Tom McCormick

About Tom McCormick

Dr. Tom McCormick (Osteopath) is the Director and Principal Osteopath at Valued Health Osteopathy in Bentleigh East. Tom is a qualified Osteopath and Dry needling practitioner and is also a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach. Tom has also completed further studies in optimal movement patterns with the FMS (Functional Movement Systems).Tom believes it is important to address the immediate issues causing pain, however feels it is equally important to improve his patient’s ongoing movement, tissue quality, muscle activation and muscle strength in order to optimize injury recovery and reduce the chance of re-aggravation. Since Tom graduated as an Osteopath he has had the opportunity to work both in Queensland and Victoria within private practice and has worked closely with sporting teams. Tom has suffered many injuries and complaints over the years due to his heavy interest in sport. From broken bones, torn cartilage, tendon and muscle injuries to even a double hernia repair, this is ultimately what led Tom into the health field. Tom has a hands on approach to healthcare by utilizing a broad range of techniques that are tailored specifically to each patient. Such techniques include mobilization, soft tissue massage, stretching, trigger point therapy, dry needling and exercise rehabilitation. Although Tom enjoys treating athletes, he also thrives on the sense of enjoyment that comes with helping his patients of all ages with many other injuries. Tom also has experience in treating headaches, back and neck pain, hip, knee and ankle injuries and shoulder and elbow pain. Here at Valued Health Osteopathy Tom will use his Osteopathic experience, coupled with his further training to assess, diagnose, rehabilitate and treat in order to get you moving better with less pain. Outside of work Tom loves to travel, watch plenty of sport, exercise and loves a good coffee.

Trochanteric Bursitis

21 Aug, 2023 in Blog tagged Hip pain / Lateral Hip pain / Trochanteric bursitis by Tom McCormick

Trochanteric Bursitis | A common cause of lateral hip pain.

What is Trochanteric Bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa that sits on the side of your greater trochanter, the side of your hip. A bursa is a sac of fluid that sits between muscles/tendons and bones to provide cushion as well smooth frictionless movement.

Who does it affect and what causes it?

More common in women, especially middle-aged women

Excessive or repetitive movements – such as athletics, running, cycling or jumping

Cycling

Direct trauma to the bursa – commonly seen in elderly patients who are at risk of falls

Sedentary or bed bound patients due to constant pressure over the greater trochanter

How does Trochanteric Bursitis occur?

This usually occurs due to either repetitive microtrauma that can be from running or exercise involving the hip and tendinopathy of the surrounding musculature. It can also be caused by direct trauma and compression of the bursa or idiopathically, without any reason.

What are the symptoms?

One sided lateral hip pain

Gradual onset of pain

Local pain over the greater trochanter

Pain that improves with anti-inflammatories

Pain that is worse with prolonged activity that involves stabilisation of the pelvis e.g standing on one leg

Pain that is brought on with adduction of the femur – swinging the leg across the midline of the body

How can Trochanteric Bursitis be treated?

In most cases trochanteric bursitis can be managed with conservative care through adequate rest and pharmacotherapy. However, there are instances where more direct intervention is required through physical therapy and stronger pharmacotherapy. In rare cases, surgery may be considered if patients do not respond well to conservative measures.

Here are some common exercises that can be prescribed to manage your lateral hip pain. This is general advice only and not to be substituted for personalised medical advice.

Sit to stand

Using a chair or bench
Place your feet shoulder width apart with your hands out in front for balance
Sit back down into a squat position and barely touch the chair or bench with your bottom and then stand back up
Perform 3 sets of 15, 3x a week

Glute bridges

Lie flat on the ground with your hips and knees bent at 90 degrees
Raise your hips to the sky by squeezing your bottom and hamstrings to elevate your bottom from the ground. Most of body weight should be on your upper back
Perform 3 sets of 10, 3x a week

Step ups

Using a small stool or a stair case
Standing with both feet on an elevated platform such a small stool or stairs.
Slowly bring one leg back and drop it down to the bottom level whilst keeping tension over the glutes of the elevated leg.
Whilst holding this tension, raise the leg on the bottom level back to the starting position.
Perform 3 sets of 10 on each leg, 3x a week.

If you’re experiencing pain or had a recent flare up of an old injury, we recommend you consult with one of our Osteopaths to find out the “do’s and don’ts” depending on the severity of your injury as there is no ‘one size fits all’ with treatment plans.

References:

1. Seidman AJ, Taqi M, Varacallo M. Trochanteric Bursitis. [Updated 2022 Nov 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538503/

Make an appointment today – Book online!

