Draft ‘summer school’ for January 2020. Timetable is subject to change.

These classes will run for 3 WEEKS in our Sydney CBD and Broadway clinics. Classes will **run over the weeks of Monday 6th, 13th and 20th January 2020 .
**

Classes are recommended and scheduled for:

• Intermediate/advanced  mixed level Pilates for challenging and functional postural control. These classes are suitable for our existing Pilates clientele currently attending our clinical rehab, intermediate or advanced classes in 2019.
• Pregnancy specific Pilates. These classes are suitable for our existing pregnancy Pilates clientele currently attending our classes, or have been assessed to be ready for these classes.
• Mums&bubs Pilates. Safe pelvic floor, belly and postural awareness exercises with bub in tow!

Chatting about menopause for October 18 and World Menopause Day!

by Aline Filipe Nunes, women’s health physiotherapist

Menopause is the name we give to the last time a woman had her menstrual period. Having a latin origin, the word comes from meno- pausis, meaning the stop or pause of the monthly flow. Although the prospects of not having the period may sound good for some, others dread at the thought of it.

Why is menopause seen as a bad thing?

In Australia, menopause occurs in average around 51 years old however, the common period is situated between 45 and 55. If earlier than this it is said that there was an early or premature menopause.

The peri menopausal period (this means ‘around menopause’) is often associated with many symptoms such as:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Weight gain
• Aches and pains
• Fatigue or irritability
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Premenstrual such as sore breasts
• Bloating and gastrointestinal complaints
• Decreased cognition and brain fog
• Dry skin
• Decreased vaginal lubrication and decreased libido
• Pain during sex
• Urinary frequency
• Sleeping problems and insomnia

These symptoms can last from 5 to 10 years after menopause so, no wonder many women do not look forward this time. However, it is important to mention that not every woman feels these symptoms. About 20% of women will not feel any symptoms at all and 60% of them only feel them mildly. However, the remaining 20% of women will feel these symptoms more severely.

So why do these symptoms happen?

During the peri-menopausal period hormonal changes start to occur with a permanent drop of the production of oestrogen until a new lower level is found. Oestrogen is a sexual hormone that is linked to serotonin, a chemical that regulates mood, emotions and sleep.

After menopause, this new lower oestrogen level has an effect on our sex drive, musculo-skeletal system and sleep.  There is often a  reduced libido, vaginal dryness and pain that can occur during intercourse. Skeletal muscle mass, strength, and regenerative muscle capacity can explain the fatigue, aches and pains associated with this period. The lack of oestrogen associated with sleep deprivation seems to be a major contributor to mood swings, anxiety, irritability and brain fog.

A cool fact!

Research has shown that peri-menopausal symptoms don’t seem to be linked to only hormones alone. Did you know that the way we perceive menopause seems to have a direct impact on the severity of symptoms.  Cultures where being old is seen as something negative, report more severe symptoms. So, considering that women currently live about one third of their lives after menopause, it is crucial to spread the word that there is treatment and there is a lot you can do to improve your life and decrease your symptoms. Start with a different outlook for this period of your life.

Here’s a plan to tackle menopause head-on!

• Exercise. Exercise appears to improve many menopause related symptoms, in addition to being a great way to improve weight, body strength and bone health.  Exercise also helps with cognition and mood swings as well as improves self esteem, libido and stress levels. Exercise is also linked top reduced changes to develop cancer and other diseases. What a great way to improve or maintain your quality of life during menopause!
• Eat well. Eat your vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean meats and legumes to help your gut, improve digestion and, as a consequence, improve your energy levels and mood.
• Sleep! Stress ( due partly to lack of sleep) is a major hormonal disruptor and has a direct impact in your whole body. Stress can worsen your gut, impact your sleep further and worsen your mood symptoms.
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy (contact us!). If you have any pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness or urinary related symptoms (such as incontinence, urgency, increased frequency to empty bladder or bowel), a women’s health physio is an expert therapist at helping you with these issues ‘down below!’
• Counselling or psychology. Finding yourself a good counsellor can help you transition through this period. Some of us may feel that menopause is a period that transitions a woman from a fertile to infertile period. Some women need to go through the mourning of what their body was and what it is now. Having someone to debrief this is often crucial so women can embrace their new life period in full.

Be kind to yourself.

The period around menopause is a symbolic period of change and often women use it to define new goals and set new commitments. Having some time off and time to restore energy is crucial in order to embrace this new beginning and assess your lifestyle and overall health and relationships.

