At Physioworks Health Group we believe ‘we are all athletes, we just have different events’!

Our Exercise Physiology team recently celebrated 10 years of exercise commitment with two long term clients, Helene Hudson & Sue McIver, who portray the very essence of our motto.

Physioworks Health Group Exercise Physiologist Brooke DeHey praised the dedication and commitment of Helene and Sue, whilst sharing some of the 10 year celebration that the EP team put together “We decorated the Physioworks Cranbourne clinic gym with 10 balloons, went out for dinner, presented the girls with flowers and then “celebrated” by exercising everything in 10’s for their week of classes” laughed Brooke.

We thought we’d share the exercise journey of Helene and Sue; and how customised, managed exercise programs with the Physioworks Exercise Physiology team have assisted their individual challenges.

Helene Hudson:

Helene initially commenced Exercise Physiology with Brooke DeHey upon the referral from her Physiotherapist David Francis, due to ongoing lower back problems. In her initial EP assessment session Helene stated she ‘doesn’t run’.  10 years on Helene is extremely fit and healthy for her age, and she participates in numerous fun runs each year.  Helene attends 3x EP class sessions per week at Physioworks Health Group consisting of a bike class, strength training, boxing, running training plus she runs 2x per week.  Helene’s back pain is now very well managed and her function, fitness, strength and health is excellent.

Sue McIver:

Sue also commenced Exercise Physiology with Brooke DeHey, following a referral from “her partner in crime” Helene!  Sue and Helene used to work together so they thought why not start exercising together too!

Prior to commencing with the Physioworks EP team, Sue’s exercise consisted of walking and some weights, and her EP goal was simply wanting to get fitter and healthier.  10 years on Sue is an absolute picture of fitness, and proves that age is no barrier.  Sue has completed in 4 half-marathons over the past 4 years, numerous fun runs and never backs away from any strength or fitness challenge.  Sue attends 3x EP sessions per week consisting of a bike class, strength training, boxing & running work plus she runs 2x per week.  Sue does have a chronic knee injury, so our EP team accommodate and assist her to manage this in her all her exercise, and Sue’s fitness, strength and health is inspiring.

Whilst both Helene & Sue have differing conditions/injuries, fitness levels & strength, the EP team at Physioworks Health Group pride ourselves on prescribing their exercise accordingly and ensuring they both achieve their goals.  Congratulations and thank-you to both Helene and Sue.

Please contact reception at your preferred Physioworks clinic if our Exercise Physiology team can assist you with an exercise assessment and a managed exercise program.

Stadium STOMP 2017

After initially participating in 2016, a larger team from the Physioworks Health Group, consisting of Physioworks staff and clients, are again taking to the stairs to be part of Stadium STOMP 2017 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Stadium STOMP is Australia’s largest consecutive stair climbing challenge. Major stadiums around Australia including the MCG, support the event, with fundraising for charity the core driver to help make every step count.

For participants there are the health and fitness outcomes combined with anticipation, fun and the extreme satisfaction in completing the full MCG challenge of 7340 stairs (Level 1-4 of the MCG) or the smaller course of 1890 stairs (Level1), for both themselves and their chosen charity.

This year the Physioworks Health Group team are supporting The Leukaemia Foundation – find out more or please donate here

To prepare for the mid-June event at the MCG, the Physioworks Health Group Exercise Physiology team of Brooke DeHey, Megan Jepson and Daniel Jeavons have held group exercise classes over the last 2-3 months, and tailored individual training plans to best prepare the 10 Physioworks clients and 5 staff members for the event.

Exercise Physiologist Brooke DeHey said the health benefits for participants stem from both the fitness/cardio vascular challenge, as well as lower limb/leg strength endurance, so the event is a great challenge for all fitness levels, with some setting goals to run up all the stairs, while others will walk it.

“Clients have specific goals so they are undergoing specific leg strengthening endurance based programs in lead up to the event, as well as some running training. Our clients are generally completing 3 sessions per week with our EP team, including a mixture of bike class, specific leg strengthening class and fitness/running sessions” said Brooke.

Recovery is an important consideration post event and our EP team are advising each participant on best recovery approach, including hydration, and active movement/recovery/stretching immediately post event.

“Participants should rest for 1-2 days post event, followed by having a light exercise week following.   Gradually they will return to normal exercise training/program within 7-10 days, knowing that they have met the exercise challenge of Stadium STOMP and achieved their goal, while supporting The Leukaemia Foundation” added Brooke.

Our Exercise Physiology team are constantly preparing clients in groups and individually to achieve their goals across numerous exercise related events in and around Melbourne from Stadium STOMP, the Melbourne Marathon Festival, the Mother’s Day Classic to other events, fun runs and walks. If you’d like to participate and need some assistance with your exercise program and event preparation please contact a member of our Exercise Physiology team or your nearest Physioworks Health Group clinic.

By Brooke DeHey, Exercise Physiologist, Physioworks Health Group

An important message of Exercise Right Week is to raise awareness of Exercise Physiology (EP) and the expertise that Exercise Physiologists can provide to ensure that when you do exercise that you “Exercise Right”.

