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https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/sleep/sleep-safety/safe-sleeping-tips

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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 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.

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.

References:

https://rednose.org.au/article/tummy-time-is-good-for-baby-because

https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Congenital_Torticollis/

https://pch.health.wa.gov.au/For-health-professionals/Emergency-Department-Guidelines/Torticollis

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/primary-care/nurse-on-call

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5361030/#r17

Osteopathy and Pregnancy

6 Mar, 2022 in Uncategorized by Tom McCormick

Osteopathy and Pregnancy

Can Osteopathy help during your pregnancy?

To follow up our last post on the importance of exercise in pregnancy, we thought it was important to address any barriers that may stop you from achieving those activity goals so you keep feeling your best. Sometimes, the thing stopping you from exercising may be musculoskeletal aches and pains. We thought we would provide some insight as to when you might consider getting Osteopathic treatment throughout your pregnancy.

Osteopaths see people for a wide variety of musculoskeletal complaints at many stages of life. A common reason people seek out treatment is for pregnancy related aches and pains. The human body is an amazing machine that is able to do so much. Whilst pregnant, there are so many changes happening to your body, there is no surprise that it can take a toll on it. This is where Osteopathy and pregnancy can may be beneficial.

Some common reasons pregnant women present to an Osteopath include, but aren’t limited to:

Lower back pain

Pelvic girdle pain

Middle back pain

Headaches

Some of the incredible changes in pregnancy (such as ligaments relaxing, strain of a growing uterus and centre of gravity shifting) can contribute to why a woman may be experiencing some discomfort in pregnancy (1). It may be interesting to know that the risk of experiencing these kinds of pain is increased if you have had back pain or pelvic injury/trauma prior to pregnancy (2).

There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of manual therapy throughout pregnancy for the management of pregnancy related pain (3, 4, 6), especially when combined with specific exercises. Your Osteopath may employ such manual techniques as soft tissue massage, stretching, joint mobilisation as well as providing education about what is happening and exercise prescription.

If you have any questions in regards to your pregnancy aches or pains and would like some further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members at Valued Health Osteopathy on (9570 9061). We would love to help you Move, Grow and Thrive through this special time in your life.

Want to make an appointment? – Book Online Today!

Valued Health Osteopathy offers:

Exercise Rehabilitation

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:

Oswald, Christopher, Ceara C. Higgins, and Demetry Assimakopoulos. “Optimizing pain relief during pregnancy using manual therapy.”Canadian Family Physician59.8 (2013): 841-842.
Vleeming A, Albert HB, Ostgaard HC, Sturesson B, Stuge B. European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain.Eur Spine J. 2008;17(6):794-819. doi:10.1007/s00586-008-0602-4
Rubinstein S M, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, Assendelft W J J, de Boer M R, van Tulder M W et al. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials BMJ 2019; 364 :l689 doi:10.1136/bmj.l689
Stuge B, Laerum E, Kirkesola G, Vøllestad N. The efficacy of a treatment program focusing on specific stabilizing exercises for pelvic girdle pain after pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004 Feb 15;29(4):351-9. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000090827.16926.1d. PMID: 15094530.
https://www.osteopathy.org.au/about-osteopathy/patients/areas-of-practice/women-s-pre-post-birth-support-and-pelvic-health
Depledge J, McNair PJ, Keal-Smith C, Williams M. Management of symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy using exercise and pelvic support belts. Phys Ther. 2005 Dec;85(12):1290-300. PMID: 16305268.
Gutke A, Lundberg M, Östgaard HC, Öberg B. Impact of postpartum lumbopelvic pain on disability, pain intensity, health-related quality of life, activity level, kinesiophobia, and depressive symptoms. Eur Spine J. 2011 Mar;20(3):440-8. doi: 10.1007/s00586-010-1487-6. Epub 2010 Jul 1. PMID: 20593205; PMCID: PMC3048223.

Pregnancy | Clinical Guidelines for physical activity while pregnant.

13 Feb, 2022 in Blog by Tom McCormick

Can you do physical exercise during pregnancy?

Guidelines to exercise during pregnancy:

Exercise, we all know we feel better when we do it, but sometimes we need a little reminding of why it is so good for us. Regular physical activity across our lives is associated with many impressive health benefits such as; improved mental health, physical fitness and a decrease in the risk of chronic disease and mortality (1). Pregnancy is an extra great time to get out there and get moving! There is a growing body of evidence on how it can significantly affect the health of the mother and her child.

Although guidelines around the world recommend women without contraindications engage in prenatal physical activity, fewer than 15% of women will actually achieve the minimum recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity during their pregnancy (2).

This may be occurring due to some uncertainty among some pregnant women and obstetric care providers as to whether prenatal physical activity may increase the risk of complications to the pregnancy, however there is no research to support this and there is a lot of research that highlights the risk of not engaging in prenatal physical activity.

