kardiniaclinic

Lets Meet Aaron!

kylie@kardiniaclinic.com.au (Kylie Pummeroy) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 03:41:02 GMT

Ge t to know our Exercise Physiologist, Aaron!

Why did you become an Exercise Physiologist (EP)?

I became an Exercise Physiologist through a passion for the benefits of exercise rehabilitation. After many experiences with Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning becoming an Exercise Physiologist has given me a well-rounded evidence-based approach to treating clients.

Tell us a story about a moment that you are most proud of as an EP?

I've had several moments that I am extremally grateful of while practicing as an Exercise Physiologist. From seeing several clients walk and stand again with regaining daily function after serious injuries. To seeing through a full knee reconstruction rehabilitation returning players back to sports they love.

It is these experiences that make my work so rewarding.

What do you find most enjoyable about being a practitioner?

I find it amazing how impactful exercise therapy can be on the quality of life of our clients, helping them live a more for filling lives.

What other hobbies / activities do you enjoy outside of being an EP?

I love to keep the body and mind active through sports and playing music. I also love cooking for people and improving on my favorite dishes.

What has been a major highlight for you since becoming a member of Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic?

Our friendly staff and collaborative team environment!

What are you looking forward to in your role at KO?

We have met with Lara United and I am looking forward to working with them and helping them prevent injuries and be better ready for the coming season.

Are you a dog/cat person?

DOGS!

OSTEOAPTHS..... GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY.....WE ARE HIRING!

kylie@kardiniaclinic.com.au (Kylie Pummeroy) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:14:59 GMT

Come and join a fun, supportive and friendly team!

We are looking for a motivated Osteopath to join our team!!

This is a flexible position across our 2 clinics in Geelong and Lara.

Our clinics are open 6 days per week so some Saturday work.

In this position you will work alongside a team of leading health professionals including Osteopaths, Myotherapists, Remedial massage therapists and podiatrists in 2 great locations.

You will be supported at both locations by an amazing admin team!

We live by our values and pride ourselves on having a fun, supportive and professional environment which allows us to grow and thrive together.

You will have a strong focus patient outcomes, fantastic communication skills and enjoy working collaboratively within our team.

You will be provided with mentoring, support and in house CPD program to help you reach your goals both personally and professionally.

This position will take over from an existing patient base as well as plenty of room to grow!

If you are ready to develop your clinical knowledge, help patients and want to join a friendly and supportive clinic we would love to meet you.

Simply email us a resume and cover letter to our Practice Manager Kylie.

Kylie@kardiniaclinic.com.au

HEADACHES!

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 03:47:38 GMT

Headaches!

Headaches are an extremely common condition and we all know someone who has experienced one at some point. There are a multitude of different types of causes of head pain, some a lot more common than others, and it is important for you as the sufferer to be aware of the unique signs and symptoms your headache can present with.

Osteopaths Australia wide deal with headaches on a daily basis and our university training drills into us to be aware of red flags and the subtle nuances that are coupled with headaches. This ensures that we are safe, operate within our scope of practice and can ultimately either help you with your particular brand of headache, or arrange alternative management.

Three common types of headaches that osteopaths become quite familiar with include the tension-type headache, the cervicogenic headache and migraine headaches.

**This is not an exhaustive or extensive list and the following information is not intended to be diagnostic in any capacity, instead purely for educational purposes. For diagnosis and management of any concerning head pain see a qualified healthcare provider*

To read more about these three types of headaches and how we can help, click the link below.

Headaches and how we can help!

GREAT OPPORTUNITY! WE ARE HIRING!

kylie@kardiniaclinic.com.au (Kylie Pummeroy) — Wed, 18 May 2022 00:05:53 GMT

Come and join a fun, supportive and friendly team!

We are looking for a motivated Osteopath to join our team as one of our amazing Osteopaths will shortly start Maternity leave.

This is a flexible position across our 2 clinics in Geelong and Lara inclusive of Saturdays.

We live by our values and pride ourselves on having a fun, supportive and professional environment which allows us to grow and thrive together.

You will have a strong focus patient outcomes, fantastic communication skills and enjoy working collaboratively within our team.

You will be provided with mentoring, support and in house CPD program to help you reach your goals both personally and professionally. Both clinics operate with full reception.

This position will take over from an existing patient base so you will be busy!

If you are ready to develop your clinical knowledge, help patients and want to join a friendly and supportive clinic we would love to meet you.

Simply email us a resume and cover letter to our Practice Manager Kylie.

Kylie@kardiniaclinic.com.au

Have you heard of Electrotherapy?

Mon, 09 May 2022 05:19:26 GMT

Electro stimulation via Dry needling

Electrotherapy has been used for almost a 1000 years as a treatment for musculoskeletal and joint pain. It comes in a variety of forms including TENS machines and Electro Neuromuscular stimulation via Dry needles. We have been using TENS for a long time but new to the clinic is the use of Electro stimulation via dry needling.

What is it?

Electrotherapy involves running a mild, controlled electrical current through a muscle or nerve. This is usually done via pads attached to the skin (TENs) or via Dry needles directly into the muscles. When we use needles, the current gets deeper into the muscles.

When is it used?

When a muscle is overstretched, over contracted, over exercised or injured, blood flow to and from the muscle is impacted which can cause the muscle to tighten and enter a cycle of continuing tightness.

This can result in compression of blood vessels, nerves, increased pain and increased joint stiffness. The use of electrotherapy assists in the treatment of these conditions by:

Reduction in muscle tightness

Repeated contractions via electrical stimulation helps to reset this pathway and will decrease muscle tension and tightness in the muscles (3).

Reduction in pain

Continued stimulation of a muscle group bombards the pain receptors which results in reduced pain (2).

Improved muscle function / Nerve function

Electrical stimulation to a specific nerve group or muscles compressing a nerve can aid in the repair of scar tissue around the nerve or release the muscle responsible for compressing the nerve. As a result less compression and irritation on the nerve can improve function of the muscle group being affected.