At Physioworks Health Group our team of four highly experienced, accredited Exercise Physiologists; Brooke DeHey, Jude Hewavasam, Megan Jepson & Daniel Jeavons; provide exercise education & exercise consultation across the Physioworks Cranbourne, Pakenham, Camberwell & Mulgrave (WPPC) clinics.

Accredited Exercise Physiologists are four-year tertiary qualified Allied Health professionals who specialise in the delivery of exercise, education, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries, including:

• Comprehensive Physical Assessments
• Cardiovascular reconditioning
• Functional maintenance
• Strength and Conditioning training
• Functional capacity assessment and conditioning (ADL and work)
• Community based gym-program design
• Facilitate transition into ongoing programs
• Long term lifestyle management and preventive education
• Group classes – including Fitness, Strength, Walking, General exercise, Rehabilitation, Pre/Post natal & Running based classes
• Sport / Recreational skill acquisition training & retraining

What types of clients and conditions can the Physioworks Exercise Physiology team treat?

Tailored to best manage individual conditions, the EP team at Physioworks Health Group develop exercise programs for a range of conditions and requirements:

• Musculoskeletal conditions; such as Osteoporosis, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia. Osteoarthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Neurological conditions; including Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy.
• Cardiopulmonary conditions; such as Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Asthma, COPD.
• Metabolic Conditions; including Diabetes (T1 & T2), Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity
• General Population; Improved fitness, Health, Weight loss, Strengthening
• Sports Specific; Training, Strength, Fitness, End stage rehabilitation

Exercise Right at Physioworks Health Group:

Our team work with individuals to achieve exercise goals – developing specific exercise programs for individual conditions – and educate the individual on how to “Exercise Right” to ensure maximum benefit from thier exercise.

The recent Mother’s Day Classic Fun Run is an example of how our Group Training can be tailored within individual exercise programs.

Our EP team trained and managed a running group at Physioworks Cranbourne to compete in the run. Some of the group were experienced runners with sport specific goals, some were previously not-runners who had set themselves an improved fitness exercise goal, while others used the run to assist with Metobolic conditions. All achieved their goals – as all had prepared correctly to reach their exercise outcome as part of a specific, tailored exercise program.

Can we help you to Exercise Right?

Please contact the Physioworks Exercise Physiology team as we know we can assist you with an exercise assessment and program to improve your health and general well-being. Give us a call. Go to www.physioworkshealthgroup.com.au for your most convenient clinic location.

Exercise Physiologist Daniel Jeavons has a special interest in chronic disease management: Osteoporosis (OP), Osteoarthritis (OA) and Musculoskeletal injuries.

Having graduated as an Exercise Physiologist from ACU in 2016, Daniel Jeavons is now consulting at Physioworks Health Group Cranbourne and Physioworks Health Group Pakenham.

As a long-term and active participant in team sports, including AFL, Basketball and Cricket, Daniel Jeavons has a passion for fitness, and specifically assisting his clients with strength & conditioning required for basketball and football.

Multiple injuries sustained from a lifetime of sporting participation has developed Daniel’s  knowledge and passion for assisting clients with exercise prescription in their rehabilitation and developing customised exercise programs to assist in injury prevention.

Initially Daniel Jeavons will be consulting at Physioworks Cranbourne on Tuesday (2pm-8pm) & Thursday (10am-1pm) and Physioworks Pakenham on Monday (6pm-8pm); Tuesday (8am–12pm) & Thursday (4.30-8pm) .

Please call the respective clinic’s for a consultation with Daniel Jeavons.

Spring rains are bringing the end to the football and netball seasons and many are now turning their participation to the numerous upcoming fun run events in and around Melbourne.

The first of seasons major runs is the Melbourne Marathon carnival on Sunday October 17th

Physioworks Health Group are offering discounted consultations for Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy and Exercise Physiology for those competing in the Marathon (42km), Half Marathon (21km) and 10km run at the Melbourne Marathon carnival.

Physioworks “MM Squad Rate” is available from September 20 to assist with your event preparation to help ensure you cross the finish line at the MCG in great shape.  The “MM Squad Rate”  is then available to aid your post-event recovery, until Sunday October 31.

Just show your Melbourne Marathon, Half Marathon or 10km run entry number to the Physioworks reception team to claim the squad rate prior to your physiotherapy, massage and/or Exercise Physiology consultation.

Physioworks “MM Squad Rate” is available at all Physioworks Health Group clinics, including Camberwell, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Mulgrave (Waverley Park Physiotherapy Centre) and our new Bewick clinic (Physioworks Berwick at P3 Sports and Recovery).

* ”MM Squad Rate” is a discount on the published rate at specific Physioworks clinics. Discount level may vary depending on the service, treating consultant and specific clinic. Offer available on individual physiotherapy, massage and/or Exercise Physiology consultations only (not applicable to group classes) from 20/9/2016 until 31/10/2016 at all Physioworks Health Group clinics. Official Melbourne Marathon,  Half Marathon or 10km entry number documentation/receipt must be shown to clinic reception to be eligible for the discounted rate.

