
21 Jan Jan’25 news
Happy New Year from all of us here at St Leonards Physiotherapy! Our first newsletter of the year is focused on starting the year right. We look at how you can achieve your goals and stay active throughout the year – from common teen knee pain, to physio classes and programs, injury recovery and home visits for the elderly.
We’ll keep you fighting fit and active so you can get the most out of your 2025.
New Year, New Goals for Your Health!
The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to set fresh goals and focus on your health and well-being. If you’ve been dealing with persistent back pain, struggling with flexibility, or looking to build strength, physiotherapy can help you get back on track. At St Leonards Physiotherapy, we offer personalised treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals and stay active throughout the year.
Here’s why physiotherapy is the perfect way to kick-start your health goals in 2025:
- Targeted Treatment: Personalised plans to address your specific pain or mobility issues.
- Injury Prevention: Strengthen muscles and improve flexibility to reduce the risk of future injuries.
- Faster Recovery: Effective rehabilitation techniques to get you back to your routine quicker.
- Improved Performance: Build strength, flexibility, and endurance to enhance overall fitness.
- Ongoing Support: Guidance and education to maintain progress and keep you feeling great all year.
Let’s make 2025 your healthiest year yet! Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward feeling better and moving well.
Home Visit Appointments with Sally
Our wonderful physiotherapist, Sally Hodge, who has been a part of the team for over 16 years, has kicked off 2025 with a well-earned break that won’t see her back with us until mid-March 2025. Upon her return, Sally will be focused on providing home visits and as such will no longer be seeing patients in the clinic. To book an appointment with Sally from mid-March onwards, and in the comfort of your own home, please give our front desk a call at 02 9438 1782.
Alternatively, if you wish to see one of our other physios you can book an in-clinic appointment using our online booking tool.
Enrolments are Open!
Looking for a fresh start or support to manage a chronic condition this year? St Leonards Physiotherapy offers a range of classes, groups, and award-winning programs to help you take control, stay motivated, and prevent injuries.
Group Therapy: Classes tailored for various needs, including:
- ONERO Program: Award-winning osteoporosis exercise program.
- GLAD Program: Global osteoarthritis program to manage pain and improve mobility.
- BEAT IT Program: Manage diabetes and improve quality of life.
You can view our 2025 class timetable here, and to secure a permanent spot in our classes, please contact us at the clinic.
Term One Classes commence the week starting 3rd February 2025, and will run through to the week starting 7th April 2025.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, we also “run” a run club (because you can’t walk a run club) that is available to anyone and everyone. Our free, inclusive Strava Run Club, St Leonards Physio Runners, helps runners overcome injuries and reach goals, and we should clarify that ‘walking’ in the run club is completely acceptable too.
Join us to share your progress, ask questions, and run together!
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Is your young athlete experiencing knee pain? It could be Osgood-Schlatter disease, a common issue during growth spurts. While the condition can be frustrating, it usually resolves with the right physiotherapy approach. Read our latest blog article to learn more abut this condition and to discover how physio can support their recovery and get them back in the game!
The Education Quarter
The Risks of Returning to Play Too Early
Navigating Injury Recovery

So, you’ve just come off an injury, and you’re itching to get back to the pitch, court, or track. We get it — your teammates need you, the competition’s calling, and you’re pretty sure your physiotherapist is being overly cautious. What could possibly go wrong, right? Well, a lot. Think of skipping your physio’s advice as taking a half-baked cake out of the oven — it might look ready, but one bite (or one game) could leave you in a sticky mess.
At St Leonards Physio, we’re here to help you recover fully and safely before you jump back into action. Call us today on (02) 9438 1782 to book your physiotherapy session.
But what are the risks?
• Increased risk of reinjury: Returning to play too soon can result in the injured area being unable to handle the physical demands of the sport. This may lead to reinjury, often more severe than the initial one, such as complete tears or fractures that require surgical intervention or longer rehabilitation periods. The kinetic chain — the interconnected system of muscles and joints —also becomes vulnerable, as weak links may force other areas to compensate, increasing strain elsewhere.
• Delayed recovery: Premature activity can hinder the healing process. For example, tissues undergoing repair might be stressed beyond their capacity, causing inflammation and further damage. This not only prolongs recovery but can sometimes result in chronic pain or reduced function.
• Loss of performance: Returning before achieving full proprioception (the body’s sense of joint position and movement) and strength can impair coordination and movement efficiency. This not only affects sports performance but increases the likelihood of compensatory injuries to other joints or muscles.
• Psychological implications: Athletes who reinjure themselves often experience heightened anxiety and fear of reinjury, which can impede performance and prolong psychological recovery. Mental readiness is as critical as physical readiness when returning to sport.
• Potential for long-term damage: Neglecting proper rehabilitation and returning prematurely can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis or chronic joint instability later in life.
It’s vital to address any deficits in range of motion, strength, and functional capacity before resuming play.
How physiotherapy helps
Physiotherapists play a critical role in guiding safe return-to-play protocols. They assess not just the injured area but the entire kinetic chain, ensuring strength, flexibility, and proprioception are restored. Gradual progressions in activity, based on sport-specific demands, are carefully monitored. Our physiotherapists will also be there to help you set goals for your health and recovery so you can win that mental game too.
If you’re recovering from a sports injury, consult with one of our physiotherapists before getting back to your game. Their expertise ensures you return safely and at your best. For personalised advice or an appointment, call (02) 9438 1782.
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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.