Learn more about our collaborative physio and podiatry care in Shepparton!
Watch our video introducing Shepparton’s Physio and Podiatry team, GV Sportscare and learn how we work together to get the best outcome for you!
Watch our video introducing Shepparton’s Physio and Podiatry team, GV Sportscare and learn how we work together to get the best outcome for you!
If you’re like us and love a good podcast, this is a great one! Stephen Rendall, a sport psychologist who has worked with many elite young athletes across many different sports, is interviewed by sports physio Scott Wilson as part of the Young Athlete Podcast. An easy 55 minute listen full of great practical tips about how to support your young athlete, from how to understand how their brain works from a developmental point of view, to how to act in the lead up to a big event. There are simple things like body language and how to talk to your athlete after a disappointing event or match. The link below also lists related websites and books for those who would like to know more. Happy listening!
Are you worried that your elderly family members aren’t getting enough exercise during this period of social isolation? It’s a valid concern, we know that regular physical activity is very important for overall health and also in preventing falls in the older person.
A fantastic new website ‘Safe Exercise at Home’ has been launched by leading physiotherapists in this space. These physios are experts in the realm of falls prevention and exercise in the older adult in both the clinical and academic realms.
-has 3 different levels that an individual can start from, whether they are a beginner to exercise or usually quite active
-there are videos for suggested exercises and recommendations on where to perform them safely within your home
-great tips for staying motivated, including access to an exercise planner -specific resources for exercising if you have a health problem like a lung disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, etc
-perfect for those that aren’t normally active as level 1 provides great beginner exercises that are easily achieved in your own home
-good alternatives for those who are usually active and are currently unable to leave the house
If you have any concerns for safety when exercising the website is not intended to replace healthcare and it is recommended you visit your local Shepparton doctor or Shepparton physiotherapist for tailored advice.
If you have any questions let us know, we’d love to hear form you if you start implementing this within your family!
Visit: https://www.safeexerciseathome.org.au/
Endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Sophie Woodhouse
Physiotherapist Shepparton, GV Sportscare
A common complaint we often hear is ‘I’ve got a headache, I know it’s coming from my neck’, but have you ever thought why neck issues can cause headaches? We call this a Cervicogenic headache, meaning headache originating from the cervical spine (the neck).
The main issue at play is the nerves that carry information from the upper 3 segments of the cervical spine (C1-3) converge on the same point in the brain that informs it of head pain. Due to the anatomy of the nerves the brain essentially is confused about where the pain is coming from and therefore neck pain is instead interpreted as a headache.
For some people this is one sided, for example their right neck joints and muscles will refer pain to the right side of the head causing a right sided headache. This is often reflected in the examination performed by the physiotherapist where the right side of the neck will be much more tender to touch than the left.
For people with cervicogenic headaches, physiotherapy can therefore be of great benefit as we can find the cause of the neck pain and work to release and strengthen the neck. Reducing the tension on the neck therefore reduces the neural input to the brain that signifies pain that is then interpreted as a headache. This includes a thorough assessment to identify what activities or postures are placing additional strain on your neck. For example some desk workers who spend long time sitting and use a mouse in their right hand will find that they fatigue the right side of their shoulder and neck muscles. The physiotherapist will then work to find strategies to reduce this tension via actions taken at work while also using soft tissue and mobilisation techniques, followed by a strengthening program.
It is also important to note that most headaches are multifactorial and other factors include hormonal, blood pressure, stress, mental health and medication. Each of these factors will need to be explored to varying levels in different people. This may involve consultation with other health professionals.
See also this blog by the Australian Physiotherapy Association for more information:
https://choose.physio/your-body/neck/neck-related-cervicogenic-headache
References:
Biondi, D. M. (2005). Cervicogenic headache: a review of diagnostic and treatment strategies. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 105(4_suppl), 16S-22S.
Bogduk, N. (2001). Cervicogenic headache: anatomic basis and pathophysiologic mechanisms. Current pain and headache reports, 5(4), 382-386.
Image source: https://postpt.com/web/headaches-we-all-get-them-cherie-is-here-to-educate-us/
Sophie Woodhouse
Physiotherapist Shepparton, GV Sportscare