MEPhysio Australia

Introduction If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain shoot through the back of your leg while running, jumping, or even walking up stairs, you’ve probably experienced a calf muscle strain . It’s one of the most frequent soft tissue injuries seen by physiotherapists across Australia — from elite AFL players to everyday gym-goers. While mild strains can sometimes heal on their own, the most effective and lasting recovery comes through physiotherapy . A physio doesn’t just help you heal faster — they identify the root cause, prevent re-injury, and restore full function so you can return to your sport or routine safely. Let’s explore how physiotherapy supports every stage of recovery from a calf strain, and why seeking expert help early makes all the difference. What Is a Calf Muscle Strain? The calf is made up of two key muscles — the gastrocnemius and the soleus . Together, they allow you to walk, run, jump, and push off from the ground. A calf muscle strain occurs when one of these musc...

  Introduction Australians are passionate about fitness — from early-morning boot camps to long runs along the coast. While regular exercise is essential for wellbeing, improper technique or overtraining can lead to painful injuries such as abdominal muscle strain . This article explores how to recognise early warning signs, adjust your workouts, and maintain a strong, injury-resistant core. Why the Core Matters The abdominal muscles stabilise the spine, assist breathing, and coordinate movement between the upper and lower body. A strong, balanced core enhances performance in nearly every activity — but when overloaded or fatigued, it becomes prone to strain. Understanding your limits and training with correct form can make all the difference. Common Exercise-Related Causes Overuse and Repetition – Repeated sit-ups, crunches, or weighted twists without rest lead to micro-tears. Lifting Too Heavy – Poor bracing during deadlifts or squats increases intra-abdominal pres...

Introduction Joint replacement surgery—especially hip or knee—is life‑changing for many Australians. The journey to regain full mobility often involves pain, swelling, and temporary limitations. Incorporating aquatic therapy into your rehabilitation plan offers significant benefit: easing transition from land‑based limitations toward functional movement sooner. Why Joint Replacements Benefit from Water‑Based Rehab New joints need protection from heavy loads while healing. Water reduces weight bearing load. Warmth helps with swelling, relaxing tight muscles surrounding the replaced joint. The ability to move more freely in water helps preserve range of motion and prevent stiffness. Water supports safe strengthening in earlier phases, before full load land work is possible. Typical Rehabilitation Timeline Weeks 1‑2 Post‑Op: Gentle water immersion if cleared, initial therapy focusing on pain relief, ankle/foot pumps, breathing, upper body movement (if shoulder replac...

  Introduction When dealing with abdominal separation, knowing which exercises to do—and which to avoid —makes all the difference. The wrong moves can worsen the gap, while the right ones promote healing and functional strength. In this article, we walk through the best exercise practices as part of abdominal separation treatment , and highlight common pitfalls. Exercise Principles That Support Healing Activate the deep stabilisers first: transverse abdominis (TA), pelvic floor, diaphragm. Move progressively: start with gentle, low load work, then advance to functional and dynamic movement. Maintain neutral alignment to avoid strain on the linea alba. Breathe correctly during movement—avoid holding breath or pushing hard prematurely. Exercises That Help Gentle Core Activation Lying on your back with knees bent: draw belly button toward spine while breathing, engage pelvic floor. Pelvic Tilts & Bridges Helps engage lower core and glutes without stressin...

  Introduction Being diagnosed with arthritis doesn’t mean you have to slow down. In fact, staying active is one of the best ways to manage joint pain and maintain independence. But how do you stay active safely when your joints hurt? That’s where arthritis physiotherapy comes in. Physiotherapists don’t just treat pain—they help you build a sustainable, active lifestyle that supports your joints instead of stressing them. Movement as Medicine Exercise is now considered one of the most effective treatments for arthritis—just as important as any medication. But here’s the catch: not all movement is good movement. Without the right guidance, you risk doing too much or doing the wrong types of exercises. Physiotherapists are experts at finding that sweet spot: enough activity to strengthen and protect your joints, but not so much that it causes flare-ups. Benefits of Staying Active with Arthritis Improves joint mobility Increases muscle strength Reduces stiffness ...

When it comes to improving your health and fitness, there are two major pillars you can’t ignore: strength and cardio training . While each of these disciplines offers its own unique benefits, the real magic happens when you combine them. Together, they create a powerhouse routine that not only transforms your body but also boosts your energy, endurance, and confidence. Whether you're new to working out or you're looking to take your results to the next level, understanding how strength and cardio work together is key to building a balanced, sustainable routine. What Is Strength and Cardio Training? Let’s start with the basics: Strength training involves exercises designed to improve muscle mass, tone, and endurance. It can include weightlifting, resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, and machines. Cardio training (short for cardiovascular training) focuses on improving the health of your heart and lungs. It includes any activity that raises your heart rate over a ...

Balance isn’t just about staying upright — it’s the foundation of nearly every movement you make. From walking across the room to reaching for a cupboard or stepping into the shower, balance plays a crucial role in your daily independence and safety. When that stability is compromised, so too is your confidence. That’s where balance physio comes in — a tailored form of physiotherapy designed to improve stability, prevent falls, and restore your confidence in movement. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with age-related decline, or managing a neurological condition, balance physio can be the difference between living cautiously and living confidently. What is Balance Physio? Balance physio, short for balance-focused physiotherapy, is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals regain control of their stability through targeted exercises and techniques. It aims to enhance the strength, coordination, and proprioception (body awareness) that are essential for m...