When it comes to physiotherapy treatments, two modalities that are often discussed and debated are exercise therapy and manual therapy. Both have their distinct advantages and can be used in different contexts, depending on the patient’s needs, goals, and specific conditions. As physiotherapists, we must carefully consider the benefits and limitations of both approaches to…
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Humans are creatures of habit, and most of us find comfort in staying within our comfort zones, even when it no longer serves our growth. Sometimes, however, stepping out of that zone is exactly what we need. One such instance for me was moving away from my home—perhaps the most comforting place I’ve known. Two…
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Whether you’re commuting to work, training for a race, or simply enjoying the weekend trails, the key to comfort and performance in cycling lies in one critical factor: your bike fit. A proper fit doesn’t just make your ride more comfortable—it enhances your efficiency, boosts performance, and most importantly, reduces the risk of injury. In…
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Persistent pain in numbers Statistics can be boring, but they paint a picture, so here is one paragraph that sets the backdrop. In Australia, if you stood in a room with 10 randomly-selected people, one of those people is likely to have persistent pain. If these people were all over the age of 45 years,…
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Having just been away from home on an overseas holiday for over three weeks, it’s hard to imagine not putting on excessive weight or losing fitness and strength while enjoying all the local cuisines. Let’s face it, when you go away on such a trip, the aim is to unplug from normal routines, savour all…
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The recent streak of beautiful weather in Ballarat has been a runner’s paradise. There’s nothing quite like jogging around Lake Wendouree when the water is mirror-like and the sun is shining. Four years ago, I broke my hip in a cycling accident, and I gave up hope of ever riding again, let alone running. Driving…
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Have you ever wondered why a physiotherapist or health professional might ask about your work, school, sleep, mood, or hobbies? This is because pain and injuries involve more than just physical factors. The biopsychosocial model of care is a healthcare approach that considers the biological, psychological, and social aspects influencing a person’s health and well-being.…
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With the winter sport seasons back, there is no doubt there will be a few sore bodies as the players adjust to the harsh reality of playing sport on a freezing cold Ballarat winters’ day. However, there will be some players who have something more significant than a few bruises, whether that be a rolled…
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Have you ever experienced pain in the back of your ankle? It could be Achilles tendinopathy, a common issue that affects the tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. But did you know that sometimes what seems like Achilles tendinopathy might be something else? Let’s dive into how physiotherapists assess and differentiate this…
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If you’ve ever had an ACL injury or know someone who has, you understand how crucial it is to get back to normal life and activities. But did you know that simple hop tests could be a game-changer in predicting your future outcomes? Let’s break it down. Why are hop tests important? After an ACL…
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