True Patriot Love Foundation – Bringing the future of healthcare

Taking Drum Lessons Was The Best Decision I Made

Listening to music became a hobby for me since childhood. I remember when I was a little girl, I would spend hours listening to my parents’ records and CDs. Tunes from the radio also made my day complete. I loved The Easybeats from my dad’s collection. My inclinations toward rock and roll moved all the way to modern rock music.

I used to dance around the living room, pretending to be Brian Johnson of AC/DC. As I got older, I started playing the guitar and the piano. But there was always one instrument that I was drawn to more than anything else: the drums. The beats that I hear seemed to be the most involving part of a song. I just loved how a drummer moved all the passion or emotion of the song from the sticks to the drums.

How It All Started

I finally decided to take drum lessons when I was 13 years old. I was so excited! I couldn’t wait to learn how to play this amazing instrument. My first lesson was a little intimidating. I thought I was good at doing the ‘air drums’. Unfortunately, playing the actual instrument was much different than I imagined. It’s a good thing that my teacher was really patient and encouraging. He helped me learn the basics of how to hold the sticks and how to hit the drums.

The first few weeks of lessons were really hard. The drums control the rhythm so it’s crucial to stick to the beat. The basic drum beats must be mastered. My hands were always sore, and I felt like I was never going to get the hang of it. But I kept practising, and eventually things started to slide into a rhythm, pun intended. I was able to play simple beats, and I started to feel like I was really making progress.

After a few months, I was playing more complex beats and songs. So glad that the hardest part was over. I was even starting to write my own drum parts. I was so proud of myself for sticking with it, and I was having so much fun.

Drum lessons have taught me so much more than just how to play the drums. They’ve taught me about discipline, hard work, and perseverance. They’ve also taught me about the importance of teamwork and collaboration. I’ve met some amazing people through my drum lessons, and I’ve made some lifelong friends.

Drum lessons have also helped me to grow as a person. They’ve given me confidence and self-esteem. They’ve taught me to be more outgoing and to take risks. I’m no longer afraid to try new things, and I’m always looking for new challenges.

If you’re thinking about taking drum lessons, I highly recommend it. It’s an amazing experience that will change your life. You’ll learn a new skill, make new friends, and grow as a person. Most of all, you will achieve what you have always been dreaming of – to be a great drummer.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your drum lessons:

Pick a good drum school.

A great tutor will be patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable. They will be able to help you learn at your own pace and will be able to answer any questions you have. Your tutor plays a vital role in your success so choose carefully.

Practice, practice, practice.

The more you practice, the better you will become. Try to set aside some time each day to practice your drums. Plus, drumming is a good exercise so keep going at it.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning something new. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep practising.

Enjoy the process!

Drum lessons should be enjoyable. If you’re not having fun, you’re less likely to stick with it. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the process of learning to play the drums.

To wrap up, learning the drums is not as difficult as it seems. What matters is you have the willingness to learn and the motivation to master it. So enrol for drum lessons now and take the first step towards your dream, just like I did!

How Remedial Massage Helped My Quality of Life

Massages are pretty common “treats” people get for themselves as part of self-care. After a long week of working, there’s nothing like getting a good massage to work out the kinks and knotted muscles, especially along the shoulder area. As an office worker, I would often indulge myself to massages once or twice a month.

After I got into a bad car crash though, that’s when I really appreciated the benefits of a good massage therapist. The typical 1-hour Swedish or Shiatsu massage no longer helped with the pain. That’s when my doctor referred me to remedial massage and it really changed how I dealt with discomfort!

How It Works

Remedial massage is basically a form of therapy that’s used together with other medical treatments. It’s usually best to get it with the advice of a doctor so that it complements whatever treatment regime you happen to be on.

As the name implies, remedial massage works by treating damaged, knotted, immobile, or tense muscles. After going through the typical massage and then this, I can confidently say that remedial massage is so much more different.

There’s an obvious technique there as a good therapist first asks about the location of the pain, the extent of the injury, and the overall mobility of the muscles. For example, the remedial massage I had focused on my back and shoulder muscles which were banged up pretty badly from the car crash.

