and pregnancy is a very exciting time. And physiotherapists can play an important part in your whole maternity cycle from pre-conception, through the antenatal period, preparation for birth and through to the post-natal and beyond.

The most common pre and post-natal musculoskeletal issues for females often include the back, neck, hips, groin, hands and pelvic floor.

In pregnancy, around 50% of women experience low back pain due to changing hormones, posture and balance change.

As the baby gets heavier the pressure on the pelvic floor area increases causing many women to leak urine (incontinence) when sneezing, laughing, coughing or exercising during pregnancy. And it happens often – to about 2 out of every 3 women. Completing pelvic floor exercises, during this time is very important to keep these muscles strong to support the weight and pressure from above.

In the third trimester, more than 67% of women can experience a widening of their abdominal muscles to make room for growing baby. Some exercises can increase this separation, therefore it is helpful to have a physiotherapist check and prescribe appropriate exercises that are safe for you and the baby.

Postnatally, the repetitive movements of picking up the baby and pram can also result in thumb/wrist pain. Holding the baby and feeding can also result in neck and upper back pain.  It is really important to focus on correct manual handling, changing postures regularly and supporting yourself with pillows to reduce the strain.

 

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapists can assess and prescribe safe and appropriate exercises to strengthen abdominals, pelvic floor as well as the rest of the body to increase support and reduce symptoms.

Research shows that a supervised and intensive pelvic floor strengthening program can reduce the likelihood of leaking urine by around 55% during pregnancy and over 30% up to 6 months post birth. Ask a physiotherapist about the best pelvic floor exercise for you.

Women with uncomplicated pregnancies usually can complete 20-30 minutes of aerobic and strengthening exercises most days of the week at a moderate intensity (e.g. you should still be able to talk while exercising).

Your specialist and physiotherapist (depending on each individual delivery) can guide post birth resumption of exercise. Generally, the first 4-6 weeks are spent recovering, with high impact activities such as running and sport being avoided for 3-6 months.

Physiotherapists can give advice regarding postures to adopt/avoid, advice regarding heat/ice and compression belts/pants for symptomatic management. Physiotherapists can also provide manual therapy, such as massage and mobilizations to reduce pain and improve movement and function.

Book a consult with Amy Shipperd at Physioworks Health Group Camberwell on 9889 6611or at Physioworks Mulgrave (WPPC) on 9795 0668 to discuss how she can assist you with pre and post-natal physiotherapy.

 

References:

http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au

https://choose.physio/your-lifestage/motherhood/pre-and-post-natal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbp2aLajPr8&feature=youtu.be

Diabetes Australia believe that diabetes is “the epidemic of the 21st century….the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia…and the biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system”.

Around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes. Over 100,000 Australian have developed it in the last 12 months, That means 280 cases every day. And it is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australia, and causes over 4400 amputations each year.

 

National Diabetes Week (July 14-20) aims to raise community awareness of the risk factors, getting a check up and how best to manage diabetes.

Diabetes is a metabolic condition that impacts our body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels. Glucose is a form of sugar which is the main source of energy for our bodies. If levels of glucose in the blood (blood sugar) are too high it can lead to serious long term and short term health complications.

There are 3 types of diabetes, all with similar health implications: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes.

Most common is Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) representing 85-90% of all diabetes cases and it also the most preventable. By managing and/or altering our lifestyle, such as exercise and diet; you can improve management of T2DM, slow it down or reduce the risk of developing it.

 

Diabetes risk factors include; Poor diet, Overweight/obesity, Heart Disease, Smoking, Lack of Exercise, Hypertension, Being over the age of 40 and family history of diabetes.

Important factors in diabetes management include: Healthy Food choices, Not smoking, Aerobic Exercise and Strength & Conditioning Exercise. These can all help to improve blood glucose control, lower blood pressure, improve muscle mass, improve heart and lung function and maintain a healthy weight.

Increase in physical activity levels can reduce the incidence of T2DM by almost 60% in people at risk.