(03) 9570 9061

www.valuedhealth.com.au

You do not need a referral to see one of our friendly Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy. We have a very good relationship with many surrounding doctors, other health practitioners and personal trainers in the local community of Bentleigh East , Bentleigh, Ormond, McKinnon, Oakleigh, Carnegie, Caulfield, Moorabbin, Murrumbeena, Brighton, Clayton and Clarinda.

Valued Health Osteopathy offers Osteopathy, Clinical Pilates, Infant & Children Osteopathy, Pelvic Health Osteopathy, Exercise Rehabilitation and Strength & Conditioning. Valued Health Osteopathy is open 6 days a week with early morning and evening appointments.

Osteopath in Bentleigh East, Osteopath in Bentleigh, Osteopath near Ormond, Osteopath near McKinnon, Osteopath near Oakleigh, Osteopath near Cheltenham, Osteopath near Brighton, Osteopath near Caulfield, Osteopath near Carnegie, Osteopath near Clarinda, Osteopath near Moorabbin.

Valued Health Osteopathy is located at 3/658 Centre Road, Bentleigh East, Melbourne, Victoria, 3165.

Valued Health Osteopathy | Osteopathy Australia

Osteopath Bentleigh East, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Ormond, Osteopath McKinnon, Osteopath Moorabbin, Osteopath Murrumbeena, Osteopath Oakleigh, Osteopath Carnegie, Osteopath Caulfield, Osteopath Clayton, Osteopath Brighton and Osteopath Cheltenham, Osteopath Dingley, Osteopath Beaumaris, Osteopath Melbourne.

Knee Pain – Osteoarthritis (OA)

12 Feb, 2023 in Uncategorized tagged Knee pain / OA / Osteoarthritis by Tom McCormick

Knee Pain – Osteoarthritis (OA)

Common Causes of Knee Pain: Part 1 –Osteoarthritis (OA)

What is Osteoarthritis?

OA is a common condition that affects some joints of the body (3) and is something that we see frequently at Valued Health Osteopathy. Knee pain can have many causes, however one of the most common conditions behind knee pain, particularly in adults; is Osteoarthritis (3).

Osteoarthritis causes structural changes within a joint, which results in pain and a loss of function. OA is the most common type of arthritis affecting more than 250 million adults (1). OA is a progressive joint disease that is affected by multiple factors including biomechanical, genetic, inflammatory, and hormonal factors (1). It is important to note that it is not just an ‘older persons’ disease. (3)

Osteoarthritis can be associated with pain however, there is a high variability in the level of pain. (3) Importantly, pain does not typically correlate with the degree of change in joints. (3)

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Stiffness

Pain associated with movement

Joint swelling

Muscle weakness

Joint instability

Reduced range of movement and

Sounds within the joints. (3)

Risk factors for Osteoarthritis

Research suggests that there are multiple risk factors for OA and they can include:

Obesity

Previous significant injury to the joint

Increasing age

Repetitive movements associated with an occupation

Genetics and

Gender. (3)

So how can we help patients that do have symptomatic knee OA?

Education: Educating patients on what Osteoarthritis (OA) actually is, how it can be managed and that people with knee OA can still thrive in life is the first line of action (2).
Exercise is an important and effective part of any OA management plan and can be useful in trying to reduce pain and improve mobility. (3) Exercise including strength training, stretching, aerobic and balance programs should typically be included in an exercise program for those with OA. (3)
Diet: Generally a healthy and balanced diet is recommended for those with OA. Including healthy eating habits within your lifestyle can be beneficial for pain and functional outcomes associated with OA. For detailed assistance or support surrounding dietary changes, your GP or dietician would be a great place to start. (2)

They’re a lot of other areas involved in the management of knee osteoarthritis. For more information and help on how you can improve your knee pain, make an appointment with one of our Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy.

References:

1. 2.3. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2013 Sep;21(9):1145-53. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2013.03.018. Luks, Dr H. “10 Recommendations To Thrive With Osteoarthritis of the Knee,” Physio Network. Available at: https://www.physio-network.com/blog/10- recommendations-to-thrive-with-osteoarthritis-of-the-knee/ (Accessed: 2022).
2. Bone Joint Surg Am. 2018 Jan 17;100(2):131-137. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.16.01071.
3. Arthritis. Osteoarthritis, Reviewed on: 21-08-2019, Better Health Channel, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/osteoarthritis

Make an appointment today – Book online!

