Blog

Getting fit and losing weight By Anna Brookman (Physiotherapist)

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:51:00 GMT

How many of you have a new years resolution to get fit? Or lose the extra kilos you gained over Christmas? Just like last year? How are you going to make this new years resolution work compared to last time around? You need to have a plan and a clear goal. The plan needs to have something different that is going to work for you. If you don’t have a plan, how are you going to achieve your goal?

Picking a form of exercise that is appealing to you and seems less of a chore is a good way to go. You need to be doing 30 minutes of exercise that gets your heart rate up most days of the week.

Group exercise is a great way of getting fit and not having to think about what exercises to do. We have lots of group classes in Keith to get you fit and into shape. I thought I’d write a list of all the available forms of group exercise on offer around the town. Some of the following may appeal to you…

Want to shake it up with a bit of latin style? Fit for life runs Zumba classes. Zumba is aerobic dance, usually latin style dance. But don’t be scared its much easier than you think and loads of fun!

Over 50? Core dynamix run an over 50’s gym classes every day at 10:30am for only $9!! Fit for life runs Hands on Health classes on a Monday with a variety of exercises to get you puffing.

Aqua? There are pool fitness classes. Fun and easy to get a good work out without feeling like you are working too hard. Perfect if you find walking hard or painful or have arthritis. They are run by Core Dynamix on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Or you can go to the pool independently and swim or walk laps.

Gym? Both Core Dynamix and Fit for life can draw you up a personal program to help you get fit or lose weight. You can join a group or do an individual program. They both have men’s fitness groups also.

Want something more gentle? Good Country Physio run pilates classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at Vita Sana. This involves lots of strengthening exercises, stretching and builds your core strength. I am the instructor for these classes and there are two levels - beginner/intermediate and advanced.

Vita Sana run chi ball classes. They incorporate Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and some meditation for a whole body workout. They run Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

After all this you might need a bit of quiet time for yourself. Leone Densley is running meditation classes at Vita Sana. Meditation has too many benefits to list but is a very beneficial thing in today’s busy lifestyle.

For the above classes in Keith contact:

Good Country Physio – 8755 1530

Fit for Life – Steph on – 0427 716 139

Core Dynamix – Bron or Corey on 8755 3335

Vita Sana – Kirralie on – 0408 856 003

Leone Densley – 0428 643 576

There are a range of exercise class options in Bordertown as well so check out the local paper for details.

Anna Brookman, Physiotherapist @ Keith clinic of Good Country Physiotherapy

Manual handling tips for holiday makers

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

With Christmas fast approaching, the holiday season is now in full swing. With that comes trips away. To avoid hurting yourself while you're away on your summer travels, here are some simple tips:

- keep your suitcases at a reasonable weight (no more than 20kg!)

- when lifting your suitcase, bend your knees and use your strong leg muscles, not just your back

- keep your case close to your body when moving it - try not to carry it out in front of you and make use of the push/pull handle and wheels to minimise how much lifting you do

- don't sit in the car for more than 1-2 hours without getting out for a stretch

- keep your fluids up - water that is!

- to keep the Christmas pudding off your thighs, go for a walk/bike ride/swim and enjoy the summer weather

- relax, unwind, have a laugh - it's the best medicine for all your aches and pains!

All of the staff at Good Country Physiotherapy wish you, your family and friends a safe and happy festive season. Drive safely and enjoy every minute!

See you in 2012!! :)

Equine physiotherapy

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:35:00 GMT

Several GCP staff enjoyed a great day out at the Bordertown Races on the weekend so I thought it would be pertinent to discuss a little known form of physiotherapy - equine physiotherapy.

As the name suggests, Equine physiotherapy is physiotherapy treatment for horses. Race horses are frequent clients for the equine physiotherapist because, like human athletes, they can get injured and when they do, this can have significant implications for their owners. Race horse owners will often do whatever it takes to get their horses back on the track as soon as possible so physiotherapists can become very important.

Equine physiotherapy is more common in the eastern states of Australia, particularly Queensland. It comes under the broader umbrella of Animal Physiotherapy, which is being taught as a Masters course at Queensland University. This popular course, which is one of only two in the world, trains students in all aspects of animal physiotherapy.