Over the last 3 decades the rates of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension and newborn macrosomia have risen dramatically and are likely due to rising rates of maternal obesity (3,4). Physical activity has been proposed as a preventative or therapeutic way of reducing pregnancy complications and optimising maternal and foetal health.

In the absence of contraindications, following these guidelines is associated with fewer newborn complications (ie, large for gestational age) and maternal health benefits (ie, decreased risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, caesarian section, instrumental delivery, urinary incontinence, excessive gestational weight gain and depression; improved blood glucose; decreased total gestational weight gain; and decreased severity of depressive symptoms and lumbopelvic pain). That is a long and impressive list of the benefits of maintaining regular exercise throughout pregnancy, don’t you think?

For pregnant women not currently meeting these guidelines, a progressive adjustment towards them is recommended. Previously active women may continue physical activity throughout pregnancy. Women may find they need to modify their physical activity to make it more manageable as the pregnancy progresses. There may also be periods of time when following the guidelines is not possible due to fatigue and/or discomforts of pregnancy; however women are encouraged to do what they can and return to following the recommendations when they are able (5).

Recommendations for exercise while pregnant:

All women without contraindications should be physically active throughout pregnancy.
Pregnant women should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week to achieve clinically meaningful health benefits and reductions in pregnancy complications.
Physical activity should be accumulated over a minimum of 3 days per week; however, being active every day is encouraged
Pregnant women should incorporate a variety of aerobic and resistance training activities to achieve greater benefits. Adding yoga and/or gentle stretching may also be beneficial
Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) (e.g. Kegel exercises) may be performed on a daily basis to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence. Instruction on the proper technique is recommended to obtain optimal benefits,
Pregnant women who experience light-headedness, nausea or feel unwell when they exercise flat on their back should modify their exercise position to avoid the supine position.

Contraindications:

All pregnant women can participate in physical activity throughout pregnancy with the exception of those who have contraindications (listed below). Women with absolute contraindications may be able to continue their usual activities of daily living but should not participate in more strenuous activities. Women with relative contraindications should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity with their obstetric care provider prior to participation.

The following are absolute contraindications to exercise:

Ruptured membranes.
Premature labour.
Unexplained persistent vaginal bleeding.
Placenta praevia after 28 weeks’ gestation.
Pre-eclampsia.
Incompetent cervix.
Intrauterine growth restriction.
High-order multiple pregnancy (eg, triplets).
Uncontrolled type I diabetes.
Uncontrolled hypertension.
Uncontrolled thyroid disease.
Other serious cardiovascular, respiratory or systemic disorder.

For a full list of contraindications as to why it may not be advisable for you to partake in exercise during your pregnancy, please check out the full article at https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/21/1339 (5). Alternatively, please seek advice from your health provider and/or medical team.

Safety precautions for prenatal physical activity:

Avoid physical activity in excessive heat, especially with high humidity.
Avoid activities which involve physical contact or danger of falling.
Avoid scuba diving.
Lowlander women (ie, living below 2500 m) should avoid physical activity at high altitude (>2500 m). Those considering physical activity above those altitudes should seek supervision from an obstetric care provider with knowledge of the impact of high altitude on maternal and fetal outcomes.
Those considering athletic competition or exercising significantly above the recommended guidelines should seek supervision from an obstetric care provider with knowledge of the impact of high-intensity physical activity on maternal and fetal outcomes.
Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration—drink water before, during and after physical activity.
Know the reasons to stop physical activity and consult a qualified healthcare provider immediately if they occur (see Box 2).

Reasons to stop physical activity and consult a healthcare provider:

Persistent excessive shortness of breath that does not resolve on rest.
Severe chest pain.
Regular and painful uterine contractions.
Vaginal bleeding.
Persistent loss of fluid from the vagina indicating rupture of the membranes.
Persistent dizziness or faintness that does not resolve on rest.

We hope that these recommendations help to motivate you to keep healthy and moving throughout your pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns, as always, don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly team members at the clinic on (03) 9570 9061 so that we can help you Move, Grow and Thrive!

Want to make an appointment? – Book Online Today!

Valued Health Osteopathy offers:

Exercise Rehabilitation

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:

American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2013
Evenson KR , Barakat R , Brown WJ , et al . Guidelines for Physical Activity during Pregnancy: Comparisons From Around the World. Am J Lifestyle Med 2014;8:102–21.doi:10.1177/1559827613498204
Lavery JA , Friedman AM , Keyes KM , et al . Gestational diabetes in the United States: temporal changes in prevalence rates between 1979 and 2010. BJOG 2017;124:804–13.doi:10.1111/1471-0528.14236
Anne B. Wallis, Audrey F. Saftlas, Jason Hsia, Hani K. Atrash, Secular Trends in the Rates of Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, and Gestational Hypertension, United States, 1987–2004, American Journal of Hypertension, Volume 21, Issue 5, May 2008, Pages 521–526, https://doi.org/10.1038/ajh.2008.20
Mottola MF, Davenport MH, Ruchat S, et al 2019 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy British Journal of Sports Medicine 2018;52:1339-1346

Cervicogenic Headache

23 Feb, 2021 in Blog by Tom McCormick

What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?

