Has your Health Fund told you they are no longer giving rebates for “Pilates”?

Do not fear- we can still help you!

Have you been notified by your Health fund that “Pilates” as an exercise program is being removed from receiving a Private Health Fund Rebate?

From 2019, private health insurance will no longer cover natural therapies, including Aromatherapy, Bowen therapy, Buteyko, Feldenkrais, Herbalism, Homeopathy, Iridology, Kinesiology, Naturopathy, Reflexology, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Tai chi, Yoga and Pilates (provider by Pilates Instructors).
This move comes after a recent review by the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer found there was no clear evidence of the efficacy of these therapies. An expert committee will be established to consider the issue of ballooning and often opaque out-of-pocket costs.

BUT, DON”T DESPAIR! You can still claim your Private Health Rebates at Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health.

At Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health our “Physio Pilates” service is really just a name given to a subtle Exercise program in disguise. We have experienced Physio’s delivering your Rehab Exercises, Posture and Movement Control Exercises, Exercise Program needs and a Physio Pilates program of Exercises. The delivery of these exercises in clinic can be as done as:
1. A one-on-one appointment, for either 30min or 45min with your Physio
2. A small group appointment with your Physio for 45min, with a maximum of 3 clients per class, to ensure you get individualised assessment, exercises prescribed to your goals, and individualised feedback on your technique and performance of the exercises.

There is significant research evidence indicating the benefits of exercises in a supervised and controlled setting for many health needs, including:

– reduced joint and muscle pain
– eliminating the need for many expensive and often risky surgeries
– better post-operative outcomes after surgery
– reduced medical morbidities

So, because we have Physio’s that individualise your exercises, perform assessment and reassessment within your session and a plan a specific exercise pathway for you based around your physical and health goals, plus we document your individual pathway, we are able to ensure you will continue to receive a Physio Health Fund rebate for your “Physio Pilates/Exercise small group appointment” in clinic.

If you are unhappy about these Government Private Health Rebate Reforms, the best thing to do is to complain to your Health Fund.

Otherwise, we look forwards to continuing to help you into 2019 and beyond with your Activity, Health & Sporting Goals.

Do you know the difference between Pilates and Clinical Pilates (also known as Physio Pilates)?

You’re not alone if you don’t know the difference between the two.

What’s the history of Pilates?

It’s a fitness method developed by the German physical trainer Joseph Pilates during the First World War. He used it to help in the rehabilitation of injured soldiers. Joseph Pilates believed in early active intervention, and the exercises he created could be performed in a hospital bed.
Joe identified the importance of connecting the mind with the body. His idea was that “mindful movement” led to ongoing health and wellbeing. Concepts incorporated in his workouts included correct alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing and flowing movement. He called his exercise method ‘Contrology’, and released many publications outlining its benefits.

After he moved to New York in the 1920’s, Joe found his studio space close to several dance studios. His clients soon included many dancers. Before long the concepts of Pilates became popular among the wider dance community and among New York’s socialites. Joe continued to train clients until his death in 1967 at the age of 87. His students continued his work and by the 1980s the Pilates method had entered the fitness mainstream.

What is Clinical, or Physio, Pilates?

Clinical (Physio) Pilates takes Joe’s methods to the next level. It has evolved from traditional Pilates, with the input of physiotherapists and evidence-based research. If you need help with injury management, injury prevention or performance enhancement, the individual nature of Clinical Pilates ia for you.

In a Clinical (Physio) Pilates program, you do specific exercises based on clinical findings and a Physio assessment, with exercises adapted to suit your own goals and ability. Studies have shown that Clinical Pilates can assist in pain management, falls prevention, improving bone strength, increasing coordination and breathing control. This is in addition to the well-recognised benefits of improved flexibility, strength and core activation.

In equipment-based programs, like those we offer at Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health, your Physio will use equipment (reformer, trap table, wunda chair, sliders, balls, bands and more!) to challenge or facilitate your neuro-muscular (nerve, brain and muscle) system by adding resistance as well as increasing sensory feedback.

Our Clinical (Physio) Pilates program at Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health is suitable for anybody who wants to become pain-free, get moving or keep moving under the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist.

Please call us at the clinic or email us at pilates@www.gcphysio.robicoweb.com.au to find out how this program may be able to benefit you, and how we can tailor a plan to suit your needs. If you have extra’s cover that includes Physio, Private health rebates are available.

Has your Health Fund told you Heal Rebates will no longer be available for Pilates?

Read more here, but rest assured that you will still be able to use your Private Health Rebates for our Physio’s taking you for Pilates exercise Therapy in clinic.
With this change to Private Health Insurance to Pilates, watch for a change in name of Clinical or Physio Pilates as we will no longer be able to advertise that Our Physio’s do “pilates” per se. We will still have the Fitness Pilates classes in clinic run by the ever keen Pilates Instructor & Massage Therapist, Katie Harders.

And we will keep you posted on any name changes, but for now, let us help you achieve your Health, Well-Being, Sporting and Pilates Goals.

Why you should NOT use a Foam Roller to Release your ITB

By Senior Massage Therapist, Anthony Evans

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick sheet of connective tissue on the outside of the thigh and lies over the ITB Bursa that can become a source of pain on the outer knee, particularly in running sports.