Equine physiotherapy is a specialised field of animal physiotherapy. Horses suffer from frequent back pain, just like humans. Knee and fetlock problems are also common. Although animals can't communicate in words, they can still tell you where it hurts through actions and reactions (eg biting, whincing). Treatment techniques are similar, including mobilisation of joints, massage and soft tissue release of muscles and the like.

So next time you're in pain, think about the horse out in the paddock or on the racetrack and consider it might be in pain too. There are physiotherapists out there to help with everyone's pain, be they people or animals. Contact Good Country Physiotherapy for all your pain relief needs in Keith 8755 1530 or Bordertown 8752 2330.

Cricket injuries

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 07:54:00 GMT

I've just got back from a week in Melbourne with the SA 2nd XI cricket team, who were competing in the Twenty20 Baby Bash competition. South Australia won the tournament - check out this link for details http://www.cricket.com.au/news-display/FLT20-SA-take-title/26232.

The injuries in cricket are certainly quite different from those in football and rugby, the sports that I have spent most of my time working with prior to now. For a start, there is a bat and a ball involved! This automatically brings about different injuries - impact injuries from the ball; overuse injuries from prolonged periods of batting or bowling.

One of the most common injuries in cricket fast bowlers is lumbar spine stress fractures. These usually occur gradually over time due to repeated stresses through the spine. If you have ever watched the slow motion replays of cricket fast bowlers during their bowling action, it's easy to understand why stress fractures occur so commonly.

Contusions or haematomas from the impact of the ball are also relatively common, although there is considerable padding and protection (helmets) to prevent these injuries.

Lower and upper limb soft tissue injuries, both acute and overuse related, can occur due to the running and throwing actions needed.

It is important for cricketers to be fit and strong in both their upper and lower body, as well as their spine and core muscles to prevent injuries. The range of physical skills involved in the game, including batting, bowling, fielding ( including catching and throwing) and for one player in each team wicket keeping, require a range of strengths and flexibilities. It's not as simple as running onto the football field!

It was a very interesting week. The team of 13 players played six Twenty20 games in five days, winning five of six. Each bowler was required to bowl four overs per day, while the batsman may have been required for up to 20 overs, if they could stay in that long! A few minor injuries were sustained but overall it was a very successful week. Many of the players in the team are competing with the Adelaide Strikers in the Twenty20 Big Bash championship coming up. I'll be watching with added interest!

If you're a cricketer and have aches and pains, don't leave it too long without getting it checked. See your Good Country Physiotherapy physiotherapist in Keith or Bordertown today!

Low back pain by Grace Gibbs (physiotherapist)

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:04:00 GMT

Low back pain is currently a major health issue, and it has been estimated that 60-80% of people will experience an episode of low back pain during their lives. Due to the associated socioeconomic implications, it is important to quickly address low back pain and avoid chronic pain. Physiotherapists have the training to correctly assess your problem and provide effective management.

A specific diagnosis regarding the cause of a person's low back pain is often difficult, because any of the many tissues innervated in the region of the low back can be a potential source of pain. Physiotherapists will therefore use a “clinical reasoning” process to help determine the source of pain. Current diagnostic approaches include structured, category and impairment/dysfunction based diagnoses. These are broad terms which focus on the general presentation rather than specific tissue injuries.

Acute low back pain is defined as pain that lasts less than 3 months; it can be severe, persistent or fluctuating. In regards to a specific diagnosis – the pelvis, facet joints and intervertebral disc in the lower back are commonly implicated. Rehabilitation from acute low back pain may include any of the following strategies:

Mobilising stiff joints
Stabilising loose joints
Stretching short muscles
Strengthening weak muscles
Facilitating and retraining inhibited muscles

A large amount of research has been conducted to support the use of specific physiotherapy interventions. Exercise is one of the most useful treatment modalities used by physiotherapists and proven in the evidence to be effective. Directional preference exercises specifically are well-researched and evidence shows that a patient’s preferred direction of movement is successful in restoring function, and decreasing pain. The McKenzie method uses directional preference exercises to great effect. Recently, Good Country Physiotherapy director Angela Dunsford published some research in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare in the area of McKenzie exercises.

Chronic low back pain is traditionally defined by pain that has been present for greater than 6 months. Biopsychosocial factors have been recognised to play a crucial role in the outcome of chronic pain. Physiotherapists have the correct tools to identify the problem, improve function and provide a cognitive behavioural management approach, which has been shown to be effective in the research.

