Physioworks Health Group Exercise Physiologist Megan Jepson participated & completed the 2019 Melbourne Half Marathon, having trained & prepared numerous Physioworks clients & team members with tailored training programs for various events at the Melbourne Marathon Festival, helping them reach their event goals. Megan sums up the event:

WHAT A DAY!! The Melbourne Marathon Festival never disappoints… one of my favourite fun run events of the year! Well done to all who participated & completed their events:

• Physioworks Exercise Physiologist Dylan D’Souza reached his goal of sub 50mins running the 10km in 49.20.
• Sandra Barber turning it up in her second half marathon (21.1km) with an interrupted but managed preparation this year, making it all the more challenging than her first…
• With a dedicated pre-event training program, Physioworks Director Andrew Dalwood with Mick O’Dea, who overcame injury in last year’s event, smashing PB’s in the half marathon this year.
• Physioworks Physio Amanda Roberstson had a heavy training load running around Drouin in the lead up to her half marathon (probably harder than the actual event due to all the hills) allowing her to fly on the flats (except for that last hill over the foot bridge at the end.. hugely unwelcomed by all I have to admit)
• Richard who’s goal was sub 2 hours for the half marathon & he smashed it!!
• And “drum roll please…..Mr Neal Barber for racing in his very first Marathon. With a goal of 4hrs 30 he came in just under in 4hrs 28! What an absolute amazing achievement! Another item off the bucket list ticked off! The Marathon really is something else & really makes you turn up the gears! Incredible!

Well done by all!! 37,000 runners across all events – the roads were busy, the pressure was on & Melbourne turned on the weather! Awesome day! Amazing atmosphere & so exciting seeing some really elite runners at their very best!

At Physioworks Health Group, our Exercise Physiology & Physiotherapy team can assist you to prepare to achieve your event goals with a tailored, managed exercise program. Contact your preferred Physioworks clinic.

 

Join Exercise Physiologist Megan Jepson & others from 5-15 October 2020 as they participate in a great Kokoda Track adventure led & managed by Ian Lumb of On Track Expeditions.

Everyone is welcome & encouraged to prepare for the trek with Megan, who will be on the expedition as a fellow participant. Training & preparation, including group walks will be starting early in 2020.

Ian is very experienced on the Kokoda Trek & will be able to assist all in terms of physical requirements & will assist Megan in ensuring the very best pre-trip preparation.

Any questions, please contact Ian Lumb, at Ian@ontrackexpeditions.com.au.

 

At Physioworks Health Group we believe that “Everyone is an athlete… we just have different events”

Are you challenging yourself to improve your health and fitness this spring?

What is your event and your event goal?

Many Physioworks Health Group clients (and staff) are training excitedly as we head into the annual Spring-Summer Fun Run season, with a vast array of events, covering different distances, terrains (and even obstacles), being held across Melbourne & Victoria.

Whether you’re a veteran or a first-time competitor, a walker or runner, the Physioworks Exercise Physiology can assist you to prepare properly and ensure you’re heading for the finish line rather than for injury. The EP team can:

• Structure training programs specific for you and your event;
• Give you advice on hydration pre-and post-event;
• Give you advice on the types of foods you should consider to fuel your body for your training and your event.

Running, or even walking, can take a toll on your body. Repeat forces travel through the feet, up through the leg, into the hip and up into your back. If you don’t have the adequate muscle length, strength, joint range of movement and/or trunk control, you can expose yourself to injury.

Common areas of injury include the feet, achilles, shins, front of the knee, hip, groin and lower back. You can also be pre-disposed to muscles strains in the calf and hamstring region.

Our physiotherapy team at Physioworks Health Group have extensive experience in assessing and managing these types of sporting injuries but, more importantly, detecting problem areas before they develop.

Our health care team, including Soft Tissue Massage Therapists, can help you succeed in achieving your event goals by reducing any pain you may be experiencing, loosening stiff joints or tight muscles, prescribe specific exercises to strengthen and improve control in and around your problem areas.

Can Physioworks help you with your event goals this fun run season?

Best to all competing in the Melbourne Marathon Festival this weekend.

 

 ‘One of the joys of being involved in elite sport is the joy of winning—but that joy doesn’t last long in that it might last to participate in the song, but as soon as that song is finished, it’s game on for the next week.’                                     – David Francis, FACP.