It would often cramp up but a few weeks into the therapy and I didn’t have the problem anymore. The therapist also helped address my headaches triggered by the stress and anxiety that come from my injured arm.

It’s a very scientific approach and I’m really impressed on how the therapist managed to target specific muscles to give sufficient relief. They work by targeting the muscle groups and understanding exactly how the human anatomy works. It’s obviously a targeted therapeutic massage compared to a routine massage.

Who Should Get It?

While I definitely recommend remedial massage to anyone who feels like they’re suffering through routine pain, remedial massage becomes more important for people who suffered through muscular-skeletal injuries. Here are some instances when remedial massage would definitely be helpful:

People suffering from chronic neck, shoulder, or back pain – especially those who do repetitive work like heavy lifting.
It’s also a good idea for people who suffer from arthritis like the elderly.
Headaches and fatigue can definitely benefit from remedial massages.
Another thing I noticed is that some people who go through remedial massage don’t have any injury – but are trying to prevent one. For example, there are sports enthusiasts or bodybuilders who want to push their limits without causing injury to their bodies.
Maybe it has something to do with lessened pain but I definitely felt better with remedial massage! Any anxiety or depression I experienced tend to dissolve after a good massage.
I’ve heard that remedial massage can also help manage the side effects of cancer and diabetes. Although I have no personal experience of this, I think it’s perfectly possible for the stimulation to help with the pain.

Remedial Massage – How Long?

My main concern before was the cost of the therapy. After all, remedial massage is a special kind of medical approach and would cost more than your typical Asian massage. I soon found out that it doesn’t have to be forever or often.

By going to a reliable Brunswick remedial massage therapist, you can get an approximation of how long and how frequent the therapy would take. With my shoulder injury, I only needed to go once every few months in order to get the pain relief.

Choosing a Good Therapist

Of course, all the benefits of remedial massage are only available if you get someone who actually knows what they’re doing. I’ve been fortunate because my doctor referred me to someone who has good experience and took the time to understand the extent of my pain.

My advice is make sure you interview your massage therapist first before deciding on going to them for remedial massage. Once you find one you like, try to commit to it at least once a month and you might be surprised at how this improves the quality of your life!

Surviving Back Pain with Pilates

As people age, back pain is very likely to be on the list of the things that cause the most discomfort. (It certainly is on my top five!) Back pains result to frequent visits to the doctor and cause many people to miss work.

The muscle aches, numbness or stabbing sensations can be gradually improved by home treatment and self-care.

Age and lack of exercise are just some of the factors that cause back pains. When the core muscles are weak and unused, they contribute to back problems.

Doing heavy lifts, bending, or straightening require abdominal muscles to work with back muscles. Having a weak core makes one prone to back problems.

Intro to Pilates

Having a weak core or abdominal muscles, certainly, had been a challenge for me. I became determined to try many cardio exercises to lose my belly fat. When I found the courage to try Pilates, my body responded positively without bringing myself to exhaustion.

The reason I stayed on with Pilates is one of the main things that the system emphasizes – developing the body’s core which includes the abdominals, hips, gluteals and lower back.

Pilates is a system of strengthening and stretching exercises which prove helpful forms of self-care exercises especially to those with chronic back pains.

The Principles of Pilates and My Discovery

Pilates programs are hinged on nine principles. The six original principles are breathing, concentration, control, precision, flow and centering. The other three principles are balanced muscle development, whole body movement and relaxation.

1. Breathing

This is very important in Pilates as every movement requires inhalation and exhalation. There are breathing techniques designed to help muscle activation. What I’ve learned to do is maintaining to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth before and during the exercise.

This technique is called the rib cage or costal breathing. I observed that my rib cage expands when I inhale and my transversus abdominis and obliques contract as I exhale.

2. Concentration

The principle of concentration means there is intention in every movement. Pilates demands focus and feel of the way every exercise is done.

3. Control

This is based on the idea of muscle control. Controlling your movements mean that you maintain proper form, alignment and effort.

4. Centering

Centering, on the other hand, involves visualizing that all movements come from your abdominal muscles. In my Pilates classes, concentration, control and centering help me develop my body awareness.

