Introducing our New Class for Chronic Back Pain
Do you experience persistent or recurring low back pain that’s lasted more than 3 months? The GLA:D® Back program is a research-based education and exercise course designed to help you manage and reduce low back pain, improve movement, and increase confidence in daily activities.
Developed by leading researchers, GLA:D® Back is backed by international evidence and delivered in our clinic by trained physiotherapist professionals.
What’s involved?
This 10-week program includes:
- 1:1 Initial Assessment (Week 1)
- Two Group Education Sessions (Week 1)
- Twice-weekly Group Exercise for 8 weeks (Weeks 2-9)
- 1:1 Re-assessment (Week 10)
Am I eligible?
GLA:D® Back is suitable for adults with persistent or recurrent back pain. It’s not suitable if you:
- Have had back pain for less than 3 months
- Are pregnant
- Are under 18
- Have a medical condition preventing attendance (such as acute nerve root involvement, traumatic injury, systemic disease, serious pathology, or complex psychosocial factors).
Interested to learn more or want to know if it’s right for you?
You can read more about the program here, and we’re also running a FREE WEBINAR about Chronic Low Back Pain on Wednesday, 10th September, from 5-6pm (led by St Leonards Physiotherapy owner and Physiotherapist Peter Sharp), in which we’ll also dive into more about our new GLA:D® Back program.
Contact the clinic today to register your interest in the program or webinar – or both!
What's Happening in the Clinic
Reminder: Preschool Group Therapy Class
✅ Small groups (max 4 kids)
✅ Focus on gross motor skills, strength & social play
✅ Includes weekly take-home activities
✅ Pre-assessment required
Spots are limited — contact us today to see if it’s the right fit for your child or for more information, read the program flyer.
Settling into the New St Leonards Exercise Clinic
It’s hard to believe it’s already been over four weeks since we opened the doors to our brand new St Leonards Physiotherapy Exercise Clinic at 3/30 Atchison Street.
We’ve loved seeing everyone getting into the swing of things with Onero, GLA:D, and Beat It classes in the new space, and now feels like a good time for a quick refresher on a few helpful clinic etiquette tips to keep everything running smoothly:
A Few Friendly Reminders:
- Please wait until the class before yours has finished and participants have left before entering the clinic – it helps us give each group the space they need.
- For bookings, payments or class enquiries, head across the road to our main clinic at G06/15 Atchison Street – that’s where our reception team can help.
- Please keep phones on silent and tucked away during class – it helps keep the space calm and focused.
Thanks for being part of the community and for helping us make the new space such a success already. See you in class soon!
The Education Quarter
If your foot’s slapping the pavement like it’s trying to make a point, or you find yourself tripping over invisible obstacles, you might be dealing with foot drop. It might leave you feeling like you’re wearing clown shoes, but one thing’s for sure: it’s no laughing matter.
Also known as drop foot, this condition makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot. It’s usually a sign of an underlying issue with nerves or muscles, rather than a problem in the foot itself.
Call St Leonards Physiotherapy on (02) 9438 1782 to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists — we’re here to support you, step by step.
What causes foot drop?
Foot drop is typically caused by weakness or paralysis in the muscles that lift the foot. This often relates to the peroneal nerve, which runs from the lower spine down the leg.
Common causes include:
- Nerve compression in the spine (such as from a herniated disc)
- Nerve injury from trauma, surgery, or prolonged pressure (e.g. from crossing the legs)
- Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke
- Muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy
In some cases, the cause may be temporary and reversible. In others, managing symptoms and improving mobility becomes the primary focus.
What does it feel like?
People with foot drop often notice:
- Difficulty lifting the toes or front of the foot when walking
- A higher-stepping gait to avoid dragging the toes
- Frequent tripping or stumbling
- Numbness or tingling along the shin or top of the foot
It can affect one or both feet and may appear suddenly or develop gradually.
How physiotherapy may help
Physiotherapists play a key role in the assessment and management of foot drop. We’ll begin by evaluating your strength, nerve function, gait, and mobility. From there, we’ll tailor a plan to help you maximise movement and reduce risk of falls.
Treatment may include:
- Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in ankle dorsiflexion
- Stretching to prevent stiffness in the calf and ankle
- Balance training to improve control and confidence
- Gait retraining with feedback and assistive techniques
- Education on footwear, home safety, and bracing if required
In some cases, an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) may be recommended to keep the foot in a more neutral position during walking.
What’s next
Foot drop can feel frustrating, especially when it limits your daily activities, but with the right support, many people see real improvements in function and quality of life.
Call St Leonards Physiotherapy on (02) 9438 1782 to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists.
We’re also on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us for helpful movement tips, rehab guidance, and the occasional foot pun. No stumbling blocks here.
Information provided in this email (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.
