A Fond Farewell to Mikaela!

This month, we say a heartfelt goodbye to Mikaela, our talented Senior Remedial Massage Therapist and Allied Health Assistant. Mikaela has been an integral part of our team, bringing warmth, professionalism, and exceptional care to every client she’s worked with.

Her clients have consistently praised her for her skilled hands, compassionate nature, and deep understanding of holistic health. Whether she was easing pain or simply lending a listening ear, Mikaela made a lasting impact—one that won’t be forgotten.

We know her next chapter will be as bright as the one she shared with us, and while we’re sad to see her go, we are incredibly grateful for the time we’ve had together.

Thank you, Mikaela – for everything. You will be deeply missed by your team and your clients alike. We wish you all the very best on your next adventure!

Mastering the Push-Up: Strength, Stability, and Smart Progressions

By Physiotherapist, Matthew Hallandal

The push-up is a versatile and effective bodyweight exercise, offering numerous benefits for building strength, endurance, and mobility of our upper limb, core and leg muscles. To perform a push-up correctly, start by placing your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. This hand positioning engages your chest and shoulders. If you instead wish to bias your tricep muscles bring your hands closer together with elbows by your side. Next keep your body flat and lower your chest to the floor and then slowly rise.

For variation and progression, you can increase the difficulty of your push-ups by elevating your feet on a bench or box. This shifts more of the weight onto your upper chest and shoulders, making the exercise more challenging. You can push up onto a ball to increase the stability requirements of the task.

Alternatively, for those looking to make the push-up easier, try performing it by putting your hands on a chair, kitchen counter, or even a wall. The higher the surface, the less body weight you’re pushing, making it a great option for beginners or those recovering from an injury. You can also push up with bent knees.

Push-ups aren’t just about building strength; they also promote the health of the tissues in your shoulders, improving their durability over time. Consistent practice can increase joint stability, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance overall arm longevity. By incorporating different variations into your routine, anyone can find a push-up style suited to their fitness level, all while reaping the benefits of improved strength and shoulder health.

Tayla’s Recent Physiotherapy Visit to Groote

Our wonderful physiotherapist Tayla has just wrapped up a busy week and a half on Groote Eylandt, providing care and support to the local community. She spent her time helping clients with their recovery, mobility, and pain management goals.

It’s always great to see the positive impact our outreach trips have — and we’re so proud of the dedication Tayla brings to every visit!

Creating New Habits – Small Steps for Long-Term Success

By Maddy Bedding, Accredited Practicing Dietitian

Building new habits can feel challenging at first, but with the right approach, lasting change is absolutely achievable. Whether your goal is to eat better, exercise more, or prioritise sleep, consistency matters more than perfection.

Start small: Focus on one change at a time. For example, swap soft drink for sparkling water, add an extra serve of vegetables to dinner, or include a balanced breakfast each morning. Small steps are easier to maintain and build confidence.

Connect your new habit to an existing one: This is called “habit stacking.” For instance, have a glass of water after brushing your teeth or prepare tomorrow’s lunch right after dinner.

Set realistic goals: Make your goals specific and achievable – instead of “I’ll eat healthier,” try “I’ll pack fruit and nuts for my afternoon snack instead of buying something on the go”.

Track your progress: Seeing your effort add up can be motivating. Use a journal, app, or calendar to celebrate your wins – like ticking off days you met your water or veggie goals.

Be patient and kind to yourself: New habits take time to stick. If you miss a day, don’t give up – simply start again the next time.

Small, consistent changes to your eating and lifestyle can lead to meaningful, long-term results. Progress, not perfection, is what creates real change.