Blog

Strengthen Your Bones with Bone Health Exercises: Onero™ Program Coming Soon to Healthfix

We’re excited to announce that Onero™, a groundbreaking, evidence-based exercise program designed to improve bone health, will soon be available at Healthfix!   Onero™ was developed from the LIFTMOR study conducted at Griffith University and has shown remarkable results, such as increasing bone density, improving posture, and reducing the risk of falls and fractures. This program is ideal for individuals with low bone mass (osteopenia or osteoporosis).  

Key Benefits of Onero™:

  • Increase in bone mass at the spine and hips
  • Improved posture, balance, and mobility
  • Significant reduction in falls and fractures (up to 91.7%)
At Healthfix, our accredited Exercise Physiologists (EPs) will supervise the program to ensure it’s delivered safely and effectively. Participants will join a structured 12-month program with a minimum of two sessions per week, with regular assessments to track progress.   Interested?  You can register your interest now to secure your spot by! For more information, visit the Onero™ website here or contact our team today.   Stay tuned for more details, and take the first step toward better bone health with Onero™ at Healthfix!

Achieve Peak Performance with Healthfix’s Perform PT Program!

Are you looking to elevate your fitness routine and achieve peak performance? At Healthfix, we understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to fitness that includes both physical training and rehabilitation. Our Perform Program offers dynamic small group classes and integrated personal training (PT) to provide you with a well-rounded fitness experience tailored to your needs.    

Why Choose the Healthfix Perform Program?

  • Dynamic Small Group Classes Our small group classes provide personalised attention and support from our expert trainers. These classes help you improve your strength, endurance, and overall fitness in a supportive and motivating environment.
  • Integrated PT and Physio By combining the expertise of our personal trainers and physiotherapists, we ensure safe and effective training. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to enhance your performance, our integrated approach meets your specific needs.
  • Personalised Training Each session is tailored to your fitness level and goals. Our team works closely with you to create a training plan that meets your current needs and helps you achieve long-term health and fitness objectives.

Special Offer: Sign Up for 12 Weeks and Get the IntroFix Package for Free!

For a limited time, sign up for a 12-week commitment and receive the IntroFix package at no extra cost. This package includes a comprehensive fitness assessment and personalised training sessions to kickstart your journey to peak fitness.

 

What Can You Expect from the Perform Program?

  • Safe and Effective Training: Our expert team ensures all exercises are performed with the correct technique to prevent injuries and maximise results. We use specialised equipment and proven training methods to help you get the most out of every session.
  • Supportive Community: Join a community of like-minded individuals striving to improve their fitness and health. Our classes foster a sense of camaraderie and support, making your fitness journey more enjoyable and motivating.
  • Expert Guidance: With years of experience and a deep understanding of fitness and rehabilitation, our team provides top-notch guidance and support. From injury prevention to performance enhancement, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today to learn more about the Healthfix Perform Program and take advantage of our special offer. Start your journey to peak fitness with our expert team and discover the benefits of a comprehensive, integrated approach to health and fitness. Join us at Healthfix and transform your fitness routine. Together, we can achieve your best game yet!

Empowering Your Health Journey Healthfix: Our Approach to Your Long-Term Health

At Healthfix, our mission is to empower you for a healthier life. We understand that chronic diseases and recurring issues often lead people to use physiotherapy and healthcare as temporary fixes.Whether you’re managing a career, family, or personal health journey, our goal is to transform you into an empowered health expert, exercising regularly, completing two strength sessions per week, and setting positive health-related goals like participating in a park run.

Our Process

A key part to good healthcare is long term follow up research and categorisation of people into groups. When someone starts their journey at Healthfix we conduct a thorough assessment and set goals together on what the person is looking to achieve. We then categorise people based on whether we achieve these things together or not – did someone get a long term result after they left our care or not? This information gives us real time feedback on how we improve our service offering to ensure we are setting people up for long term success. 