(03) 9570 9061

www.valuedhealth.com.au

Osteopath in Bentleigh East, Osteopath in Bentleigh, Osteopath near Ormond, Osteopath near McKinnon, Osteopath near Oakleigh, Osteopath near Cheltenham, Osteopath near Brighton, Osteopath near Caulfield, Osteopath near Carnegie, Osteopath near Clarinda, Osteopath near Moorabbin.

Valued Health Osteopathy is located at 3/658 Centre Road, Bentleigh East, Melbourne, Victoria, 3165.

Valued Health Osteopathy | Osteopathy Australia

Osteopath Bentleigh East, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Ormond, Osteopath McKinnon, Osteopath Moorabbin, Osteopath Murrumbeena, Osteopath Oakleigh, Osteopath Carnegie, Osteopath Caulfield, Osteopath Clayton, Osteopath Brighton and Osteopath Cheltenham, Osteopath Dingley, Osteopath Beaumaris, Osteopath Melbourne.

Shin Splints – Why do my shins hurt when I run?

12 Oct, 2022 in Uncategorized tagged Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) / Shin Pain by Tom McCormick

Shin Splints

My shins hurt when I run. Is it Shin Splints?

Valued Health Osteopathy

3/658 Centre Rd, Bentleigh East, 3165

Shin pain is a problem that many runners face in their time of running. Pain down the front of the shins is commonly known as shin splints, although this is just an umbrella term used to describe any type of pain around the shins. One of the most common forms of shin splints is a condition more formally known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).

MTSS is defined as “exercise-induced pain along the posterior medial tibial border, and recognisable pain is provoked on palpation of the posterior medial border over a length of ≥5 consecutive centimetres” (1).

MTSS is a condition which can cause pain along the front and inside portion of the shin bone and is typically associated with exercise that involves running and/or jumping although. There is still a lack of clarity as to what the actual root pathophysiological cause of MTSS is, as to whether it is a bone overloading injury or a fasciopathy type injury (1). MTSS is a common condition faced by runners with an incidence of 9.4% and prevalence of 9.1% (1).

Shin splints can be caused by many different factors. Some of the most common causes of MTSS are:

From inappropriate running load and volume, and inadequate lower limb muscular strength and endurance. When runners either increase their running volume or their running load/intensity at too great a rate, then the tissues in the lower leg are not given enough time to adapt to the increased workload, putting stress on the tissues. In runners with MTSS, it is common to find muscular strength and endurance imbalances between each leg. On the affected leg, the ankle plantar flexor muscles can be found to have 56% less endurance capacity, Tibialias Anterior can be 20% weaker, the Peroneal muscles can be 17% weaker, Soleus can be 12% weaker and Flexor Hallicus Longus can be 25% weaker than the non-affected leg. There are other factors that are also be considered when evaluating and managing MTSS in addition to load and muscle imbalances (2).

Risk Factors for MTSS

• Increased Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Increased exercise load

• Inappropriate footwear

• Muscular weakness of the foot and leg

• Female

What does MTSS feel like?

MTSS typically presents with soreness and tenderness, particularly to touch, along the front and inside aspect of the shin bone and is most noticeable after running. This can occur for several months and without appropriate treatment and management can get worse over time, which in some cases can lead to tibial stress fractures.

What does management of MTSS look like?

MTSS is condition that can take an extended period of time to fully resolve, with full resolution possibly taking several months. The chance of relapsing is increased if appropriate load management is not appropriate or optimal. Despite the lack of clarity as to whether MTSS is a bone overloading injury or a fasciopathy, load management is effective at managing both pathophysiology’s (1).

Appropriate management involves but is not limited to.

• Addressing muscle weaknesses by applying appropriate muscular strength and endurance training.

• Appropriate load management of running and other exercise.

• Exercise modification.

• Addressing running technique errors.

• Addressing inappropriate running shoes.

Suffering from Shin splints? We may be able to help. Speak to one of our Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy in Bentleigh East about your treatment and rehabilitation options. Call or book online today.

Make an appointment today – Book online!

(03) 9570 9061

valuedhealth.com.au

Shin pain, Shin splints, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Bentleigh East, Shin pain and Osteopathy

Valued Health Osteopathy is a trusted provider of Osteopathy, Pelvic Health, Infants & Children, Clinical Pilates, Exercise Rehabilitation and Strength & Conditioning. Valued Health Osteopathy is open 6 days a week with early morning and evening appointments.

Valued Health Osteopathy is located at 3/658 Centre Road, Bentleigh East, Melbourne, Victoria, 3165.