This includes conditions such as Sciatica (1) and Carpal tunnel syndrome.

So if you have been suffering from continued tightness and pain, book an appointment with one of our Osteopaths for a full assessment and ask about the use of Electrotherapy as this may be the right treatment for you. Our Osteopaths Darrell, Callum and Rachael have completed additional training in electrotherapy.

References

Wang, L., Fan, W., Yu, C., Lang, M., & Sun, G. (2018). Clinical effects of electrical stimulation therapy on lumbar disc herniation-induced sciatica and its influence on peripheral ROS level. Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions , 18 (3), 393.
Miao, Q., Qiang, J. H., & Jin, Y. L. (2018). Effectiveness of percutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for neck pain relief in patients with cervical spondylosis. Medicine , 97 (26).
Lyle, M. A., & Nichols, T. R. (2019). Evaluating intermuscular Golgi tendon organ feedback with twitch contractions. The Journal of physiology , 597 (17), 4627-4642.

NEW PRODUCTS IN STOCK!

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:47:33 GMT

Garments for pregnancy and recovery!

Designed by Women for women!

We are super excited to be a stockist for SRC Health . SRC Health make products for every stage of a woman's journey.

Everyone is different with how they feel during pregnancy and their symptoms, however, the one thing we always recommend is SRC recovery shorts/tights or pregnancy shorts/tights.

So what are SRC recovery and pregnancy compression garments?

SRC are a company who identified the need to have a good quality medical grade compression garment during pregnancy and also during recovery from birth (vaginal or caesearean) to assist with reducing symptoms, preventing lymphodema and swelling and supporting the muscular structures including pelvic floor weakness/healing and diastasis rectus abdominal muscle separation (DRAMS).

Can I claim these garment's on my health Insurance?

SRC garments are claimable on your extras cover through private health insurance due to the medical grade compression fabrics (just ask your Osteopath to write up a referral to give to your insurance provider).

When do we use the SRC garments?

Recovery shorts or tights are recommended to every pregnant patient for immediate use post birth. They are well worth the money spent and you will live in them almost immediately post birth (trust me, I did!). Post birth the garment sits up high almost at stomach height to give a comfortable compression through the abdominal muscles to assist with the healing of the linea alba separation that can occur during pregnancy. They also assist with stabilising the lower back when performing tasks such as lifting your baby out of the bassinet, getting yourself out of bed or out of a car. The other benefit is the specific stitching pattern and materials used to hold and create support for the perineum, especially if there has been a tear or episiotomy, or both during the birth process. This means you can feel more supported when you start walking and begin exercising once you have the all clear.

During pregnancy, I often recommend the shorts or tights for pelvic instability, lower back pain, symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), abdominal separation or tears, and to generally feel more supported and less fatigued at the end of the day. I have many patients tell me that they're not sure if they're SRC pregnancy tights are making a difference to their pelvic pain until they put them in the wash for the day and the aching pain comes back after only a few hours. This is particularly true for those patients who work on their feet all day long.

Can I wear SRC recovery shorts/tights after a caesarean section?

YES! They are so helpful at helping take the load off the muscular structures of the abdomen while they are healing. The stitching at the front of the shorts sits below most caesarean incisions so it should not cause any discomfort on the scar. Some patients do prefer to wait a week when their incision looks like it is starting to heal and does not feel too tender to place clothing on top of it.

When do you start wearing the SRC recovery shorts and how long do you wear them for?

You can start wearing the SRC garments as soon as you feel comfortable to do so after your birth, depending on the type of birth you have had and whether there are incisions that cannot be compressed.

After the first 1-2 weeks, or whenever you are feeling comfortable to wear the SRC tights, you can wear them every single day, they are fantastic for exercise as they keep your perineum and abdominal muscles supported, and you can continue to wear them as long as you want to. Even when you feel the abdominal band is not as tight as it was originally after the uterus shrinks down, the SRC recovery tights will still be assisting the abdominal contraction through gentle proprioception and support, the aim is not to completely compress the abdomen, as that will create more intraabdominal pressure and also more pressure on the pelvic floor.

How do I know what size I will be?

We have the SRC measuring tapes in the clinic and your practitioner can measure you up. Feel free to pop in the clinic to try on our sample garments or chat to your practitioner as to what size may be required, as everyone is different with their weight gain/distribution with pregnancy/post birth .

Do you still have questions? Not sure which product?

We are here to help! You can call us, email us or ask your treating practitioner!

World Breastfeeding Week

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 00:06:37 GMT

Rachael talks about how she can help mother and child with breastfeeding.

In my job as an Osteopath I have the absolute honour to look after so many mums during their pregnancy journey, postpartum period and then I get to see their babies and children for musculoskeletal complaints or mechanical issues with movement and development. One of the most rewarding part of this is being able to help women achieve their desired goal in their breastfeeding journey. I am so amazed and in awe of the persistence of women who come into my clinic to address all the factors that could affect their breastfeeding triad (mother/baby/breast).

Through addressing all three factors in this triad, in association with other fantastic health care providers, I have seen some wonderful results with babies breastfeeding successfully!

So how can an Osteopath help with breastfeeding?

This is something that a lot of mothers don’t think to address when it comes to breastfeeding- we look at our own health and what we are putting into out bodies to increase supply and decrease potential irritation to reduce the irritation to baby’s immature gut, and then we seek the outside support from our MCHN, midwives and Lactation Consultants to address positioning and methods to improve latching and supply, etc.

So this is where Osteopathy can come into the picture…

In the uterus, our babies head and neck are quite squished! Then the head is rotated and compressed even more as the cranial bones overlap and “mould” to descend through the birth canal. We think about all those musculoskeletal structures that could have been affected through this process! However, let’s not forget the process of a caesarean, often the baby's jaw and occipital bones are gripped onto when being pulled out of the uterus, creating a strain through the jaw, neck, head and all the connective muscles. All of this before our little babies take their first breath!