Cervicogenic Headache | Treatment & Management

Valued Health Osteopathy

3/658 Centre Rd, Bentleigh East, 3165

Most people have experienced a headache at some point in their lives. There are many different types of headaches, including Migraines, Tension-Type and Cervicogenic headache. Each headache type can arise from various causes and triggers, range from being mild to intense and can last from a few minutes to several hours.

Cervicogenic Headache, Headache, Headaches, Headache and Osteopath, Osteopath headache, Osteo headache, tension type headache, Migraine, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath bayside, Osteopath Melbourne

A common headache we regularly see at Valued Health Osteopathy in Bentleigh East is a Cervicogenic Headache.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A Cervicogenic Headache is known as a secondary headache, as it is referred pain arising from a dysfunction in the upper cervical spine.

A common presentation of a Cervicogenic Headache may include:

Pain felt on one side of the neck, head or face

A constant deep dull ache

Radiates up from the neck to the scalp, and may also refer to the eye

Aggravated by certain neck movements and sustained awkward postures

Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache

Research shows that conservative treatment techniques are an effective intervention to manage cervicogenic headaches^1,2. This may include joint mobilisation and manipulation, stretching, and soft tissue massage to the neck and surrounding areas.

Management of Cervicogenic Headache

At Valued Health Osteopathy, it is important for us to provide you with self- management strategies, rehabilitation, educate you on what is going on, find the source of pain and recognise what is contributing to it!

If you have any questions or are experiencing a headache and want advice for self-management strategies, call the clinic on (03) 9570 9061 so we can help you Move, Grow and Thrive!

Want to make an appointment? – Book Online Today!

Valued Health Osteopathy offers:

Exercise Rehabilitation

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

Racicki, S., Gerwin, S., DiClaudio, S., Reinmann, S. and Donaldson, M., 2013. Conservative physical therapy management for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review. Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 21(2), pp.113-124.

Biondi, D.M., 2005. Cervicogenic headache: a review of diagnostic and treatment strategies. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 105(4_suppl), pp.16S-22S.

Tips For Going Back To School!

9 Feb, 2021 in Uncategorized tagged Back To School by Tom McCormick

Back to school | What you need to know!

Valued Health Osteopathy

3/658 Centre Rd, Bentleigh East, 3165

Here we are, 2021 and the kids are back to school. I think I can hear the collective sigh of relief from parents everywhere. Let’s hope that the 2021 school year is a relatively un-interrupted one!

Tips For Going Back To School!

So with kids returning to the classrooms let’s talk about what we can do to keep good health throughout the school year.

Returning to school is inevitably going to mean lots of hours spent at a desk or in front of a computer screen. Hopefully by now most if us have been able to set up an appropriate ergonomic work station at home, but after a long summer holiday break, we all might need some refreshing.

Get up and move – Aim to stand up and move every 15-30 minutes for several minutes at a time.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule – Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away (approximately 6 meters) for 20 seconds.
Let the chair do most of the work – Make sure you sit right back into your work chair. Try to avoid sitting on the edge of the chair.
Have a clean work station – Don’t put your work between you and the keyboard.
Computer screen – Your computer screen should be about an arms length away from you with the top of the screen at or above eye level.
Posture 1 – Knees approximately at right angles, thighs parallel, feet resting evenly on the ground with your weight evenly distributed between your ‘sitbones’.
Posture 2 – Imagine that a helium balloon is attached to the top of your head and is drawing you upright.

Let’s not forget about those heavy schoolbags!

Don’t overfill – If possible try to avoid over-filling your schoolbag by only carrying what you need. It’s recommended to keep the backpack to less than 15% of the body weight.
Be cool and always wear both straps of the schoolbag.
Adjust the straps – Make sure your school bag fits snug against the back and rests just above the waist and ensure the backpack is not larger than your childs back.

Some of my favourite stretches/exercises for returning to school include:

Lying on a rolled up towel
Pec stretches in a doorframe
Cat/cow(camel)
Childs pose
Shoulder circles
Trapezius stretch
Levator Scapulae stretch
Thoracic opening sidelying (open book)

We are excited to work with you and your family to make the 2021 school year a great one. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the clinic on (03) 9570 9061.

Want to make an appointment? – Book Online Today!

As always, if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact one of our lovely reception staff or Osteopaths at the clinic on (03) 9570 9061 so we can help you Move, Grow and Thrive!

Valued Health Osteopathy offers: