Bay City Health - Blog

Clint Cooper 5/1/25 Clint Cooper 5/1/25

Felicity's Journey in Pilates

Although Felicity isn’t yet 40, she brings nearly two decades of experience to her Pilates teaching. She began her journey as a Mat Pilates instructor at a small personal training studio in Ballarat and has since grown to run her own successful business. Felicity is now also a key contributor to one of—if not the—leading Pilates training organisations in the world. Her story is one of humble beginnings, unwavering dedication, and a deep passion for health, the human body, and the practice of Pilates.

Part 1: passion and humble beginnings.

As mentioned above, Felicity’s passion for sport, exercise, and health has been evident since her school days. A classic example comes from her time at Loreto College in Ballarat, where she eagerly signed up for every sport on offer—back when that meant writing your name on a piece of paper pinned to the wall. And we mean every sport. Unsurprisingly, she was named Loreto’s Sports Captain and was the recipient of both the Middle School and Senior School Sports Awards.

While Felicity thrived playing her favourite sport—women’s football—unfortunately, it wasn’t taken as seriously then as it is today. The opportunities and recognition just weren’t there. Given her natural talent and athleticism, we often wonder how far she might have gone had she had access to the pathways and programs now available to young female athletes.

It’s no surprise that after graduating from Year 12, Felicity went straight into a Diploma course to become a personal trainer. True to the dedication that defines her journey, she threw herself into the role and quickly became an outstanding trainer—but she wasn’t content to stop there.

Keen to deepen her knowledge, Felicity enrolled in a full-time university degree in Exercise & Sport Science, all while working 20–30 hours a week as a personal trainer at a small but reputable studio in Ballarat. And it was here that her Pilates journey began.

At the time, there were very few Pilates instructors in Victoria—let alone Ballarat. Encouraged by her boss, Felicity completed her basic Pilates training and began teaching a few Mat-based Pilates classes each week. That small beginning would go on to shape the rest of her career.

The more Felicity taught and practised Pilates, the deeper her passion for it grew. Beyond improving her core strength, mobility, and balance, the practice had a noticeable impact on her athletic performance—especially in running half marathons.

After circumstances beyond her control led her to leave her job as a personal trainer, Felicity found herself feeling a little lost. But within a few weeks, she took a leap and started her own small Pilates business—aptly named Felicity Porter Pilates.

She found a charming little hall in a local complex, complete with polished wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling mirrors—perfect for Pilates. The rent was just $10 per hour, paid in cash and slipped into a box on her way out. With minimal advertising and no pressure, she launched two classes per week, needing just one client per session to cover her overheads.

To her surprise, 20 people showed up to her first Monday evening class—and 25 to the Wednesday session. It was an incredible start, and those numbers held steady throughout the two years she ran the classes.

As word spread, Felicity was approached by schools, community groups, sporting associations, and even friendship circles to lead tailored Pilates programs—and she happily said yes. By day, she was at university; by night, she was running a growing Pilates business.

Part 2: Further study and the Polestar impact

Although things were going really well at the time, Felicity made a decision that would ultimately change the course of her life—she enrolled in a Diploma of Mat & Clinical Pilates with Polestar Pilates, a globally respected education provider founded by American physiotherapist Dr. Brent Anderson.

While the program’s reputation for high standards and excellence initially drew her in, it was the people she met during the course who left a lasting impression. Physios, osteopaths, exercise physiologists, and athletes—a diverse group of driven professionals, all eager to deepen their knowledge and learn from the best in the field.

The course not only sharpened Felicity’s skills and deepened her understanding of Pilates, but it also opened the door to a career path that felt like a natural extension of everything she loved: Osteopathy.

The next step in Felicity’s journey was one of the biggest yet—leaving everything behind in Victoria to move to the Byron region (and eventually the Gold Coast) to pursue a five-year Master’s degree in Osteopathy. Fresh off completing a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Science and running a thriving little Pilates business in Ballarat, it’s no wonder people were asking, “Are you crazy?”

The answer? Yes—in the best possible way.

Having made the move to a foreign, yet beautiful, part of the country, studying Osteo full-time and working part time at a cafe in stunning Bangalow, Felicity made the tough decision to put her Pilates training with Polestar on hold. But that didn’t last long. Enter Dav Cohen—an American credited with bringing Polestar Pilates to Australia and one of the country’s most respected Pilates instructors and Physiotherapists—who just happened to set up shop in Byron Bay. Talk about timing. With someone of Dav’s calibre suddenly in her backyard, Felicity immersed herself back into her Pilates education under Dav’s mentorship.