The outcome could be that the jaw is restricted from opening widely enough or asymmetric in movement, the neck could be restricted from extending (which is required for the jaw to open) and a torticollis may be present (baby prefers one breast more than the other and can predispose your flattened head/placiocephaly).

The list goes on with all the strain patterns that can occur during gestation and the birthing process, which can then lead to mechanical and movement implications once born. However, nothing makes me happier to see a happy (and pain free) mum and a perfectly feeding baby, so that both mum and baby can enjoy the process and special time together.

I could go on and on about this topic, however, if you are reading this and thinking this may be something you could try, call the clinic, this may just be the missing link to help with breastfeeding success, and that makes us all happy ��.

Hip Bursitis

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:21:46 GMT

Why is my hip getting so irritated?

The Hip is one of the most important joints in the Human body. It is vital for both movement and stability but also serves the role of connecting the lower limbs to the spine. As a result it is an area where the body takes a lot of force and is required to produce a lot of force to enable us to do our everyday activities.

Hip pain can be caused by many different structures around the hip.

Bursitis (a bursa is a fluid filled sac which lubricates the surfaces between bone , ligament and tendon.)
Tendinopathies
Labral tears (cartilage)
Piriformis Syndrome (deep muscle in the hip)
Osteoarthritis
Many more……..

Therefore correct diagnosis of an injury is paramount in the management and treatment of hip complaints. Many of these conditions have different treatments.

We will focus on one of the most common complaints in the hip - Hip Bursitis.

The role of the bursa is to lubricate the joint and allow the structures (bone , ligament and tendon) to glide and move freely.

Why do they get Irritated? Many reasons can contribute to irritation. The most common causes are repetitive trauma, overload, sedentary lifestyle, gluteal tears and poor hip muscle strength. Due to the complex nature of the hip joint it can often be a combination of factors that cause hip pain (1).

How do I know if I have Hip Bursitis? Most patients with Hip Bursitis will have the following symptoms -

Pain on the outside of the hip
Pain with lying on the affected hip
Pain with walking, Standing, climbing stairs and running
Pain with prolonged sitting

What can be done to help with your Hip pain?

At Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic our Osteopaths and Myotherapists can provide you with an examination, treatment plan and management pathway to help you kick the Hip Bursitis. Through a variety of treatment options including soft tissue work, articulation, dry needling, stretching and exercise rehabilitation we can set you on the path to recovery.

Manual Therapy has been shown to improve mobility of the lumbar spine, hip, knee and ankle which can improve the hip mechanics and reduce friction on the outside of the hip (2).

In addition to manual therapy and exercises we may incorporate Shockwave therapy as part of the treatment plan. Shockwave has been shown to reduce pain in patients with Chronic Trochanteric Bursitis(3)

If you think me may be able to help, please organise a time to see one of our team. You can click here to book an appointment.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Greater_Trochanteric_Pain_Syndrome

Wyss, J. (2012). Therapeutic programs for musculoskeletal disorders. Demos Medical Publishing.

Seo, K. H., Lee, J. Y., Yoon, K., Do, J. G., Park, H. J., Lee, S. Y., ... & Lee, Y. T. (2018). Long-term outcome of low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy on gluteal tendinopathy documented by magnetic resonance imaging. PLoS One, 13(7), e0197460.

(image) https://corehealthcare.com.au/hip-bursitis/

Foot Pain!

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 00:33:36 GMT

Could your Tibialis Posterior muscle be the cause of your shin and foot pain?

When it comes to foot and shin pain tibialis posterior is often the forgotten muscle. During recent months with the inability to participate in organised sport, many of us have started walking and running. Whether you are new to running or walking, or if you are returning after some time off we have to be very mindful about how quickly we increase the amount of movement and workload in order to avoid injury. One of the most common areas of concern occurs in the feet. The Tibialis Posterior muscle and tendon play vital roles in normal foot movement and unfortunately it is commonly overworked and injured.

The Tibilais posterior plays an important role in the stabilization of the arch on the inside of the foot and also for foot movement during exercise such as running and walking. It also helps with the transitional movement of rolling inwards during running and walking(1).

This tendon and muscle is commonly injured in people with over pronated feet and flat feet(2). Injury is also common in people who have repetitive loading which results in micro trauma and eventually injury.

Symptoms of this can often include (3):

Pain and swelling on the inside of the ankle or foot after running or walking.
Pain when standing on toes or on uneven surfaces.
Unusual wear and tear on the inside of your running shoes.

What an Osteopath can do for you?

As an Osteopath we can provide a thorough assessment on your foot and ankle to determine what has been damaged and what changes to your biomechanics are required to help this tendon and muscle heal. This could include changes to the ankle, knee and hip. For these reasons issues with your feet and ankle movements can cause issues further up the chain and even into the upper spine.

For the best results an Osteopath is going to use a combination of manual therapy techniques, exercise rehabilitation and education to help that tendon recovery and get you back out on the running track. Aswell as manual therapy we also have Shockwave Therapy at the clinic, which is very effective at reducing pain and speeding up the healing process in chronic tendon issues (see our Shockwave blog for further information). Also if we feel that you need a consultation with a podiatrist or for an assessment for orthotics we will direct you to a trusted podiatrist for further assistance.

If you have recently returned to walking or running and are having some issues give us a call at Kardinia Osteopath clinic on 5221 1877. We look forward to hearing from you and getting you moving in the right direction.

Nicola, T. L., & Jewison, D. J. (2012). The anatomy and biomechanics of running. Clinics in sports medicine , 31 (2), 187-201.
Rabbito, M., Pohl, M. B., Humble, N., & Ferber, R. (2011). Biomechanical and clinical factors related to stage I posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy , 41 (10), 776-784.
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Posterior_Tibial_Tendon_Dysfunction

Myotherapist Wanted!

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Amazing Myotherapist required to join our team!