For more information about low back pain, speak to your GCP physiotherapist today in Bordertown or Keith.

SIJ pain explained by Anna Brookman (physiotherapist)

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:18:00 GMT

What is the Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) ?

The SIJ is right at the bottom of your back. You have one joint on each side. It is where the sacrum joins the ilium (pelvic bone). These joints allow twisting movements when we move our legs so to take some of the load off our pelvis. Problems can arrive when the joints become ‘locked’ or have a lack of movement (stiff). Problems can also arise if there is too much movement in the SIJ.

What are symptoms of SIJ dysfunction?

Pain in the very low back to the right or left side
Possible buttock or leg pain
Dull ache or catching pain
Pain with activities such as putting shoes/socks on, rolling over in bed, getting in out of the car, walking

Causes

Trauma
Pregnancy/Hormonal
Muscle imbalance
Inflammation

What can you do about it?

Avoid doing activities that aggravate it and see your physio. We have a range of treatment techniques that can help. GCP physiotherapists are trained in assessing pelvic dysfunctions and using muscle release or muscle energy techniques to correct your SIJ issues. In some cases, wearing an SIJ or pelvic belt may also help.

How can you prevent it returning?

Exercise rehab is a great way to make a difference long term. Doing pilates exercises, or specific exercises given to you by your physio or going to the gym can all help.

If you have any questions about SIJ pain, speak to one of the Good Country Physiotherapy staff today at Keith or Bordertown.

Self help tips for relieving pain by Noreen O'Connor (physiotherapist)

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:59:00 GMT

Nobody wants to be in pain…Its not the most pleasant experience in the world hence the reason none of us are very happy when we have a nasty injury or just some general aches and pains!! Fear not though as we have at our disposal a number of strategies and products designed to alleviate this unnecessary evil that just drags us all down!!

Exercise in the form of gentle stretching is a cheap, easy and effective way to help reduce pain. This can be self-directed, or in the form of a class, such as Clinical Pilates classes. Also cardiovascular exercise such as walking, bike riding and swimming has been shown to be helpful in reducing and controlling pain levels in people who suffer from chronic pain. So along with the pain relieving/controlling effects you also get the cardiovascular benefits….its a win-win situation!!

Heat is an old and trusted method that is widely used to help relieve a wide variety of painful conditions. Heat can be applied to the painful area in the form of a wheat bag, hot water bottle or through the use of topical creams such as Flexall or Fisiocrem. The other option is ice, through the use of a flexible ice pack. All these products are available at Good County Physiotherapy so come in and check out our range.

Natural medicines, such as glucosamine and fish oil, are also worth trying if you struggle with joint aches and pains. Good Country Physiotherapy stock Bioceuticals products, which are excellent quality and great value for money.

Taping can be a very useful tool to relieve painful shoulders, knees, fingers etc. Ask your physiotherapist to demonstrate how to do it yourself at home with the appropriate materials. Fixomull and zinc oxide tape are the most commonly used and are all available for purchase at Good Country Physiotherapy or from the pharmacy.

Electrotherapeutic devices such as TENS machines can sometimes be helpful for those suffering from chronic pain conditions. Ask your physiotherapist for more information and whether this may be an appropriate pain-relieving option for you.

In short there are many options out there that you can employ yourself to help reduce pain. Try a few and decide what works best for you!

Contact one of the experienced physiotherapists at Good Country Physiotherapy TODAY in Keith, Bordertown, Kingston or Padthaway to find out how you can help manage your own pain better.

PART TWO: All you need to know about osteoporosis by Anna Brookman (physiotherapist)

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:25:00 GMT

This is part two in our two part series on osteoporosis. Here, Anna discusses what can be done to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Enjoy!

Prevention is better than cure:

Vitamin D is important for building bone. Older people often have low levels of Vit D due to less exposure to the sun and insufficient intake in their diet. Therefore Vit D intake can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Vit D is also needed in the absorption of Calcium which is one of the most important building blocks for healthy bones. At Good Country Physiotherapy, we sell a very good quality Vit D which is not expensive and you only need to take three drops a day. It is very easy to take.

Also minimising the risks that are around your home that may contribute to falls is very important, such as rugs, small tables and poor lighting. If you have low bone density and you fall, you are much more likely to fracture a bone.