The next few years became some of the most pivotal in her career:

1. She completed her Diploma of Pilates and Rehabilitation.

2. She began working with Dav at Byron Bay Physio & Pilates.

3. She graduated with her Master’s in Osteopathy from Southern Cross University and subsequently gained employment at AMC (Associated Medical Clinics) under Ray & Sarah Lewis.

At this point, Felicity was truly thriving. She was working as an Osteopath on the Northern Gold Coast, teaching Pilates in Byron Bay (no small commute, by the way), and living her best life in Coolangatta

But home came calling.

Part 3: starting Bay City Health and becoming a Pilates mentor

Felicity’s deep desire to start a family, build a business, and be closer to her loved ones in Victoria became the driving force behind her decision to leave the Gold Coast and Byron Bay in 2018.

But where in Victoria would truly feel like home? Ballarat? Melbourne? Geelong?

After some heartfelt soul-searching with her partner and fiancé, Clint, the choice became clear: Geelong. It was close to the Surf Coast, a place that reminded Felicity of the relaxed, coastal lifestyle she cherished up north.

In the end, it felt like the right fit.

A lease was signed in Newtown, Geelong, a name chosen — Bay City Health Group — and the dream started to take shape.

Not many people know this, but the colour scheme of Bay City Health is Sea-foam Green — a nod to mid-century California. For Felicity and Clint, it was essential to bring a piece of Byron Bay’s calm, creative energy into their new space.

They wanted the studio to feel different from typical clinics — to inspire a sense of warmth, connection, and belonging. That’s why you’ll find an abundance of plants, colour, and natural timber throughout the studio — subtle touches that help people feel instantly at ease the moment they walk through the door.

Another non-negotiable for Felicity was quality.

When it came to Pilates, she was determined to bring the knowledge and experience she had gained over the years into her own studio. From the beginning, her vision was clear: to create a central hub for Pilates excellence in the Geelong region.

And so far, that vision is well on its way to becoming reality. Bay City Health now offers a diverse range of Pilates services — including Clinical Pilates, Rehab Pilates, Reformer Pilates, and 1:1 sessions — catering to a wide range of clients and needs. There are even more exciting developments on the horizon… but we’ll keep those under wraps for now.

Amidst all of this, including a couple of challenging, COVID-disrupted years, Felicity also fulfilled a deeply personal dream — becoming a mum to her beautiful daughter, Florence, who is now a familiar and much-loved face around the studio.

As if that weren’t enough, Felicity was also invited to become a Pilates Mentor with Polestar Pilates — a true recognition of her expertise and dedication to the practice. This mentorship involves two years of hands-on training in Melbourne, assisting in the formal education of aspiring Pilates instructors. Once fully qualified, Felicity will join a select group certified to host and guide students throughout their entire journey — from observation and apprentice teaching right through to exam preparation.

It’s safe to say that any Polestar Pilates student will be incredibly lucky to have Felicity as their mentor.

Personal Note:

Clearly, this wasn’t written by Felicity — her humble nature would never let her say most of what’s been shared in this blog.

As her partner in crime (and fiancé), I’ve had a front-row seat to her journey in Pilates, and I can confidently say that her passion is unmatched. She absolutely loves what she does. And thanks to her relentless drive to keep learning and growing in the field, her skills and knowledge have risen to meet that passion — and then some.

The best part? I know she’s only just getting started. She’s not even 40 yet, and there are so many years ahead for her in both Pilates and Osteo.

I truly hope that anyone reading this gets even a small sense of just how hard Felicity has worked to master her craft — and how incredibly lucky the Geelong community is to have someone like her raising the bar and setting the standard in Pilates.

To book an Initial Clinical Pilates assessment or 1:1 Private Pilates session with Felicity, click the button below. Or, you can call our friendly reception team to make a booking with Felicity or ask any questions you may need answering on 03 5229 3220

Click Here to book online with Felicity

Clint Cooper 10/28/24 Clint Cooper 10/28/24

Osteopathy and Pilates: Complementary Paths to Health and Well-being

Osteopathy and Pilates: Complementary Paths to Health and Well-being

Osteopathy and Pilates are two distinct approaches to health and wellness that share a common philosophy: the belief that the body functions best when its systems are in balance and alignment. Both focus on improving posture, promoting flexibility, and enhancing overall body mechanics. However, they differ in methodology and practice, which makes their combination especially beneficial for physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and holistic well-being.

