Back & Neck Pain
Back / Neck pain is an extremely common condition. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that there are an estimated 3.7 million Australian’s currently living with some form of back pain (16% of total population!). It is estimated that between 70-90% of all Australians will experience some form of back pain in their life. It is the 3rd leading health burden in Australia.
Back pain can take the form of many conditions from disc injuries, facet joint sprains, nerve impingement, spinal joint stiffness, spinal canal narrowing, acute bone injuries or muscle spasms. These injuries may affect any segment of the spine as detailed in the below image.
(Images courtesy of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019)
There are many causes of back pain. They may be linked to an acute trauma, poor posture, repetitive strain or due to diseases such as osteoarthritis, disc disease, osteoporosis, and some genetic conditions. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing back pain include; age, physical fitness, smoking, being overweight, and the type of work a person does.
The physiotherapists at Offshore Physiotherapy Torquay are all highly skilled and have extensive experience in the assessment and management of back pain. If you are suffering from any form of back / neck pain, give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our physiotherapists.
Exercise Rehab Classes
At Offshore Physiotherapy Torquay we offer a number of different exercise rehab classes. These classes use exercise as therapy and include our:
Back Strengthening Program
(Formerly known as Clinical Pilates)
We believe in an active recovery. It is what the research evidence supports. At Offshore Physiotherapy Torquay, we have developed our own Back Strengthening Program (formerly known as our Clinical Pilates Program). The Back Strengthening program aims to increase both flexibility and strength and is suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The program focuses on activation and movement of the body. Muscle groups around the spine, abdomen and pelvic girdle are targeted to address any deficits. The underlying philosophy of our program is to improve an individual’s core strength and flexibility through smooth movement control in a safe environment.
The program starts with an initial assessment which allows the physiotherapist to identify areas of your body that need improvement in terms of strength and flexibility. From there the physiotherapist can develop an individualised program and you will be invited to join one of our Back Strengthening Classes.
We believe to achieve your health and fitness goals you deserve close supervision during our classes at all times. To achieve this, class sizes are limited to four clients and one of our experienced physiotherapists will be present at all times to guide and supervise.
Back Strengthening classes involve the use of Pilates reformers, traps table, weights, gym equipment, fit balls, foam rollers, and theraband exercises.
Classes run in 5 week blocks and many of our participants decide to go on and do more than one block. Health fund rebates are available for each of our Back Strengthening Classes via Hicaps.
Why the name change?
In late 2018, the Federal Government announced new Health Insurance Reforms that prevents us from using / marketing the term ‘Clinical Pilates’. Same program, different name!
Mums and Bubs Classes
To look after our young mums, at Offshore Physiotherapy Torquay we have dedicated Mums and Bub Classes for Pre and Post Natal Care. We understand the physical toll growing a human can take on a female’s body. At Offshore Physiotherapy Torquay we want to help you on a safe journey back to full physical health with our dedicated Exercise Rehab Classes. To achieve this, we use our Clinical Pilates Reformers, traps tables, fit balls and gym equipment. Classes consist of 4 people and are fully supervised by one of our qualified physiotherapists. Oh and of course, your beautiful children are most welcome to attend the class.
Falls & Balance Classes
Have you experienced any of the following?
- History of Recent Falls
- Feeling less confident with your mobility
- Keen to prevent possible injury sustained in a fall
- Want to improve your ability to perform activities of daily living
At Offshore Physiotherapy Torquay, we offer ‘Falls and Balance Re training Programs’ to individuals who feel less steady on their feet. These classes are run in our fully equipped gym with one of our experienced physiotherapists supervising. Our aim is to safely guide you through a balance retraining program.
Maximum of 6 participants in each group and fully supervised by one of our physiotherapists. Health Insurance Rebates are available for the program through Hicaps.
The GLA:D Program
The GLA:D® program (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) is a program developed for people experiencing hip or knee osteoarthritis. It is a program that involves both education and exercise to manage pain and symptoms.
The GLA:D® program was developed by researchers in Denmark, and is an evidence-based program with proven results. The program is for all people who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis, regardless or severity, and has been shown to reduce pain, increase mobility and enhance quality of life.