With AFL 2019 finals series now in full swing, this Australia Physiotherapy Association (APA) “Talking Physio” podcast discusses with APA members and Collingwood Football Club physiotherapists David Francis and Lachlan Fooks their journey to becoming physiotherapists for the largest AFL club in Australia.

David and Lachlan open up about what really goes on behind the goal posts and offer advice to physiotherapists aspiring to work for a professional sporting club.

Listen to the APA Podcast as Physioworks Health Group Director David Francis shares his pathway, thoughts, challenges & enjoyment, along with advice for aspiring physios, plus some unique insights, into his elite sports physiotherapy role at the Collingwood Football Club​.

 

AFL Finals is an exciting time of year in Melbourne, with all competing clubs looking to achieve optimum performance following a very long season.

The importance of sports science in AFL team success is well-documented, given the dynamic pace at which the game is now played the need for management of the players health, well-being and output is paramount.

Numerous members of the team at Physioworks Health Group had a busy 2019 AFL finals series working with the Collingwood Football Club. Senior Physiotherapist David Francis and other members of our team provided their physiotherapy and massage therapy experience to the Collingwood Magpies as the club again competed in the AFL Finals.

• David Francis – AFL Senior Physiotherapist
• Ben Shipperd – AFL Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
• Sam Mayes – VFL Physiotherapist
• Paul Kemel – VFL Physiotherapist
• Larissa Cordiano – Senior Sports Massage Therapist

 As a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist* & Head Physiotherapist at the club since 1995, David Francis has advised elements of the training and match day preparation of the CFC playing squad to help minimise injury and maximise output. David discusses some key challenges to have elite AFL footballers prepared for the intensity of a AFL finals campaign after a long home and away season:

Player welfare is critical at finals time to help optimise output and performance.

There are many challenges, both physical and mental, for the physiotherapy and allied health care team to closely monitor at the club, including:

• Playing Injury Free – this is hard to achieve so we aim to minimise over-use and manage niggles & general soreness
• Manage the ability for players to maintain fitness & strength
• Keep both players and staff calm; controlled.
• Don’t be overawed; “play your role”
• Controlling nervous energy, as it can quickly leads to fatigue – physical & mental.
• Watch for signs and cues in each individual – in decision making, in mood, in approach – our team need to be smart in addressing this with each individual
• Help to block out “external noise” – focus and do “the same as we have all year”
• Encourage individuals & the team to enjoy the opportunity presented.

While some of these challenges maybe unique to an elite AFL club environment, the majority remain true across multiple sports – be it cricket, basketball, netball, soccer – and across any level of competitive sport – local sport, community sport – no matter the level or grade.

To find out more about working in Sports Physiotherapy and what goes on behind the goal posts in preparing elite athletes in the highly competitive AFL club environment, listen to this APA “Talking Physio” Podcast featuring Collingwood Head Physiotherapist David Francis.

 

*As awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapy in 2009.

Images courtesy of the Collingwood Football Club: http://physioworkshealthgroup.com.au/

 

Spring has sprung. And that means it is fun run season.

Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Andrew Dalwood, Director of Waverley Park Physiotherapy Centre and Co-Director of Physioworks Health Group Camberwell, discuss lessons he has learnt over the last 12 months as a novice 50 year old runner in training and on fun run event race day.

As a physiotherapist you meet a wide range of athletes – some young and elite, some older with much longevity. I always find this interaction as a wonderful avenue to learn; as I have listened to, and treated, many injured people over the years.

But over the last twelve months, at numerous times as a novice 50 year old runner training for my first Half Marathon (21.1km), I have had to learn to listen to myself!!

So what did I learn?  That Knowledge is King.

 

1. Knowledge about Yourself:

The impact on my mood when I run often –“I feel great”

The Impact of injury –“Boy, I get frustrated”,

On days when feeling great & moving fast meant lots of “self-talk” to slow down to usual training pace!! Otherwise my body—mainly my right calf – would soon start to let me down.

When any run starts to get tough – I count by “7”s for as long & far as I can. My record is up to 406 – it helps passes the time and stops my negative thinking of how tired or sore I feel.  Other runners tell me the music works really well for them!