My muscles respond better when I am able to concentrate my thoughts and center my movements to my core while maintaining my proper form.

5. Flow/Rhythm

The principle of flow or rhythm requires that exercises are performed with grace.

6. Precision

Precision maintains that every exercise should be performed with emphasis on proper form. Simple and precise movements make an effective exercise. When I was starting out, I realized that precision and flow takes time to become good at.

Therefore, it is not necessary to be perfect on the first try. Simple movements can be precise and have good rhythm when you apply first four principles well.

7. Balanced Muscle Development

This ensures that exercises done on one side of the body must also be performed on the other. Exercises involving your right arm, must also be done with your left.

8. Whole Body Movement

This engages the entire body through breathing, core exercise, and the use of both arms and legs.

9. Relaxation

Lastly, Relaxation ensures that there is no tension before any exercise is done. Following these nine Pilates principles will make for an effective exercise with no effort and time wasted.

Results of Continuous Pilates

After attending Pilates classes of up to three times a week, I noticed in myself an increase in body strength, balance, and flexibility. I now have a better posture and I can do a proper breathing technique with ease.

The occurrence of my back pains became minimal. I can also perform more physical activities that were used to be limited by my back pains.

Different Apparatus

I was once intimidated by the different Pilates apparatus. I used to just pass by Pilates gyms and look through the windows thinking the movements are way over my head. Then I found that mat and apparatus work can all be adjusted to suit different levels of fitness abilities.

The Reformer is the most common Pilates apparatus. There are also Cadillacs, Wunda Chairs, Spine Correctors and Ladder Barrels. The workouts for these are less intimidating than their names.

The Future

Pilates is for people of all ages. There are classes for beginners and for the elite athletes. I recently read online about this fitness combo called Yoglates, which combines Yoga, Calisthenics and Pilates. This might be a fun way to make Pilates more appealing to people who are scared to try.

Pilates can be a warm up to a rigid exercise or it can be a good ending to a workout day full of lifts or sprints. In the future, new trends involving Pilates might pop up here and there but the positive effects of Pilates to body, especially for relieving some back pains, remain the same.

Why Do Most Women Opt for Laser Hair Removal? Here’s Why!

Laser hair removal has been around for years! More than a million women had the treatment in the year 2018. Unfortunately, I was a little late on the bandwagon and only had mine for a year or so.

Despite that fact, I’m extremely happy about the results and talk it up with many friends who are also considering going the laser hair removal route.

But what exactly made it such a big winner for me? Here are some of my observations after going through laser hair removal.

It’s very effective.

Laser hair removal is permanent but it’s non-invasive. While I can’t claim to be a doctor, I understand that the process works by killing off the root of the hair that initiates growth. No, this isn’t harmful at all; it just makes the root inactive so no hair will grow on that area of the body.

While it’s not perfect, more than 90 percent of women who go through laser hair removal no longer have to worry about straying hair – forever! While I can’t claim forever yet, I haven’t found any growing hair on my treated area since I had it.

Pain is really minimal.

No kidding – there is some pain and discomfort. After the treatment, the doctor told me to rub some ointment on the area if I feel any irritation or redness, but that’s all of it. Sure, it takes a few days to fully recover but it shouldn’t stop you from doing ordinary tasks.

The laser process itself isn’t painful, just uncomfortable. You’d feel like there’s a rubber band being slapped on the zapped portion of the skin, but that’s as painful as it gets.

It pays for itself.

Considering how much shaving cream and how many shaving blades I bought before getting laser hair treatment – I’d say the process is well worth the cost. Not to mention the fact that I would often nick myself while shaving tough areas.

Taking all these into consideration – the treatment pays for itself over a period of years, not just in cost but in the sheer freedom and convenience it brings into my life.

It’s quick.

While a complete treatment takes several sessions, each session lasts only a few hours – depending on the surface area of skin that would be treated.

I found the treatment sessions to be very convenient – especially with a doctor that works around your schedule.

It’s just smooth all over!