Valued Health Osteopathy | Osteopathy Australia

Osteopath Bentleigh East, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Ormond, Osteopath McKinnon, Osteopath Moorabbin, Osteopath Murrumbeena, Osteopath Oakleigh, Osteopath Carnegie, Osteopath Caulfield, Osteopath Clayton, Osteopath Brighton and Osteopath Cheltenham, Osteopath Dingley, Osteopath Beaumaris, Osteopath Melbourne.

References:

Winters, M. The diagnosis and management of medial tibial stress syndrome.Unfallchirurg 123 (Suppl 1), 15–19 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00113-019-0667-z
Mattock, J., Steele, J.R. & Mickle, K.J. Lower leg muscle structure and function are altered in long-distance runners with medial tibial stress syndrome: a case control study.J Foot Ankle Res 14, 47 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-021-00485-5
Newman P, Witchalls J, Waddington G, Adams R. Risk factors associated with medial tibial stress syndrome in runners: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Access J Sports Med. 2013 Nov 13;4:229-41. doi: 10.2147/OAJSM.S39331.

Growing Pains

16 Aug, 2022 in Uncategorized by Tom McCormick

Osteopathy and Growing Pains

Why are my child’s legs aching at night?

Usually occurring later in the day or at night, and sometimes enough to wake your child, growing pains describe a pattern of pain or discomfort in the legs. 80-90% of the time it is both legs, generally felt more in the muscles (often calf or thigh muscles) rather than bones or joints, and for most children it comes and goes.

As the cause is still unclear and requires further research, it is also known as Benign Nocturnal Limb Pain (BNLP), occurring in about 10-20% of healthy primary school and preschool aged children. Although the symptoms were labelled ‘growing pains’ in the 1930s to 1940’s, there is no clear explanation or evidence that growth causes the pain. It may occur after vigorous physical activity (but this is not always the case), however with no signs of swelling, redness, tenderness or limping, and by morning your child is well without any stiffness.

How does it feel?

Each child can have a different experience, where it may be a deep cramping or aching, from mild to severe. There can be days or months in between episodes or for some, be a daily occurrence. Although the pain or discomfort generally only lasts 10-30 minutes and is gone by morning, it may be distressing for your child.

What to look for:

It is important your child is taken to see their GP if you think there may be a more serious issue, and to confirm it is growing pains. This may include ruling out other issues including an assessment for any signs of growth associated injuries.

Seek medical care if any of the following is occurring:

– only one side of their body is in pain

– your child wakes up with the pain or stiffness in the morning

– not letting you touch the painful area

– the area is hot, red or swollen and does not get better within 24 hours

– your child is limping

– severe pain, a lump in the muscle

– fever

An assessment for other conditions may occur depending on the timing and location of the pain. Ruling out certain growth associated injuries with a physical examination is also important.

What can help?

Although there is no specific treatment for growing pains, the following strategies may provide some relief:

-comfort your child

-gently massage the painful area

-use a heat pack

-stretching the muscles in the area

-a warm a bath/shower before bed

-occasionally your doctor or pharmacist may suggest anti-inflammatory medication.

Physical activities can continue, and it may be helpful to encourage a variety of different sports and activities that allow different muscles in the body to be used in different ways.

If your child has very flexible joints (hyper mobility), a strengthening program with physical therapy may help (for example with an osteopath or physiotherapist), and a podiatrist may suggest shoe inserts if your child has flat feet.

How long can it last?

Growing pains usually resolve within a couple of years or by adolescence. Although they generally get better over time and don’t directly lead to other health conditions, if the pain occurs frequently, it may be helpful to discuss the best ways to manage the issue with your healthcare provider.

Keep in mind this is not a definitive list, but general information and please seek medical care if you have any concerns about your child’s health.

Valued Health Osteopathy’s practitioners do not ever perform any manipulation (defined as ‘cracking’ or forceful joint movement) on infants or children. Simple body positioning, stretching and gentle massage may be included by the Osteopath if appropriate. Pressure used would be no more than what is required whilst changing, dressing or holding an infant with the aim of keeping them calm and comfortable throughout. Our Osteopaths also recommend play-based exercises for caregivers to assist with management of conditions seen at Valued Health Osteopathy.

Julia has completed extensive postgraduate study in order to provide Osteopathic care to children and infants. Her additional postgraduate studies include Osteopathic Obstetric care, Paediatric considerations and pre & post natal pilates.

Make an appointment today – Book online!

(03) 9570 9061

valuedhealth.com.au

Valued Health Osteopathy offers Osteopathy, Clinical Pilates, Massage Therapy, Exercise Rehabilitation and Strength & Conditioning. Valued Health Osteopathy is open 6 days a week with early morning and evening appointments. Move better with Osteopathy!