Our Categorisations

  • Healthfix Empowered Health Expert (hEHE): Following WHO physical activity guidelines and setting positive health goals.
  • Designation Empowered Health Expert (dEHE): Achieved the goal of a specific condition or complaint within a service designation but left our care with a plan to achieve a more holistic health solution outside of Healthfix.
  • Self Discharge (SDC): The plan to achieve set goals was not completed and care ended prematurely.

How We Use This Information

When discharged from Healthfix each client is assigned to a category they receive a short, 1- minute survey every 3 months. This survey seeks to gain an understanding on whether the individual is thriving or still having trouble with their condition or leading a healthy life. By compiling this data into categorised cohorts or groups, we can be critical of the care that we are providing in order to deliver the most effective and time efficient solution to our customers. The information we receive help to inform:
  • Programs 
  • Timing off servicing – the benefits of intense servicing vs more drawn out approaches 
  • How much we intervene versus how much we educate. What is the best way to achieve self efficacy? 
  • Our membership offering versus one on one care offering. 
By continuously improving our approach based on your feedback, we strive to provide the most effective and time-efficient solutions for your long-term health and wellness.

Give the Gift of Health: Refer a Friend to Physio in North Sydney

At Healthfix, we harness our community’s power to create transformative health outcomes. Join our ‘Refer a Friend’ promotion and achieve your health goals together, powered by physiotherapy and strength training.   How It Works Invite a friend to Healthfix and both of you will enjoy significant rewards. Your friend will receive 50% off their first consultation, and as a thank you, you’ll also get 50% off your next session. If your friend joins our membership, they get a free week of our group classes—and you’ll get two additional weeks free!  

Why Refer a Friend?

  • Expand Your Support Network: Exercising with friends boosts fun and motivation. You’ll push each other to new heights in your fitness journeys.
  • Access Expert Guidance: You and your friend will receive personalised care from our skilled physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and trainers, tailored to meet your unique health needs.
  • Gain Confidence in Your Abilities: Our small group classes range from rehab-focused to beginner and advanced training, providing safe and supportive exercise tailored to your level.
 

Ready to Get Started?

Simply book now. Let’s turn health and wellness into a shared adventure at Healthfix! Limited Time Offer! Valid until 31st July.

The Healthfix Strength Philosophy: Strength Training Begins with Physiotherapy Rehabilitation

At Healthfix, we believe that strength training is an integral part of recovery from injury, not just an activity for the already fit.  

Healthfix Strength Philosophy

Our philosophy is grounded in the idea that rehabilitation should seamlessly transition into long-term strength training. It’s not merely about recovering from an injury; it’s about building a stronger foundation that supports all facets of life, enhancing your daily activities and ensuring your independence as you age.  It’s not just about lifting weights; it’s about crafting a robust foundation for everything you do, from playing with your kids to enjoying a park run on the weekend. Here’s how our strength philosophy supports every aspect of your life.  

Essential for Everyday Activities

Strength training enhances your stamina and capability, significantly improving your quality of life and maintaining your independence as you age. It’s about being strong for life’s great moments, ensuring you can enjoy your best days without limitation.  

Built on Expertise

Founded by Sean Cooney, a seasoned physiotherapist and strength conditioning expert, Healthfix is more than a physiotherapy clinic. We go beyond typical physio care, which often focuses only on pain relief and basic mobility. We integrate strength training into rehabilitation to not only speed up recovery but also to build lasting resilience and reduce the risk of re-injury. Sean puts it best: “Integrating strength training isn’t just about recovery; it’s about strengthening your body to prevent future injuries.”  

Overcoming Hesitations

Starting a strength training routine can seem daunting, especially if you’ve been out of the fitness loop for a while. At Healthfix, we design our programs to be both comfortable and confidence-boosting, ensuring they’re accessible whether you’re a beginner or returning to fitness post-injury.  

Creating a New Normal

With our expert guidance and supportive environment, adapting to a new fitness routine is only a matter of time. We help transition our clients from reactive to proactive health care, where wellness becomes a key component of everyday life.  