It is crucial to mention that, if you believe that you are going through early menopause, finding a good team is crucial. A woman that goes through menopause around her 40s has a higher chance to develop osteoporosis and other health problems hence, menopause hormonal therapy, being low risk, can be recommended. If you have concerns regarding this, ask your doctor.

https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management

Draft ‘term 4 2019’ Pilates timetable is subject to change.

These classes will run for 10 WEEKS in our BROADWAY clinic.

Classes will commence from Monday 14th October and end Friday 20th December 2019.

Classes for this term at our Broadway clinic are recommended and scheduled for:

• Intermediate to advanced Pilates based classes
• Pregnancy specific Pilates
• Mums&Bubs post natal Pilates. Safe and fun with baby when you really want to be sure your exercise is safe as a new mum. 

Draft ‘term 4 2019’ Pilates timetable is subject to change.

These classes will run for 10 WEEKS in our YORK STREET CBD clinic.

Classes will commence from Monday 14th October and end Friday 20th December 2019.

Classes for this term at our York Street CBD clinic are recommended and scheduled for:

• Clinical Rehabiltation classes
• Beginners Pilates based classes
• Intermediate to advanced Pilates based classes
• Pregnancy specific Pilates
• Mums&Bubs post natal Pilates. Safe and fun with baby when you really want to be sure your exercise is safe as a new mum. 

Draft ‘October term break 2019’. Timetable is subject to change.

These classes will run for 2 WEEKS in our Sydney CBD and Broadway clinics. Classes will commence from the week commencing **Monday 30th September.
**

Classes are recommended and scheduled for:

• Intermediate/advanced  mixed level Pilates for challenging and functional postural control. These classes are suitable for our existing Pilates clientele currently attending our clinical rehab, intermediate or advanced classes in 2019.
• Pregnancy specific Pilates. These classes are suitable for our existing pregnancy Pilates clientele currently attending our classes, or have been assessed to be ready for these classes.
• Mums&bubs Pilates. Safe pelvic floor, belly and postural awareness exercises with bub in tow!

CBD timetable:

Broadway timetable:

Come and save on physio!

**WOW! Last year to celebrate Fernwood Gym’s 30th birthday, we offered a 3-appointment physiotherapy package for 30% off our usual clinic fees for all members and their friends . We were thrilled with all those who took this up and those we have met we have helped to achieve their physical goals.  Because of this and to celebrate our wonderful new women’s health physio Samah at Broadway gym, we have decided to continue this offer in 2020.
**

 Now is the time to have that physio that you have always been putting off.

• Do you have back, hip or pelvic pain?
• Is your neck or back bothering you sitting at work all day?
• Is your shoulder and neck feeling sore after weights?
• Is your knee really stopping you from running, squatting or jumping to your full potential?
• Do you worry about your posture and want targeted exercise to move better and feel taller?
• Do you or someone you know put up unnecessarily with incontinence?
• Do you suffer from sexual pain? or from endometriosis? or prolapse?
• New mums, are you concerned about bladder control or ab separation? Have you just had a baby and your back and pelvis still feel not quite right?

This is just the tip of what we do as physios at our clinics.

What does this special include?

• 1 full assessment ( 45 minutes for joint and muscle injury, or 60 minutes for any pelvic floor concern)
• 2 follow up appointments to really start to get your issue sorted - physio treatment, massage, targeted exercise prescription for your movement or pelvic floor problem, gym safe exercise to keep you working out, chats with your personal trainers on any exercise mods needed ( these follow up appointments can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length - up to you)

What do I do next?

Contact us on 92640077, or email  broadway@fixprogram.com to chat about this offer and to schedule your first appointment with us.

Do you have a friend or family member who would love to see us? Refer them on to see our physios at these locations.

Term&Conditions
3-appointment package must be paid for upfront to receive the 30% off total fees for the 3 appointments
For muscle and joint issues, see https://www.fixprogram.com/physiotherapy for fees and what to expect
For pelvic floor issues, see https://www.fixprogram.com/womens-health for fees and what to expect
You can claim these appointment fees with private health insurance ( code 500 for the assessment and code 505 for any followup appointments)
A receipt will be issued for your claiming online to receive your rebates
30% does not apply to any sale of equipment by your physio, if needed
Treatments purchased within the 3-pack are valid until 31 December 2020.
One per person please.
Valid for brand new clients to our clinics, or to those we have not seen for over a year and who are returning with a new issue.

