Vibe Rehab – the blog

Hi All,

Today’s blog is designed to give you an insight into what you should already know (but possibly don’t know), about the humble workstation set up. The more proactive you can be about your posture in prolonged positions, the less likely you are to sustain injuries. Education is the first stage of prevention!

Sitting in one position for prolonged periods of time, whether it be in the car or at the computer desk, is not good for anyone! Computer use has been shown to cause musculoskeletal discomfort, including muscle tension, muscle fatigue, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in the soft tissues and bone. Areas of common complaint include the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands and back.

All of which can be prevented!

Changes to the work station, regular rest breaks, and work station exercises have been shown to decrease musculoskeletal discomfort and increase productivity.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends the following:

• Stretch the torso, fingers, hands and arms frequently throughout the day;
• Take several short rest breaks;
• Stand up and walk for a few minutes periodically;
• Alternate computer tasks with non-computer tasks whenever possible; and
• Make small adjustments to the desk and chair.

Your workstation set up should be based on the following. If you are having troubles working out what is correct, don’t hesitate to request a workstation assessment within your workplace, or ask us!

In the past few years, a large amount of research has been focused on this area due to the increasing time we are spending in the seated position.

It proves that regular breaks from the desk/computer can improve speed, accuracy and performance, and reduce muscular discomfort. (you might be saying “I knew that!!!!”)

But how much rest is effective?? – Studies have concluded that the most effective work/break schedule is 30s break every 15 mins, with an additional 3 mins at the end of each hour.

The following picture demonstrates a good range of stretches and movements to be performed in these breaks!

If you have addressed all of these issues, and are still experiencing unexplained pain – give us a call!

Or if you want a copy of the work station stretches please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email ( admin@viberehab.com.au ).

Hi All,

At Vibe we realise that looking outside of our little world can be a bit of an eye opener sometimes.

We have all been stunned this year, with new stat’s that have reveled something we were completely unaware of – ACT has the 2nd highest rate of homelessness in Australia!

So instead of sitting back and just being aware of it – we are going to do something about it!

Our very own Damien Bowen will be participating in this years CEO Sleepout:

On the 20th June, in Civic Square, Damien will be equipped with a sleeping bag and 3 pieces of cardboard to spend the night outside and do what he can to raise awareness of our homelessness rates.

We have made personal commitment to this cause, and set our goals high (as usual), to raise $4000 for this  event. All of which will be sent to the Vinnies.

Will you help us in our pledge? Will you help do something about it?

We are taking donations from anyone who is willing – no amount too big or small. Call (6299 3886), email (admin@viberehab.com.au) or drop in to place a donation.

For more information about this event, or if you want to enter yourself, visit the website http://www.ceosleepout.org.au/register/get-involved/

Heel pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms affecting the foot. The greatest incident of heel pain occurs in middle aged men and women; however, this symptom may affect people of any age.

There are thought to be many causes of heel pain, the most common being feet with flatter arches, feet that “roll in” or pronate, and also high arched foot types. These foot postures can place excessive stress on the heel bone (Calcaneus), the plantar fascia, and other surrounding connective and soft tissues.

Heel pain is usually associated with inflammation of the connective tissues within the sole of the foot. This inflammatory process is usually secondary to an underlying biomechanical abnormality or pathology. An accurate diagnosis is paramount to the appropriate management and resolution of your problem. There are many conditions which may present as heel pain and professional advice should be sort if you suffer with such symptoms.

Depending on the underlying cause, your podiatrist may employ a treatment plan including any or all of the following:

• Rest from activities that stress the heel (such as running and jumping)
• The application of Ice (Ice packs etc.)
• Regular foot massage, concentrating on the arch of the foot
• Professional strapping
• A splint worn at night
• Flexibility exercises
• Ultrasound therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medicine (topical or oral)
• Checking your posture and walking style, to correct imbalances and gait abnormalities that may contribute to the pain
• Shoe inserts (orthoses) to help support the foot
• In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat conditions including neuroma, bursitis and heel spurs.

At Vibe we offer a range of mechanical and manual therapies to help resolve your foot and lower limb symptoms in a timely fashion. We provide a multi-disciplinary approach to your care with a variety of allied health that can assist –  If you have foot pain call us and start the “Heeling” process with a podiatry consult!

Vibe Rehabilitation is proud to announce our support as a major sponsor and official physiotherapy provider to the Queanbeyan Monaro Panthers Football Club.

Lara is looking forward to a great season as a team physiotherapist with the newly appointed Women’s Premier League squad. So far, preseason training has been enthusiastic and promising- with Panther’s bagging their first win against Gladeville Ravens 1-0 over the weekend. 

With a little tender love and care by the crew at Vibe, the Panther’s should be in peak condition for the upcoming Federation cup and roaring to a head start for the season opening this April.

Go Panther’s!!!

Hi All,

Only 1 week left!

Pilates and Tai Chi classes start next week, can you afford to pass up the opportunity to transform yourself into a much stronger and more balanced you?

But don’t keep this a secret, bring a friend and share the load!

Here’s how you sell it to your friends…

Some of the many benefits of Pilates:

• Reduce occurrence of injuries;
• Increase postural awareness;
• Increase Tone and strength throughout the whole body:
• Increase endorphins (hormones that make you feel good!);
• Increase endurance;
• Decrease muscle imbalances.

Some of the many benefits of Tai Chi:

• Teach body calmness and relaxation;
• Greatly increase energy levels;
• Raise the overall function of the body anc mind;
• Can expect quick results;
• Increase body awareness, strength and balance;
• Increase endurance.

Bring a friend, make it fun and have a great time.

If this isn’t for you maybe a friend or relative might be??

Call or email us – and we’ll do the rest…

Hi again from the Vibe team, and for the last time in 2012!

As we commence our wrap up here at Vibe, we hope you have had a wonderful year, and can give yourself the time sit back and take in all the year’s good points over the break.

Thank you for being part of our extended team in 2012, we will be closing from lunch time on Monday (24th), and re-opening on Monday the 7th of Jan.

We trust you will have a great Christmas with plenty of thrills, and no spills! However, if by some unfortunate twist of fate you happen to come off that new bike, or make an unexpected exit off your water skii’s, then we will be there in the new year to pick up the pieces!

If you need to make a booking over our shut down period, we will return your call as soon as we are back on board. Or alternatively, you can email the practice on admin@viberehab.com.au or damien@viberehab.com.au to request an appointment on a preferable day and time, and we will try our best to get you in ASAP in the new year.

Wishing you all, a safe and very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From all of us @ Vibe!