We have many clients arrive in clinic who have searched “Dr Google” after getting this outside knee pain.  They arrive complaining of on-going knee pain, despite their best efforts to regularly use their Foam Roller to ‘release” their ITB as prescribed by Dr Google.

Here are some facts on why you should NOT use a Foam Roller and expect your ITB pain to get better:

FACT 1: The ITB does NOT stretch. Stop trying to do it. Falvey et al 2010 measured mechanical effects of stretching on the ITB. Result: no difference; the ITB was unaffected by any type or form of stretching. Wilhelm et al confirmed these results in 2017 finding only a few mm difference when ITB was machine stretched!  However, you may be able to stretch your quads muscle beneath the ITB, so focus on these instead.

FACT 2: The  TFL and Glute Max muscles do contribute to ITB tension. Spend time working on these muscles attached to the ITB at the hip. Then, address movement faults that lead to the compression of the burs in the first place! See here for more information, of if you are a cyclist or runner, read more specifically here

FACT 3: The bursa/fat pad at the knee does have a lot of nerve endings. When the ITB gets taught over the top of it, it can compresses the fat pad and cause pain. Given this, the last thing we want to do is add more compression to the bursa by rolling on it! 

SO, If you’ve been heavily using a foam roller to ‘release’ your ITB, THINK AGAIN!  And if you’re not seeing results from all the foam roller of your ITB, put the roller away as you may be prolonging the irritation. The only effect may be desensitisation to pummeling the tissue,  not tissue elongation and release!

In summary

1. The ITB does NOT move! Don’t stretch it- although you can stretch your quads muscle that lies beneath it
2. Focus on reducing tension and tone in Glute Max and TFL muscles instead. Use a Trigger ball for these, or better yet, see a qualified Massage Therapist who understands sport and is up to date with research
3. Stop the ITB foam rolling epidemic and focus your energies on intervention that will help. If self-diagnosis and treatment is failing, see one of our experienced Physio’s in clinic.

Phone 07 5500 6470 for an appointment or Book Online

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Strength Training for Kids

Gone are the days were anyone under the age of 16 couldn’t even think about entering a gym. Now, we see more and more athletes incorporating strength training at a younger age. Is this a good thing? Yes! Do we still need to be cautious? You betcha!

Why do we need caution when involving kids in strength training?

Bottom line, avoiding injuries. Strength programs for any age should be specific to the individual. You can’t expect a kid to be able to complete a program designed for adults. Also, the gym should not be seen as a playground and therefore proper education should be given prior to commencing or introducing equipment. Kids need constant supervision when performing strength training. The Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) highly recommend that strength training in kids should always be performed under the supervision of a qualified professional.

If there’s all these things to worry about then why do it?

Incorporating strength training earlier can actually be really beneficial to the individual. By starting at a young age, it will introduce movement fundamentals early on, making it easier when their older. Too many athletes are reaching the top end of sport presenting with limitations in athletic and functional abilities, as well as a long list of injuries. ASCA have composed a guideline on youth strength training which provides recommendations on how to safely assess and prescribe exercise based on their training age, age, and strength abilities.

What should be considered when training young athletes?

Each program prescribed should carefully consider the physical qualities of the athlete, long-term goals of the athlete and the maturation process, both emotional and physical. These should be constantly revalued.

How young is too young to start strength training?

From the age of 6, incorporating strength straining can be considered. It is most important the child can follow clear directions and understands basic safety considerations. Each child is different! Children are more likely to get injuries in the gym from dropping weights on fingers or toes and hitting their heads on bars. Even though someone may be safe to start strength training, doesn’t mean they are immediately given dumbbells. Even body weight exercises are considered strength training and it is usually where we start! Eg squats, push ups, lunges.

What are the long term goals of strength training in kids?

In order to have a long healthy career or involvement in sport, it is important that younger athletes learn how to train, before training to win. Focus should be on building a solid training foundation, followed by improving body/joint/limb control and stability. Once they are an adult, they will be well-rounded and able to safely train with increased load leading to better training outcomes.

My daughter is an 11 and a state level swimmer, can you give her a specific strength program for swimming?

Even though I’m happy to include some sport specific exercises where necessary, the focus on strength training for kids should be to develop a well-rounded athlete. By placing sole focus on one sport at an early age, your child may miss the opportunity to be involved with another sport later in life. Remember kids bodies will continue to grow, a child who may be perceived as too short for basketball in grade 8, could have a big growth spurt in grade 11. Try not to close doors too early. Encouraging your child to be a well-rounded athlete will benefit in the long run, more than likely will also help their current sport anyway.

Where to next?

If you’re interested in introducing strength training to your child I recommend booking in an Exercise Physiology initial consult. In this session we will discuss health and training history, goals and perform a Long Term Athlete Development screen. From here we will develop a plan, discuss recommendations for training, and prescribe a specific training program based on age, maturity, training history, competition and current strength abilities.

At Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health, we also have small group strength & conditioning classes JUST FOR KIDS! Our classes are supervised by our Exercise Physiologists so that your child can begin in a safe and nurturing environment (& health fund rebates may be available even though we keep the cost down anyway!).

For more information, phone the clinic on 07 5500 6470.

To Download this article, Click Here Concussion Info Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health