This article explores the similarities and unique benefits of osteopathy and Pilates, and how they can work together to promote optimal health.

Osteopathy: A Holistic Approach to Health

Osteopathy is a branch of manual medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing health issues by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework. Founded in the late 19th century by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, osteopathy emphasizes the relationship between the body’s structure and its function. It operates on the principle that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself when its systems—musculoskeletal, circulatory, and nervous—are in balance.

Key Concepts of Osteopathy:

Holistic Treatment: Osteopathy treats the body as an integrated whole rather than focusing on specific symptoms. Osteopaths aim to identify and address the root causes of pain or dysfunction, whether they originate from muscular, skeletal, or even organ-related issues.
Manual Therapy: Osteopaths use hands-on techniques to assess and treat the body. These include soft tissue massage, stretching, joint mobilization, and manipulation to promote circulation, reduce tension, and restore normal body mechanics.
Self-Healing Philosophy: Osteopaths believe that the body is naturally capable of healing itself if given the right conditions. Their interventions focus on removing barriers to self-healing, such as poor posture, muscle tightness, or misalignment in the spine or joints.
Prevention and Maintenance: Beyond treating symptoms, osteopathy emphasizes preventive care. It encourages patients to maintain healthy body mechanics and avoid lifestyle habits that could lead to further issues, such as poor posture, prolonged sitting, or repetitive strain.

Pilates: Strength and Control through Movement

Pilates, developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, is a physical fitness system that focuses on strengthening the body’s core muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body control. Initially designed for rehabilitation, Pilates has evolved into a mainstream exercise method practiced by individuals of all fitness levels.

Key Concepts of Pilates:

Core Strength: At the heart of Pilates is the concept of building core strength, which includes the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, hips, and pelvis. These muscles, often referred to as the “powerhouse,” are crucial for stabilizing the body during movement and maintaining good posture.
Controlled Movement: Pilates emphasizes slow, controlled movements that require mental focus and precision. It’s less about the number of repetitions and more about performing each exercise with proper alignment and muscle engagement.
Flexibility and Mobility: Pilates incorporates a range of exercises designed to improve joint mobility and flexibility, particularly in the spine. Stretching is integrated with strengthening to maintain a healthy range of motion.
Body Awareness: Pilates encourages mindfulness and an acute awareness of how the body moves. This heightened body awareness helps individuals recognize imbalances, poor movement patterns, or misalignments that could contribute to discomfort or injury.

Similarities Between Osteopathy and Pilates

Though distinct in their approach—osteopathy being a medical treatment and Pilates a fitness method—there are several shared principles between the two:

Focus on Alignment and Posture: Both osteopathy and Pilates emphasize the importance of correct alignment and posture for overall health. In osteopathy, poor posture is often the underlying cause of musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction. Similarly, Pilates trains the body to maintain good posture through core strength and proper movement patterns.
Holistic Approach to the Body: Osteopathy and Pilates view the body as an interconnected system. Osteopathy treats the entire body, understanding that dysfunction in one area can affect other parts. Pilates, too, works on improving coordination and balance across the body, emphasizing that every movement should come from a strong and stable center.
Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention: Osteopathy is widely used in rehabilitation to treat injuries and chronic pain conditions. Pilates was initially developed as a rehabilitative exercise for injured soldiers and dancers. Both focus on restoring normal function to the body, with Pilates providing an ongoing method of strengthening and conditioning after osteopathic treatment.
Mind-Body Connection: Both disciplines encourage a mindful approach to the body. Osteopaths may help patients develop better body awareness to identify problematic movement patterns, while Pilates promotes mindfulness through breathing and concentration, ensuring that each movement is performed with intent and control.

Benefits of Combining Osteopathy and Pilates

The integration of osteopathy and Pilates can provide comprehensive health benefits, particularly for individuals dealing with chronic pain, poor posture, or injury recovery. By working together, these practices offer a well-rounded approach to restoring and maintaining physical health.

