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Patient Interview

Nov 11, 2020

Patient Interview: Phulpreet was referred to us following a lower back injury he had obtained at work. Given Phulpreet’s pre-injury job role was quite heavy and labour intensive, I recommended he commence a gym-based program to ensure we had adequate equipment so he was able to demonstrate lifting capacity in order to return to full pre-injury duties. Phulpreet, however, was not 100% confident with attending the gym on his own given he had no previous gym experience. Fast forward to now, just five short weeks into his program, Phulpreet is averaging 4 weekly visits to the gym (one of these being supervised) and has gone from being certified fit to complete supervisory duties, to close to full capacity whilst also reporting a significant improvement in lower back symptoms.

I asked Phulpreet a few questions at our most recent consultation to understand how he (and I assume quite a few others) feel when we recommend a gym membership and they have not stepped foot in a gym before. I also wanted to address how he has gone from feeling quite anxious in a gym environment, to attending 4 times per week and more importantly how he feels as a result.

Prior to your injury, what is your exercise history?

“Absolutely nothing, it was all just work-related. I felt because I lifted heavy things at work, I did not really need to attend the gym because I was doing enough”.

What was your view around the gym prior to starting this program?

“I was nervous about what other people thought of me. Was I doing exercises with the right technique? What if I was doing it wrong?”

What did you expect when getting referred to us at Absolute Balance?

“I thought you were going to push me too hard I was going to be so sore and wouldn’t want to come back.”

2-3 sessions in, how did this change?

“Was such a big improvement, I started with mat work which was good to start and once you had taught me to breathe properly and release the tightness throughout my back my pain improved almost immediately. Because you taught me the technique, I didn’t even think about other people watching me at the gym. Because I felt so much better it made me want to come to the gym to get better.”

How has your perception around pain changed?

“Significantly, I don’t have to rely on other people for my daily activities and I’m no longer in pain throughout the day. It also helped me get my health back on track, I feel a lot better after coming here.”

What advice would you give to someone else who has been recommended to attend the gym but has no previous experience like yourself?

“Do not compare yourself and do not look at others for comparison, pay really good attention to your instructor as they are there for you to help you.”

  At our initial assessment, Phulpreet was able to lift 5kg from floor to waist and waist to shoulder, he struggled to complete full range squats or multiple cable rotations due to on-going pain throughout his back. Phulpreet’s average pain score was 6/10 following prolonged sitting or standing and was very guarded when asked to move into lumbar flexion and extension. The photos below were taken just five weeks into his program and his average pain score has decreased to an intermittent 1/10 pain.

Given Phulpreet was quite reluctant to attend the gym given the minimal prior experience, I spent additional time throughout our sessions on teaching him correct technique, how to adjust machines, gave him a few key points on what to focus on throughout each movement and tried to limit the exercises I prescribed to one area of the gym. From speaking with Phulpreet, it was these little changes that reportedly made him feel much more confident with attending the gym as he felt no one was staring at him for doing something with wrong technique or not being able to adjust the machines.

By identifying these barriers early, it ensured that I could address these and make sure there was not going to be any push back when it came to Phulpreet’s progress and compliance to the program. This has helped immensely when proving functional capacity within the gym and making sure he was comfortable within the gym environment. Phulpreet also mentioned to me at our last meeting that he was planning on continuing his gym membership even after our supervised sessions have ceased.

Please feel free to contact our team at info@absolutebalance.com.au if you have any queries regarding how best we can help.

Channai Graham (B.Sc-Ex.Sp.Sci,Post.Grad.Dip.(Clin.Ex.Phys))

Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) (AES) (ESSAM)

We live in a 3D world, it's time to start training that way!