I don’t know about you but I’ve always had the problem of ingrown hair that’s very itchy and painful to remove. They say you can get it when you shave and plucking is also a bad idea because it can damage the skin.

So really – what other option is out there? After laser hair removal, the skin of my armpits is wonderfully smooth and I never had to worry about ingrown again.

No lasting marks.

It hurts and irritation is to be expected after a session but after a few days of healing, there are no visible marks on the surface area. After a few weeks – it’s just smooth and white skin that feels great to the touch. No scars, welts, or any kind of injury anywhere.

Of course, I heard that in order to guarantee zero injury, you’ll need to find a good and reputable doctor to do the job. Fortunately, I managed to find one in my city!

It can be done – everywhere. Some girls have it done on their armpits, others on their legs, and others on their bikini area. The precision is really impressive as the laser treatment can be done on any area of the body where hair grows.

For more information about hair removal, try checking a laser hair removal clinic in Point Cook and consulting with professionals there to get a better perspective about the process. I find that it’s better to look into the background of the skin care company before committing to the process.

Discovering the Different Health Benefits of Commercial Cleaning

A healthy workforce is crucial to the success of any business organisation. This is what many of our clients tell us every time they seek our commercial cleaning services.

They have already discovered the many health benefits that only an experienced commercial cleaning provider can offer. If you are still at a loss as to what health benefits commercial cleaning can provide for your organisation, then this article is for you.

Lower Risk of Infections

One of the most important health benefits of commercial cleaning is the reduction of infection risk. We cannot promise to eliminate all the germs in your building. However, what we can promise is to perform a very comprehensive cleaning.

Regular cleaning can only kill about 50 percent of germs. This is because the in-house cleaning services may not use the right solutions to help get rid of 80 to 90 percent of harmful microorganisms. It would be difficult to obtain the kind of commercial cleaning benefits that your company needs if you do not use the right solutions.

Commercial cleaning services utilise only the toughest solutions. They are tough against common pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In addition to the use of these solutions, technicians also make sure that every surface in your office will get the kind of disinfection it needs.

Disinfection is a must in any commercial space. You cannot kill germs just by sweeping and vacuuming. They can find their way onto other surfaces, waiting for one of your employees to touch them. And when this employee gets exposed to these germs, then you are now risking their spread.

One has to employ the right process to reach certain areas that traditional cleaning methods don’t address. Air conditioning vents, spaces behind office furniture, and the spaces underneath furnishings are all possible hiding places for these infectious microorganisms.

Reduced Risk of Injuries

A good commercial cleaning service will help organise your office in a more efficient manner. This organisation minimises clutter and makes efficient use of space. Moreover, it allows your employees to see where they are going. This can minimise bumping into furnishings.

Commercial cleaning services can also help you check the integrity of your fixtures and furnishings. If everything is in tip-top shape, then you can ensure a much safer workplace for everyone. This can have an impact on your employees’ health.

Bumping into furnishings can lead to bruises. If the employee has a clotting disorder, the resulting tissue injury may lead to a large bruise. People with diabetes will often find it very difficult to heal their wounds.

Employees can also hurt themselves if they hit a sharp object. They can get scratches or a deep cut. They can also fall on the floor. This can increase the risk of hairline fractures as well as muscle soreness and pain. All of these can have an effect on their ability to complete their tasks.

Less Stress

Employees do not like working in a dirty and cluttered environment. It takes them out of their focus and concentration. Instead of focusing on the job at hand, part of their brain will be processing the different sensory stimuli coming from their surroundings.

The brain will try to make sense of the foul odour coming from the trash can. It will also try to focus on a particular object in a pile of documents. These can make people’s lives more stressful. And if your employees are stressed out, they will not be able to work as efficiently as you’d want them to.

Commercial cleaning companies can help you create a work environment that is more conducive to your employees. They can focus on their work. They do not have to worry about clutter, foul odour, and the risk of injuries and infections ever again.

Commercial cleaning services provide many health benefits to everyone in a particular organisation. This is one of the ways businesses can make sure that their operations remain on track.