1. Enhanced Posture and Alignment

Pilates is an excellent complement to osteopathy’s focus on alignment. While osteopaths can manually correct misalignments and restrictions in the body, Pilates helps individuals maintain these corrections by strengthening the muscles that support the skeletal system. By engaging in regular Pilates exercises, patients can build strength in key areas like the core, shoulders, and back, which helps prevent future misalignments.

2. Improved Mobility and Flexibility

Osteopathic treatment can release restrictions in the joints and soft tissues, restoring movement where it may have been limited. Pilates helps to maintain and further enhance this flexibility through controlled stretching and mobility exercises. This combination is particularly beneficial for those recovering from injuries or suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis or lower back pain.

3. Injury Prevention

One of the goals of osteopathy is to identify and address areas of the body that are prone to injury due to poor movement patterns or imbalances. Pilates, by reinforcing core stability and body awareness, helps individuals move in ways that are safer and more efficient. This reduces the likelihood of re-injury, particularly in individuals who are prone to overuse injuries or those recovering from surgery.

4. Pain Relief and Long-Term Recovery

Osteopathy provides immediate pain relief by addressing the physical causes of discomfort, whether through spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, or soft tissue massage. Pilates helps in the long-term recovery process by encouraging a healthy movement routine that strengthens the body, improves flexibility, and reduces the chance of pain recurring. It is particularly helpful for those with chronic conditions like scoliosis or sciatica, as Pilates can be adapted to their specific needs.

5. Holistic Health and Well-Being

Osteopathy’s holistic approach extends beyond musculoskeletal health, considering the impact of lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, and diet. Pilates adds to this by promoting mental well-being through mindful movement and breath control. The combination of both practices supports physical, mental, and emotional health.

Conclusion

Osteopathy and Pilates are complementary therapies that, when combined, provide a comprehensive approach to health, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. Osteopathy’s medical foundation in manual therapy, alignment, and holistic care pairs seamlessly with Pilates’ focus on core strength, posture, and mindful movement. Together, they empower individuals to not only recover from injuries but also maintain long-term physical health and well-being. Whether seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to enhance physical fitness, the integration of osteopathy and Pilates offers a well-rounded path to a healthier, more balanced life.

Clint Cooper 9/26/24 Clint Cooper 9/26/24

Clinical Pilates VS Reformer Pilates: Which Pilates is right for you?

Clinical VS Reformer

There has been an explosion in the popularity of Pilates across Australia in recent years which has lead to a significant increase in the number of studios opening. Considering Pilates has been around for over 100 years some might say “it’s about time”. There seems to be a new studio popping up almost weekly at the moment. Obviously demand for Pilates has never been higher, which, as Pilates enthusiasts and instructors for 15+ years, warms our heart. However, there is some confusion as to the different forms of Pilates out there, including which studio offers what type of Pilates, and what Pilates is the best fit for you?The term Pilates means a lot more now than it did 30 years ago with all of the variations that have grown off the central Pilates branch. Imagine walking up to a barista and saying “I’d like a coffee please!”. I’m pretty sure you’d receive a blank stare quickly followed by the response “what type of coffee would that be?”. Well, if you called up a studio these days and said “I want to do Pilates please” you’d get a pretty similar response. So after managing to blend 2 of things I absolutely love - Coffee and Pilates - I’d like to clarify that the aim of this blog is to give an in depth rundown on the 2 most popular forms of Pilates: Clinical and Reformer.

Clinical Pilates and Reformer Pilates both focus on integrating the core, breath and correct from into all movements, however, they differ in approach and application. Let’s take a dive into how they each suit the different needs of individuals:

Clinical Pilates is characterised by individual programs, smaller class sizes and addressing a patients specific needs and goals. It's often guided by an Allied Health professional or Clinical Pilates instructor who have completed a 1-2 year diploma (depending on the level of training organisation). Your instructor will tailor exercises to address specific injuries, conditions or goals with an emphasis on correcting movement patterns and improving functional outcomes. Keep mind that, even though Clinical Pilates is excellent for people with musculoskeletal conditions, you don’t need any injuries to do Clinical Pilates. We have many patients who come in and enjoy having their own customised program designed around their goal of maintaining or improving general health and wellness.