Why Strength Matters

  • Bone Health: Vital for maintaining bone density and strength.
  • Metabolism Boost: Helps enhance your metabolism, which is crucial for energy and weight management.
  • Chronic Condition Management: Active routines help manage and prevent conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Mental Health Benefits:

  • Mental Well-being: Regular strength training can significantly alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Cognitive Function: Keeping active helps maintain an active mind, staving off cognitive decline as you age.

Explore Our Tailored Programs:

  • Restore: Perfect for those needing a gentle reintroduction to physical activity.
  • Base: Ideal for beginners and those looking to establish a solid foundation in strength training.

Your journey to strength:

As we continue to innovate and lead in integrating strength training with physiotherapy, our commitment at Healthfix remains unwavering: to empower each individual to achieve optimal health and a vibrant life. Remember, every journey begins with a single step. Whether you are recovering from an injury or simply seeking to improve your overall health, we are here to support you every step of the way. Join us, and let’s build a stronger, healthier future together.   Explore our programs and find the one that’s right for you today. Your best self awaits.

Healthfix North Sydney Physio’s Guide to Overcoming Shoulder Pain: Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Rehabilitation

By Caitlan Skillicorn, Senior Physiotherapist Healthfix North Sydney

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common condition that affects many individuals, particularly those who engage in repetitive overhead activities or have previously suffered from a shoulder injury. Understanding how to effectively rehabilitation rotator cuff tendinopathy is crucial for regaining strength, mobility, and overall shoulder function. This blog serves to educate you on how you can best rehabilitate your shoulder with the help of our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists

What is your Rotator Cuff?

Your rotator cuff (RC) is a group of 4 muscles that surround your shoulder joint. These muscles include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor (see photo). They work together to keep the top of your arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder (imagine beach ball on a dinner plate), providing stability as well as facilitating a wide range of movements in your shoulder.

What are the main causes of Rotator cuff tendinopathy?

RC tendinopathy occurs when the tendons of the RC muscles become inflamed or damaged. Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition, including:
  • Overuse: Repetitive overhead movements such as throwing, lifting or reaching can put excessive strain on the RC tendons, leading to inflammation and injury. Think of a time where you spent the whole day painting or gardening or got back into the gym and went too hard too soon.
  • Ageing: As we age, then tendons in our body become less flexible and are more prone to wear and tear. This is a natural degeneration process and becomes more common as we get older.
  • Poor Posture: Slouching or hunching forward can alter the mechanics of your shoulder joint, putting added stress on the RC tendons increasing the likelihood of injury
  • Trauma: A sudden impact to the shoulder joint such as a fall or direct blow, can cause damage to the RC tendons, increasing inflammation to the area increasing the chance of irritation.
 

What is the role of physiotherapy in RC tendinopathy rehabilitation?

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of RC tendinopathy. Your physiotherapist will create a customised plan tailored to your specific needs, focusing on:
  • Manual therapy
    • Hands-on techniques such as massage and joint manipulation are used in the early stages to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue mobility. It is helpful to allow better movement within the shoulder for exercise but is a temporary solution that needs to be backed up with exercise.
  • Exercise Prescription
    • Targeted exercises are prescribed to strengthen the RC muscles, improve shoulder stability and restore range of motion. These exercises vary from based stretching to resistance training and functional movements, address imbalances and promoting proper shoulder mechanics
  • Education and ergonomics
    • Your physiotherapist should educate you on proper shoulder mechanics, posture and ergonomic principles to prevent any further injury and promote optimal healing. This may involve suggestions in changing workplace sets ups as well as guidance on safe lifting techniques.
 

How long does it take to recover from an RC tendinopathy?

The recovery timeline for RC injuries can vary depending on the severity of the condition as well as the individuals overall health and adherence to the rehabilitation program. Generally speaking mild cases may settle within a few weeks only requiring a few months of strengthening, however more chronic or severe cases may take several months of dedicated rehabilitation to achieve a successful outcome. It is essential you follow the recommendation of your physiotherapist to optimise your recovery outcomes.  

What are the stages of Rehabilitation?