Vibration Machine for Weight Loss: The Perfect Gift this Holiday Season

It’s a few more weeks before the whole world will come together to celebrate the most festive season of the year. Personally, I am more interested in what the New Year will bring and I am pretty sure you are, too. And while you may already be thinking about that perfect present to give this holiday season either to yourself or to someone you hold dear, hold that thought as I have something for you. I know you might think this is odd, but I’m really thinking about the perfect vibration machine to buy for a Christmas gift that I can give to a dear friend of mine.

Yes, you got that right. After all the musings, I’ve finally figured it out. This is the perfect gift I could ever give to my friend. You should consider it, too. Here’s why.

Most of the folks that I have met have this intense desire to lose weight. As a matter of fact, even before they open their Christmas presents, they are already thinking of what to include in their New Year’s resolution. Unfortunately, many eventually fail for a number of reasons, but more because of the time needed to produce the kind of weight loss that is longer-lasting. They know that they need to watch what they’re eating while also paying close attention to their physical activities.

The main issue is that their other commitments may get in the way of weight loss physical exercises. For instance, if they manage to run at about 8 kilometres per hour, they will only be burning about 450 to 500 calories. If they swim freestyle for a good one hour, they’ll be shaving about 550 to 600 calories as long as they swim fast enough.

My friend has the same concern. She has always wanted to lose weight yet her commitments at work and her family simply prevent her from spending more time to exercise.

That is why I honestly believe that by giving her only the best vibration machine, I can somehow help her out in her weight loss goals.

Vibration machines are very small yet very useful exercise equipment that can help you lose weight by simply planting your feet firmly on a vibrating platform. As the platform moves, it sends hundreds of vibrations per second towards the rest of the body, more specifically the muscles. These vibrations contract and relax each individual muscle tissue so that it simulates a muscle being exercised. And since these vibrations are continuously sent throughout the body, the muscles contract and relax at an amazing speed.

Now, if we know muscle contraction it always requires energy and this energy is supplied in the body by calories. So, if you are sending vibrations to all the muscle groups, you are stimulating these muscles to use energy.

Don’t believe me? Consider this. Spending only 15 minutes on a vibration machine is already equivalent to swimming freestyle for about half an hour or jogging for an hour. It’s also equivalent to riding your bicycle for 60 minutes.

And you know what the best part is? You’re spending these 15 minutes doing nothing. You’re simply standing on the machine or you could very well be seated on your couch with your feet firmly on the vibration platform.

You could be doing your homework, preparing dinner for the family, or even watching your favourite TV show and you’d still be losing weight.

Now tell me if I am making a serious mistake buying a vibration machine to give as present to my friend this coming Christmas. I’m pretty sure you would do the same.

A Guide To Buying An Exercise Bike

An exercise bike is one of my preferred ways to stay fit without having to go to the gym, especially during nasty weather or lazy days. Pedalling is an easy task that I love to combine with watching my favourite movies. It also gives me a good workout, as most exercise bikes have a variety of pre-programmed routines. There are also models where I can program one manually and track important information like burned calories, rotations per minute (RPM), distance, cardio/heart rate control, and recovery mode.

If you are in the market for an exercise bike to buy in Australia, I can assure you that you have tons of models to choose from, with models ranging in price. For as low as $90, you can find a basic model, although decent beginner-level models cost between $400-$1000. The more features you want, the higher the price goes.

Recent models have definitely improved in the past years, with exercise bikes nowadays using magnetic resistance technology instead of real wheels. This means they are a lot quieter and safer. Moreover, you can opt for a recumbent bike, where you are sitting back and your legs are in front of you while you are cycling. In my experience, these bikes are certainly more comfortable and friendlier to your back than the traditional bikes that are upright. This is another huge reason I believe exercise bikes are a great option for home exercise.

Important Things To Look Out For

Unless you have some knowledge or experience with exercise bikes, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the huge selection to choose from. It is tough to know what you should really look out for when buying one, but I can help make it easier for you. While the price tag is certainly a huge factor, you should also consider other aspects that distinguish a good bike from a low-quality one.

As much as possible, buy an exercise bike you have personally seen and tried out. Buying one blind over the Internet is a risk or at least a hassle if you end up wanting to send it back. Moreover, going to a store is better because you can get advice on finding the best model for you and you have someone who can explain to you the advantages and disadvantages of each bike.