Reformer Pilates, on the other hand, utilizes the reformer machine to perform exercises that enhance strength, flexibility, and balance. While it can be therapeutic, it is often practiced in a fitness setting and typically doesn’t target rehabilitation. There are generally larger class sizes in Reformer Pilates with classes reaching up to 20+. Due to larger classes, there is obviously less focus on an individuals form and technique relative to Clinical, however they are typically cheaper once you’ve done a few classes and gained confidence on the machines you’ll understand why it’s so popular. With a stronger focus on faster movements, more repetitions and increased resistance, Reformer Pilates can provide benefits that include weight loss, muscle tone, and improved cardiovascular fitness.

Let’s run through some points of interest as we continue to compare and contrast Clinical & Reformer Pilates:

- Assessment: An assessment is required prior to entering Clinical Pilates classes. This is important as program design is based of assessment results (and other factors such as goals, experience ect.). An assessment isn’t performed for Reformer Classes.

- Individual programs: Reformer Pilates is a group fitness setting meaning that everyone performs the same exercises together as prescribed by the instructor. Minor variations can be made for individuals. In Clinical Pilates, programs are designed and customised for each individual based on a number of factors. Programs are always evolving depending on progress, suitability and personal preferences.

- Use of Pilates machines: As the name suggests Reformer Pilates is performed on the Reformer. All machines/apparatus and props can be used in Clinical.

- Suitable for beginners: Both forms of Pilates are suitable for beginners.

- Suitable for injuries: If you are carrying an injury then Clinical Pilates is the best option. Exercises will be prescribed and modified to help with recovery. With Reformer – if a client has any injuries that may result in movement limitations (and hence their ability to complete exercises sufficiently), it’s generally recommended to avoid until those limitations have resolved.

- Caters for all levels: Big yes to both.

- Cost: Reformer Pilates is typically cheaper and more cost-effective than Clinical due to the larger class sizes, whereas Clinical is slightly more expensive due to the further level of training required for instructors, the detail required in programs and more intimate class sizes.

- Instructor training: Due to the greater amount of machines (Reformer, Trapeze/Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Mat) there is more training required for Clinical relative to Reformer.

- GP referrals: Most referrals from GP’s and medical clinics are typically for rehab applications, therefore much more suited to Clinical Pilates. Again, in the absence of injuries or significant movement limitations, Reformer can also be an effective referral option.

- Class times: Clinical Pilates is usually run during business hours, whereas Reformer Classes are most busy before and after work hours, but can be run at any time during the day.

- Class sizes: Reformer Classes will range anywhere between 5-20 participants, whilst Clinical Pilates are characterised by smaller class sizes ranging from 1-5.

In summary, Clinical Pilates is more individualized towards the patients’ needs and personal goals, while Reformer Pilates is generally more group fitness-oriented. Both are great. One will most likely suit you over the other. Hopefully this article will help give you more knowledge to make an informed decision on which type of Pilates aligns with you and your health goals.

Clinical Pilates VS Reformer Pilates: Comparison Chart

Clint Cooper 3/21/22 Clint Cooper 3/21/22

Understanding and Managing Hip Pain

Hip Pain

Understanding and Managing Hip Pain

Overview:

The name itself is pretty self-explanatory; It is pain that arises at the joint that connects our leg and back together. This region is made up of what we call a ‘ball and socket’ joint, involving the top of our thigh bone (ball) and pelvis (socket). Unfortunately, this region is a common source of pain for Australians of all ages and genders. Fortunately, here in Australia we have many trained professionals who have developed a expertise in treating and managing hip pain; including Surgeons and Doctors to Allied Health professionals such as Osteo’s, Physio’s, Chiro’s and Exercise Physiologists and not to mention those who compliment the above such as Pilates instructors, Personal trainers, strength and conditioning trainers and Massage therapist (there are many more that we haven’t listed).

Hip pain comes in many different forms (all of which are discussed below) and present in many different ways. Some people will have mild pain that doesn’t require treatment, and some will be at the other end of the scale where they can barely walk.

Hip pain requires a broad approach from health professionals beyond the point of just identifying and treating symptoms. This is due to the fact that often Hip Pain is a result of poor function/ movements of structures above and below the hip – therefore by understanding this, health professionals are able to better manage your complaint by treating the cause, as opposed to just treating the symptoms.