  • Pain Management
    • The initial focus is on reducing your pain and inflammation through relative rest, manual therapy and pain medication as required. You will spend a good amount of time with your physio one on one here to ensure your symptoms settle before moving into too much exercise.
  • Restoration of Range of Motion
    • As pain subsides your movement through the shoulder should gradually improve, stretches and mobility exercises form the next part of your rehabilitation alongside your physiotherapist
  • Strength Building
    • Gradually as you become more mobile, strength becomes the next important thing to improve, here is where joining into our physio led restore classes will allow a more efficient rehabilitation, having access to this daily or as many times as recommended by your physio, your shoulder will be feeling back to normal very soon.
  • Functional Training
    • This part of the rehab is for those who are looking to return to some form of activity that requires more than then just general strength, in this phase your physiotherapist or exercise physiologist will individualise your exercises to prepare your shoulder for the sport specific or lifestyle movements that it will be required to complete
  • Prevention and maintenance
    • Once you are back to what you enjoy doing, the focus shifts to prevention through on-going exercises and lifestyle modifications. Our Exercise physiologist led Base classes are a great starting point to continue good quality movements in a safe environment to maintain all the hard work you’ve put into your shoulder rehabilitation.
 

Conclusion

Rehabilitation of RC tendinopathies require a comprehensive approach that addresses pain relief, restoration of mobility, strength building and functional improvement. Through physiotherapy interventions tailored to your individual needs, you can overcome the challenges and return to your desired level of activity and function.   If you are experiencing shoulder pain or suspect a RC tendinopathy, don’t hesitate to reach out to Healthfix for a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan.

Discover Lifelong Strength with Healthfix

Healthfix extends a warm invitation to our North Sydney community for a unique event, “Strength for the Ages.” Whether you’re a longtime member or curious about the transformative health journey Healthfix offers, join us for an evening dedicated to exploring the power of strength training for a lifetime of wellness. Date: Wednesday, 1st May Time: 6 PM Location: Healthfix Physio & Rehab Gym, North Sydney

Expert-Led Workshop and Q&A

Engage with our expert panel including a Q&A session led by our founder Sean Cooney, Physiotherapist, with Maggie Sewell Dietitian, Jonathan Chellas Exercise Physiologist and Bladen Baird Personal Trainer. They’ll delve into topics such as:
  • Essential strength training techniques and their life-enhancing benefits
  • Nutritional advice for optimal muscle health
  • Strategies for integrating strength training without injury

A Gathering of Like-minded Individuals

This event is more than just an informational session; it’s a gateway to the Healthfix community. Come and see how our small group training can support your fitness aspirations within a supportive environment.

Invitation to Wellness

We’re thrilled to open our doors to individuals who are considering Healthfix as their partner in health. Reserve your spot for “Strength for the Ages” and discover how our tailored approach to fitness can benefit you.

Join Us

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen not just your body, but also your understanding of what it takes to live your healthiest life. Whether you’re a long-time gym enthusiast or just starting, “Strength for the Ages” is your gateway to a more informed and empowered approach to wellness. Ready to redefine what strength means to you? Join us at Healthfix – your premier Rehab Gym in North Sydney – and let’s journey together towards a stronger, healthier you.

Meniscus Tears and How We Rehabilitate Them Using Physio

By Caitlan, Skillicorn, Senior Physiotherapist North Sydney   A meniscus tear can be a significant setback for those who live an active lifestyle. Whether it be due to a sudden twist during your social basketball competition midweek or a misstep during your Saturday park run, this injury can cause significant pain, swelling and limited mobility. However, with the right rehabilitation program, you can regain strength, mobility and function in your knee so you can resume your active lifestyle without missing a step. Before moving into the rehabilitation component, let’s first understand what the meniscus is and what it’s role in knee function. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartridge located between the femur and tibia (as shown in the picture). It acts as a shock absorber, providing cushioning and stability to the knee joint during movement. A tear occurs most often due to a sudden forceful twisting motion or can be due to age-related changes. Once diagnosed, either through physical examination and/or imaging. Treatment approach is determined by the severity and location of the tear. More severe tear’s may require surgical intervention, however this is a discussion you would have with you physiotherapist.  