Come and join our team!

Due to our long term Myotherapist Kim Hammond (Martin) leaving for overseas travel, we have a position available. This position is full time across two locations in Geelong and Lara and as the only myotherapist in our clinic we guarantee you will be busy.

We are looking for someone who will work in well with our other practitioners and who will be happy to attend our in house Continued Professional Development Programs. A good sense of humour is an advantage in working in with our team - we do have a bit of a fun!

We require you to have:

An absolute passion for health and well being
Qualifications as a Clinical Myotherapist

A professional approach to your work and a good work ethic
Excellent communication skill
Good computer and organisational skills

Medibank Private health/HICAPS registration

What we offer:

A great place to work with great people and a highly professional work environment
Customer referrals via our other practitioners and various community partnerships
All treatment materials and equipment including a shockwave generator for treating chronic tendinopathies (which we are happy to teach you to use if you choose).

If you are passionate about what you do and think our clinic might be the type of workplace that would suit you, please send your resume to kylie@kardiniaclinic.com.au.

Get to know your practitioner - Rachael Barton

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 23:13:26 GMT

Why did you become an Osteopath?

I have had my fair share of injuries. I've played basketball from the age of 4 and along the way I've had some rapid growth spurts. I had been to many different practitioners, however the practitioner that worked well with my growing body and managed my injuries the best was an Osteopath.

What I loved most about the Osteopathic approach was the thorough examination and that the focus was not just on the site of the injury. They looked after my growing body post injury and throughout my teenage years.

I wanted to be an Osteopath to help other people with their injuries and to generally feel better. In particular, I wanted to be able to help children and teenagers with their growing bodies in helping them be their best.

Tell us a story about a moment that you are most proud of as an Osteopath.

My favourite and most proud moments as an Osteopath has been working with my amazing patients through their pregnancies. Its very satisfying in helping my pregnant patients cope with the strains of pregnancy and at the end of this I have the honour of meeting their little baby or babies! I especially love that I can help women enjoy their pregnancies that little bit more by reducing their pain and discomfort. I feel like I take the journey with each and every patient during this time and it never ceases to amaze me how wonderfully well our bodies adapt to the process.

Other than treating pregnant women and children what do you find most enjoyable about being a practitioner?

Meeting new people everyday. If you know me, you know I love to talk and ask lots of questions! I love helping people feel better, but I also just love talking, having a laugh and just listening to peoples stories every day that I am at work.

What other hobbies / activities do you enjoy outside of being an osteopath?

I love playing netball, running, going to the gym, going for walks with my family and dog along the beach and at the You Yangs. I generally like being outdoors and active with my little mini me. Believe it or not, I’m also a singer in a band and trying to teach myself the ukulele at the moment (with all my free time ).

Are you a dog or a cat person?

Dog all the way! I have a beagle called Jetta!

What has been a major highlight for you since becoming a member of Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic?

Becoming part of an extended family. It’s so wonderful to feel so much support from your workplace.

Client Story: Shockwave treatment for shoulder pain

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 00:43:14 GMT

Shoulder injury and shockwave client story

Meet Laura. Laura is a patient of Darrell's whom has had shockwave (SW) treatment for her right shoulder rotator cuff teninopathy. Laura injured her shoulder with gym work and tried resting it for approximately 6-8 weeks before booking in for treatment. During this time her pain and range of motion was becoming progressively worse.

At the time Laura was working as a teacher and her exercise regime consisted of lifting weights and cardio sessions at the gym several times a week. She particularly struggles with overhead movements. These movements would often result in a sharp pain in the tip of her shoulder shoulder. She would find that even going to reach out and grab something would result in pain if she reached too far or at the wrong angle.

Before her treatment her range of movement up to her side was around 90 degrees, which is around the level in the photo below.

Laura had a similar injury with the left shoulder approximately 18 months before this. For that shoulder she saw a Sports Doctor and had an ultrasound and an xray and was diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinitis (rotator cuff tendinopathy). She had a cortisone injection and this was followed by approximately 12 weeks of physiotherapy. It ended up taking approximately 6 months for the shoulder to heal and for her to get back to her normal exercise (i.e. being able to lift weights at the gym overhead). In total she was not able to perform her normal exercises for her shoulder for approximately 9 months. This is not at all unusual for this type of chronic tendinopathy - they can be very difficult to rehabilitate even with cortisone injections.

When she felt the same thing happening with the right shoulder she had an ultrasound and found that she had an almost identical issue to the other injured shoulder from 18 months prior. This time Laura happened to be seeing Darrell for neck related headaches and decided to try SW, as suggested by Darrell, instead of going for the cortisone injection. Darrell performed an some assessments and as well as Laura not being able to raise her arm to her side past 90 degrees, he found she had very weak active resisted tests upwards in front of herself and to the side.

Laura's first of her planned three sessions, consisted of 2000 SW hits to the injured tissue. Afterwards to her amazement she found that she could lift her arm overhead with minimal pain. She had also regained her strength on her active resisted tests. This is basically because the SW has an analgesic affect.

Very happy with her first session she returned in a week for the second session and reported minimal pain during the week and went back to a modified gym program the following week. Without pain and with good range of movement and strength, the third session of SW was not performed and the session was better put to use with treatment of her neck pain and headaches.

As you can imagine Laura was wrapped and within several weeks was back to her regular gym routine. She has since referred quite a few people our way for SW and for this we are truly grateful.

This response was better than normal and typically we don't find such a rapid rate of improvement. However, most people find that in 3-4 sessions that they are considerably better. A majority of our clients who have had this done progressively improve over the 3-4 sessions to be pain free or with only minor pain at the end of the treatment. Typically at this point we will implement a rehabilitation program.

So if you or someone you know has a chronic tendon issue (greater than 6 weeks) why not give shockwave a go. You might just find you have a great result just like Laura.

Post Shockwave - Hands up if you think shockwave is great!