Symptoms:

Type of pain: Symptoms of hip pain can present in many different ways, is it a structural? And therefore pain directly in/ around the joint, or is it referred? And therefore pain may be felt elsewhere ie. into the knees. In a consultation, your practitioner will spend time talking to you about your symptoms as it’s very important to understand exactly what you are feeling. By doing so this allows us to narrow down what structures may be affected and therefore helping us form a diagnosis. Below is a list of symptoms commonly used to describe the type of pain occurring to the Hip region:

Limping
Joint pain
Groin pain
Thigh pain / buttock pain
Loss of motion of the hip
Swelling / warmth over the hip / redness
Tenderness of the hip
Pain on side lying or when sleeping on that side
Dull ache
Stabbing pain
Pain shooting down the leg from the hip
Catching / grabbing pain
Numbness and tingling down the leg
Weakness

Aggravating movements / activities: People suffering from Hip Pain are may be unable to complete activities of daily living, and may even feel pain on simple tasks that would normally be pain free. For example, if when you climb up stairs you not only feel pain but also you may occasionally feel weakness or that your hip is “giving way” – this may indicate that there is nerve involvement. Often, as this happens only occasionally patients might think it is not important and omit the fact when discussing the complaint with the practitioner. However, in reality this is quite the opposite – it is very important! Being able to understand what triggers your symptoms will provide another piece of the puzzle’ in creating an accurate diagnosis.

Below is a brief list of common everyday activities that can aggravate hip pain:

Walking
Running
Bike riding
Using stairs (going both up and down)
Standing in one spot for prolonged periods of time
Sitting at a desk for long hours
Driving a car/truck
Rolling over in bed
Bending down
Squats with or without weights
Side lying or sleeping on that side
Household chores – cleaning, doing the dishes, hanging the washing
Sports – specifically with a lot of twisting at the hips or contact sports

Red Flags

Red flags relate to the possibility that something appearing quite simple could in fact be quite serious.

Below are some examples of Red flags for Hip pain:

History of trauma / falls
Sudden onset
Any swelling / deformity
Inability to weight bear
Constipation or vomiting
Lower limb neurological symptoms – weakness, numbness or tingling
Testicular swelling
Night sweats, unintentional weight loss, appetite loss
History of malignancy
Any lumps or bumps felt in the groin
Fever – intraarticular infection
Unexplained weight loss
Burning with urination
Night pain
Prolonged corticosteroid use

Conditions of the Hip

There are many conditions that can lead to hip pain. Some conditions that result in damage or irritation of the soft tissue / structures of the hip include, but are not limited to the following:

Fractures / dislocations
Femoroacetabular impingement
Gluteal tendonopathy
Bursitis
- Trochanteric
- Iliopsoas
- Ischial
Iliotibial band syndrome
Snapping hip syndrome
Hip Osteoarthritis
Adductor strain
Hamstring tendinopathy
Labral tear
Piriformis syndrome
Tendonitis of the quadriceps muscle
Hernia
Osteitis pubis
Dislocation
Perthes’ disease

Who gets Hip Pain?

As mentioned in our intro – many people from different walks of life will/can suffer from hip pain. But who is more likely?

Age – Hip pain is a common condition from young adults onwards, however the older you are the more likely you will be to suffer from it.
Gender – Hip pain does not discriminate between the genders; however various studies suggest it may be slightly more common in females.
OA – due to the wear-and-tear nature of osteoarthritis, you are more likely to receive pain in load bearing joints – hence if you have OA you are more likely to get hip pain.
Occupation – various jobs may lead to the development of hip pain, such as workplaces where you are exposed to walking long distances on rough surfaces, lifting/ moving heavy weights, sitting for prolonged periods or standing for long periods of time.
Previous injuries – A history of previous hip pain or injuries to the joint will predispose it to future complications.
Sports – Depending on the sport, some may predispose you to hip pain. Weather it is through an injury during the game, ie. being tackled during footy; or through physical stress building over time, ie. twisting in netball or golf.
Altered gait – If our stride/ walk is faulty this means that we are constantly placing unnecessary strain though our hip which can lead to micro-traumas.

Assessment & Diagnosis

When you present to a Health professional such as an Osteopath with hip pain, our practitioners will follow an process; starting with an initial patient/ medical history, followed by a physical assessment that helps us narrow down the possibilities to the most likely diagnosis.

Patient / Medical history: This is where the practitioner will discuss with you about various aspects of your hip pain, finding context to the complaint. This will cover aspects such as when the pain occurred, the location of pain, how it happened, what makes it worse, what makes it better, level of pain, associated symptoms, impacted activities of daily living, lifestyle prior to onset of pain and occupation impact. But it will also include your medical history, for example if you have had previous episodes of the same complaint, other injuries and an other health conditions that may also contribute to your pain.