The magic of ‘the huff’ when a cough just won’t do the trick

by Tusanee Jierasak, physiotherapist

So it’s the middle of winter.  And if you travel to work on public transport, like me, you might travel in fear, cowering and shrinking away from anyone who is coughing and sneezing everywhere. If you have unfortunately picked up a cold, and it has eased but now you are left with an enduring cough and everlasting phlegm in the chest, please read ahead.

Many don’t realise that physios can specialise in respiratory work, dealing with all things to do with the heart and the lungs. I used to work in a hospital and one of the things respiratory physiotherapists do is to teach people how to breathe properly, and very importantly, how to cough efficiently to be able to remove phlegm (to prevent risks of developing respiratory complications). And I would like to share that with you.

Firstly, what is phlegm / mucus?

Phlegm is the term that refers to muscus produced in the lungs and lower respiratory tract. It is a gel-like protective layer that traps irritants, contains antibodies, and moisturises. As you stretch it, it becomes less thick and sticky and more like a liquid. Normal lung production is 10 to 100mls per day.  However, during a cold or flu, there is increased phlegm production, a change in colour, and it is more viscous (thicker and stickier) which makes it harder remove.  This can lead to the symptoms throughout the whole respiratory system, such blocked sinuses, difficulty breathing, and coughing fits to try and remove the phlegm from the lungs. 

How do I cough correctly to clear phlegm?

You have probably heard those people on the bus or train taking multiple short shallow coughs. These are ineffective. The best way to do an effective cough is:

• Take a deep breath in
• Close the glottis (back of the throat) for a second or two
• Then open the glottis (back of the throat), engage your abdominal muscles, and perform an explosive breath out

This should help the phlegm come up from the lungs into the mouth.  A few of these big coughs, will be a lot more effective than lots of short shallow ones.

Don’t forget to cover your mouth!

What is a huff?

If you are too tired, or it is too painful to perform big coughs, you might like to try a huff. Huffing is a different way to move the phlegm through the airways, closer to the mouth.  

• Take a deep breath in
• Keep the back of the throat open
• Engage your abdominal muscles, and breathe out short and forcibly through the mouth like trying to fog up a mirror

You can use huffing to bring the phlegm to a more central position in the lungs, and then take a big cough to remove it. Or you can try huffing with smaller or larger breaths in, to move the phlegm from different areas of the lungs, depending where it is stuck.

If you feel dizzy or lightheaded with these techniques, take a few gentle, relaxed breaths in between techniques.

Have a practice of these techniques right now as you are reading this, and then remember to give them a go next time you get stuck with a chesty cough.

By Carrie Seow, women’s health physiotherapist

Endometriosis has gathered some attention recently in the media after the government in June 2019 announced $9million in funding for research and improved diagnosis. This is great news for the ‘endo’ community and those yet to be diagnosed. We know that endo can be a debilitating condition affecting 1 in 10 women. More shocking is that diagnosis can take years as women suffer in silence. As health allied professionals (women’s health/pelvic floor physiotherapists) we want to raise awareness about this condition and help treat the symptoms.

So, what is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a complex condition whereby the cells that line the uterus start growing in other parts of the body, commonly in pelvic region on the bladder and bowel. Symptoms of endometriosis are highly variable but common ones include:

• Abdominal, lower back or pelvic pain
• Ovulation pain
• Pain before or during periods
• Heavy or irregular bleeding during periods
• Urinary urgency and frequency
• Bowel problems ranging from diarrhea to constipation
• Abdominal bloating
• Vaginal discomfort, painful intercourse or difficulty using tampons
• Infertility

The presentation of endo is so different between patients that diagnosis is only officially done through the gold standard of a laparoscopy (a keyhole surgical procedure through the lower abdomen). The chronic nature of endo symptoms can seriously affect your quality of life. You may be living with chronic pain every day but still have to go to work, school and function as best as you can in day to day life.

Can anything make endometriosis better for the sufferers?

The good news is that help is available. Treatment of endo requires a multidisciplinary approach (including pelvic floor physiotherapy!). It can involve a mix of

• medication
• surgery
• exercise, manual therapy with a physio
• diet and lifestyle modification
• bladder and bowel retraining with a pelvic floor physio
• relaxation, stretches and yoga style movements to decrease the tension and pain of the hip and pelvic region.

But with the right team of people, the symptoms can be well managed. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, come and chat to one of our women’s health physiotherapists to find out how we can help!

Read our post back in 2014 on endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain for further information.

Did you know pelvic floor physiotherapy can help men with erectile dysfunction and incontinence, often present after prostate surgery?