Desk Set Up

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 06:03:19 GMT

How do I stop getting sore whilst sitting at the desk?

The Desk Worker’s Drama- “My neck, my back, my joints always crack”.

I tend to see a lot of people in the clinic who have become very tight through the neck and shoulders. Very often this is a result of being in front of a desk for countless hours every week. While good posture and desk set up is important, it doesn’t make you immune to a stiff neck or tight shoulders. Statically holding the same position for the majority of the day can cause muscle and joint issues in a lot of people, who may end up feeling like treatment could benefit them. This can be from what is known as a "postural strain".

A phenomenon known as soft tissue creep involves structures of the body slowly “giving in” under prolonged loading. Imagine a sapling which has been bent out of shape for a period of time. The longer it is misshapen, the less it will spring back into place. Your body is similar, in that the longer you maintain the same position, the more the tissues under load (e.g. muscles, ligaments) will become stretched and sore. Hence, having regular “breaks” for your body by adjusting your position, stretching the shoulders, or moving your neck can go a long way in avoiding that “end of the day” soreness.

It is not uncommon to hear of office workers having sit-stand desks as a way of reducing musculoskeletal issues, however there is still debate as to whether this actually occurs (1). However, even patients who have sit-stand desks still find they have very tight muscles around the neck and shoulders when seeking treatment. So as a practitioner I focus a lot on soft tissue work, stretching and postural adjustments. But this isn’t all that we will focus on by assisting you with home exercises and advising you on the ergonomics of your work station.

A generally accepted good ergonomic desk set up involves having a computer screen at eye height or the bridge of the nose and the elbows, hips and knees all at 90 degrees, as well as maintaining an upright position. Neck and shoulder positioning has been found to be affected by desk set up (2), and can also be associated with conditions beyond just postural strains. One feature of poor desk posture can be rounding of the shoulders, which increases the likelihood of a shoulder impingement occurring (3).

Shoulder impingement syndrome is the most common shoulder condition I see and a lot of these patients are often desk workers. Co-incidence? I think not. Exercises that can help are those based on the strengthening of the shoulders and the postural muscles of the back whilst opening up and stretching the chest muscles to reduce rounding of the shoulders. These are particularly important to help “reset” your posture. As beneficial as it can be to see your osteopath for hands on treatment, the real value may be in gaining knowledge about what you can do to help reduce the pain and tightness in your neck and shoulders while working at your desk. Its great to be able to help you feel and move better, but its even better to avoid it happening in the first place.

If you have any questions about whether we can help you, give Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic a call on 5221 1877 and speak to one of our helpful practitioners!

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580641/

(2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1050641106001738

(3) https://smjournals.com/orthopedics/fulltext/smjo-v5-1067.pdf

Get to know your Practitioner - Maureen

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 01:45:33 GMT

Why did you become an Osteopath?

I have a passion for learning about the human body, how it works and understanding different musculoskeletal conditions that people can suffer from. I always wanted to work in healthcare and become an osteopath to help people through treatment and rehabilitation, which is why I chose to become an Osteopath.

Tell us a story about a moment that you are most proud of as an osteopath

In my final year at uni I had the opportunity to travel to India and work as an intern osteopath alongside orthopaedic surgeons in the Sportsmed Mumbai private hospital. It was a unique experience getting to observe a variety of orthopaedic surgeries and to be involved in treating patients before and after surgery.

What do you find most enjoyable about being a practitioner?

I enjoy getting to learn something new and different everyday. Everyone has different medical histories, presentations, and can respond differently to treatment and rehabilitation. So it's a good challenge figuring out how to get people moving and feeling better in the long-term.

What other hobbies / activities do you enjoy outside of being an osteopath

I enjoy keeping fit outside of work, especially with running, biking and boxing. I also enjoy traveling and love visiting other countries to explore their culture, scenery and food.

What has been a major highlight for you since becoming a member of Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic?

In my first year of working at the Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic, one of our receptionists did a great job filling my treatment room with balloons for my birthday. Our team environment is pretty amazing and supportive which makes coming to work heaps of fun.

Are you a dog/cat person?

I'm a dog lover and also a Western Bulldogs supporter. Go doggies!

Fish Oils

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 01:33:55 GMT

What are fish oils and how can they help?

I’m sure you may have been told at some stage to take fish oils for its health benefits, but what actually are fish oils and what are these benefits exactly?

There are two types of fish oils - omega 3 fatty acids, or eicosapentaenoic acid (but that’s really long so let's call it EPA for short) and omega 6 fatty acids, or docosahexaenoic acid (but that’s also really long so let’s call that DHA for short). Both are a type of polyunsaturated fat and have various benefits in the body, which we will get into a bit later.

In your diet you can usually obtain these oils from cold water fish, such as mackerel, salmon, herring, tuna, halibut and cod. However, if you don't eat fish meals 2-3 times per week(1), you have the option of taking supplements.

At Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic, Metagenics is our brand of choice for our supplements and these may help with a range of medical conditions.

Fish oil health benefits include:

May improve ‘good fat’ HDL cholesterol levels (2)
It can lower the 'bad fat' triglycerides (3)
Small doses can reduce blood pressure in people with elevated levels (4)
May prevent the onset or improve the symptoms of some psychiatric disorders (5)
May improve asthma symptoms (6)
May improve bone health and increase bone mineral density (7)
Reduce joint pain and stiffness in those with rheumatoid arthritis (8)

Whether you get your fish oils from your foods or in supplements form, we do not recommend that they replace any medications that your medical specialist has placed you on. For further information click here for the metagenics information on "Why everybody needs fish oils".

We have several fish oil products available at the clinic if you are interested in purchasing. Ask at reception or your practitioner for further information.

