
28 Apr April ’22 Newsletter

Well, that’s April gone! We hope you enjoyed the extra-long weekends, whether you spent some quality time at home or managed to get away. In this April newsletter, we check in on the benefits of our ONERO programs for Osteoporosis, and share a case study of one of our patients. And you can read about the importance of the muscular system in this month’s education quarter! Enjoy 🙂

ONERO program: going strong
Over the past 2 years we have seen rapid growth in our ONERO exercise program for osteopaenia and osteoporosis. This excellent, evidence-based exercise intervention has been enjoyed by many of our patients who have been working hard to improve their strength and lifting capacity in the hope that it will also improve their bone density. On the blog this month, we’ve shared a case study of one of our patients, Simone, who has been attending the classes since September 2020.
Click here to view the blog post. If you’re ready to enrol or have any questions, contact us on (02) 9438 1782 or email enquiries@stleonardsphysio.com.au.

Good Life with Arthritis: GLA:D™ Program
Have you heard about the Good Life with Arthritis (or GLA:D™) Program? Developed by researchers in Denmark, GLA:D™ is an education and exercise program for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
GLA:D™ Australia is for all individuals who experience hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. This program is unique because both the education and exercises can be applied to everyday activities, helping to strengthen and correct daily movement patterns.
This helps participants to train their bodies to move properly, prevent symptom progression and reduce pain.
Term 2 has started, so if you want to enrol, get in quick! Contact us on (02) 9438 1782 or email enquiries@stleonardsphysio.com.au.
The Education Quarter
The Muscular System
The muscular system
The muscular system is made up of three types of muscles: skeletal, cardiac and smooth. Here’s a breakdown of the three muscle types and what they do.
- Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and create movement. They require conscious or voluntary movement. Skeletal muscles are generally grouped into opposing pairs (e.g. biceps and triceps). The body contains more than 600 skeletal muscles. They are also called striated muscles, since they appear striped.
- Cardiac muscles are specific to the heart. They create pulsing that pumps blood through the heart and body. Cardiac muscles contract and relax without our conscious awareness, therefore are known as involuntary muscles.
- Smooth muscles are layered sheets of muscle tissue that line internal organs and vessels and contract in waves. These involuntary muscles are responsible for propelling things throughout the organs e.g. food through the digestive tract; urine through the bladder.
Healthy muscles need exercise and proper nutrition. Muscle tissue requires protein, glucose from carbohydrates, electrolytes and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium to function.
Skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles all share the same composition, even though they have different roles in the body. A muscle is made of tightly bundled elastic fibres that are wrapped in a thin membrane. Individual muscle fibres are made of protein blocks.
Skeletal muscle movement is driven by the neuromuscular system. The brain sends a signal to motor nerves, which then release a chemical. Calcium is released into the cells and the muscle contracts in response.
Muscle disorders are collectively known as myopathies. Some common disorders that affect muscles, include:
- Overuse resulting in sprains, tendonitis, bruising and cramping.
- Genetic conditions, including muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease.
- Inflammation, such as myositis.
- Diseases of the nerves that affect muscles, including multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease.
- Chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
- Some cancers.
Yes, we are here to help you! We help diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions that affect your bones, muscles, nerves and other parts of your body. We will assess your symptoms and develop an appropriate plan to manage them and improve your quality of life. We use treatment techniques, such as soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, dry needling, and exercise prescription.
If you are experiencing muscle pain, we can help by creating an appropriate treatment plan. Contact us to book your appointment!
Happy to help.
If you’d like to book an appointment, or have questions about any pain or injury you may be experiencing, please get in touch.