exercise

How to Best Provide Ankle Support for Netballers –Kids, Teenagers and Adults 

by (Osteopath & Clinical Pilates Instructor)

Every Saturday you can probably guarantee that a handful of us “lucky” netballers will come away from the courts with “twisted/turned/sprained” ankles.

Why?

Netball is a game that involves an immense amount of dodging and quick turns. Unfortunately, these movements can put pressure on the lateral ligaments of the ankle. If we happen to overdo it and go into too much inversion (rolling in) we can actually sprain these ligaments.

Due to the nature of the healing process, if damaged ligaments will only regain 80% of their original strength. This means that the ligament will always be a little weaker.

What can we do?

Now apart from doing an excellent rehabilitation program to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improving proprioception, the best thing that netballers can do to provide stability while on the court is to tape or brace the ankle.

Taping

On TV you’ll see that the Australian Diamonds and athletes that play in the Suncorp Super Netball League will mostly decide to tape. This is because they have access to trained professionals who know exactly how to tape ankles for the players specific needs.

At the professional level all teams are looking to get an edge. There has … read more »

Tips and tricks for new Mums!

by (Remedial Massage Therapist)

In my time as a Massage Therapist I have come across many ladies with what I call ‘Mum Posture’. It wasn’t until I became a Mum and started living the day to day life first hand that I realized the full extent of what causes this.

From breastfeeding your little one, to carrying them on your hip for hours and forever hanging over the cot trying to get them to nap. This combined with lack of sleep or time to recharge our own batteries, it is no wonder our bodies end up tired and sore.

When our shoulders are hunched this has a follow on effect on our pec, back and neck muscles causing pain and sometimes headaches.

In keeping with the theme of Mothers Day I thought I would share with you a few stretches to help with that ‘Mum Posture’. I’ve also shared some tips I’ve discovered along the way and things you can do to help yourself!

STRETCHES

Sarah Pec Stretch

Mum Stretch #1 – Pec Stretch and Thoracic Rotation

This is a handy stretch to do anytime you are feeling hunched over. Grab a broom stick and bring it up and over your head. You will feel this stretch … read more »

Abdominal Separation AKA DRAM. What is it and can it be treated?

by (Physiotherapist)

What is Abdominal Separation AKA DRAM?

by Khoa Pham

Abdominal separation also know as Diastasis Rectis Abdominis (DRAM) is commonly overlooked after giving birth. A DRAM is a separation down the middle of the abdominal muscles, see picture below. It is important to get a DRAM assessed because it can increase your risk of having low back issues, hernias and pelvic instability later in life.

DRAM

What causes a DRAM?

DRAMs can be affected by factors such as:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Weight gain
  • Abdominal muscle weakness and
  • Abdominal muscle stretching due to growth of the baby.

It can also affect men who have placed excessive stress on their abdominal muscles.

How can a DRAM cause lower back issues?

A simple explanation of how a weak core (caused by a DRAM) can result in lower back issues is:

When the Transverse Abdominis (TA) is not activated properly, there is less support for the ligaments and bony structures of your back when you’re doing day-to-day things. This increases your risk of injury. The TA is one of your most important core muscles, it lies below the six-pack muscle and wraps around your back to support it like a corset.

Is a DRAM treatable?

Yes, … read more »

Don’t ignore heel pain in young athletes.

by (Osteopath)

Is your young sports star suffering heel pain? Let me tell you, they are not alone. Heel pain in young growing active individuals is usually due to a condition medically known as “Severs Disease”. Although it sounds quite dramatic it is very common benign condition affecting active (boys usually) between the ages of 8 – 14. It is caused by an irritation of the growth plate of the heel bone brought on by recent an increased pull from the Achilles tendon. When your child is growing, it is usually the bones that start to grow first, leaving behind the muscles and tendons to adapt and catch up. This leads to the tendons pulling at the insertion site at the heel.

What are the symptoms?

  • Pain around the perimeter of the heel during physical exercise – particularly activities involving lots of jumping and running
  • Pain becomes worse at the BEGINNING and AFTER exercise
  • Changes in the way your child walks – walking on toes is common
  • Swelling, redness or tenderness around the back of the heel

How can we help?