Based on my experience trying out different exercise bikes, I suggest you also check these factors out during your search.

Adjustability

Most of the factors that determine your choice are personal. My point is what feels good and comfortable for you might not be the same for me, so you should try using the exercise bike for a few minutes to see how it feels for you. If you are buying one for you and your partner, settle for one that can be adjusted for the both of you. Those who have issues with their backs should also opt for models that are very adjustable, from the seat position and angle, all the way to the position of the handlebars.

Cushioned Seat

A well-cushioned seat makes your ride more comfortable. If you like fast cycling like I do, then a wider seat might be preferable. There is nothing I hate more than a sore behind after a session.

Pedals

Another thing you need to try out is the pedals. Most models have normal ones without clips (which can be found in higher-end bikes), so choose one that is wide enough for your feet so that they do not slip off.

Added Features

All electric bikes have an LCD screen that shows you a summary of your workout and allows you to make adjustments to your ride. However, advanced models have some extra additions that might interest you, like a wireless heart rate receiver you attach your chest.

I find working out on an exercise bike both fun and exhilarating. Exercise bikes have developed a lot over the years so it is a good time to buy one. While they might be a bit of an investment, they do save you from a trip to the gym and are great to use while enjoying your favourite TV show at home.

Blow Drying for Males

There’s a common notion that men do not have to blow dry their hair. This notion seems reasonable too because with what little hair we have, there is really nothing to fuss about. It actually sounds silly to have to blow dry just a few inches of locks. But there are actually blow dry benefits that we do not know about. I will list some of them, but before I do, I would like to thank Rakis on Collins hairdressing salon for giving me a lot of information on how to take care of my hair and enlightening me with blow dry benefits.

First, styling with dry hair is easier. You would have to need a blow-dry for it to be really dry because using a towel just won’t cut it. If you use gel, wax, or hair paste, applying them on wet hair is just going to make your hair look greasy. Also, with dry hair, the hair products will be able to work their magic properly. If you plan on using hair products, you can start by blow-drying your hair and use a comb to sweep it to the direction you want. Then, blow dry your hair with a brush. In this way, your hair will not be unruly after drying it because if you do not tame your hair when you blow dry, the hair might just get all messed up in your head. Having to fix it after is just going to take a lot of time.

Second, it adds volume to your hair. If you prefer a messy do that does not look like you just got out of bed, then a blow dry is the solution. I think this is the same for women because I heard that blow-drying their hair adds a little volume to their long locks. If that is the case, then I guess that is one of the things hairdryers do and not just simply drying our hair.

Another benefit of blow drying is it gives your hair direction. An example of this is when you have a mohawk hairdo or a sleek haircut. When you have a mohawk, drying your hair will help give you the all-day upward do. All you have to do is brush your hair upwards and accompany it with the blow-dry touching your hair. On the other hand, if you have a sleek haircut or are opting to look like you just came from a GQ shoot, a blow-dry is your weapon. But before you do that, it is advisable that you use conditioner after you shampoo. After, part your hair in the way you want it and then start blow drying it with the help of a brush. Your hair will surely look neat and full instead of frizzy and unkempt.

Blow-drying can also straighten your hair. I don’t know why I’m just saying this now after I already discussed three other benefits of blow-drying. Nonetheless, blow-drying makes your hair straight for obvious reasons. This is going to be helpful for men who have curly and unruly hair. Again, use a brush when you blow dry and start from the roots.

Last but not the least is that blow-drying helps you gain the confidence you need. Who said that hair is the crowning glory of women only? It is for men too, well, for a good number. Blow-drying your hair helps you achieve the hairstyle you have always wanted without having to pay for a lot. The downside of this is that when you are just starting to get the hang of it as a part of your morning routine, it might take you a lot of time. You would think that adding this to your grooming is unnecessary and you can just use a comb or your fingers to fix your hair. Although there is nothing wrong with not blow-drying, if you are the type who wants to achieve hair goals and who wants to look the best in any situation, then blow-drying will not be a problem. In time, you will get used to it being part of your morning routine that it only takes a few minutes to get your hair dry for the style you want.