And I have a new found love for the foam roller, which I use on my calf, quads and hammy every two to three days.

2. Knowledge about your Body:

The importance of enough sleep before training runs really does make a difference.

As does the time period between of trainings sessions – allow enough recovery time. For me after a long run 10+km; I need a 3-4 days break.

When I can easily do 30 single leg calf raises and 30 single leg bridges again; I have a clear indicator that I am ready to go for a run again. Doing a long walk the day after a long run, at a reasonable pace, also helps my recovery.

I have found lying on my back legs elevated up on the couch with calf pumps for 10 minutes really helps my leg recovery as well.

And rehydrating with water – after each run – is most critical.

3. Knowledge about your Training Methods:

Number of runs: I have found that twice a week is great for me, with usually 5-8 km mid-week; and build up from 7km to 16km longer weekend run –  increasing the length of run every two weeks by a couple of kms.

The types of runs: Some are just plain long and slow; some have a variety of inclines, such as ramp runs along the beach, so as to test my cardio quickly; and some I might mix with a shorter, quicker, faster run mid-week.

And then add strengthening work: I have tried a variety of days/times to do strength work.  For me, I have found placing this work on the days after the long runs; & at least two days before my “big weekend run” works best. And I enjoy mixing it up with some box jumps, Bosu ball squats & dead weight lifts.

4. Knowledge about your Race Plan

Following my 2018 Half Marathon event, I have bought a “Fit Bit”  for my 2019 training; to help keep and maintain steady pace, as I found the adrenaline of the event pumped me up to go too hard too early.

There is a big crowd in many races, such as the Melbourne Marathon Festival,    so be patient, build into your pace as it takes a while to get into your groove.

Drink at every water station and I found jelly snakes are GOLD for energy. (NB: you should train to take in drink & food at specific times during your race – and stick to same food & drink on race day – DO NOT change).

My 2019 event plan is to be tested on Sunday 13^th October when I tackle the Melbourne Half Marathon again – and my previous experience and lessons will stand me in great stead.

 

My tips are by no mean the only way of doing things and there is plenty of information and training plans available (see Melbourne Marathon Training)

So I suggest you read all the information and then think about your own body, your level of fitness, and above all, learn to listen to your body.

Each time I’ve had an injury it is because my mind tells me I can and must do that extra run or go faster, but then my legs (and calf) often end up telling me something else.

There-in lies the real lesson.

Happy Exercising, Happy Running.

 

Each year, World Physiotherapy Day (September 8) highlights an aspect of healthcare that physiotherapy is uniquely placed to address. This year, the theme is Chronic Pain.

The highly experienced team of physiotherapists at Physioworks Health Group are best qualified to assist you with your Chronic Pain.

Our Physiotherapy team can help you to understand how pain works, reduce fear around pain, educate you about the condition that you maybe experiencing and encourage you to safely take part in physical activity and build confidence.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) states that chronic pain affects 3.2 million Australians, and is often associated with increased rates of depression, fatigue and poor sleep.

Physioworks Health Group Director Andrew Dalwood said assisting people with chronic conditions to improve their general health and overall well-being, to help them live life to the fullest, is key to the role of the physiotherapist.

“At Physioworks Health Group we believe that “everyone is an athlete the just have different events”. Chronic pain impacts participation – that maybe sport, the work place, simply doing the garden or walking around the block. Assessment and a tailored exercise action plan is key to managing chronic pain, helping you to take control and participate in your life events” said Andrew.

A tailored, managed exercise program for chronic pain at Physioworks Health Group can assist to:

• maintain flexibility and movement
• improve cardiovascular health
• build and keep muscle tone
• improve mood and general wellbeing
• reduce your fear around pain
• increase confidence to take part in activities
• help control pain

If you are suffering chronic pain please contact your preferred Physioworks Health Group clinic for physiotherapy assessment and treatment.

 

Recently Physioworks Health Group Director Andrew Dalwood, along with APA titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Jonathan Dodd and Physiotherapist Paul Kemel, recently returned to University to complete new protocol training for two new Research Studies with the University on Melbourne.

Physioworks Health Group are again involved in research investigating the impacts of exercise on Hip Osteoarthritis (Hip OA).

These exciting research projects keep Physioworks Health Group at the forefront of best practice management of Knee and Hip arthritis.

