Specialised Services at Smart Health

Most of the practitioners at Smart Health have well over ten years clinical experience and many hold relevant education, mentoring or post graduate qualifications.  With this experience and additional training our practitioners have developed specialties within their respective fields.

We are proud to be able to offer our clients the following specialised services:

• Real Time Ultrasound Imaging
• Worksite Assessments
• Orthopaedic Dance Assessment
• Classical Dance Pointe Assessment

Please contact the Smart Health reception on 8293 1100 to enquire about any of our specialty services.

Real Time Ultrasound Imaging at Smart Health

                                     

 

As you may be aware, over the past two decades significant research has consistently shown a link between core abdominal muscle function and chronic lower back pain and the effect that acute low back pain has on inhibiting these core stabilizes of the spine.  Paul Hodges at QLD University (1996) highlighted how vital a tool the Real Time Ultrasound Scan (RTUS) is in successfully assessing and developing accurate core stabilization.  Utilising the experience of our physiotherapists and  the RTUS we have at Smart Health we have the ability to accurately assess the function of these deep abdominal muscles.  In particular we assess the activation, sequencing and quality of movement of the individual muscle groups.

• Were you aware that significant adhesions can build up between the different layers of the deep abdominals significantly reducing their effectiveness?

• The effects of these adhesions are clearly visible on an RTUS.

• Could this be the reason why some clients just don’t seem to progress with their exercise program as expected?

• Once these adhesions are detected they are quite easily treated with tradition manual techniques.

 To assist you with the treatment and exercise progression of clients, Smart Health has introduced our Real Time Ultrasound Imaging Service. Our experienced and specialized physiotherapists will assess the integrity clients abdominal muscles utilising the RTUS. 

From the assessment we will supply both client and when appropriate the treating practitioner with a written report including recommendations for ongoing treatment and exercise. 

We can also utilize the RTUS at Smart Health over further appointments as a biofeedback tool to further develop transverse abdominis isolation and correct core abdominal sequencing.

• You do not need GP referral to access this service

• Private Medical Benefits apply (with physiotherapy extras cover)

• HICAPS available for on the spot claiming

To make a referral, make a booking or to discuss any aspect of this service, please contact Jenni Guest at Smart Health on 8293 1100 or jen.guest@smarthealthtraining.com.au .

 

Worksite Assessments

According to a recent poll of 6,300 people, the average person spends 56 hours/week sitting down, or 8 hours/day.  If you think you’re not guilty, try adding up the time you spend in your car, watching TV, eating meals and at the computer. 

Here at Smart Health, we recognise that sustained sitting, particularly at computers, causes more clinic visits than any other single activity.  Computers are causing an epidemic of back pain, neck pain and headaches.  And it’s usually because people haven’t set-up their workstation correctly.  If you’re spending more than an hour at a poorly-designed workstation, it’s almost certainly causing some spinal stiffness, and more than likely back pain, neck pain or headache.As well as advising individual clients in clinic, we also run a large Occupational Health wing, which deals increasingly in office ergonomics.  This can involve individual worksite visits, to ensure appropriate workstation set-up, or group training sessions for corporate groups, to allow people to understand the principles behind proper workstation design.If you spend hours in from of your computer, or believe that your office could benefit from improving its ergonomics, contact us today to organise a worksite assessment. 

A Smart Health physiotherapist can attend your office, assess your set-up and posture, and make adjustments to reduce postural stress and symptoms.  Depending on your employment requirements, we can also provide a formal written report outlining our findings and recommendations. Employers are becoming increasingly pro-active in improving ergonomics, so your employer may subsidise or fund the service, to ensure that they are providing a safe worksite.

If you’re spending significant amounts of time in front of your computer screen, contact us today to organise a workstation assessment. If it hasn’t been set-up well, it’s likely to be the main cause of your back and neck stiffness.

 

Orthopaedic Dance Assessment

When auditioning for a tertiary dance course or company, you will be required to deliver an Orthopaedic Dance Assessment. This assessment provides the Director of the School with an idea of your structure and function.  When you undertake a full time dance course, this document provides the school with information to help prevent injury and perfect technique.

It is of utmost importance to undertake this type of assessment with an experienced physiotherapist who has a solid knowledge and understanding of the requirements of a professional dancer. After all, a dancer does not have a “normal” anatomical structure.

Jenni Guest has been involved in the Dance world for 35 years, and has focused on Dance Medicine and Science for all of her Physiotherapy Career. Jenni will complete your full assessment, and will provide both you with valuable feedback and your teacher with assistance in technique development prior to your audition.

Even for those younger students, whom are considering a career in Dance, take the leap ahead of the rest and book your assessment today, to address any concerns and polish your development.

The one hour Assessment addresses:

• Comprehensive Physical assessment

• Written assessment forms

• Report to teacher and student

• Exercise strategies

Your body is the tool of your profession. We must protect it and maximize your potential.

 

Classical Dance Pointe Assessment

Every young ballet dancer’s dream is that of the day she gets her first pair of Pointe Shoes. Every dancing Mother’s dream is to watch her daughter on Pointe.

Traditionally, a Dancer on Pointe indicated wealth, grace and length. However, to stand on the top of your big toe in a pair of stain shoes is not a normal anatomical feat for a human.

 

 

It is important that a young girl only begin Pointe work when she is physically and mentally ready to do so. Beginning too early, may cause deformation in the bony growth plates of the foot leading to permanent damage. Incorrect technique or dismissed niggles may lead to longer term issues.

The student will be assessed physically, to ensure that their bones, muscles and ligaments have the correct strength, stability and mobility to begin Pointe work. The assessment will highlight any small areas of concern that can be corrected through simple exercise or technique guidelines and prevent potential problems from developing.

At Smart Health your child will receive a thorough Pointe Assessment from one of the most experienced Dance Orientated Physiotherapists … Jenni Guest.

The one hour assessment addresses:

• Skeletal assessment

• Postural assessment

• Muscular balance and sequencing

• Residual effects of past injury

• A comprehensive Report to teacher/parent

• Exercise suggestions to maximize potential

• Recommendation on style of shoe to purchase

So to protect you daughter’s health and well being, and to avid unnecessary injury….

                     BOOK IN WITH DANCE PHYSIOTHERAPIST JENNI GUEST