Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a branch of treatment that uses physical means to relieve pain, regain range of movement, restore muscle strength and return patients to normal activities of daily living.

At Sandringham Sports Medicine, our Physiotherapists aim to return the injured athlete or individual to their previous level of function in the shortest time possible, with the least likelihood of recurrence. Our philosophy is to "Get Back Active". Sandringham Sports Medicine has the staff and facilities to enable you to achieve this. We offer "hands-on" manual and manipulative treatment, with the latest technology to promote recovery and prevent re-injury. With our multidisciplinary team and the Re-Creation King Club pool and gymnasium, we offer a full rehabilitation program for both sporting and occupational injuries.

Our Physiotherapy Management team has over 50 years of committed experience in providing expert clinical care to residents in the Bayside community.

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Clinical Pilates

The technique of Clinical Pilates allows the individual to build a strong abdominal core, from the deep inner layer of muscles to the more superficial layers. Core strength combined with pelvic stability is the origins from which a strong mid section of the spine is built. This stabilises the torso and enables stable and firm movement to flow. Recent research has shown that specific exercise programs designed and supervised by Physiotherapists are the most effective management for problems such as tendinopathies, muscular tears and back pain.

Clinical Pilates is used by Physiotherapists to:

• - reduce pain
• - correct biomechanics
• - improve posture
• - improve flexibility
• - improve tone and strength
• - enhance athletic performance
• - prevent injury

Clinical Pilates Program at Sandringham Sports Medicine

Patients commencing a Clinical Pilates program require close supervision by a certified Physiotherapist. This ensures the patient masters the techniques of Pilates while a specific program for their rehabilitation is devised.

As the patient progresses through the sessions, movements which once seemed clumsy and awkward are performed with co-ordination and ease. At this point the patient can progress from supervised sessions to semi-supervised sessions and finally to unsupervised sessions. Technique and exercise upgrades are encouraged regularly to maintain progress. Programs are eventually progressed to high level floor work and home exercise programs.

Clinical Pilates are covered by Workcover, TAC and private health insurance. HICAPS facilities are available.

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Melbourne Whiplash and Headache Centre

The latest in rehabilitation technology for the injured neck is available at The Melbourne Whiplash Centre (located within Sandringham Sports Medicine). As seen on "A Current Affair" and "Good Medicine", The Melbourne Whiplash Centre uses technology to accurately measure neck range of motion and strength of each muscle group and provide the necessary rehabilitation program to relieve neck pain and improve function. The Staff at the Melbourne Whiplash Centre specialise in the assessment and treatment of chronic neck pain, whiplash and headaches. For more information visit www.whiplashcentre.com

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Podiatry

Podiatrists Richard Kobylarz and Teena Lomen have been providing expert foot care to patients of Sandringham Sports Medicine since 1992. They offer comprehensive professional advice and treatment for a wide range of foot problems. The primary focus is sport related injuries with a strong emphasis on prevention and management in children and adolescents. The service provides expertise in the areas of footwear advice, biomechanical assessment of foot posture/function and prescription foot support and orthotic management.

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Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a "whole body" system of manual therapy, based on unique biomechanical principles, which uses a wide range of techniques to treat musculo-skeletal problems and other functional disorders of the body. Osteopathy is best known for the treatment of:

• back and neck pain,
• sciatica,
• headaches,
• pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles, tendinitis and muscle strains,
• work-related and repetitive strain injuries, and
• sports-related injuries.

Osteopathy can also play a significant role in pain management in arthritic conditions, and when used in conjunction with medical treatment, can be of value in reducing the severity of symptoms in conditions such as asthma, gynaecological dysfunction and chronic fatigue. Many mothers-to-be find Osteopathic treatment very beneficial both to reduce back pain during pregnancy and also to help prepare the body for birth. In addition, there is a wide variety of gentle non-manipulative techniques for use on infants and small children.

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Sports Medicine Physicians and Specialists

The Sandringham Sports Medicine Centre can arrange access to Melbourne's leading Sports Physicians and Orthopedic surgeons (by prior appointment only).

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Myotherapy

Myotherapy is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structures of the body (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia).

Literally “muscular therapy”, Myotherapy is a multi-skilled physical therapy within the Allied Health Profession.

