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Suite 6, 506 Miller St, Cammeray
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Mon - Fri 7.30am - 7.30pm, Sat 8am - 12pm

Keeping active during pregnancy

Many pregnant clients ask us the best way in keeping active during pregnancy. In the past it was recommended that women rest whilst their bodies adapted to growing another little person inside. Exercise was to be avoided and lifting kept to a minimum. However now it is recommended by specialists, doctors and physiotherapists to keep exercising and encourage gradual strengthening.

New mums need their strength both during and after their pregnancy for a few key reasons. Firstly during a single pregnancy most mothers-to-be will end up carrying an extra eight to twenty kilos of weight so any extra thigh and back strength is going to help with offloading your joints in your pelvis, hips and knees.

After birth a newborn will weigh on average 3.3kg which is a weight that will need to be lifted and carried right from day one, whilst by four months your childs weight can double and by twelve months can triple. Imagine walking around lifting and carrying a kettlebell of 7-10kg all day!

Therefore strengthening exercise like pilates (both matwork and reformer) can be so helpful both during and after pregnancy. There is evidence that increased strength can help with reducing back pain, reducing risk of gestational diabetes, cramps and leg swelling. It is also a chance to talk about the changes that are happening to your body in a supportive environment.

Having a university trained physiotherapist overseeing your graduated strength training in a small supervised session will help guide your journey through pregnancy and beyond whilst helping you meet the demands of motherhood from a physical perspective. As exercise professionals we understand that all bodies are different and not everyone has done exercise before so we ensure that a one-on-one session is conducted prior to joining any group classes so we can best understand your background and goals and any specific concerns you may have. We have pre and post natal specific classes which your physiotherapist can discuss with you.

If you are at any stage from planning a pregnancy to having delivered a child we would recommend an assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at Physio On Miller. Please give us a call on 02 8065 6902 with any questions.

Physios for Coastrek

We’re excited to be the supporting physios for Coastrek this year. The event, which raises funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation, is a 30km or 60km walk starting from Manly/Kirribilli and finishing at the iconic Bondi Beach.

We’ll be at Kirribilli after midday on Friday 16th March providing physio treatment, advice and taping for any injured walkers. As part of the event we are offering all new Coastrek clients 40% off their initial physio consult. It’s important to rehab/manage any injuries before the event to ensure a great day out.

Our top tips for event day are:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Wear good shoes and socks to prevent foot blisters
  • Warm up your muscles and keep them warm at each checkpoint
  • Dynamically stretch your muscles
  • Come see us if you’re injured

We hope your training is coming along well and look forward to seeing you on event day.

Fred Hollows

Coastrek

The Benefits of Exercise on Mental Health

As part of R U Ok day we’re looking at the benefits of exercise on mental health.

Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and help with recovery from mental health issues.

Here are some great benefits of exercise on mental health:

  • Improve your mood – Endorphins are released which are natural chemicals that improve your mood
  • Getting outdoors increases the fresh air and oxygen to your body releasing serotonin
  • Exercise can be very social reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • It’s great for the brain – increasing oxygen to the brain can help improve memory, protect your brain against injury and disease and can help you think clearly by pumping more blood to the brain
  • Improves sleep by regulating your sleep pattern plus you can be physically tired

Benefits of Physical Activity

Today we’re looking at Physical Activity as part of Women’s Health Week and the many benefits to your health.

Recommended amount of physical activity per week:

  • Be active everyday (this can be walking to get a coffee, grabbing a bit to eat for lunch or hopping off the bus one stop early)
  • Do muscle strengthening exercises 2 times per week – this can be swimming, weights at the gym or Pilates
  • 2 ½ – 5 hours or moderate exercise per week or 1 ¼ or 2 ½ hours of intense exercise per week

The Benefits of Being Physically Active

  • Reduce risk of chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis
  • Reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis
  • Improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels
  • Assist in maintaining a healthy weight
  • Build strong muscles and bones
  • Great for mental health

Tips on how to be active:

  • Get up more often at work (set your alarm every 30 minutes)
  • Take the stairs rather than the lift
  • Walk to the shops rather than driving
  • Get a buddy to exercise with
  • Join the gym or a group training class
  • Come to Physio On Miller for Pilates

Bone density and good bone health

Today marks the Half way point of Women’s Health week! The focus for today is bone health.

Bones are very important for our overall health. Not only do they allow us to move, they provide a strong protective structure around our organs, help to make blood cells and act as a storage space for minerals.

Bones are constantly remodelling to accommodate the stress that we put through them on a daily basis. By the age of thirty our bones have reached a peak in bone density.

At menopause Oestrogen, the hormone that protects your bone density, reduces rapidly. This continued reduction in bone density can lead to Osteoporosis.  Osteoporosis makes your bones brittle and prone to fractures.

How can you keep your bones healthy and strong?

  • Eat calcium rich foods such as dairy, tofu, broccoli or sardines.
  • Have some sun safe time in the sun to increase Vitamin D levels.
  • Participate in weight-bearing physical activity such as walking, jogging or skipping.
  • Include resistance training as part of your exercise – this can be Pilates, group training or weights at the gym.