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Your health matters. The services that we offer target a variety of conditions from musculoskeletal disorders to cancer, neurological disorders and more. Here at our ‘Health Matters’ health blog, you’ll find a wealth of information including articles, case studies and health podcasts on a range of such conditions.

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Atkins Health’s Lower Limb Program – Rehab Revolution – is transforming recovery outcomes for Australians undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). While TKR recovery is a key focus, the program is part of a broader lower limb rehabilitation initiative supported by a multidisciplinary team. In addition to physiotherapists and exercise physiologists who lead the TKR program, clients benefit from the expertise of podiatrists, remedial massage therapists, and dietitians. This comprehensive team approach ensures seamless rehab, guiding clients from hospital to their return to work, sport, and the activities they enjoy.

The goal is not just to recover, but to exceed prior levels of health and fitness. By providing ongoing, individualised care that reduces readmissions, the program breaks the cycle of hospital dependency and empowers participants to achieve lasting results.

What is Total Knee Replacement?

Why is it Necessary and How is it Performed?

Knee-ProsthesisTotal knee replacement, or total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. Most often, this surgery becomes necessary when conservative measures such as medication, injections, and physiotherapy no longer provide relief from debilitating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic joint injury.

The surgery involves replacing the damaged articular surfaces of the femur, tibia, and patella with prosthetic components made of metal and polyethylene. These artificial joint surfaces mimic natural motion while reducing bone-on-bone contact and inflammation. Surgical candidates typically face challenges in mobility and daily activities, with chronic pain being a major driver.

The procedure is generally highly successful, with most patients reporting significant improvements in pain and function, however revision rates ten years after surgery are almost 11% due to infection or poor rehabilitation. Surgery is therefore really just the beginning. True recovery and optimal outcomes are highly dependent on what happens after the procedure.

Candidates for Total Knee Replacement

While TKR was traditionally seen as a solution for older adults with advanced arthritis, it is now increasingly common across a broader spectrum of Australians.

The following groups are potentially likely candidates:High-Impact-Sports

  • Ageing Australians: Particularly those over 60 with reduced mobility, joint deformities, or who are pain resistant to conservative treatment
  • Recreational Athletes: Long-distance runners, hikers, and cyclists experiencing progressive wear and tear
  • Professional Sports Players: Especially those from high-impact sports such as AFL, rugby, or basketball, with recurrent joint damage
  • Manual Labourers: Factory workers, miners, tradespeople, and agricultural workers are at high risk due to repetitive strain and load-bearing tasks
  • People with Obesity or Sedentary Lifestyles: Excess weight increases stress on joints, often leading to early-onset osteoarthritis
  • People with Previous Joint Trauma or Surgeries: Old injuries may progress to chronic degeneration, especially if left untreated

By identifying and targeting these populations, early intervention and a robust rehab plan can prevent long-term disability.

The Benefits of Participating in the Rehab Revolution Program (and the Risks of Not)

Engaging in a comprehensive, professionally guided rehab program post-TKR is not a luxury, it is a medical necessity.

Benefits of the Rehab Revolution Program:TKR-Recovery

      • Faster recovery time and return to daily activities
  • Improved strength, balance, and mobility
  • Reduced pain and swelling
  • Lower risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and joint stiffness
  • Psychological benefits, including improved confidence, motivation, and mental wellbeing
  • Long-term protection of the prosthetic joint, ensuring greater lifespan and performance

Risks of Not Participating in Structured Rehab:

  • Prolonged pain and delayed healing
  • Risk of joint stiffness and poor prosthetic integration
  • Muscle wasting and functional decline
  • Increased likelihood of hospital readmission
  • Higher risk of falls and reduced independence

The difference between a mediocre and a life-changing surgical outcome often lies in the quality and consistency of rehabilitation.

Benefits of Our Program:

Stages, Duration, and Professional Collaboration

The Rehab Revolution program is designed with both structure and flexibility to support a successful recovery. Spanning 12 weeks, it leverages a collaborative multidisciplinary model involving physiotherapists and exercise physiologists who work closely with your surgeon and care team.