REFERENCES

1. Australian Heart Foundation 2. Sacks FM et al. The effect of fish oil on blood pressure and high-density

lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in phase I of the Trials of Hypertension Prevention. Trials of Hypertension Prevention Collaborative Research Group. J Hypertens Suppl. 1994;12(7):S23-31. 3. Eslick GD et al. Benefits of fish oil supplementation in hyperlipidemia: a systematic

review and meta-analysis. Int J Cardiol. 2009 Jul 24;136(1):4-16. 4. Minihane AM et al. Consumption of Fish Oil Providing Amounts of Eicosapentaenoic

Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid That Can Be Obtained from the Diet Reduces Blood Pressure in Adults with Systolic Hypertension: A Retrospective Analysis. J Nutr. 2016 Mar;146(3):516-23. 5. Amminger GP et al. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for indicated prevention of psychotic

disorders: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010 Feb;67(2):146-54. 6. Nagakura T et al. Dietary supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated

fatty acids in children with bronchial asthma. Eur Respir J. 2000 Nov;16(5):861-5. 7. Mangano KM. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and their relation with bone and muscle health

in adults. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2013 Sep; 11(3). 8. Goldberg RJ and Katz J. A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3

polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. 2007 May;129(1-2):210-23. Epub 2007 Mar 1.

Shockwave Therapy Geelong

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 10:26:41 GMT

Radial Shockwave Therapy

We are excited to be to be able to announce Radial Shockwave Therapy is available at our clinic. This technology and treatment method has been shown in research studies to be effective in just 3-6 treatments for chronic tendinopathies of the feet, achilles, knee, shoulder, elbow and hip.

I am a big fan of shockwave therapy for treating all sorts of chronic tendinopathies. In my seventeen years as an osteopath the only thing that would rival it in terms of recovery from pain and incapacity is cortisone. However, unlike cortisone there are very few side effects with shockwave other than the possibility of local bruising. Cortisone on the other hand has a myriad of side effects including tendon rupture, diabetes and bone necrosis.

So what is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave (SW) therapy was originally used in the 1980s for the treatment of kidney stones. The process involves breaking down the stones in what is called lithotripsy. It was then found to work well in breaking down boney heel spurs. It was then also found to help with foot pain in the absence of a spur (plantarfasciitis) and from there further studies have targeted a range of chronic tendinopathies at different sites around the body.

We have used SW at our clinic for the last 2 years and have had some great results. One of our patients who hadn’t been able to lift her arm above shoulder level for around 9 months without shoulder pain raised her arm overhead without pain in just her first treatment. She simply could not believe it! Although most people don't have this kind of instant response, we have successfully treated many patients for plantar fasciitis, achilles, hamstring and elbow (golfers and tennis elbow) tendinopathies, as well as shoulder (rotator cuff) tendinopathies.

The beauty of SW is that it increases healing whilst having an analgesic effect. The analgesic effect is thought to be brought about by a depletion of a neurotransmitter of pain called “substance P”. (It is the same neurotransmitter that is broken down by chilli. So if you ever have had your mouth go numb after eating chilli this is the reason).

Our SW is conducted by our qualified practitioners. It uses a pneumatically powered hand piece that generates radial shockwaves, which are transmitted to the site of the injury through a conducting gel. The treatment session uses around 2000 pulsed shockwaves into the affected area and takes anywhere from 3-10 minutes. This is usually incorporated into the overall treatment with manual therapy and sometimes post treatment taping.

Most patients will notice some pain relief immediately after therapy, others can take up to 4-5 sessions to achieve significant pain relief. This really depends on the severity and length of your condition. It also depends on how well the painful tissues are targeted. For this reason at the start of the treatment it can be a little painful before the analgesic effect takes place.

Our Swiss Dolorclast SW generator is used in most research articles (see below) and as far as we are concerned this is the best SW generator on the market and is the only SW generator that is FDA approved as a therapeutic device.

Shockwave Therapy can help with the following conditions:

Jumper’s knee/patella tendinitis
Frozen shoulder - adhesive capsulitis shoulder (2)
Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
Tennis and Golfers elbow
Osgood Schlatters disease (3)
Tennis and Golfers elbow: SW is clinically proven (3) to reduce pain, improve function in patients with tennis elbow and is proven to be as effective as a steroid injection (5).
Achilles Tendinopathy: SW trials have confirmed excellent results with decreasing pain and increasing achilles function compared with either sham shockwave therapy or exercises in isolation (6).
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs: In a recent study, the authors looked at the efficacy of eight different types of treatment for plantar fasciitis. It was concluded that SW therapy ranked as the best outcome and is considered the “optimal treatment” (7). Another study showed that combining SW with a practitioner-guided stretching program has been proven to deliver clinically superior outcomes for plantar fasciitis sufferers than other forms of treatment.
Hip - Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A randomised controlled clinical trial of 229 people showed SW was significantly more successful than steroid injection (8).
Shin Splints - Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: A clinical trial showed that 40 of 47 shin splint sufferers were able to return to their preferred sport at their pre-injury level after 15 months, versus only 22 in a control group (9).
Calcifying Tendinopathy of the Shoulder: Clinical trials revealed that SW therapy for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder showed good to excellent results in 87.9% of shoulders treated. Among SW patients, calcium deposits were significantly reduced (10).

What is the cost of shockwave therapy?

The cost of SW therapy is the cost of one of our standard consultations plus a fee depending on how many body parts.

1 body Part $55

2 Body parts $75

3 Body parts $95.
As your shockwave therapy is performed by a qualified practitioner, private health rebates and Medicare (CDM plan) can be utilised towards to cost of the standard consultation part of the treatment.

Will I need a referral for Shockwave therapy?

No you do not need a referral, but you require an initial assessment by one of our qualified practitioners to determine if SW therapy is suitable for you.

So if you have had a tendinopathy for more than several months come and see us and we will see if SW is suitable for you. If SW therapy is not suitable for you, we will guide you towards another suitable treatment or for further investigations.

To reiterate what we have covered, SW is safe, it is effective, it has few side effects and you can get back to your daily activities right away. It’s a walk in and walk out treatment. We are excited to bring this to our clients and we look forward to hearing from all of you chronic tendinopathy suffers out there soon.

