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What we’ll cover
  1. So what is resistance training?
  2. Why do I need resistance training?
  3. Resistance training to improve chronic pain
  4. Resistance Training and Physiotherapy

Why should I do resistance training?

You may have noticed that resistance training has become increasingly popular in the last few decades.  A significant contributor to this rise in popularity is due to the effect of resistance training on bone density.  However, not only is resistance training fantastic for improving density, it has a multitude of other health and fitness benefits.

So what is resistance training?

Resistance training simply involves exercise against resistance!  This can be resistance provided by your body weight, for example a push up or squat; or resistance through external means, such as weights or spring loaded pilates equipment like the reformer or trapeze.

Why do I need resistance training?

We start to lose muscle strength by a rate of 1-5% per year, every year, once we hit 30.  That said, it is possible to stop this break down if you provide the muscles with enough stimulus to stay strong.  This is where the saying “move it or lose it” comes to life – your muscles will only maintain strength, or become stronger, in response to stimulation. Without this, they will progressively lose their strength and size.  The best way to create this stimulation is through targeted resistance training.

Furthermore, it has been found that power – which is the ability to move quickly – reduces by 3-5% each year once we hit 60.  Power is a large determinant of whether you can react to an unexpected force and stop yourself falling over.  For example, if you are at the dog park and a dog suddenly runs straight for you, you need the speed as well as the strength to step quickly out of the way, or to catch yourself if you start to feel off balance.

Resistance training to improve chronic pain

Aside from improving your strength, power, and bone density, resistance training has also been proven to be very effective in the management of musculoskeletal injuries.  There has been research that shows resistance training can have a positive effect on shoulder pain; chronic low back pain, neck pain, and arthritic hip and knees.  Frequently pain is caused by a lack of muscular strength and endurance that only worsens once pain has become chronic.

Resistance Training and Physiotherapy

Unfortunately, if resistance training is not done correctly, there is a risk of developing injuries or exacerbating existing medical conditions.  Physiotherapists are well equipped to prescribe you an appropriate program, as well as monitor it to ensure you are completing the exercises properly.  A thorough assessment by your physiotherapist will ensure that you are doing appropriate exercises based on your medical history and current fitness levels.  Our clinic has a range of physiotherapist supervised exercise classes to ensure you can keep active and injury free!


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Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

You Deserve to Feel Good.

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