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The Role of Physiotherapy in Preventing Chronic Diseases

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Imagine this: you’ve just finished your morning walk without any knee pain for the first time in months. You’re not recovering from surgery—you’re preventing the need for one.  Physiotherapy isn’t just for injury recovery; it plays a pivotal role in helping people prevent chronic diseases and maintain long-term well-being. At Hub and Spoke Health, we help people stay stronger, move better, and age well.   What Are Chronic Diseases and Why Prevention Matters Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and chronic respiratory conditions are among the most common and costly health conditions in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, these diseases account for 87% of deaths in the country. But many are preventable, especially when physical inactivity is addressed early. Movement is medicine. Staying active helps manage weight, reduce blood pressure, stabilise blood sugar, and support joint health—all crit...

The Benefits of Mobile Remedial Massage After Surgery

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Coming home after surgery can feel like both a relief and a challenge. You’re finally out of the hospital, but the journey to full recovery is just beginning. Mobility is limited, your body is healing, and attending clinic appointments might not feel like the best option. That’s where mobile remedial massage comes in—offering professional, tailored support right in the comfort of your home. At Hub and Spoke Health , we provide mobile remedial massage designed to support your recovery in those critical post-operative weeks. Here’s how this simple, in-home service can make a big impact.   Why Massage Matters After Surgery After surgery, the body enters a complex healing process. You may experience swelling, muscle stiffness, joint discomfort, and general fatigue. These symptoms can slow down recovery if left unaddressed. Remedial massage offers a gentle, supportive way to encourage healing without putting extra stress on your body. Massage therapy has been shown to help with: ...

Are you experiencing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness?

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As a Physiotherapist, I often work with clients who report muscle soreness following new or intense physical activity. This condition, referred to as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) can be quite uncomfortable and may temporarily hinder your ability to carry out everyday tasks. In this blog post, I will provide a thorough explanation of DOMS, including its causes, contributing factors, and effective strategies for managing and preventing it.   What is DOMS? DOMS occurs when muscles are subjected to unaccustomed or strenuous activity. This soreness typically begins 12-24 hours post-activity and tends to peak between 24-72 hours post-activity. DOMS generally resolves within 3-5 days. It differs from immediate or acute pain, which is felt during the exercise itself. Acute pain is usually not related to DOMS and may instead indicate issues with exercise technique, such as poor form which causes excessive strain on muscles or joints. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists ov...

The New Support at Home Program: What You Need to Know

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At Hub and Spoke Health, we are committed to keeping our clients and their families informed about changes in the aged care sector. One of the biggest upcoming changes is the introduction of the Support at Home Program , set to begin on 1 July 2025 . This program will replace existing in-home aged care services, including Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme , with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) transitioning by July 2027 .   Why the Change? The goal of the Support at Home Program is to enhance support for older Australians, enabling them to live independently at home for as long as possible. This streamlined program will provide simpler access, improved service coordination, and fairer funding models .   Key Features of the Support at Home Program   1. New Assessment & Classification System A Single Assessment System will determine eligibility and funding levels. Participants will be classified int...

Advantages Of Home-Based Physiotherapy For Knee Injury Rehabilitation

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Have you ever felt the frustration of recovering from a knee injury while juggling time constraints and busy schedules? The path to recovery can often feel overwhelming, but what if there was a way to make it more manageable and effective right from the comfort of your own home? The recovery from a knee injury is a journey that many people embark on, whether from sports, accidents, or everyday wear and tear. Traditionally, physiotherapy has been confined to clinics and hospitals, often requiring patients to travel for sessions amidst their already hectic lives. However, with advances in technology and an increased focus on personalised care, home-based physiotherapy is rapidly gaining traction as an efficient alternative. Not only does home-based physiotherapy offer greater convenience, but it can also provide tailored treatments that cater specifically to your individual needs, all while ensuring a comfortable and stress-free environment.   Common knee injuries Knee injurie...

Understanding W-Sitting in Kids: What’s Normal and When to Be Concerned

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W-sitting often raises concerns among parents, teachers, and even social media discussions. The message you often hear is, “W-sitting is bad!” But is it really? Here’s a look at what the research says and when it’s time to worry. What is W-Sitting? W-sitting is when children sit on the floor with their knees bent, legs splayed outward, and feet behind them in a “W” shape. This position is common among preschoolers and often preferred because it provides a stable base of support. Contrary to some myths, W-sitting does not : Affect hip bone shape or cause hip dysplasia. Lead to arthritis or degenerative joint issues. Cause intoeing or delays in motor development. *** In typically developing children Why Do Kids W-Sit? Most kids W-sit because their hip structure allows it to be comfortable. Young children have naturally increased hip rotation (femoral anteversion), which tends to decrease as they grow. Femoral anteversion is NOT a structural abnormality or a deformity. It is a ...

Physiotherapy as an alternative to joint replacement surgery

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Are you facing the prospect of joint replacement surgery but feeling uncertain about the long-term implications? Have you considered that there may be a less invasive option that could relieve your pain and restore your mobility? In an age where medical advancements abound, the thought of undergoing major surgery can be daunting. With rising healthcare costs and a desire for more natural recovery methods, many patients are seeking alternatives to traditional surgical approaches. Joint replacement surgeries are often seen as the go-to solution for chronic joint pain, but they come with their own set of risks and challenges—from lengthy recovery times to potential complications. Fortunately, physiotherapy has emerged as a viable alternative for those grappling with joint issues. By focusing on rehabilitation through targeted exercises, manual therapies, and pain management techniques, physiotherapy addresses the root causes of discomfort and improves joint function without the need f...