Program Breakdown:

4 x Physiotherapy Sessions (Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8)

  • Early-stage recovery focus: joint mobility, pain management, manual therapy
  • Progressive restoration of walking and functional movement

1 x Exercise Physiology 1:1 Session (from Week 6)

  • Tailored assessment to initiate strength and endurance programming
  • Focused on re-activation and neuromuscular control

Weekly Access to Group Classes (Weeks 1–12)

  • Supervised, community-based sessions
  • Enhances accountability, social engagement, and functional progression

Rehab Stages:Total-Knee-Reconstruction

  1. Re-Set: Post-op pain control, swelling management, reintroduction of movement
  2. Re-Activate: Early mobility, gait training, baseline strength
  3. Re-Load: Targeted loading of knee structures, introduction of resistance
  4. Re-Integrate: Return to full function, advanced balance, and community activities

Throughout the stages, the role of each professional evolves:

Physiotherapist: Takes the lead in the early stages, addressing swelling, mobility, and immediate post-op concerns.

Exercise Physiologist: Increases involvement as functional strength and endurance become the focus, helping maintain progress into long-term outcomes.

Expected Outcomes:

What Makes Atkins Health’s Rehab Revolution Unique

With consistency, participants can expect:

  • Notable improvements in mobility and pain within the first three months of structured rehabilitation
  • Increased confidence in walking, stair climbing, and daily activities
  • Greater independence and reduced reliance on medication
  • Improved mood, mental resilience, and social re-engagement

What makes the Rehab Revolution program unique is:

  • Close coordination with your orthopaedic surgeon
  • A structured, team-based approach, with defined handover points between physiotherapist and exercise physiologist
  • Ongoing support, including personalised group training in a welcoming, social environment
  • Evidence-based progression, aligned with physical therapy best practices and behavioural science
  • Focus on lasting change, not just temporary recovery

This program was developed by experts in physical rehabilitation who understand that recovery is both physical and psychological. By embedding behavioural strategies, personalisation, and outcome tracking, it ensures that each client not only recovers but thrives.

Forget the One-Size-Fits-All Approach:

Whether you’re chasing grandkids, returning to the job site, or getting back on the field, our Rehab Revolution for Total Knee Replacement is your path to a better recovery.

Don’t settle for basic rehab. Choose the program that helps you surpass your previous level of health and fitness – and walk confidently into your next chapter.

Contact us today to learn more or to book your pre-surgery assessment and post-op program, by calling 07 3177 7779 or completing the following form:


     

     


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    Preparing for surgery can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Whether you are facing a minor procedure or a major operation, it is natural to feel a range of emotions as you navigate the journey ahead. In this blog, we will explore strategies for preparing for surgery, as well as tips for managing the recovery process. 

    How can I prepare for surgery? 

    Regardless of the type of surgery you are about to undergo, the best course of action in the lead up is to follow the instructions provided by your doctor. This will outline when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure, and any medications to avoid.  

    In addition to this, you may like to consider implementing a proactive exercise program that can help improve the rate and success of recovery post-surgery. This process is referred to as ‘prehabilitation’ or ‘prehab’.  

    Studies have shown that by optimising a patient’s condition before surgery, prehabilitation can help reduce the risk of complications after surgery, reduce the recovery window, and improve overall quality of life. Prehab allows the patient’s muscles and joints to reach the best shape possible before surgery, kickstarting the rehabilitation process, speeding up recovery and stabilising pain.  Prehabilitation programs can vary depending on the client’s needs and the type of surgery they are having. Generally clients will be prescribed a tailored exercise program to improve their strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. This can help them better tolerate the stress of surgery and recover more quickly afterward. 

    What will surgery involve? 

    This question is tricky to answer. The procedure will vary significantly, depending on the type of surgery being performed, the part of the body involved, and the patient’s overall health. The duration of a surgical procedure can also vary depending on the complexity of the operation and the patient’s overall health. Some surgeries are relatively short and can be completed in a few hours – such as appendectomy, knee reconstruction, and a mastectomy. Other more complex surgeries can take several hours or even days to complete.

    Recovering from surgery

    It’s important to recognise that everyone responds differently to surgery. Two people who undergo the exact same procedure may have vastly different recovery processes out the other side.

    This can be influenced by a variety of factors, including: 

    Type of surgery: This is possibly the biggest determinant of the recovery window. Some surgeries may only require a few days of recovery, while others may require several weeks or even months. 

    Age: Younger people tend to recover faster from surgery than older adults. This is because younger people tend to have stronger immune systems, better circulation, and fewer chronic health conditions. 

    Overall health: Similar to the above, people who are in good overall health tend to recover more quickly from surgery than those who have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. 