Orthopaedic testing: Orthopaedic tests involve specific movements of the body with or without muscular contraction, that are designed to provoke familiar pain. Therefore allowing us to narrow down the structure involved and may indicate a specific condition.

Palpation: The use of palpation can give the practitioner more information to help form a differential diagnosis. Palpation can help identify tissue texture changes, tightness, stiffness, temperature changes, differences between left and right side of the body, lumps, knots and swelling.

Range of motion (ROM): Again, this assessment leads us closer to a diagnosis by differentiating between the structure that cause potential restrictions/ pain in active ROM (you moving the joint) verses passive ROM (practitioner moving the joint for you). The movements of the Hip can be broken down into 3 basic plains:

Flexion / Extension (Bringing your leg forwards or backwards)
External / Internal Rotation (twisting you leg to the right and left)
Abduction / Adduction (Moving your leg toward or away from the midline of the body)

Diagnostic imaging: This form of assessment allows us to see what’s going on inside the body without the need for surgery or invasive procedures; enabling us to confirm a diagnosis and then treat accordingly. There are multiple imaging modalities that are used to highlight different structures. X-rays are for broken bones, dislocations, alignment and inflammation; Ultrasounds are for superficial soft tissue such as muscles and tendons; and lastly, MRI’s are often seen as the gold standard a more in depth view of all structures including connective tissue such as ligaments/tendons/cartilage /muscle.

Treatment – What we do

Here at Bay City Health Group our approach to Hip pain is holistic, meaning that we do more than just direct treatment. What we offer involves manual therapy, rehabilitation and tailored exercise programs facilitated though our Osteopaths; in addition to Exercise Rehabilitation facilitated by our Pilates team that is preformed in a highly specific clinical setting. These two models help to decrease pain and improve function/ range of motion. The Osteopaths achieve this though using hands on techniques such as massage, stretching, joint manipulation or adjustments, joint articulation and mobilisation, and myofascial release. Then, complimentary to this, Pilates focuses on developing strength to areas of weakness and educating you on correct movement patterns/ form. Both of which are excellent options for managing Hip Pain.

Management and treatment of Hip Pain is highly dependent on the type of symptoms, level of pain, onset of pain, limitations, and assessment findings, and is therefore very specific to the patient on that day. One thing to keep in mind with treatment is there’s no recipe. In other words, the type of treatment will vary from patient to patient depending on what their presentation is. For example, if someone comes into the clinic with acute Hip Pain and barely able to walk or even sit down, our treatment will be completely different to that of a patient who is a bit sore after a round of golf on the weekend.

Management

What things YOU can do to help hip pain

Ice / heat packs – a combination of these two are great for relieving symptoms. Ice is generally used to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain whereas heat is used for tight/ restricted muscles and pain.
Rest – by avoiding movements that place unnecessary stress/ pressure through the hip joints, such as bending forward squatting, side sleeping and sitting for long periods of time. this reduces the continued reaggravation and allows for a more effective recovery.
Stretches – Stretches reduce tension within the surrounding muscles and therefore take pressure off the joint, therefore improving hip function and pain.
Exercises, keeping active is key to management of all forms of pain, however the trick is making sure to not aggravate your existent complaint. For hip pain, going for short walks, bike rides, yoga or even swimming (gently kicking) and walking in a shallow pool are great for your hip pain recovery.

Final Notes:

Nothing replaces the knowledge and experience of Health professionals. This blog is for general educational purposes only and is aimed at the general public. If you have back pain and you think it needs to be looked at then please visit or talk a Health Professional.

To make a booking with one of the Health Professionals here at Bay City Health Group please call our friendly receptionists on 03 5229 3220 or head to our online bookings page to book your appointment online.

Steph Neal - Physiotherapist 6/7/21 Steph Neal - Physiotherapist 6/7/21

REFORMER PILATES: WHAT IS IT? WHO’S IT FOR? AND HOW TO GET STARTED!

You’ve heard your mum, hairdresser and neighbour talk about how much they love their Pilates Classes, but you really don’t know what it is or if it’s right for you!

Well you’re in luck, because today we are about to tell you all the things you ought to know about Reformer Pilates and if it’s the right thing for you and your body.

First things first!

What is a Pilates Reformer?

