Vitality 09 - At HCPC we’d like to help make 2009 YOUR year!

Your year to implement positive change in your life.

Your year to get the most out of every day.

Your year to find a healthier, stronger you!

Your year to maximise your potential!

But how?

We have developed a new series of health packages with you in mind - to help you achieve such goals.

Introducing the Vitality 09 series of programes, a combination of gym, pilates and nutritional advice tailored to your individual health level, where we help you formulate some personal goals and give you to tools to achieve them!

With 2 levels to choose from - you’re sure to find the right package to suit both your personal health status and that of your wallet!

The Vitality 09 packages include setting up a pilates/gym programe for you, including assessments and instruction, reviews of programs, nutritional advice and assessment, one-on-one sessions, classes - with some special additional extras included.

Vitality 09 will be run exclusively at the Hoppers Crossing Clinic and you will be under the watchful eyes of Annabelle Wettenhall, Sara West, Anesa Robinson and Lauren Stanley.

Anesa has recently completed her nutritional consultancy course which will enable her to assist you make some smart choices in terms of the right food to help you acheive your goals - be they weight loss, or a fitter, healthier, leaner you.

Sara, Annabelle, Anesa and Lauren are all qualified Clinical Pilates instructors and Physiotherapists who will guide you through your program to ensure that you achieve optimal results safely.

At HCPC we believe that everyone, regardless of age, weight, mobility, can benefit in some way - by simply getting moving - and we’d like to help you move in the right direction - towards a healthier and stronger you!

We’re really excited to be able to offer you this opportunity - to enable you to take control of the choices you make, to encourage you to find that inner strength, to help you make the most of every day. Ask at Reception for further details regarding the Vitality 09 Programes, find a package that’s right for you - and sign up.

By signing up - you’ve taken the very first step towards achieving your own personal goals and maximising your potential!

Pilates HCPC Style

Stretching Your Limits recently caught up with Pilates participant - Margaret Schlegel to find out her thoughts on the Pilates programe she is undertaking at HCPC...read on...

Why did you begin Pilates? “I’ve had a history of back problems for over 30 years, and the specialist who was treating me was having no success. My son suggested that I should go and see the Physio’s at HCPC and see what they could recommend. My whole family encouraged me - so I made the call. I am very happy to have done it!”

How long have you been doing Pilates, and how often do you do it? “I’ve been doing it twice a week for 3 months, coupled with appointments with my Physio”

What sort of benefits do you feel you gain by doing Pilates? “At last my back is improving! I believe the adage of the “proof being in the pudding” - I was in extreme agony and am now feeling much better! When I started I would have rated my strength and “back health” as 1/10, now it’s 7-8/10. Within the next couple of months I hope to be feeling 10/10!”

What is your favorite sort of Pilates? Floor Work? Ball and Equipment work etc “Balance work and stretching”

Getting To Know You...

This month we get to meet Senior Physiotherapist Michelle Smart.

Where were you born? Adelaide

Where did you Study? Uni of Sth Australia

Why Physiotherapy? Wanted to work helping people and also to work in a sports related field.

What area do you specialise in? Sports and Children

How long at HCPC? 5 years

What is your favorite: Food - Lasagne, Music - Anything my kids like! Movie - Anything I can watch uninterrupted. Holiday destination - Niagara Falls

What would you do if you won Tattslotto? Share it with my friends

Lateral Ligament Sprains of the ankle

What is the lateral ligament? The lateral ligament is situated on the outside of the ankle. It has 3 parts which attach the fibula to the foot bones. The lateral ligament works to control excessive movement in the ankle.

How do lateral ligament sprains occur? Lateral ligament injuries most commonly occur in activities that require quick changes in direction, especially if these take place on uneven surfaces, for example grass fields. They are one of the most commonly seen injuries in sports such as basketball, volleyball, netball and most football codes. The injury usually occurs when the foot is in a plantarflexed and inverted position, commonly referred to as “rolling” the ankle.

What are the signs and symptoms associated with a lateral ligament sprain? The severity of symptoms will vary depending on the level of injury, however lateral ligament sprains are associated with pain, tenderness and swelling. An ankle sprain may be accompanied by an audible “crack” or “snap”, however while this may be a cause of concern for the athlete, it does not have any particular diagnostic significance. Depending on the level of injury, the athlete may have been able to continue the activity or had to cease the activity immediately.

How are lateral ligament sprains diagnosed? A Physiotherapist will take a thorough history and perform a number of diagnostic tests to confirm or exclude the presence of a ligament tear, and the severity of the injury. Ligament sprains are graded I, II, or III, depending on the amount of laxity present in the joint after injury. It is important to determine the grade of injury as it will guide the rehabilitation process and determine the prognosis.

What does the treatment and rehabilitation of lateral ligament sprains involve? The management of all three grades of lateral ligament injuries follow the same principals. The primary aim of treatment is to minimise the initial injury and reduce pain with the “RICE” principles of rest, ice, compression and elevation, and by avoiding things such as hot showers, heat rubs, alcohol and excessive weight bearing which all increase blood flow to the area and swelling. If necessary, the patient may be non-weight bearing on crutches for the first 24 hours, but should aim to commence weight bearing in a normal heel-toe walking pattern as soon as possible. After this, the aim is to restore range of motion, muscle strength and proprioception and then commence sport-specific rehabilitation asap. Once a full rehabilitatation program has been completed and the patient is able to complete functional exercises with no pain during or after activity, they will be permitted to return to sport. However extra protection should be provided thought the use of taping or bracing for a minimum 6-12 months after injury.

Upcoming HCPC Info Evenings

In 2009 we will be continuing our series of information evenings and invite you all to attend. Keep an eye out for notices and updates around the clinic - and of course we’d love to hear your suggestionsfor future topics! Remember bookings a must!

We’ll be kick starting this years sessions on:

A must for all players of team sports! Tel 97495110 to book!

Movember 2008

Congratulations to Matthew Licastro, Phil Brasher and Andre De Waal - who spent the month of November growing their Mo’s to raise over $300 for Mens Health!

Special mention to Matt Licastro who took on the appearance of Che Cavera as the month went on!!