Valued Health Osteopathy is located at 3/658 Centre Road, Bentleigh East, Melbourne, Victoria, 3165.

Valued Health Osteopathy | Osteopathy Australia

Osteopath Bentleigh East, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Ormond, Osteopath McKinnon, Osteopath Moorabbin, Osteopath Murrumbeena, Osteopath Oakleigh, Osteopath Carnegie, Osteopath Caulfield, Osteopath Clayton, Osteopath Brighton and Osteopath Cheltenham, Osteopath Dingley, Osteopath Beaumaris, Osteopath Melbourne.

References:

http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/images/stories/documents/info_sheets/2015/JIA/Arthritis_Aust_JIA_info_sheet_Growing_Pains.pdf https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/growing-pains/ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13019-growing-pains https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5349398/ https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/growing-pains#:~:text=Some%20children%20with%20growing%20pains%20might%20also%20get,the%20muscles%20of%20the%20thighs%2C%20calves%20or%20feet

What is Torticollis?

5 Jun, 2022 in Uncategorized by Tom McCormick

Osteopathy and Torticollis

My baby’s head tilts to one side. Is it a Torticollis?

A torticollis (sometimes called a “wry neck” in older children or adults) describes a position of the head tipping to one side with the chin turning towards the other side. The specific muscle affected is at the front of the neck, called the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and this runs from the back of the ear to the collar bone. There are many potential causes for this. This type of posture can develop prenatally, and is usually noticed within the first month after birth, which is considered congenital torticollis.

How does Torticollis happen?

The SCM muscle can be tight, shortened or thickened on presentation (with or without a , as a result of unusual head positioning in utero or from birth trauma. This may limit an infants neck mobility. If neck mobility is not limited, there may be a positional head preference. Some babies may have difficulty feeding on one side if breastfed. The persistence of this one sided postural tendency may also be related to lack of adequate tummy time. It is common for a baby’s head shape to be affected, and this may be due to a preferred head position which also requires varying management strategies when present.

What do I need to do?

It is important to see your doctor promptly if you notice a difference in your baby’s neck movement, a preferred side they turn their head to or if their head tips to one side. If this is noticed after 6 months, there may be other causes that need medical investigation.

There is not usually a requirement for a neck scan unless certain factors are present, however it is not uncommon for your doctor to recommend a hip ultrasound when a torticollis is present due to the association between torticollis and hip development concerns. In some cases a referral to a specialist will occur.

How can I help my baby?

Addressing the neck function earlier on for infants has been found to have the best results for their neck mobility and helping babies achieve a more even head position. Improvements can occur with simple position changes that encourage baby to tilt and turn their head to the other side, along with a home based stretching exercise plan. They are designed to help loosen the tight SCM muscle and strengthen the opposite side SCM muscle.

It may be recommended you see a physical therapist who assists in managing torticollis such as a physiotherapist or osteopath. Your healthcare practitioner may recommend changes to your babies position while feeding.

Your baby’s head position for sleep may need to be turned to the side that reduces the affected SCM muscle tension, and as this can get confusing sometimes it is helpful to check this with your practitioner. Always place babies on their backs for safe sleeping to reduce the risk of SIDS- see https://raisingchildren.net.au for safe sleeping tips.

Playtime with your baby with appropriate modifications to encourage active neck movement that strengthens the other side and stretches the affected side will be recommended by your practitioner.

Supervised time on their tummy, which also helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles is of significant importance- see https://rednose.org.au for tummy time tips and a fantastic informative video.

If you have any questions or concerns about your infant or child’s health or development after reading this information, please contact Dr. Julia Redfern (Osteopath) at Valued Health Osteopathy on 9570 9061, via email at [email protected] or discuss it in your next consultation https://valuedhealth.com.au/book-now/.

Speak to your Maternal and Child Health Nurse, GP or paediatrician for further advice. For urgent concerns contact NURSE-ON-CALL 1300 60 60 24, or if your situation is an emergency do not hesitate and call 000 or do not delay visiting your local hospital Emergency Department.

Valued Health Osteopathy’s practitioners do not ever perform any manipulation (defined as ‘cracking’ or forceful joint movement) on infants or children. Simple body positioning, stretching and gentle massage may be included by the Osteopath if appropriate. Pressure used would be no more than what is required whilst changing, dressing or holding an infant with the aim of keeping them calm and comfortable throughout. Our Osteopaths also recommend play-based exercises for caregivers to assist with management of conditions seen at Valued Health Osteopathy.

Make an appointment today – Book online!

(03) 9570 9061

valuedhealth.com.au