The good news is, there are lots of effective ways to help your child throughout their active lifestyle during this stage. … read more »

Patrick Lynch

by (Physiotherapist & Clinical Pilates Instructor)

After completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Patrick opted for a change of scenery and completed a Master of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney. Not ready to give up the city life, and head back to Queensland, Pat chose to move to Melbourne where he works at Stay Tuned Sports Medicine in Elwood.
Before becoming a physiotherapist Patrick was always passionate about the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, having always been active and participating in team and individual sports. Throughout his studies this passion has only grown and he is now keen to help others achieve optimal function and reach their individual goals. With a strong background in exercise prescription Pat is sure to employ this in his rehabilitation programs.
Outside of work Patrick loves to explore what the world, and his doorstep has to offer. He is a keen traveller, either to another country or a good coffee shop or brewery he has heard about. Pat grew up surfing, rowing, playing cricket and the various codes of rugby, although he has recently developed a keen taste for Aussie Rules.… read more »

Brooke Williams

by (Osteopath & Clinical Pilates Instructor)

Brooke is an Osteopath with a passion for preventative and rehabilitative health care. She holds a double bachelor degree in Health Science and Applied Science in Osteopathy, post graduate qualifications in dry needling and is qualified, and continues to study Clinical Pilates to continue to provide the best service to her patients. She loves to educate patients in understanding the cause of their pain. 

 

Brooke is a familiar face around the Boronia Clinic, as she completed an internship with the Stay Tuned Team and worked as a receptionist before starting with us full time as an Osteopath.

 

Outside of Stay Tuned, Brooke has worked as a Sports Trainer for football clubs for 5 years and as a netball fitness coach for Mountain District Netball Association. She loves to be a part of a strong team within the community. … read more »

Cassandra Stuchbery

by (Dietitian and Sports Dietitian)

Cassie is a people-focused dietitian with a passion for all things food and nutrition. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Nutritionist with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics.

 

With a background in chronic disease and weight management Cassie enjoys helping clients with tailored nutrition programs and motivation. She also works providing sports nutrition advice to the Australian Sports Climbing team and regularly presents to young athletes.

 

No more fad diets or temporary solutions, Cassie is passionate about helping you make lasting changes to have a lasting impact on your health.

“Every Body Deserves to Feel Good”… read more »

Michelle Lam

by (Physiotherapist and Clinical Pilates Instructor)

Michelle graduated from La Trobe University and has since furthered her skill equipment based Clinical Pilates extensively. She has worked with various amateur league football and soccer teams throughout Victoria and loves treating back and neck pain, sports injuries and post-operative exercise rehabilitation. Michelle is passionate about combining manual therapy techniques in conjunction with active rehabilitation for long term results. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys riding her bike and visiting beaches across the world.

“Every Body Deserves to Feel Good”… read more »

Ashleigh Kaye Smith

by (Osteopath & Clinical Pilates Instructor)

Ashleigh decided that becoming an Osteopath would be the best way to apply her knowledge from her various degrees in Exercise Science, Health Science and Osteopathy. She just loves incorporating a hands on approach with exercise therapy to assist patients to become the best possible versions of themselves. Ashleigh has a particular interest in sporting injuries (Football, Netball, Gymnastics, Water-sports) as well as women’s and children’s health.

In 2016 Ashleigh spent time in a Private Sports Medicine Hospital in Mumbai, India where she worked with some amazing orthopaedic surgeons who are pioneering arthroscopic surgery. While working with this team, she worked largely in rehabilitation programs for the ankle, knee, and shoulder. She has also observed many surgeries with leading orthopaedic surgeons in Melbourne to gain further insight to the surgeries she helps her patients recover from.

Ashleigh has worked as a Sports Trainer for football clubs for 7 years and loves to be a part of a strong team with a supported community. She has a Health Science degree majoring in Exercise Science and Physical Activity & health, another Health Science Degree and Applied Science Degree in Osteopathy.

Outside of work, Ashleigh loves to be social with her family and … read more »

Sophie Fletcher

by (Osteopath & Exercise Scientist)

Sophie graduated from the Australian Ballet School with an Advanced Diploma of Dance in 2003. During her training she received several scholarships and awards both for achievements in dance and academic excellence.

On graduating she joined The Australian Ballet performing with the company for the next 4 years. She travelled extensively overseas with the company and was also awarded a travel scholarship in 2005 which enabled her to take classes with major American ballet companies including New York City Ballet, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. In 2008 Sophie joined the West Australian Ballet as a guest artist and remained there for the next 2 years performing in many critically acclaimed productions. She then joined the Czech National Ballet at the invitation of the director Petr Zuska and performed many notable classical and contemporary roles. Most recently Sophie appeared as Princess Aurora in Prague Festival Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty during its tour of Germany.

Sophie’s connection to pilates began at age 11 as an adjunct to her ballet training and she continued to practise it regularly throughout her career. Sophie is convinced pilates helped her to stay injury free during her career by building a strong, … read more »