Apr’24 news: Core Potential: Are you Tapping into Yours? ✨

Apr’24 news: Core Potential: Are you Tapping into Yours? ✨

This month we’re all about unleashing potential.

Whether it’s unlocking strength, getting educated, or planning for success, we’ve got you covered.  This month’s newsletter takes a look at unlocking your core strength, literally, including some core strengthening exercises you can do at home; an in-depth look into managing sciatica; an invitation to expand your understanding and knowledge of Osteoporosis at our upcoming webinar (knowledge is power); and last but not least – your secret weapon for planning to succeed… ok its not that secret, but our class timetables are online now, so planning your life schedule around your exercise goals should be easier than ever.  Enjoy.

Class Timetables Now Online!

Did you know that you can now find our class timetables on our website? That’s right, we’ve made it easier for you to plan ahead both in term and during the off-term holiday period. Click the links below to jump over to our timetables:

If you haven’t tried one of our classes before, visit our website for more information. Whatever your level of ability, there is a class to suit you.

And if you haven’t booked in for TERM TWO classes yet, then contact us on (02) 9438 1782 or email enquiries@stleonardsphysio.com.au to secure your spot!

Breaking Point: Understanding Osteoporosis

Do you or a loved one face the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures?

With over 1 million Australians affected and 66% of those aged 50 and above suffering from osteoporosis or osteopenia*, the impact is significant, both medically and economically. But there’s hope!

Join our upcoming virtual Osteoporosis Talk where Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist Chris Andreano will delve into the condition’s causes, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and the transformative potential of exercise, including the ONERO program.

Whether you’re directly affected by osteoporosis, a caregiver, or simply curious, this 60-minute webinar on May 13th, 2024, from 7pm to 8pm, offers invaluable insights.

Register now by contacting us at (02) 9438 1782 and take proactive steps toward better bone health.

Don’t miss out—spread the word and invite others to join this crucial session.

*Source: Healthy Bones Australia

Ready to Unleash the Full Potential of Your Core?

Dive into our latest blog post and discover the transformative power of core stability. From everyday tasks to athletic endeavors, core stability forms the bedrock of movement, ensuring proper alignment, reducing injury risks, and enhancing performance.

We’ve also included some practical exercises that you can do at home to help strengthen your core.

Weakness or imbalances in the core muscles can lead to lower back pain, poor posture, and/or decreased athletic performance. So investing in your core stability through exercise and mindful movement can be a real game changer. And know that the physiotherapists at St Leonards Physio are here to help if you have any concerns.

Call us on (02) 9438 1782  to schedule an appointment with our experienced physiotherapists.

Read now.

The Education Quarter

Managing Sciatica: Guidance from our Physios

Lady clutching at back with red circle overlay showing pain radiatiang from sciaticaAre you struggling with sciatica pain? Don’t let it hinder your daily activities any longer. The dedicated physiotherapists here at St Leonards Physiotherapy are here to help you find relief and regain control of your life. Call us today on (02) 9438 1782 to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards effective sciatica management.

Understanding Sciatica: Causes and Symptoms

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the legs. It is often caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, commonly due to:

  • Herniated Disc: When the gel-like material within a spinal disc protrudes and presses on the adjacent nerve roots, it can cause sciatic nerve compression.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerve roots, leading to sciatica symptoms.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related changes in the spinal discs, such as loss of disc height and flexibility, can contribute to sciatic nerve compression.
  • Piriformis Syndrome: Irritation or tightness of the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can compress the sciatic nerve as it passes underneath the muscle. If you’re reading this thinking, “this is me!” Then keep on reading! We’ve got a step-by-step piriformis stretch coming right up!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing a piriformis stretch (a commonly prescribed exercise):

    1. Starting Position: Begin by sitting on the floor or a mat with your legs extended in front of you.
    2. Cross Affected Leg Over: Bend your affected leg and cross it over the opposite knee, so your foot is flat on the floor next to the knee of the other leg.
    3. Adjust Leg Position: If you’re feeling discomfort in the knee of the crossed-over leg, you can gently move the foot closer to your body to reduce the angle of the knee.
    4. Position Your Torso: Sit up tall and straighten your spine to maintain good posture throughout the stretch.
    5. Engage Core Muscles: Engage your core muscles to stabilise your spine and pelvis.
    6. Lean Forward: Keeping your back straight, slowly lean forward from your hips while exhaling. You should feel a stretch in the buttock of the crossed-over leg.
    7. Maintain Comfortable Stretch: Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds while continuing to breathe deeply. You should feel a comfortable stretch in your buttock.
    8. Return to Starting Position: Slowly release the stretch and return to the starting position.
    9. Repeat on the Other Side: Perform the stretch on the opposite side to ensure balance and symmetry in your stretching routine.

Aim to perform the piriformis stretch 2-3 times on each side, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds. You can gradually increase the duration of the stretch as your flexibility improves.

Take Control of Your Sciatica Today

Don’t let sciatica pain hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Contact St Leonards Physiotherapy today on (02) 9438 1782 to schedule an appointment with our compassionate and skilled physiotherapists. With our comprehensive approach to sciatica management, we will help you find relief so you can reclaim your mobility. Let us help you take the first step towards a pain-free future.