Osteoporosis (OP) occurs when there is a loss of minerals from the bones, usually in the form of calcium, causing bones to become weakened and fragile increasing the likelihood of breaks.

Osteoporosis is most common in the over 60’s age bracket, where 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men will have at least one osteoportic related fracture at this stage of life.

Osteopenia is the step before osteoporosis, and is defined as a reduction of Bone Mineral Density (BMD), which will then lead to osteoporosis.

However some people, particularly slender females, may have naturally less bone mass compared to normative values which can again lead to osteoporosis usually when BMD naturally begins to reduce with age.

A Dual X-ray imaging scan (DEXA scan) is used to assist with diagnosis of both osteopenia and osteoporosis, as well as determine the severity of bone mineral density loss.

At Physioworks Health Group our Exercise Physiology team believe “That Exercise really is a medicine for chronic disease affecting so many of our older adults”.

Exercise is proving to be a huge contributor in assisting the reduction of osteoporotic related fractures (see case study and references below).

In our clinics we have seen increases in BMD, stopping and/or reversing OP in some clients, results that research, and doctors, are now starting to support.

At our Cranbourne clinic over the last 12 months, three (3) of our clients, all women and over the age of 60, have been attending weekly Exercise Physiology sessions.

Since attending and completing specific exercise programs aimed at increasing BMD they have all shown vast improvement in their DEXA scan results. The results show that not only is there a stopping in the progression of their OP and osteopenia, but actually increasing their BMD, which is even surprising to their doctors. All of these clients have worked very hard to achieve these health improvements, in such a short time, and all of them intend to continue with their exercise programs.

OP Exercise Case Study: 

One year ago Elaine came in to see our Exercise Physiology team with no previous exercise experience aside from staying active around the house and in the garden.

Her goals were to prevent the progression of her osteopenia (reduction in bone mineral density); and to become fitter, healthier and stronger.

One thing Elaine was sure of was that she was NOT a runner.

One year on and Elaine has recently completed her first ever fun-run, running her fastest ever 5km in 30 minutes and 2 seconds; and she has never been fitter and healthier.

Further OP References:

Read more with these two articles from the Exercise Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Facebook page which further look at how exercise can assist with Osteoporosis (OP):

https://ajp.com.au/news/older-australians-inactivity-is-a-danger-to-bone-health-research/

http://startsat60.com/health/are-you-missing-out-on-a-life-changing-medicare-service

Would you like to improve your health with a tailored Exercise program? 

Contact Physioworks Exercise Physiologist Megan Jepson on 5995 1111 for discussion on how our Exercise Physiology team can assist your health, fitness and general well-being.

Over 70% of Australian’s live with a chronic condition, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, arthritis or diabetes? Did you know an accredited exercise physiologist can help them live a longer, happier life?

Exercise Right Week is an awareness & promotional campaign by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) issuing a call for all Australians to take control of their health by engaging in regular physical activity. A key campaign focus is to make people think about how the expertise of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can assist them to exercise and, importantly, to “exercise right for who they are”.

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) holds a four-year equivalent university degree specialing in the exercise & movement for the prevention & management of chronic diseases & injuries.

You can Exercise Right with Physioworks Health Group Exercise Physiologists at Physioworks Cranbourne, Physioworks Pakenham & Physioworks Camberwell clinics. The EP team of Brooke DeHey, Jude Hewavasam & Megan Jepson are available to consult, assess & develop a customised exercise program designed for you.

“Everybody can do with some form of exercise” said Exercise Physiologist Brooke DeHey. “Our role is to help you set health goals by individual assessment then developing an exercise program & working with for you to achieve your goals. Exercise Right week aims to help all to think taking the first step initiative toward improving health & general well-being with exercise & by seeking help from an Exercise Physiologist” said Brooke.

Is it time for you to Exercise Right? Contact one of our EP team at www.physioworkshealthgroup.com

For more information on Exercise Right week please go to www.facebook.com/exerciserightaustralia

Physioworks Health Group Exercise Physiologist Brooke DeHey led stoic members of her Exercise Running Group in completing events at the Mother’s Day Classic in Melbourne.

The eight ladies from the Physioworks Exercise Group braved cold, wet & windy conditions to complete a range of events, including 4km & 8km running & walking events at the Mother’s Day Classic, an annual event held to raise awareness and funding for Breast Cancer.

Set the challenge by Brooke, who planned and led an exercise and running program in the lead up to the event, including both group and one-on-one training, all members of the group achieved their goal in successfully completing their chosen event.

For some members of the team it was their first fun run, whist for others this is an annual event where they are seeking not only to improve their health and well-being, but also to work with others with similar health, fitness improvement and exercise goals.

“The sense of achievement in completing the events is very rewarding, especially in braving the wet conditions” said Brooke. “But the real longer term benefits for the participants are improved health, fitness and well-being. And we raised money for a great cause with a bit of fun along the way”