Rehabilitation phases

  Previously rehabilitation had been milestoned by date timelines, more recently rehabilitation protocols have become criteria driven, meaning that instead of waiting for a certain week to pass before you can progress, you can move into the next phase once you have hit the required clinically markers. Our class structure allows a smooth transition between the phases with appropriate intensities to facilitate a successful and long lasting outcome.  

Early Rehabilitation

  • The goals of this phase are to reduce pain and swelling, maintain range of motion and start to strengthen the surrounding muscles with activation and isometric based exercises
  • Through this phase, you will spend one on one time with your physiotherapist to ensure correct movements and reduce any aggravating factors.
  • Exiting this phase requires a reduction in swelling, restoration of full range of pain free knee flexion and extension as well as the ability to activate your quadricep muscle.

Mid-stage Rehabilitation

  • The goals of this phase are to build back your strength through the full range of motion, improve balance and proprioception, as well as beginning to rebuild your cardiovascular fitness though use of bikes, rowers, and swimming. Towards the end of this phase exercises will start to get to ready to return to running.
  • During this phase of rehabilitation, you will see your physiotherapist less one on one and engage more in a rehab group class setting. This provides you with a community of people like you, working together towards improving strength and fitness. We have found that these group classes produce better results than purely one on one care as you are able to increase session numbers to get the required load to build strength in a positive environment.
  • Exiting this phase requires an ability to jump and land with control, a return of quadricep, hamstring and calf strength to that of your non-injured leg as well as a complete reduction in swelling.

End-stage Rehabilitation

  • The goals of this final phase are to prepare you for what activities you are looking to return to, this phase is individualised depending on whether you want to return to tennis, running or just being able to play with the kids. Exercises will be sport-specific and functional to your goals.
  • Gradually we will introduce higher-intensity strength training exercises as well as agility-based drills and plyometrics to enhance dynamic stability.
  • Exiting this phase requires completion of all sport-specific testing to the required level for you as well as your confidence to return to the same level of activity as before.
 

Key Considerations

  Throughout the rehabilitation process, you must ensure you listen to what your body is telling you, it’s natural to want to get to the end as quick as you can but rushing rehabilitation can be detrimental and potentially further elongate your return. Rest and recovery are just as important as the exercises you complete in the gym. Make sure to be in constant communication with your physiotherapist to voice any concerns you may have, don’t push through pain and modify exercises as required.   By following the principles outlined in this guide and working closely with the team here at Healthfix, you will be able to return to the activities you enjoy and achieve long-lasting success.
Expert Physio & Group Fitness in North Sydney

From Injury to Performance: Healthfix’s Blend of Expert Physio and Group Fitness Innovation

At Healthfix, we’re changing the game in physiotherapy here in North Sydney. We combine the know-how of physiotherapy with  group classes to help you not just recover, but truly transform your health for the better. Our goal? To help you get healthy and stay that way.

A Special Mix of Personal Attention and Group Programs

At Healthfix, we’ve crafted a health journey that combines individual physiotherapy with the benefits of  and strength training and group programs. This approach ensures comprehensive support at every stage – from initial recovery in our Restore phase, strengthening in the Base phase, to peak achievement in the Perform phase. It’s all about providing the necessary care, exactly when you need it.

Transforming Health Beyond Recovery

Our group programs are designed to enhance one-on-one sessions, creating a seamless connection between your personalised health plan and the collective progress achievable through group engagement. This structure offers more frequent interactions with your health professionals, keeping your health journey focused and effectively guided.

The Impact of Increased Exercise

A significant advantage of our method is the augmented amount of exercise you engage in each week. Regularly incorporating physical activity into your daily routine leads to greater and more sustainable health improvements, enabling you to reach your objectives more swiftly.

Every Phase of Your Journey: Restore, Base, and Perform. Exercise at Your Level

From the nurturing beginnings of the Restore phase, through the foundational development in the Base phase, to the heights of the Perform phase, every step is thoughtfully designed.