There are different medications that can be taken to help manage or prevent osteoporosis such as calcitonin and hormone replacement treatment. You can discuss these with your doctor if you or they feel is necessary.

Exercise is very important!!! Not just any exercise but weight bearing or resistance exercise. We as physiotherapists can help you with this and design a program specifically for you to help you maintain your bone density. There is also a great exercise group in Keith and Bordertown called Hands on Health, which does a great variety of exercises once a week which would be ideal.

Healthy diet is vital. One that has sufficient Vit D, calcium and protein. Eating things such as salmon, leafy greens, cheese, milk, tofu, yoghurt and sardines. If this is difficult for you, supplement it with Vit D, or calcium supplements.

Quit unhealthy habits such as drinking or smoking.

If you want any more information see the links below or contact your physiotherapist in Keith, Bordertown, Kingston and Padthaway, or your local Doctor.

Helpful Links:

Osteoporosis Australia

http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/about/about-osteoporosis/what-is-osteoporosis/

Osteoporosis – Thin Bones

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001400/

National Osteoporosis Foundation

http://www.nof.org/aboutosteoporosis

PART ONE: All you need to know about osteoporosis by Anna Brookman (physiotherapist)

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:16:00 GMT

This is part one in a two part series on osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Day is 20th October. It is a disease which can affect all of us so take the time to read up about it now.

What is Osteoporosis?

It is when the bones thin and become less dense. They become more like Swiss cheese than solid. This makes them more prone to fractures. Common places for osteoporotic fractures to occur are in the spine, hips and wrists. It is more common than you may think. In Australia someone is admitted to hospital with an osteoporotic fracture every 5 – 6 minutes. 50% of people with a fracture due to osteoporosis will have another fracture during their lifetime.

Causes/Risk Factors:

¥ Little weight bearing exercise

¥ Vitamin D deficiency

¥ Taking corticosteroids

¥ Chronic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis

¥ Eating disorders

¥ Low body weight

¥ Smoking

¥ Excessive drinking

¥ Insufficient calcium

¥ Family History

¥ Women are at greater risk than men

¥ Lack of sunlight exposure

Signs/Symptoms:

¥ Significant loss of height

¥ Fractures without any trauma to cause them

¥ Bone pain

¥ Stooped posture

Diagnosis:

This is done by a bone density test. If you feel you need to arrange one of these, see your doctor. Physiotherapists are trained to identify the signs and symptoms of osteoporosis, and will refer you on as appropriate. Please speak to us today if you have concerns about your bone density. Remember that Good Country Physiotherapy has offices in Keith and Bordertown, and visit Kingston and Padthaway weekly.

Stay tuned for part two next week, where you can learn what you can do prevent and treat osteoporosis.

I have arthritis. Can physiotherapy help me? By Grace Gibbs (physiotherapist)

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:11:00 GMT

October is Bones and Joints month at Good Country Physiotherapy in Keith and Bordertown. This month, physiotherapist Grace Gibbs provides some insights into arthritis and how physiotherapists can help with this very common condition.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term given to a group of conditions that affect the joints in the body, often resulting in pain, stiffness, inflammation and associated damage to the joint structure. Arthritis can occur in any joint at any time. There are various types, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) and psoriatic arthritis.

Physiotherapy is essential in the prevention and management of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. Interventions prescribed by physiotherapists are supported by a strong evidence base, and can be used to alleviate the symptoms associated with arthritis, particularly pain.

Physiotherapists use non-pharmacological modalities including exercise therapy, self management/education, joint mobilisation, weight-loss (if overweight), aerobic exercise, range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening exercises, assistive devices for ambulation, appropriate footwear, electrotherapy and prescription of joint protection devices.

Patient education is an integral part of the treatment plan for patients with OA. Check out the following website http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au and familiarise yourself with the educational materials available, including information pamphlets, newsletters and support phone numbers.

In patient’s with arthritis of the lower limbs (eg hip or knee pain), you may have limitations that impair your ability to perform activities of daily living such as walking, bathing, dressing and doing household chores. Physiotherapists assess muscle strength, joint stability and mobility and recommend the use of modalities such as heat (particularly useful prior to exercise). Exercise programs which specifically target joint range of motion, muscle strength and functional abilities are very important in the management of arthritic conditions.