    Lifestyle factors: Factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise can slow down the recovery process. 

    Quality of post-operative care: The quality of care that a patient receives after surgery can also affect their recovery window. Patients who receive appropriate pain management, wound care, and exercise therapy tend to recover more quickly than those who do not. 

    Complications: The occurrence of complications such as infections, bleeding, or other medical issues can also prolong the recovery window. 

    Mental health: The mental health of the patient can also play a role in the recovery window. Patients who are anxious, depressed, or stressed may take longer to recover than those who are in a positive and relaxed state of mind. 

    Post-surgical rehabilitation 

    At Atkins Health, we regularly work with clients in the lead up to, and following, a surgical procedure. Implementing a tailored prehabilitation and rehabilitation plan gives the body the absolute best chance at bouncing back.  

    Our rehabilitation exercise plans incorporate a blend of movements tailored to address the area impacted by the surgery.  This will typically include a variation of the following exercise types.  

    Range-of-motion exercises 

    • Designed to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. 
    • Example: knee bends and leg extensions may be prescribed to improve range of motion following knee surgery.  

    Strengthening exercises 

    • Targetted to improve muscle strength and help patients regain functional abilities. 
    • Example: after shoulder surgery, exercises such as shoulder presses and bicep curls may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint. 

    Balance exercises 

    • Commonly introduced to reduce the risk of falls by improving stability.  
    • Example: after hip surgery, the patient may be prescribed exercises such as standing on one leg and heel raises to improve their balance. 

    Cardiovascular exercises 

    • These exercises can help improve cardiovascular health and endurance.  
    • Example: after heart surgery, the patient may be prescribed exercises such as walking, cycling, or swimming to improve their cardiovascular fitness. 

    Working with an experienced exercise physiologist can provide education and guidance on proper exercise form and technique. We also monitor your progress and adjust your program as needed to ensure that you are making steady progress towards your goals. 

    If you have an upcoming surgery, why not reach out to one of our exercise experts. We can guide you through a personalised exercise program to help you bounce back in your best shape possible.  



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      Falling pregnant is an exciting time, but it can also open the door to a wave of new worries. Your body is going through a lot of change, and suddenly there is a whole list of do’s and don’ts to inform your daily habits.  

      Exercise in pregnancy is a confusing concept for many expectant mothers. Should you be exercising? What’s okay and what’s not? How does all this affect the baby?  

      Once, pregnant women were ordered on bed rest and told not to lift a thing. Fortunately, we now know this to be unnecessary as research points toward the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. In fact, the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for pregnancy are the same as those for non-pregnant adults. 

      However, that’s not to say that there won’t be certain precautions and modifications. Today we address your top questions on prenatal exercise.  

      What are the benefits of exercise during pregnancy? 

      Staying active during pregnancy can be highly beneficial for both you and your baby. Not only is it a great way to stave off boredom or restlessness, but it can also be a rewarding outlet for managing your mental health.  

      Benefits of exercising through pregnancy include: 

      • preparing the body for labour and recovery 
      • reducing back and pelvic pain 
      • lowering risk of incontinence 
      • bettering mental health, including a lower risk of postnatal depression 

      As your body undergoes many changes throughout pregnancy, it can trigger other conditions. Prenatal exercise programs have been shown to reduce the risk of developing conditions such as: 

      • Gestational diabetes 
      • Gestational hypertension 
      • Preeclampsia 
      • Excessive weight gain 

      The added bonus is that engaging in prenatal exercise classes can be a great way to meet new people going through a similar experience. Pregnancy, especially a first pregnancy, can be daunting and overwhelming. Exercise offers a chance to connect and destress while getting your body in the best possible state to welcome a new life.  

      What type of exercise is best during pregnancy? 

      The appropriate type of exercise for pregnant women will be different for every person. It will depend entirely on the exercise you were doing before falling pregnant. If you’re a gym goer 3-4 times a week, then this is perfectly fine to continue during pregnancy. If you’ve long been a runner, then keep at the tracks! 

      Over time, you’ll modify the exercises you’re doing and the intensity that they’re being performed based on the physical condition you’re in. The same goes for cyclists, yoga lovers, swimmers – whatever your typical medium of exercise may be.  