I mentioned earlier that I got the benefits from someone in Rakis on Collins. Since I am a fan of this premiere salon, allow me to say a few things about it.

The salon was established by Stavros Tavrou in 1983. At first, it was just a one-man salon where he was the receptionist, hair stylist, and manager all at once. He must have been really good (and he is) because a year later, he was invited to style the band members of U2. He was able to expand Rakis with a lot of help from his customers. No, he did not ask them to create ads for him. Instead, his customers spread the word about Rakis and the expertise of the owner that is why it has come to be this famous in Melbourne. Aside from that, Stavros Tavrou shares why his salon is different from others. He says that at Rakis, they make sure that you feel you are given the much needed and deserved attention. And I personally felt this once I entered their doors.

Overcoming Sports Injury with the Support of Your Physiotherapist

sports-injury One of the downsides and risks of playing sports is getting injured. In fact, professional athletes know that their careers will eventually be much shorter than those who do office work. This is either because they are no longer at the peak of health and performance, or because an injury prevents them from playing.

After all, sports injuries are much worse than ordinary ones. Athletes have to perform at a high level and train constantly, keeping the demand on their bodies high. This brings much more and consistent stress on their joints, bones, and muscles, sometimes all the way to their limit. Fortunately, most professional athletes and sports teams take great care of their players, making sure that medical professionals and other experts support them and as much as possible, prevent injury.

Non-professional athletes also need to have access to such help. Thankfully, the best physiotherapist in Werribee – Wyndham Physio and Rehabilitation has the qualifications, background, and experience dealing with sports injuries. Beyond this, they can also educate athletes on how to prevent injury in the first place or even to improve their performance. They can also work with all sportsmen/women, regardless which sport they play and regardless of the level of competition.

Sports physiotherapists deal with all kinds of injuries, from muscle strains or ligament sprains, all the way to dislocations and even fractures. Naturally, the treatment will depend on the kind of injury, however, the patient is always a part of the decision-making process. They always have a say on the approach and intervention that the clinic will use. The physiotherapist will be there at every step of the way, monitoring progress and guiding the rehabilitation process.

As an athlete, I had personally experienced working with the sports physiotherapist in Wyndham Physio and Rehabilitation. When I had an injury while playing football, I made an appointment immediately for treatment. First of all, I was not sure how bad it really is, and I wanted to be treated by a professional who will make sure that my body heals correctly. I also wanted to be able to play again after the accident, so I wanted to be able to train slowly back to playing.

On the first appointment, the focus is identifying the injury. The physiotherapist interviewed me on what led to the injury, as well as other relevant information like my medical history. In order to fully pinpoint the extent of the damage, a physical evaluation was also done, and the body part was examined.

After the exam, a treatment plan will be created, incorporating as well my goals. As mentioned before, I wanted to be able to fully heal and be able to go back to playing sport as soon as possible. Together, we discussed different options and agreed on the right approach for me. These plans are always personalized, because each patient has a different injury and at the same time, unique goals.

Still, there are several treatments that are quite normally used by sports physiotherapists:

TENS

TENS is the acronym for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. This is a small device that delivers a low current of to the skin over the injured part. It brings a tingling sensation and will help relieve pain.

Ultrasound

This machine brings sound vibrations to tissues. The ultrasound heats deeper tissues to soften them or to help them heal.

Massage

Also called soft tissue mobilization, your physiotherapist will use his/her hands to loosen tight muscles, reduce swelling and tissue adhesions, and relieve patients from pain.

Stretching

After an injury, many athletes become less mobile and inactive. Over time, muscles become tight, so stretching is done to loosen them. Using either manual stretching by the physiotherapist himself/herself or through self-stretching exercises, the range of motion (ROM) can be improved again.

Range Of Motion Exercises

These exercises work to improve or at least, keep your current joint range of motion. Moreover, stiff joints and muscles can be avoided.

Strengthening Exercises

Beyond losing range of motion, muscles become weak when they are not being used or trained. Strengthening exercises will keep other muscles worked out and at the same time, make weakened or injured ones stronger.