Darrell Pummeroy

Principal Osteopath & Director

1. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2010 Nov; 130(11:1343-1347)

2.Int J Prev Med. 2014 Jul; 5(7): 875–881.

3. European j. biomed. pharm. sci, 2015, Volume 2, Issue 2, 78-90.

4. Europia Medicophysica 2005;41:17-25.

5. Annals Rehabilitation Medicine 2012;36(5):681–7.

6. Am J Sports Med (2009) 37(3):463-70.

7. J Cell Physiol. 2018 Aug 4. doi: 10.1002/jcp.26907

8. International Journal of Surgery 24 (2015) 135-42.

9. Am J Sports Medicine (2009); 37:1981-9012. Am J Sports Medicine (2010); 38:125-32

10. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2008;17:55-9

Womens Health Week 2019

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:16:21 GMT

Health Checks!

What Health Checks do Women need?

It's important see your doctor every year for a women’s health check.
This will help in the prevention and early detection of any health issues, when they are often more easily and effectively treated.

What is a health check?

A health check involves a visit to your doctor to assess your current state of health. It ensures early detection of health issues with physical check-ups and screening tests. Health checks can do a great deal to save lives. For example:

According to BreastScreen NSW, for every 1000 women who have a mammogram screening every two years from age 50 to 74, between six to 10 deaths from breast cancer will be prevented.
A 2014 Australian study found that people who had checks for bowel cancer through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program had 15% less risk of dying from bowel cancer, and were more likely to have less advanced bowel cancers when diagnosed.

What does a Health Check involve?

A health check usually consists of:

Talking to your doctor about your current health, any current or recent symptoms, and identifying any potential health issues you may have.
An assessment of risk factors you may have that may increase your risk of health conditions in the future, such as a family history of breast cancer or heart disease.
A discussion about your diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking. Your doctor may then write a ‘lifestyle prescription’ to help you make healthier lifestyle choices.
Physical checks, such as a breast examination or skin check.
Follow up screening tests, such as blood tests to screen for type 2 diabetes or monitor cholesterol levels.

Ankle Injury

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 00:49:00 GMT

Sprained ankles are a common sports injury....

Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries suffered not only while playing sport, but also during common everyday activities. I have personally rolled my left ankle (but never my right) numerous times as a junior, not only during sport but also during such things like stepping off the edge of footpaths or on uneven surfaces. This is because sprained (or rolled/tweaked) ankles are likely to be re-injured if not managed correctly. In addition to this, other problems may arise elsewhere in the body as a result of changes in ankle mobility and biomechanics. Your osteopath can help avoid these effects through ankle rehabilitation and treatment.

Most ankle sprains are “inversion” sprains, where the foot rolls inwards under the body. This can often result in swelling and bruising under the bony prominence on the outside of the ankle. Bleeding at the damaged ankle ligaments leads to bruising, while swelling is the body’s way of immobilizing the damaged area. Most people will follow the RICE principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) in the first 24-48 hours, but this is often a premature end to their recovery. As damaged ligaments don’t return to their original tightness and an increase in ankle laxity makes another inversion sprain more likely if not rehabilitated properly.

While inversion sprains may become more likely with increased joint laxity, other planes of movement can become restricted. Dorsiflexion is the ankle movement involving the foot bending up towards the shin, and this will often become restricted after an ankle sprain. This can affect the way that you run, jump or squat which, and in turn can lead to biomechanical changes causing extra stress on other parts of the body such as the knees, hips and lower back. This extra stress can lead to other injuries in the long-term, and so it is a good idea to have your osteopath address these issues as early as possible.

Your osteopath may employ rehab exercises involving mobility, strengthening and balance at the ankle to help muscle strength around the joint as well as improve your proprioception (your brain’s ability to sense joint position) and avoid future injury. Preventative strategies may also include taping or bracing ankles for extra protection, which your osteopath can discuss with you. I still tape both ankles during my basketball, but I have only had one ankle injury (by landing on a person’s foot after jumping) in the past 10 years after having completed appropriate ankle rehab.

If you feel that your ankles are giving you trouble in your sporting endeavors or everyday life, come see us at Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic.

Liam McInerney

Osteopath

What are the benefits of Water?

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:30:16 GMT

One of the most vital elements to anyone's day to day life, helping us to regulate bodily function and most importantly helping us feel better all over is WATER.

Whether its exercise, work or rest, water is essential for so many reasons. In this short blog we will touch on some quick facts and benefits of drinking water in our daily routine and after osteopathic and myotherapy treatment.

Some Quick Facts On Water:

Adult humans mass consists of 60% water and 90% of our blood is water.
Water is essential for our kidneys and bodily functions.
Dehydration can not only limit treatment recovery but also leads to our skin becoming more vulnerable to skin disorders and potentially wrinkles.
Drinking water over sugary drinks helps aid in weight loss and weight management.
Even if you think you drink enough water, if you drink caffeine (coffee and tea) and alcohol, this will mean you will need to drink even more water as they are diuretics.

How Much Water Should We Drink?

Victorian guidelines recommend that the adult female should consume 2.1 litres (around 8 cups) and males 2.6 litres ( around 10 cups ) of water daily. For further information on this check out this website: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/water-a-vital-nutrient

Water Post Treatment

Water aides in musculoskeletal recovery post treatment. Below is a quick summary of some of the benefits of drinking water from an Osteopathic point of view:

Lubrication of the joints.
It delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body (aiding in recovery).
Helps maintain health and integrity of all the cells in our bodies.
Helps eliminate byproducts of the bodies metabolism and help process inflammation factors.
Maintain viscosity (thickness) of our blood to travel through our vessels.
Acts as shock absorption throughout our spinal cord and eyes.

What Does This All Mean?

The benefits of treatment are advanced if you are well hydrated!