Mobility devices – correct use of a mobility device, such as a walking stick or frame, reduces loading forces on the joint and can be associated with a decrease in pain and improvement of function. Your physiotherapist can help you with the right mobility device to suit your needs.

Speak to your physiotherapist today to find out how we can help you to manage your arthritis so you can live your life to the max!

AFL Injury Report 2010

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:32:00 GMT

With the AFL grand final only days away, I thought it would be good to take a look at the injuries which commonly occur in the highest level of our national game.

The 2010 AFL Injury Report was recently published in Sport Health, the journal of Sports Medicine Australia. The incidence of injury was the highest in ten years in 2010, with 38.6 new injuries per club for the 2010 season. These injuries resulted in 153.8 missed games per club, with an average of 4 games missed per club and a recurrence rate of 12%.

The most common injuries in the AFL in 2010 were hamstring strains (6.0 new injuries per club), closely followed by groin strains/osteitis pubis (4.1) and ankle joint sprains (3.3). Other injuries seen more commonly are shoulder sprains and dislocations (1.6), forearm/wrist/hand fractures (1.2), lumbar and thoracic spine injuries (1.7), knee cartilage injuries (1.7), calf strains (1.7) and other leg/foot/ankle injuries (1.7).

The injuries which resulted in the most games missed per club were hamstring strains (20.6), groin strains/osteitis pubis (15.3), knee cartilage (13.0) and shoulder sprains and dislocations (10.9).

The overall injury incidence and prevalence have slightly but significantly increased over the last seven years. This has resulted in changes to the interchange rules, with the use of a substitution player in 2010 for the first time. The impact that this has had on injury rates will be evaluated in the 2011 data in months to come.

Considerable time and money is put into the AFL to address injury rates. More work is required, particularly in the area of hamstring injuries which continue to be the enemy of many footballers at elite level. The recurrence rate of hamstring injuries was down in 2010 but they are still the most common injury, the reasons for which are multifactorial.

Through musculoskeletal screening, some injuries can be prevented. If you are interested in screening for football, or any other sport, contact one of our Good Country Physiotherapy physiotherapists today in Keith, Bordertown, Kingston, Padthaway or Tintinara.

Why exercise? By Noreen O'Connor (physiotherapist)

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:16:00 GMT

Exercise... we all know we should do it but have you ever wondered why we should?? I mean we’re all pretty busy these days with work, housework, looking after kids…the list could go on and on!! But is exercise really that important that we should try and clear some time in our already jam-packed daily lives to exercise?? The answer is an emphatic YES!!!

Exercise will benefit not only your physical health but also your mental health. Exercise decreases weight, increases muscle tone and flexibility, decreases blood pressure, cholesterol and stress levels, thereby reducing the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. It also decreases the onset and progression of conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The release of endorphins that exercise brings about will leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less stressed out!! And while you may feel a little bit puffed out after an intense workout you will find that by performing regular exercise you will feel far more energetic and will sleep much better too.

We are currently facing a battle against obesity in our society, most worryingly amongst young children. Exercise is a major factor in both the prevention and the solution to this problem. I would encourage all families to make exercise part of their children’s daily routine. There are many forms of exercise that can be done as a family, like bike riding, hiking, swimming, going to the park and kicking the footy about…..use your imagination!! And most importantly, all of these activities are either free or relatively inexpensive!!

So I think the message is clear….GET MOVING PEOPLE!!!

Speak to one of the physiotherapists at Good Country Physiotherapy today about how we can help you to exercise safely and effectively, to achieve your goals. Contact Good Country Physiotherapy at Keith on 8755 1530 or Bordertown on 8752 2330. We run pilates and falls&balance classes and help with strength training classes so there is an exercise group for everyone too!

Noreen O'Connor, Physiotherapist

Flat feet in Children - what you need to know by Shannyn McGrice

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:19:00 GMT

Did you know that a pronated or “flat” foot posture is normal in children under the age of 2?? Arches and foot posture, along with all lower limb alignment including knees and hips, does not fully develop until the age of eight.

Therefore, unless your child is complaining of pain or having difficulty keeping up with other children of the same age, having flat feet alone is not necessarily a problem. It is a good idea to check your child’s foot posture and if they are reporting any lower limb pain, tripping over excessively or walking strangely, have a lower limb assessment done by a Physiotherapist is a good idea.