      If you’re someone who hasn’t exercised before, it is recommended that you start by doing some low intensity exercise, then slowly build up to the recommended amount. Prenatal pilates is a great place to start for pregnant women who haven’t exercised before. Prenatal pilates takes the gravity out of exercising, it’s lower impact, and uses a variation of movements. It incorporates strength training, aerobic training and stretching in a low impact environment.   

      The best prenatal exercises will depend on your own preference. Some of our favourites are: 

      In a nutshell, when it comes to exercising through pregnancy, stick to what you know. Now is not the time to take up a running career or powerlifting for the first time.  

      Exercises to avoid during pregnancy 

      With all that being said, there are some movements that are best avoided during pregnancy. Be mindful of any sort of jumping or jarring activities. During pregnancy, the body releases hormones that loosen and relax your muscles, joints and ligaments to help the body stretch. This can make the body slightly more prone to injury. Care should be taken when stretching too, ensuring you do not go further than necessary.  

      Use common sense with activities that are going to be somewhat unsafe, in terms of fall risks and high impact. This might mean hanging up the snowboard or waterskis for a few months.  

      The Australian guidelines recommend avoiding activities that involve: 

      • High risk of falling or collision 
      • Intense straining while lifting 
      • Significant changes in pressure (such as sky diving or scuba diving) 

      How much should you exercise while pregnant? 

      Now that we’ve covered the ‘what’, let’s explore the ‘how much’. It’s true that too much of a good thing can equal a bad thing. But the good news is that the limit is far higher than we once thought.  

      The national guidelines suggest being active most days, preferably every day, to a weekly total of either: 

      • 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity 
      • 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous-intensity physical activity 
      • an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous activities. 

      The approach to exercising while pregnant can be viewed similarly to the approach to giving up alcohol; Before trying to fall pregnant, many women will give up alcohol to put their body in the best shape to welcome a new life. The same goes for exercising. We recommend getting your body into the best physical state that you can manage at that time. This gives your body the best chance to fall pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy while mitigating as many risks as possible.

      If you still feel unconfident in your exercise routine or simply want an expert hand to guide you along the way, we are here to help. 



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        Have you considered adding strength training to your program? Strength training works against resistance to improve the body’s ability to cope with everyday demands. It’s highly beneficial for clients of all ages and abilities – not just athletes! Here we explain why strength training is so popular among our exercise physiologists, and how it could benefit you.  

        What is strength training? 

        Strength training uses specific exercises that require the muscle to exert force against a form of resistance. This resistance can be anything from gravity to a barbell or resistance band. For this reason, strength training is often referred to as resistance training.  

        These exercises are designed to increase the strength, endurance and size of the targeted muscles. As the muscles work to overcome the resistance applied to them, they are progressively strengthened.  

        Strength training exercises are most effective when performed 2-3 times per week. We often incorporate various forms of strength training as part of our client’s holistic exercise plan.  

        Using resistance to strengthen the body

        Strength training comes in many different forms and doesn’t always involve lifting the heaviest weights possible. Body weight alone can actually offer sufficient resistance to strengthen the body.  

        The right format of training will depend on the ability of the client and any underlying conditions or injuries we are working with. Common types of strength training include: 

        Body Weight  

        If you’ve ever attempted a pull up, you would be aware of the resistance your body weight provides when working against gravity. Body weight exercises are commonly used in strength training for their convenience and ability to target several muscle groups at once. Squats, push ups, chin ups and lunges are all common examples of body weight strength exercises.  

        Resistance Bands 

        We often use resistance bands in our physical therapy programs, but they’re also a great tool for strength training. Resistance bands make it easier to isolate and target specific muscles, compared to working with weights. They’re also easy to transport, so you can train anywhere, anytime.  

        Weights (Free Weights/Machines) 

        Weightlifting is most commonly associated with exercises for strength training. At Atkins, we work with a mix of free weights (dumbbells) and weight machines.

        Pilates 

        Many of our clients are surprised to learn that pilates is a highly effective form of strength training. Although low impact, the practice of pilates requires precise, controlled movements that effectively strengthen smaller muscles that are often overlooked. Pilates is particularly effective in strengthening the deep muscles of the back, abdomen and pelvic floor – known as the core muscles. Core strength is foundational to overall body health and well-being.

        Increasing strength for improved lifestyle 

        Strength training isn’t just about beefing up those muscles. As exercise physiologists, we’re big believers in the benefits of strength training programs that go beyond the surface. We’re talking about long term lifestyle enhancement that can transform an individual’s quality of life.  