The program consists of 12 exercise sessions supervised by one of our physiotherapists. There is also a structured educational component to the program providing valuable information about living with osteoarthritis.
Each week our physiotherapist will guide you through a safe exercise program to strengthen your lower limbs and aim to improve your mobility.
Please visit https://gladaustralia.com.au/ or contact our clinic for more information.
Sports Injuries
The Surfcoast is an active community which is fantastic for the overall general health of the community. However, unfortunately things occasionally can go wrong and injury occurs. Our physiotherapists are highly experienced at treating a range of sporting injuries. Common sports injuries seen at our clinic include;
- Shoulder dislocations
- Ankle sprains
- Hamstring strains
- Knee ligament injuries
- Meniscal injuries
- ACL rupture / rehabilitation
- Calf strains
- AC joint injuries
- Rotator Cuff strains / tears
Women’s Health
Women’s health physiotherapy focuses on the prevention, treatment and management of a wide range of conditions that may affect women throughout their life. Issues can occur during adolescence, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and menopause and can cause conditions such as incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain and pregnancy related musculoskeletal pain like pelvic girdle and back pain. Left untreated, these conditions can have a significant impact on a woman’s enjoyment of everyday activities, quality of life and well-being.
Pelvic health issues can be particularly sensitive and embarrassing and many people don’t seek help or know that there is help and treatment available. 1 in 3 women who have had a baby suffer from urinary incontinence and of these, 70% don’t seek help. In most cases, bladder problems can be cured or managed better. Our physios understand the impact these issues can have on a women’s everyday life and will provide you with discrete and respectful treatment and support.
At Offshore Physiotherapy, we have experienced female physiotherapists who specialise in Women’s Health. Courtney Weybury has extensive experience in this field with two post graduate qualifications in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation and Exercise for Women.
At Offshore Physiotherapy we offer high quality and evidence based care and treatment for a rage of Women’s health conditions such as
- Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain
- Pregnancy related back and neck pain
- Stress urinary incontinence (leak with exercise /cough/ strain)
- Bladder urgency or frequency (overactive bladder)
- Faecal incontinence
- Pelvic pain
- Prolapse
- Post-natal check up (usually 4-6 weeks post birth)
- Return to sport and exercise after childbirth
- Abdominal muscle separation (DRAM)
- Pre and post hysterectomy care
- Peri and post menopause related issues
Our team are passionate about keeping our clients active and can offer advice, education and evidence based guidance to empower and keep you confidently moving safely at any age.
Pre & Post Surgery Rehabilitation
Our team of physiotherapists are skilled in both pre and post operative management
We have developed close working relationships with many of the local Orthopaedic Surgeons in Geelong and Melbourne. Our fully equipped Rehabilitation allows us to develop an appropriate Rehab program.
Common Surgical Rehabilitation Conditions seen at Offshore Physiotherapy Torquay include;
- ACL reconstruction
- Hip / knee replacements
- Rotator Cuff Repairs
- Foot & Ankle Surgery
- Back Surgery
- Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery
Arthritic Conditions
There are a number of arthritic type presentations that are commonly seen at our clinic. They include;
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatic
Our physiotherapists work with a variety of patients who present with an arthritic type presentation. A thorough assessment and discussion will initially take place to ensure an appropriate treatment plan is developed for you. Both manual therapy and Exercise Therapy may form part of your treatment plan.
Chronic Pain
Complex presentations can take time to heal. There are a number of factors that can cause pain to go from an acute presentation to a chronic one. Longer consultation times can be offered to help thoroughly assess and treat chronic injuries. Our physios are trained to use exercise therapy and education to develop a tailored treatment program for the individual.
Vestibular Physiotherapy
Dizziness, vertigo and disequilibrium can be extremely debilitating and significantly impact your daily life. Vestibular physiotherapy has been proven to be very effective at treating vestibular conditions. Two of our physiotherapists at Offshore Physiotherapy Torquay, Joseph Pashley and Jacinta Winter are specially trained in diagnosing and treating complex inner ear conditions such as:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis
- Vestibular Migraine
- Cervicogenic dizziness
Call us to discuss whether you would benefit from seeing a physio about your vertigo. GP referral is not required but it is recommended that in the case of persistent dizziness, medical clearance is sort before consultation.