The first pilot trial, known as “Echo” will involve a program of exercise intervention for Hip Osteoarthritis (Hip OA) delivered by physiotherapists via the internet, rather than in clinic.

The purpose of this research is to find out whether people with Hip Osteoarthritis find a specially-designed diet and exercise program manageable, helpful and acceptable.

This online approach is in line with previous research the Physioworks Health Group team did on Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA) in 2016. The outcomes have now led to a larger trail involving clients from Medibank Private receiving physio via the internet for Knee Arthritis.

If you or a family member have Hip Osteoarthritis (Hip OA) you/they may be eligible to be involved in this trial. The University of Melbourne has started recruiting for the Echo Trial. Go here for more details on the Echo Research trial.

The second study will involve clients across all five Physioworks Health Group clinic locations.  This study, known as “Phoenix”, will be a 12 week program of physiotherapy lead exercise intervention. This research follows on from an initial pilot study which the Physioworks team performed in 2018. The preliminary findings were very positive, meaning the University researchers were able to successfully gain NHMRC funding for a larger trial. Recruitment for the Phoenix trial will occur later in 2019.

 

So what present have you got planned for your Dad this Father’s Day?

Soap on a Rope? Again?

Give your Dad a gift of health, fitness and well-being this Father’s Day

Ask this question for Father’s Day:  How Fit is your Dad?

As your Dad gets older he falls into an age demographic and ageing process where ongoing and not so super health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis and cardiovascular disease, can arise.

Help keep your Dad fit & healthy. Make it a Happy & Healthy Father’s Day.

Give your Dad a Physioworks Health Group Gift Certificate.

Dad can use it on Physio treatments, Massage, Exercise Classes or on Health Care products at his preferred Physioworks Health Group clinic.

Help your Dad with his ongoing health, fitness & well-being ensuring he is active for his everyday life events.

Our team can ensure relief for muscle tension and pain, reduce pain & stiffness in muscles and joints, thereby improving circulation and ensuring Dad increased flexibility and mobility. Our team can conduct individual exercise & fitness assessments recommending a tailored exercise program for your Dad.

Physioworks Health Group Gift Certificates are the perfect Father’s Day gift for your Dad.

Ask about Gift Certificates at reception or please call your preferred clinic for assistance.

 

Finals time is an exciting time of year with all looking to achieve optimum performance at the business end of a long season. Now is the time to get all those niggles and soreness checked and treated to be at your best across your finals series.

The team at Physioworks Health Group are gearing up for a busy finals period.

David Francis and numerous members of our team are providing physiotherapy and massage therapy at the elite level with the Collingwood Football Club, who are set to again play in the AFL finals.  We are also helping local athletes to prepare and perform at their best for the numerous local community football and netball teams who are heading into their respective competition 2019 final campaigns.

In supporting all players to optimise performance during finals, both Physioworks Health Group Cranbourne and Waverley Park Physiotherapy Centre (Physioworks Mulgrave) are open every Saturday morning from 8am-12am for pre-game treatment.

For post-game injury triage and sports physiotherapy during the finals, Physioworks Health Group Berwick, located at P3 Sports & Recovery Berwick, is open every Sunday from 8am-12pm, assisting all players with injury management and post-game recovery.

Please call your preferred Physioworks clinic for our team to help you and your team during the finals.

 At community level in 2019, Physioworks Health Group is providing physiotherapy and allied health care support to the Ellinbank & District Football League (EDFL), the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC); the South Eastern Women’s (SEWF) and the South East Juniors (SEJ).

In junior football, Waverley Park Physiotherapy Centre (Physioworks Mulgrave) support the Waverley Park Hawks (SMJFL) and Physioworks Health Group Camberwell support the Ashburton Redbacks (Yarra JFL) including sponsorship of Girls Footy and the Ashy Boys Under 14 RED team,  with both clubs having a number of boys and girls teams participating in the finals.

The team at Physioworks Health Group wish all players, coaches and clubs participating in local community 2019 football and netball finals every success and injury free games.

 

Physioworks Health Group Finals Health Tips:

Get an early and good night sleep (no screens); eat a good breakfast the morning of your final; ensure you hydrate with plenty of water pre-game, and make sure you do your pre-game warm up stretches so you are ready for the first bounce.