By Alison Absolute Balance • 24 Apr, 2024
The human body is designed to move in a three-dimensional plane divided into the following segments: Sagittal Plane: Cuts the body into left and right halves. Forward and backward movements. Frontal Plane: Cuts the body into front and back halves. Side to side movements. Transverse Plane: Cuts the body into top and bottom halves. Twisting/rotational movements. Too often we get caught training mostly in a sagittal plane, think running, squats, bicep curls etc. While these are all good exercises, in day-to-day life we don’t only move along a sagittal plane. What happens when you need to quickly get out of the way of the e-scooter flying towards you on the foot path or make a quick sidestep to avoid a pothole – these movements are along the frontal plane. While movements such as turning to check your blind spot while driving or turning to talk to the person next to us are in the transverse plane. When it comes to injury prevention and movement efficiency it is important to incorporate exercises from all planes of movement into training programs. Sagittal If a line ran down the middle of the body splitting it from left to right, movements parallel to this line are within the sagittal plane of movement. The sagittal plane is the most common plane of movement and is trained overwhelming more than the frontal and transverse planes of movement. Movements/exercises considered to be in the sagittal plane include running, squats, deadlifts and bicep curls. Now while all these exercises are good, with the way our lives having evolved into many desk sitting roles, driving from place to place etc, to then go to the gym and focus heavily on movements that are predominantly up – down, and forwards – backwards we can end up reinforcing these pathways and becoming somewhat robotic, heavily limiting our natural movements. Frontal If a line ran down the middle of the body splitting it into front and back, movements parallel to this line would be within the frontal plane of movement – essentially any movement that involves moving away from or towards the midline. Often neglected in strength programs, frontal plane exercises include Cossack squats, lateral lunges, and side raises. Transverse If a line split the body in half separating it into top and bottom with the pelvis being the point of division, any movement parallel to this line would be considered to be in the transverse plane of movement. Movement along/through a transverse plane is generally more rotational such as a Russian twist or trunk twist. By focussing largely on sagittal plane movements, we are risking developing muscle imbalances, limited mobility and uncoordinated movements in the neglected planes. Our body is designed to move on a 3-dimensional plane so make sure to train in a way that will allow it to move the way it’s supposed to. Katie McGrath Injury Prevention Specialist Injury Prevention Services

Stretching and mobility benefits

18 Apr, 2024
Stretching and mobility exercises are indispensable components of both injury prevention and recovery strategies. Incorporating dynamic stretches before physical activity can help prepare the body for movement by increasing blood flow to muscles and enhancing joint flexibility. This dynamic warm-up routine primes the muscles and connective tissues, reducing the risk of injury during subsequent activity. Furthermore, static stretches, performed after physical activity, helps alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility, thereby minimizing the likelihood of strains and tears. In the realm of injury recovery, stretching and mobility exercises play a crucial role in rehabilitation protocols for individuals recuperating from various musculoskeletal injuries. Following an injury, muscles can become tight and weakened due to disuse or trauma. Gentle stretching exercises aid in maintaining or restoring flexibility, preventing muscle atrophy and contractures. Additionally, targeted mobility exercises assist in restoring range of motion and functional movement patterns, allowing individuals to gradually regain strength and flexibility while reducing the risk of re-injury. Moreover, stretching and mobility exercises promote tissue healing by improving circulation to the injured area. Increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues, facilitating the repair process and reducing inflammation. By incorporating a comprehensive stretching and mobility routine into their regimen, individuals not only safeguard themselves against future injuries but also expedite their recovery journey, enabling them to return to their activities with greater resilience and confidence. Mariah Adolphus Workers Compensation Specialist (AEP, ESSAM) Exercise Rehabilitation Services ‑ WA

Meet a Team Leader at AB

05 Apr, 2024
Hey, my name is Blake, and I am an Exercise Physiologist, Workers Compensation Specialist and Clinical Team Leader at Absolute Balance. I graduated from Edith Cowan University in 2015 after completed my Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science and Rehabilitation). I grew up on a farm Northeast of Perth past Gingin with my parents and two brothers, both of which are back working on the farm, which has been in our family for generations. My love for sport and interest in the human body initially prompted me to complete my Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science, and my initial thoughts on a career were either Physiotherapy or Phys Ed Teacher. However, this quickly changed when I commenced my first Exercise Physiology unit in my Sports Science degree as it opened my eyes to exercise rehabilitation, and how important it was to individuals with injuries. Having experienced multiple injuries personally playing football (AFL), basketball and tennis, I can fully empathise with how much injuries can impact your life. Being an EP and being in a role where I can make a positive and meaningful impact on individual’s lives who have sustained an injury is extremely important to me. This doesn’t only extend to the patients I see, but also the team members I lead within Absolute Balance. I guide a team of five in the Northeast region at Absolute Balance, assisting them with their own patients and leading them to grow as Exercise Physiologists and individuals. Although it has its challenges, leadership is extremely rewarding and has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Whilst I am not at work, I am spending my time at the gym, at football training and games during February-September (or in the car travelling to and from comes with the gig of country football), spending time with my wife and our dog Otis. I spend the other half of my weekend manicuring my lawn and watching good shows and sports. Blake Cocking Workers Compensation Specialist ‑ Team Leader North East (AEP, ESSAM) Exercise Rehabilitation Services ‑ WA
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