Depending on the particular problem, the Myotherapist may use a combination of modalities such as:

• - Soft Tissue Manipulation
• - Myofascial stretching
• - Dry Needling
• - Rehabilitative Exercises

When can Myotherapy help?

• - For aches, pain or discomfort at rest or on movement (including headaches)
• - Those with sports or occupational induced injuries
• - To increase range of motion and decrease tension around joints
• - To restore muscle balance and improve posture
• - To reduce recovery time and soreness after exercise

All our therapists are nationally registered and qualified to assess and manage muscular injury and pain.

The treatment provided by a Myotherapist can be complimentary to that provided by other allied health practitioners (e.g Physiotherapist, Podiatrist or Osteopath) and may be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.

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Sports and Remedial Massage

Massage promotes muscle recovery and relaxation. We have qualified and experienced masseurs, specialising in sports and remedial massage. Gift vouchers for massage are available. Please [click here to contact us] to purchase a gift voucher online.

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Sports Nutrition

Our Dietitians can provide practical dietary advice adapted to suit your individual needs & lifestyle. Nutrition advice can be provided for a variety of reasons including general health or for specific medical conditions, such as:

• Increasing Energy Levels
• Overweight / Obesity
• Heart Disease / High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Impaired Glucose Tolerance
• Eating Well within a Busy Lifestyle
• High Blood Pressure
• Dieting / Fad Diets
• Body Image / Eating Disorders
• Pregnancy
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Kidney / Liver Conditions

Nutrition advice can be provided for a range of activity levels, from the recreational exerciser to elite athletes. Advice can be given to:

• Ensure your training diet is adequate
• Meet the increased needs for energy & nutrients arising from a regular exercise program
• Maximise sports performance
• Assist you in achieving the optimal physique for your sport (appropriate levels of body fat & muscle mass)
• Utilise strategies before, during & after exercise to optimise performance & promote recovery
• Prepare for a particular event
• Promote effective use of sport supplements
• Re-fuel & re-hydrate adequately

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Dry Needling

Dry Needling is used for the treatment of muscle pain and dysfunction. The approach is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles and is not to be confused with Chinese Acupuncture. Dry Needling involves introducing fine, sterile acupuncture needles into “trigger points” of muscles. A Trigger point is defined as a hyperirritable spot within a muscle. Trigger points are painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, referred tenderness, motor dysfunction and “autonomic” responses such as temperature and skin changes over the site of pathology. Trigger points are commonly seen in both acute and chronic pain conditions. Dry Needling alleviates the symptoms of trigger points and is commonly used for the treatment of:

• - wry neck
• - jaw pain
• - headaches and migraines
• - muscular tightness
• - stress
• - chronic pain syndrome
• - sporting injuries
• - compartment tightness and shin splints
• - hamstring and lower back problems

Dry Needling uses the same needles as Acupuncture and 71% of trigger points actually coincide with acupoints. Dry Needling Therapists at Sandringham Sports Medicine are trained in the application of Dry Needling – contact us today to discuss whether Dry Needling is appropriate for your condition.

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ERGO-LOGIC
Worksite Ergonomic Assessment

"Ergonomics" is the science of fitting a job and job-related equipment to individual human physical and psychological characteristics.

Physiotherapists at Sandringham Sports Medicine offer an individualised ergonomic assessment that considers the relationship between you and your work environment. Each assessment takes into account physical factors, work environments and work systems/processes.

Workers whose workstations are poorly matched to them can suffer a wide array of discomforts or even injury depending on the task and physical arrangement of the work area. Neck, back and shoulder strain, visual difficulties, headache, hand, arm, wrist, ankle and foot pain are some potential indicators of a work area in need of ergonomic adjustment. If you find you are experiencing some of these difficulties please contact one of our therapists to discuss whether you require an ergonomic assessment.

Our ergonomic assessment programs cover the following:

• Ergonomic Workstation set up
• Inner and Outer Reach Zones and reducing clutter at the workstation
• Equipment angles and optimal heights
• Workstation Posture
• Importance of taking breaks
• Exercises
• Written Ergonomic Assessment Report for each individual to contain all recommendations for optimal ergonomic workstation set up. Working posture is appraised and recommendations for change, breaks and exercise are also included.
• Follow up within 10 working days to discuss options.

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