The take home message is this, dehydration causes increased inflammation. Osteopathic/Myotherapy treatment does cause some degree of inflammation as we aim to repair your pain, this pain is less intense and subsides sooner if you are well hydrated.

I hope this short blog has quenched that thirst for knowledge about water, remember its a small act and requires minimal effort but has a maximal effect.

Mat Romans Van Schaik

Osteopath

Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic

Myotherapy could help you!

Thu, 09 May 2019 06:59:22 GMT

Myotherapists provide evidence-based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions.

You don’t need to be in pain to visit a Myotherapist. Once symptoms have settled treatment may focus on rehabilitation, reducing the likelihood of further injury and keeping you moving and performing at your best.

Common conditions we see at our clinic are:

Back pain
Neck and shoulder pain
Headache
Sports injuries
Rotator cuff problems
Occupational injuries
Achilles tendinopathy and other ankle injuries
Jaw pain and clicking
Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain presentations
Tennis elbow

If you have one of these conditions come and see how Myotherapy can help you. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Rach Is Back!

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

It is with great excitement that we announce that Rachael is returning to the clinic after the birth of her beautiful little girl Allie.

Rachael will be at the Lara clinic on Tuesdays and South Geelong on Thursdays starting 29th January (next week!). She will be seeing both new and existing clients.

To book with Rachael, book online or call our friendly reception on 5221 1877. Hurry, she’s booking out fast!

Rachael is looking forward helping her clients, new and old, achieve their goals and keeping them healthy active and happy.

We look forward to seeing you in the clinic, and in the meantime if there is anything we can assist you with please feel free to call us.

Osteopathy And Pregnancy

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

9 months preparing to fall in love for a lifetime

During the time of pregnancy the body goes through many changes to adapt to the rapid growth of your baby. Not only are there muscular changes, but joint changes as the hormone relaxin starts to be produced at around 8 weeks of gestation, which causes a softening in the ligaments (particularly noticed around the pelvis) to prepare the body for birth.

Women present to us daily with multiple complaints during pregnancy which we can aid in the treatment of using hands on techniques and exercise advice, such as:

Pelvic instability
Lower back or sacral pain
Pubic bone pain
Upper back and neck discomfort
Headaches
Reflux or indigestion
Fluid retention and oedema
Sciatic or nerve pain
Carpal tunnel
Round ligament pain
And the list goes on...

The way in which we address these complaints is by looking at how the body is adapting (or usually, NOT adapting!) to the growth of your baby, and how this may impact on your pain/discomfort/other symptoms, with the aim of making mum's body more comfortable during the pregnancy.

Our treatment techniques vary with each individual that presents to us, there is no set formula for treatment of pregnancy. Usually we will use hands on massage, joint movement and mobilisation, muscle stretching, manipulations if necessary, dry needling and balancing techniques specific for pregnancy.

And guess what?! You can lie on your stomach with our special Belly Pillow (provided you are comfortable and it is safe to do so), most women do not want to get up again after they have laid on this pillow!

All of our practitioners have experience with treating pregnancy and are knowledgeable in the stages of pregnancy. We can offer you advice leading up to your birth and beyond, including ergonomic advice, exercises (mostly clinical Pilates based). In addition we can offer you a wide range of referrals within Geelong to various health professionals who specialize in pregnancy.

Book now with one of our Osteopaths to see how we can help you through your pregnancy.

kardiniaclinic

Lets Meet Aaron!

Ge t to know our Exercise Physiologist, Aaron!

Why did you become an Exercise Physiologist (EP)?

Tell us a story about a moment that you are most proud of as an EP?

What do you find most enjoyable about being a practitioner?

What other hobbies / activities do you enjoy outside of being an EP?

What has been a major highlight for you since becoming a member of Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic?

What are you looking forward to in your role at KO?

Are you a dog/cat person?

OSTEOAPTHS..... GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY.....WE ARE HIRING!

Come and join a fun, supportive and friendly team!

HEADACHES!

Headaches!

GREAT OPPORTUNITY! WE ARE HIRING!

Come and join a fun, supportive and friendly team!

Have you heard of Electrotherapy?

Electro stimulation via Dry needling

NEW PRODUCTS IN STOCK!

Garments for pregnancy and recovery! Designed by Women for women!

World Breastfeeding Week

Rachael talks about how she can help mother and child with breastfeeding.

Hip Bursitis

Why is my hip getting so irritated?

Foot Pain!

Could your Tibialis Posterior muscle be the cause of your shin and foot pain?

Myotherapist Wanted!

Amazing Myotherapist required to join our team!

Get to know your practitioner - Rachael Barton

Why did you become an Osteopath?

Tell us a story about a moment that you are most proud of as an Osteopath.

Other than treating pregnant women and children what do you find most enjoyable about being a practitioner?

What other hobbies / activities do you enjoy outside of being an osteopath?

Are you a dog or a cat person?

What has been a major highlight for you since becoming a member of Kardinia Osteopathic Clinic?

Client Story: Shockwave treatment for shoulder pain

Shoulder injury and shockwave client story

Post Shockwave - Hands up if you think shockwave is great!

Desk Set Up

How do I stop getting sore whilst sitting at the desk?

Get to know your Practitioner - Maureen

Fish Oils

What are fish oils and how can they help?

Shockwave Therapy Geelong

Radial Shockwave Therapy

So what is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy can help with the following conditions:

What is the cost of shockwave therapy?

Will I need a referral for Shockwave therapy?

Womens Health Week 2019

Health Checks!

What does a Health Check involve?

Ankle Injury

Sprained ankles are a common sports injury....

What are the benefits of Water?

Myotherapy could help you!

Myotherapists provide evidence-based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions.

Rach Is Back!

It is with great excitement that we announce that Rachael is returning to the clinic after the birth of her beautiful little girl Allie.

Osteopathy And Pregnancy

9 months preparing to fall in love for a lifetime

Garments for pregnancy and recovery!

Designed by Women for women!