By Aline Filipe Nunes, pelvic floor physio for both men and women

With September next month raising awareness for prostate cancer, we thought we would start the conversation among you men. The effects of post prostate surgery are not well discussed, leaving men often suffering in silence.

Did you know that, here at The Fix Program, we help people recovering from prostate cancer treatment?

 What is cancer of the prostate?

The prostate is a small organ that is located under and around the bladder neck in men. The prostate is part of the male reproductive systems because it is responsible for producing prostatic fluid which nourishes sperm and, for normal function, it requires testosterone.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and it occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate. While it can be localised or it can spread to other organs, early management is key.

The most common symptoms are:

• increased urinary frequency or sudden urgency,
• painful urination
• difficulty in starting urination
• finding blood in the urine
• lower back pain, groin and thigh pain.

Although these symptoms alone may not mean you have prostate cancer, your doctor, according to your personal and family health history, should access if it is important to do further testing, such as blood tests, rectal examination or biopsy.

Prostate surgery and the recovery path

Unfortunately, surgery and cancer treatment can lead to several side effects and not many know of these until having to face surgery. Because functionally, the prostate functions as a sphincter, it is common for men to have urinary incontinence after surgery.

Additionally, because the prostate also helps with sexual function such as the erection and production of the prostatic fluid, after surgery and treatment, it is difficult to maintain a full erection. Ejaculation after treatment is also limited, meaning that although men can reach an orgasm as they could before, the orgasm is “dry”.

Depending on the type of cancer treatment, men can also experience bowel disturbances or also low libido (often because of the fatigue levels, the emotional shock and trauma lived and due to the fact that the levels of testosterone may be tampered by hormone therapy).

But there is help here.

• Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help men retrain their pelvic floor so the urethral sphincter can be reprogrammed to work without a prostate.
• Exercise has also been proven to be highly beneficial to those after cancer as it has been proven to reduce fatigue and cancer recurrence, improves sleep quality and vastly improves your quality of life.
• Strengthening exercise also seems to be linked with improved libido which can help in the long term.
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you reaching better erection via the education and use of several tools such as penile pumps, penile rings and pelvic floor exercises.

 Embrace your new life after prostate cancer

Here at The Fix Program we believe that cancer should not be the end but the start of a new phase of your life where you can embrace health and your new life.

If you were diagnosed with prostate cancer or you know anyone who was affected by it, there are several sources that can give you and your family great information about prostate cancer and treatment management.

Please check the links below for more information.

• www.prostate.org.au
• www.canceraustralia.gov.au
• www.cancer.org.au
• www.andrologyaustralia.org
• www.healthyactive.gov.au

September is Prostate awareness month day and The Fix Program would like to acknowledge the strength of everyone who had, were diagnosed and are undergoing prostate cancer treatment! We would also like to acknowledge the work of all of those researchers and health professionals who contribute to the body of knowledge in the field and that work daily towards finding ways to improve patients’ quality of life and survival.

A torn cruciate ligament may not mean immediate reconstruction

By Julia Newton, physiotherapist

We’ve all seen it on television and cringed. The footballer stepping to pass a defender, his body weight going one way and his knee the other. This is followed by the big man collapsing on a knee buckling inward. Ooooh! The commentators lament on a possible anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear with a passing mention of year off to rehabilitate. Australia has the highest reported rate of ACL reconstructions in the world, costing an estimated $142 million per year for hospital systems.

For those that aren’t familiar with ACL, it is a ligament that runs from the femur (thigh) to the tibia (shin) and its purpose is to limit excessive forward translation or slipping of the knee joint. Without this important ligament, the knee can feel unstable and weak.

Despite it being such an important ligament, it is actually possible to function with a complete ACL tear and therefore may not actually always be mandatory to get an ACL reconstruction ASAP.

A recent and very interesting study compared 3 groups of participants with a complete ACL tear. The first group had an immediate ACL reconstruction combined with exercise therapy. The second group had a delayed ACL reconstruction (which allowed extra time for strengthening exercises in preparation of surgery). The third group received exercise therapy treatment alone, with no reconstruction surgery. Surprisingly, there were poorer outcomes from some participants in the first group that had immediate ACL reconstruction. In this group, they found that those with a higher impairment in the knee, with additional cartilage damage did poorer post operatively and would have benefited more from having a delayed reconstruction and some exercise therapy beforehand in preparation.

This study highlighted the fact that every person is different, and in order to make an informed decision about management options, there needs to be a discussion tailored to the individual’s sporting, personal and injury-related characteristics.

The main take home point from this is to not rush into a decision on your management straight away, and get an opinion from more than one practitioner if you feel you need to.