Diabetes can be managed. It can be slowed down. In some cases it can be prevented. But it is important to know how to best manage diabetes safely and correctly. Physioworks Health Group can help you to manage diabetes.

If you, a family member, friend or colleague are concerned about diabetes or any of the associated risk factors, call one of the Exercise Physiology team at Physioworks Health Group to access your condition and discuss a tailored exercise program for your specific needs.

Contact Exercise Physiologist Dylan D’Souza at Physioworks Cranbourne on 5995 1111 or speak to our reception team at your preferred Physioworks clinic.

 

Sources:

https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/diabetes-in-australia

– Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, Hamman RF, Lachin JM, Walker EA, and Nathan DM. Reduction in the

incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med. 2002;346 (6):393-403.

 

– Marwick TH, Hordern MD, Miller T, Chyun DA, Bertoni AG, Blumenthal RS, Philippides G, and Rocchini A. Exercise

training for type 2 diabetes mellitus: impact on cardiovascular risk: a scientific statement from the America Heart Association. Circulation. 2009;119 (25):3244-62.

The experienced Sports Physiotherapy team at Physioworks Health Group Berwick provide athletes with the very best in sport injury triage, treatment and management onsite at P3 Sports & Recovery Berwick.

Physioworks Health Group sports physiotherapy includes service provision to elite sport organisations, including the Collingwood Football Club (AFL, AFLW, VFL & VFLW) and Cricket Victoria (Men & Women); and to local community sporting leagues and clubs, including the Ellinbank and District Football League (EDFL), the South East Juniors (SEJ), South Eastern Woman’s Football (SEWF), the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC), the Casey Basketball Association (CBA) and Casey Demons Netball (VNL).

Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach (ASCA) and Physiotherapist Irwin Kim, consulting at Physioworks Health Group Berwick, is the training & match physio for the Seaford Football Netball Club.  Physiotherapist Paul Kemel, who has vast experience in sports physiotherapy having worked with the Collingwood Football Club (VFL); the Berwick Football Club and the Casey Cavaliers (BIG V Basketball) is also consulting at Physioworks Berwick.

Physioworks Health Group Berwick consultations are available late Friday afternoon to assist with preparation of athletes to perform at their weekend sport, and on Sunday morning to triage injury, supporting recovery. In 2019, consultation hours at Physioworks Berwick are:

• Sunday 8am-12pm
• Wednesday 5pm-8pm
• Friday 3pm-6pm

Your Sports Physiotherapy appointments at Physioworks Berwick can be made by contacting P3 Sports & Recovery reception on 97689276.

Located in Berwick at 53-55 Enterprise Avenue, P3 Sports & Recovery Berwick is an elite recovery centre for athletes throughout the Casey and Cardinia region with a range of services, including sports physiotherapy, to help people ‘prepare, perform and prevent’

Physioworks Health Group Director David Francis, who is also Head Physiotherapist at the Collingwood Football Club (AFL), said the P3 Sports & Recovery Melbourne centre is complimented by the sports physiotherapy experience of the Physioworks Berwick team. “A key to successful recovery is the immediate treatment, correct diagnosis & management of sport injury. With the clinic on-site at P3 Sports & Recovery, the Physioworks Health Group Berwick physiotherapy team can triage injury & best assist athletes in their recovery & return to their sporting endeavours” said David.

At Physioworks Health Group our exercise physiology team practice what we preach when it comes to “get up, be active and move”

Stadium Stomp at the MCG has become an established exercise event favourite event for numerous Physioworks team members and clients, making every step count, including fundraising toward selective charities.

Exercise Physiologist Dylan D’Souza led the team at Stadium Stomp 2019 last Sunday climbing over 7,600 stairs around the MCG

“Stadium Stomp is a really unique and fun event, given the awesome size of the MCG. We designed specific stepping exercise programs to train for the event. The 7000+ stair are quite a challenge – it is great event for many to achieve a mid-winter exercise goal”, said Dylan