        Benefits of strength training include: 

        • Improved balance and coordination 
        • Improved performance of everyday tasks 
        • Improved confidence and self esteem 
        • Improved cognitive function 
        • Improved independence 
        • Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depressions 
        • Helps prevent chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis  
        • Decreased risk of injury 

        Building strength helps when managing injury 

        Strength training can be intimidating to newcomers. It’s a common misconception that resistance exercises are only for athletes or those working towards strict performance goals.  At Atkins, we prescribe strength training exercises for clients from 15 years old through to 90+!  

        Improved strength helps make everyday activities easier, which may seem simple, but can make a huge difference for those managing injury or chronic health conditions.  Whether your goal is to pick up your grandkids, walk your daughter down the aisle, or gain more independence in daily life – strength training can help.  

        Strength training is beneficial for: 

        • Cancer patients 
        • Surgery prehabilitation and rehabilitation 
        • Athletes 
        • Clients with chronic health conditions (Parkinson’s Disease, Arthritis, Osteoporosis) 

        Exercise physiologists work in cancer clinics to allow people going into treatment to leave in the same condition, if not better, as when they entered treatment. We do so by using strength training to maintain or improve physical capacity so clients may leave the program better for it. 

        Wondering if strength training is right for you? Why not arrange a personal consultation with one of our expert EPs to discuss how you can incorporate strength training into your lifestyle? 



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          Sport is a great way for young children to stay active, healthy, and entertained, but did you know that sport has also been linked to improving engagement and performance at school? Physical activity has been shown to improve brain activity, which plays a pivotal role in a child’s development.  

          Not only is sport a fun and cost-effective way for children to develop physical, social, and emotional skills – but it can also help students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and improve their academic performance.  We explore how sport is linked to childhood development, and how it could benefit your child to reach their full potential.   

          Developing skills for success in school and life 

          Executive functioning skills are a set of cognitive abilities that inform our behaviour and thought processes. They begin to develop gradually from childhood and continue right through to adulthood. Executive functioning skills allow us to focus attention, plan and prioritise tasks, remember instructions and follow through on them, regulate emotions, and inhibit impulses.  These skills are essential for academic and personal success, and research has shown that regular exercise can enhance executive functioning skills. 

          The link between sport and executive functioning skills 

          We know that sport is great for physical development, but understanding its role in mental development is a little more complex.  At a top level, exercise has been proven to improve brain function and enhance the growth of brain cells. When we exercise, the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, increase. These chemicals play a critical role in executive functioning skills, helping to regulate attention, motivation, and mood. 

          Regular exercise has also been linked to improved cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and decision-making. This helps children plan and organise their activities, prioritise tasks, and manage time effectively. Sport is a great way to get children involved in exercise while simultaneously fuelling their brain with everything it needs to develop and thrive. 

          When is the best time to get involved? 

          Executive functioning skills develop from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, with the most rapid rate of development occurring in childhood and adolescence. These skills begin in children without the development of foundational executive functioning skills such as impulse control, attention, and working memory.  The rate of development is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to stress, nutrition, and sleep.  

          Exercise programs introduced between the ages of 5 – 14 years have shown to be particularly beneficial for developing key executive functioning skills. Specialised programs can help create a supportive and structured environment for children to practise, while modelling positive behaviours through exercise. 

          Atkins’ My Strong Kids Program 

          My Strong Kids is Atkins Heath’s specialised exercise program. It uses play and games that kids love to help improve executive functioning skills. Tailored to suit children up to Years 7 & 8, the program is ideal for all kids, including those with learning and physical difficulties.  

          Our team of expert exercise physiologists is experienced in working with children with: 

          • ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder 
          • ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 
          • Spina Bifida 
          • Cerebral Palsy 

          Our programs are designed to offer a fun, exciting environment for kids to develop key life skills. Each session will typically begin with a warm-up before moving into a strength program specifically designed to help develop:

          • Impulse control 
          • Emotion control 
          • Organisation 
          • Working memory 
          • Task initiation 
          • Flexible thinking 
          • Self-monitoring  
          • Planning 

          We conduct regular comprehensive assessments of special tests related to youth development. This helps us understand individual needs and monitor each student’s unique progress. 

          Get in touch to find out how exercise can help unlock your child’s full potential.



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