In most cases, there is no need for treatment, but your Physiotherapist can give you advice regarding footwear and strengthening activities. If treatment is required, this may include orthotic prescription, changes in footwear and exercises. Excessively high arches on the other hand, are more of a concern and should always be assessed by a health professional.

There are some simple things that you can do to help with the development of your child’s arches. Your child needs to have barefoot time every day to allow their intrinsic foot muscles to develop, which gives the feet stability and helps with arch development. It is recommended that children do not wear shoes for greater than eight hours per day. The type of shoes that your child wears is also very important. Young children should wear a flexible sports shoe, one that allows their foot to move naturally (the shoe should bend where your child’s foot does!).

Whilst flat feet on its own may be of no concern, please note that any lower limb pain, including hips, knees, ankles, hamstrings, quads or calves needs to be assessed.

If you are concerned about your child’s feet or lower limb alignment, organise a Physiotherapy assessment at Good Country Physiotherapy in Keith, Bordertown, Kingston or Tintinara today. Your physiotherapist is trained in paediatric foot assessment and can determine whether or not intervention is required.

Shannyn McGrice - Physiotherapist at Good Country Physiotherapy

Celebrate World Physiotherapy Day - 8th September

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:09:00 GMT

World Physiotherapy Day is fast approaching - Thursday 8th September 2011.

This is a day which celebrates all things physio! Good Country Physiotherapy are pleased to help mark this special occasion this year, with posters around the clinics in Keith and Bordertown.

Physiotherapy is a diverse and exciting profession. Physiotherapists can help you in so many different ways. Here are a few examples:

- sports physiotherapists can treat and rehabilitate any sporting injuries

- musculoskeletal physiotherapists can assess and treat any bone, joint, muscle, tendon, ligament or nerve injuries

- paediatric physiotherapists help children with developmental issues

- neurological physiotherapists help people with neurological conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease

- occupational physiotherapists treat injured workers and help workplaces to become safer

- continence and women's health physiotherapists help men and women overcome bladder and bowel dysfunction and help women before and after pregnancy

There are many more examples of how physiotherapists help people of all ages to live happier and healthier lives. With a range of treatment options, including mobilisation, massage, acupuncture/dry needling and exercise therapy, physiotherapsits can help you help yourself to get better.

If you are in pain or your body isn't doing what you think it should, get in touch with your local physiotherapist and see if they can help you! Call Good Country Physiotherapy on 8752 2330 or 8755 1530. With clinics in Keith, Bordertown, Kingston and Tintinara, there is sure to be a physio near you!

New staff at GCP

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 09:37:00 GMT

Welcome to 2011. The first six weeks of this year seem to have flown by. During this time, I have been back consulting in Keith, Bordertown and Tintinara. It's been great to see so many familiar faces on my return and I'm glad to be back helping to keep you happy and healthy this year!

Good Country Physiotherapy has two new faces who you will see in Keith and Bordertown. New physiotherapist, Grace Gibbs, joins us from New Zealand in a permanent position. She has started consulting in both Keith and Bordertown. She has a background in gymnastics and is very glad to be working in Australia. She is joined by new receptionist Jess Mattys, who is also working between Keith and Bordertown. Jess is completing an administration traineeship through us and we welcome her to the team too. Make sure you say hello to the new girls if you see them!

I am very pleased to announce that Pilates and hydrotherapy classes with Shannyn McGrice (physiotherapist) will recommence in Bordertown after a short break. Pilates will be 6-7pm Wednesday nights and hydro will be 1:30-2pm on Wednesdays. For more information, speak to one of our staff. More classes are in the pipeline so watch out for that.

Did you know that there are exercise classes specifically for people with chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, arthritis, chronic back or other pains and osteoporosis?? Hands on Health classes are being held in Keith and Bordertown on a weekly basis. The classes are supervised by a personal trainer, with regular input from physios at GCP. If you want more information, speak to our staff.

Don't forget if you have pain in any area, our physios may be able to help. Now with more appointments available each day, give one of the clinics a call today to start managing your pain. You don't have to put up with pain! Make the call - 8755 1530 or 8752 2330. There's a location near you - Keith, Bordertown, Tintinara, Kingston SE.

That's all for now. Keep well!