Restore Phase: Laying the Groundwork for Recovery

The Restore phase is all about setting you on the path from injury or chronic pain towards healing, focusing on:
  • Customised Physiotherapy: Tailoring plans specifically to address your injuries or conditions.
  • Gradual Strengthening and Mobility Work: Aiming to rebuild your strength and flexibility at a pace that prevents further injury.
  • Supportive Group Environment: Small group settings foster a supportive atmosphere where progress is shared and celebrated.
  • Educational Empowerment: Providing knowledge about your condition and self-care strategies to aid your recovery.

Base Phase: Establishing Your Health’s Foundation

Transitioning to building a solid health foundation, the Base phase is where resilience and strength are developed, including:
  • Expert-Led Exercise Classes: Centred on enhancing core strength, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being, safely and efficiently.
  • Functional Fitness Focus: Concentrating on workouts that elevate your everyday life and overall quality of living.
  • Adaptive Programming: Customising exercises to accommodate diverse fitness levels, allowing everyone to advance at their own pace.
  • Community Motivation: The collective dynamic of the group encourages motivation and accountability, crucial for a durable health foundation.

Perform Phase: Surpassing Your Expectations

For those aiming to exceed their limits, the Perform phase challenges you to achieve top performance, featuring:
  • Advanced Training Strategies: Employing various training methods, including strength, conditioning, and functional movements, to enhance overall physical performance.
  • Targeted Goal Achievement: Whether aiming for sports performance, personal fitness milestones, or holistic health improvements, this phase is directed at realising these ambitions.
  • Dynamic Group Sessions: Engage in classes designed to maximise your potential and celebrate every milestone in an energising, supportive atmosphere.

Join Our Supportive Community

Choosing Healthfix isn’t just about selecting a gym; it’s about joining a community committed to supporting you through every step of your health journey. With our skilled team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and personal trainers, alongside the collaborative energy of our group programs, we ensure your route to health is effective, focused, and fulfilling.
   
gym progress

A Guide to Understanding Your Progress in the Gym

At Healthfix, we understand that embarking on a fitness journey can sometimes be challenging, especially when results seem elusive. But fear not – progress is a process, and it follows a unique order. Today, we’re breaking down the sequence of results based on the insightful words of fitness expert John Romaniello so you can see progress in the gym.   

Strength Training: The Foundation of Progress 

The journey begins with strength training. As John Romaniello aptly puts it, “Strength is a skill.” Initially, your body learns to access its strength rather than increasing it outright. This is crucial in weight training, where you’re not only getting stronger but also honing your skill at lifting weights. It’s the foundational step, and every lifter experiences this phase.   

Performance: Unleashing Your Potential 

Once strength training is established, performance takes the spotlight. Your strength endurance, aerobic and anaerobic capacities, and coordination all come into play. Exposure to stress and consistent training enhances your body’s adaptability. Think of it as unlocking new levels of your own potential.   

Fat Loss Progress: The Visible Impact 

As your body adapts to stress, the next natural step is fat loss progress. While some initial fat loss occurs early on, the significant strides happen around 2-3 weeks into your program. Increased intensity and heavier weights contribute to a higher caloric expenditure. Day 25 will see much more fat loss progress than Day 1.   

Muscle Gain Tips: The Culmination of Effort 

Finally, we arrive at muscle gain. Hypertrophy, the process of muscle growth, is a meticulous journey. It demands specified training, higher training volume, and a dedicated nutritional program. Understandably, it takes time, but the results are worth the wait.   

What Does This Mean for You? 

If you’re just starting or feeling frustrated by slow progress, remember: Results REALLY Happen – In Order. Celebrate each phase, knowing that every step forward is a step closer to your goals. Be patient, stay consistent, and trust the process.    Your journey is unique, and at Healthfix, we’re here to guide and support you at every stage so that you see progress in the gym and in your every day life. Ready to take the next step? Let’s embark on this transformative journey together!