Patient Education

Although exercises will also be done at the physiotherapy clinic, they will also teach you how to work out at home. Not only does it allow you to continue after the treatment, they might also be necessary to make the recovery shorter. Therefore, they will educate you on your injury and what exercises can be done to keep the area strong. Moreover, if the injury is because of wrong movements, they will teach you the right way that will avoid future damage. Even self-treatment and other ways to prevent future injuries will be included.

For athletes, injury happens more often and might be worse than for those who do not play sport and put their bodies in so much stress and strain. It is therefore even more vital to always turn to those who are experts in the way bodies move when any damage happens. This is the only way to make sure that proper healing happens and that athletes are able to perform the same or even better after the accident.

My Choice to Live Outside of the City

townhouse Many of my friends find me a bit strange, because in my late 20’s I am so concerned about my health. Most of the people in my age still feel like they are decades away from illness, and live in a way that damages their bodies. However, I believe that what I do with my life and my body will affect my future, so if I wanted to stay healthy for as long as I can, I have to take care now.

I seriously believe that urban living can be bad for health. I grew up outside of the city, and I have great memories of playing outside where it’s green and safe. When I moved to the city to study in university, I really missed the fresh air I was used to when I was young. After a few years, when I finally made up my mind to invest in my own place, I decided to buy outside of the city. This is why I started searching for an off the plan townhouses expert in Melbourne.

Some factors led me to this decision, that urban living was dangerous for my health in these specific ways:

It is not good for the mental health

I have read studies that proved people who live in the cities are more likely to suffer mental illness. To be specific, there is a 21% higher risk to develop an anxiety disorder and a 39% higher risk of developing a mood disorder. Researchers link this to stress. Living in the city increases stress levels in our bodies, and this was also proven after brain scans were compared. Urbanites have increased activity specifically in 2 brain regions, in the parts that are responsible for processing emotions and stress.

The pace of life is much faster

Do you notice how everyone seems to be rushing in the city all the time? In fact, everything seems to happen at a faster pace. Even if you think that there is no problem with such a pace, your body is always in stress and you might find it more difficult to really relax.

The air you breathe is polluted

Highly populated areas can be dangerous to your health. Normally, these areas have more cars and even factories that produce air pollution. Researchers have over and over again proven how much higher the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas and fine particulate matter (PM) are in these cities. Moreover, they have also linked these to higher chances of suffering from coronary artery disease, heart disease, and lung cancer.

Your immune system is in overdrive

Where I grew up, I did not know any kid that suffered from asthma or any other allergy. However, in the city where I live, it seems that the children have so many issues. This has also been proven by studies, that urbanites have more and stronger allergic reactions to common allergens than those who live in the rural areas.

Even asthma is so common because of the pollution in the air, as well as being more stressed and living in homes that collect these microbes and allergens from outside.

The city is too loud

Part of living in the city is being exposed to noise all the time. Whether it’s from cars honking outside or the sirens of ambulances passing by, it is very rare to find truly peaceful and quiet moments in the city. This can be deadly for us because research has found a link between noise levels and a higher risk of stroke.

Too much light is also bad for us

The idea of living in the city that does not sleep is actually ideal. Our bodies rely on darkness to stimulate the natural sleep and wake cycle and when it is too bright, we might end up not getting the right amount and depth of sleep that the body needs. This can eventually lead to chronic illnesses like diabetes and increases your risk of being obese.

Social structures are different

Even though you have collected friends in the city, it cannot make up for the fact that you are anonymous to your neighbors and to most people around you. Not only does that increase the risk of isolation and depression, but also, there are no helpful neighbors who are willing to help you in times of emergency. This is completely different in the suburbs, where everyone knows everyone and they look out for each other.

Of course, when I lived in the city as a student and as a young man, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to go out and living close to where the action was. However, it did take a toll on me as I grew up in a different environment and missed the green sceneries and the fresh air. Therefore, as soon as I found the perfect townhouse for me, I eagerly packed up and set up home outside but still within a reasonable distance from the city.