Term 3 includes Marilyn conquering the stairs after knee replacements, William Boag walking marathons with Parkinson’s disease, and our Physiocise team luncheon... we have really made the most of this term! Read on for more... 

Meet Marilyn

Milestones after double total knee replacement 

term 4 bookings ARE NOW Closed

Some clients come to us for help with managing aches and pain, or for others it is to achieve a big exercise goal. For most, it’s to keep them able to live their lives. This includes doing daily tasks they want to do more easily – such as sitting still, walking further or carrying the groceries.  

Climbing up and down 16 stairs a few times to move 14kg of groceries is no mean feat. More so when you have had double total knee replacements and a few years earlier were on crutches just to be able to stand upright. Much to one of our client’s surprise, hard work and dedication, Marilyn Smith can now do exactly that!  

“Something I could never have done without the years of Physiocise.  Every Physio I have had a class or a consultation with has been so knowledgeable and has helped me in one way or another. All the hundreds of classes, never the same and the thousands of imaginative squats, use of Therabands, stretches plus my walking efforts at home, have had their effect on my body!” 

Recently, Marilyn was finding pulling her heavy shopping trolley set off her hip bursitis. However, after continuing on with her strength exercises she can now pull the trolley up and down hills, lug it onto the bus, load it into bags and carry these up her stairs at home. Recently, she knew she had some very heavy bags and thought she would weigh them with her trolley. Much to her surprise it all weighed just under 14kg in total! She would never have thought she had been moving all that weight! 

“This month is the seven-year anniversary of my Double Total Knee replacement when I could stand only with the support of crutches. Today, I discovered what I believe is a big milestone in my continuing efforts to improve my fitness. Sally I want to thank you most particularly, as well as Natalie and all the other wonderful teachers at Physiocise who have patiently shown the way, advised, encouraged and facilitated my long journey to this stage of recovery with extraordinary skill expertise, lots of humour, immense kindness and amazing patience. This included the whole Physciocise Team's determination when hit by COVID-19. Supported by the wonderfully skilled, endlessly patient and kind Administration Team, the decision was taken to keep Physiocise alive at an amazing standard, as you all grappled with the Microsoft Teams Technology (still in its infancy at that stage), and the Physiocisers learning to use it from home.” 

Like to see your Physio one-on-one to check in with how you are going?

One of our physios, Sarah Kelliher, recently participated in a charity walk in support of her amazing Uncle. William Boag was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) 13 years ago. His diagnosis was shortly after a hip replacement where, during his rehab, he kept noticing he was walking crooked. After some further investigation, he was diagnosed with PD.

Fast forward to now and, despite another setback from spinal surgery last year, Will went on to hike the Dolomites, Italy in May. He didn’t stop there, as he then walked a full 42km marathon for charity in July in under 8 hours.  

To many, a PD diagnosis can be a daunting time. William took this as an opportunity to see what he could do to limit the effects PD would take on him, his body and his lifestyle. Now he is using his story to help others.  

From a combination of daily PD specific movement exercises, speech therapy, chanting variants of the New Zealand Haka to help his voice, writing poetry, taking his medication and, of course, walking at least 5km a day... William is finding his retirement very rewarding, even with PD.  

“PD is hard work. It can be exhausting, frustrating and time consuming but it can also be rewarding. Despite the loss of many brain neurons, many of which are meant to make you feel good, I feel good anyway. To me this is proof that the treatments and exercises I choose to do can work, even despite those specialised neurons leaving me. This is not scientific, but for me, it works. The reason I want to tell this story, is so you know that PD is not the end.” 

He has now walked over 2 marathons in support of raising money and generating conversation around PD. Learn more from his recent TEDx talk linked below and an article from ABC news.  

Please share this story with any friends you think might need to hear some inspiring words, or who have their own story with Parkinson’s Disease. We understand everyone diagnosed with PD has their own story, varying symptoms and support, but Will is hoping he can enlighten many to think PD is not the end.   

Want to know more? There are some brilliant resources attached for more information.  

Sydney's Will Boag prepares to walk marathon 13 years after Parkinson's disease diagnosis

ABC Radio Sydney / By Rosemary Bolger

The next term is all about making regular ‘body bank’ deposits. It really can do wonders. When exercise is regular, you feel stronger, pain doesn’t come back as often and you recover more quickly if you have an injury. Sometimes however, we need a nudge to keep us moving.

The Physiocise Online B.A.S.S. Program is the perfect nudge. Four new exercises delivered straight to your inbox each Sunday. 

Have you already signed up for a class in term 4?
Clients who sign up for classes in term 4 are eligible for free BODY BANK B.A.S.S. throughout the term. Let us know if you would like to receive them. It will be delivered each Sunday morning starting 8 October.

Can’t make it to class in Term 4?

Would you still like to receive a weekly online BASS video?
Choose from BODY BANK, KITCHEN or OFFICE B.A.S.S.

$49.99 for 10 weeks.

Four new exercises delivered straight to your inbox every Sunday, starting Sunday 8 October.

TEAM LUNCHING

This term, we celebrate the upcoming wedding celebrations of one of your favourite physios, Susie Powell. Susie hates all the attention and fuss, but our team always have such a fantastic time celebrating each other’s milestones that we found a great way to mark the occasion!  

Like to see your Physio one-on-one to check in with how you are going?

SEP/OCT Holiday Classes

Add spring to your step and to your mood with a holiday class. Spaces are limited so be sure to book now to secure your spot. You can attend in person or online.

Join us in Term 4

Physiocise class is a wonderful way to stay well, strong and connected. Join us for Term 4.

Term 4 starts Monday 9 October to Tuesday 19 December.