The Reformer is the name for the piece of equipment pictured below it’s main components are the carriage, springs, straps and the footbar (shown below)

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Reformer Components

The Reformer consists of a solid, steady frame (not all are solid timber) and within that frame there are numerous moving parts. Outlined below are some of the individual components that make up a Reformer:

Carriage – the carriage is what you sit, stand, kneel or lay on. It glides up and down and is where the movement for each of the exercises occurs.
Footbar – sounds pretty self explanatory right, that’s where you are wrong, it’s not just feet that rest on this, we have exercises where you rest your hands on here and some exercises don’t use the footbar at all (but where do my feet go we hear you ask? Keep scrolling to find out).

The Springs – these are the resistance (like your weights at the gym) each spring colour corresponds to a different strength. The springs add the resistance to each of your movements!
Use different combinations of springs to get the desired resistance for your particular exercise, unlike your usual weights however making an exercise heavier doesn’t always make it harder in some cases using a lighter spring will in fact challenge you more and maybe even in a different way.

Straps – There are two different sized straps attached to a rope and around a pulley. These straps are where your hands or feet go (but never at the same time). Put some springs on and place your hands or feet in the straps and you can add a challenge to the upper body and the lower body.

What Exercises Can You Do on the Pilates Reformer?

You’ll be amazed by the many ways that you can exercise on the Reformer and quite frankly once you start Pilates on a reformer you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life! #pilatesaddict

You’ll be forgiven for thinking that Pilates on the Reformer is a fad, but they have in fact been around for over 100 years and will no doubt be around for hundreds to come.

The reformer can be used in many different ways to allow you to perform a full body workout, and a Reformer Class at Bay City will give you just that. Our Reformer Classes will give you a great mix of Upper body, lower body and core strengthening exercises as well as stretching & mobility.

Check out the videos below for an example of the kinds of exercises you might find yourself doing in a Reformer Class at Bay City Health Group

Who can do a reformer class at bay City Health Group?

The versatility of the Reformer means that virtually anyone can participate in our reformer classes, You don’t have to be super co-ordinated or really flexible to attend a class. The Reformer exercises are adaptable to each individual and with only a maximum of 5 Reformers in our classes and highly experienced Pilates teachers you’ll always have someone to adjust the exercise to you and your body’s needs.
If you’ve been out of the exercise game for a while and/or never done Pilates before don’t shy away from attending a class, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how great you’ll feel and how easily you pick up the exercises.

What’s the Best way to get Started with Reformer Pilates?

If you don’t have any movement limitations, pain or an injury that impacts your day to day function then you can book yourself straight into a Reformer Pilates Class by downloading our app:

*for Apple users click the button below:

Apple

*and for Samsung/Android users click this button:

Samsung

If you are new to Pilates and brand new to the Reformer then we recommend booking into a Beginner Reformer Class. Once you know your way around the reformer and you are feeling up to a bit more of a challenge then the Intermediate Reformer Classes are your next step!

New to Bay City Health Group? It’s your lucky day! You can get your first class with us for FREE (Yep!! Zilch, nada, nothing). All you have to do is download our app (use the link above), create a profile and then select the ‘free first session’ option.

What should I do if I have pain or an injury and still want to do Pilates?

If you do fall into this category then you CAN absolutely still do Pilates with us, we have a team of Physio’s and Osteo’s who are all trained in Pilates. So, not only can we help assess and treat any injuries or ailments you may have, but we can also get you started with an exercise and Pilates program tailored just to you.

If you do have an injury, pain or movement limitations we’d strongly recommend you attend an initial Assessment with one of our team and you may even benefit from some of our Clinical Pilates/Exercise Rehab Sessions. To find out more about this you can visit our Clinical Pilates Page here:

Clinical Pilates

So Now What….???

So now that you know what a Reformer is, you know some of the exercises that you might do in a class and that it’s really not as scary as it might first seem, there’s really only three things you need to do next….

1. Download our APP and check out our timetable.

2. BOOK in for your FIRST FREE session

3. COME TO A CLASS AND JOIN IN THE FUN!

We can’t wait to see you in the studio soon!

And don’t forget if you have any other questions about our classes or anything at all please do not hesitate to call our lovely receptionists on 03 52293220 or send us an email to: team@baycityhealth.com.au

Clint Cooper 10/4/20 Clint Cooper 10/4/20