Canterbury Health Hub

29/07/2025

Are you suffering from an injury?💥

Injuries happen, and when they do, our Osteopaths at Canterbury Health Hub understand the frustration and are dedicated to providing the best treatment and management advice possible.

We treat a wide range of injuries, including:

🔹 Muscle strains in the neck and back
🔹 Ligament sprains in the ankle and wrist
🔹 Hip, knee, and leg injuries (shin splints, tendonitis, strains)
🔹 Shoulder and elbow injuries (rotator cuff issues, tennis elbow)
🔹 Whiplash, back spasms, trauma, and more

But we don't just treat the injury - we address the underlying body imbalances that may have contributed to it. Our whole-person philosophy means we focus on comprehensive care to get you back in the game safely and swiftly.

Trust our experienced Osteopaths to help you get back to peak performance.

Book your appointment today and let's work towards your comeback!

26/07/2025

Are you struggling with pain in your Shoulder, Hip, Elbow, Knee or Heel?
Are you worried your injury might mean arthritis or an operation?

💥 Bursitis is caused by the inflammation of a bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bone and soft tissue. A bursa (plural bursae) reduces friction and assists joint movement.

🦵 When you overuse or injure a joint, a nearby bursa can become irritated or inflamed. As a result, the bursa fills with excess fluid, causing pain and a reduction of motion.

Our team at Canterbury Health Hub recognise how difficult and disruptive it is to manage day-to-day life whilst also managing and attempting to control your bursitis.

Ready to get back on track doing the things you love? 💚

Download our FREE Bursitis Recovery Program for more detailed information; this Program also includes Tips for Avoiding Injections for Bursitis.

🔗 https://buff.ly/41G8yyS

Terms and Conditions:
- Please contact the clinic for participating practitioners
- Available for new clients or existing patients of CHH that have not been to the clinic for 6 months+
- Not to be redeemed for cash

24/07/2025

How can Osteopathy and Myotherapy relieve Chronic Pain?
National Pain Week 2025 | 21 - 27 July

Living with chronic pain can be an overwhelming and debilitating experience that affects every aspect of life.

Our team at Canterbury Health Hub take a holistic approach to patient care, considering the interconnectedness of the body and mind.

Our Osteopaths and Myotherapists can work together with you to uncover the reasons for your pain and outline exactly what is required for resolution.

Osteopathy can address chronic pain through:

✨ Joint mobilisation and soft tissue release to restore mobility
✨ Structural assessment and alignment for improved body mechanics
✨ Self-care strategies to maintain joint health and prevent flare-ups

Myotherapy can address chronic pain through:

✋ Targeted trigger-point techniques to release tight muscles
✋ Dry needling and massage to ease muscular tension
✋ Flexible exercise plans tailored for pain relief and recovery

The team at Canterbury Health Hub can work with you to uncover the reasons for your pain and outline exactly what is required for resolution. We thoroughly listen, educate and guide you and provide you with the necessary tools so you can return to doing the things you love.

Chronic pain doesn't have to dictate your life. Contact our team of Osteopaths and Myotherapists at CHH to discuss ways in which we can help you step towards finding relief and enhancing your overall health and wellness.

23/07/2025

Tips for Travelling with Chronic Pain
National Pain Week 2025 | 21 - 27 July

Traveling with chronic pain can present unique challenges. Here are some tips to help make your travel experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible:

💥 Plan Ahead
Research your destination and accommodations to ensure they meet your needs. Consider factors like accessibility, proximity to medical facilities, and amenities that can help alleviate pain, such as heated pools or massage services.

💥 Pack Wisely
Pack any medications, supplements, or medical devices you may need, along with extra supplies in case of unexpected delays. Don't forget to bring comfort items like supportive pillows, heat packs, or compression garments to help manage pain during your journey.

💥 Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to keep your body hydrated and fuelled throughout your travels. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can worsen dehydration and exacerbate pain.

💥 Move and Stretch Regularly
Take breaks to stretch and move around during long flights or car rides to prevent stiffness and discomfort. Simple stretching exercises can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.

💥 Use Assistive Devices
Consider using assistive devices such as neck pillows, lumbar supports, or mobility aids to help alleviate strain on your body during travel. Don't hesitate to request wheelchair assistance or priority boarding if needed.

💥 Practice Relaxation Techniques
Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery to help manage stress and pain during travel. Listening to soothing music or audio books can also help distract from discomfort.

💥 Communicate Your Needs
Don't be afraid to communicate your needs to travel companions, airline staff, or hotel personnel. Many accommodations can be made to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Remember, travelling with chronic pain may require some extra planning and flexibility, but it's possible to explore the world and create lasting memories without letting pain hold you back. Safe travels!

20/07/2025

National Pain Week 2025
21 - 27 July

Living with chronic pain can be an overwhelming and debilitating experience that affects every aspect of life. Chronic Pain affects over 3.6 million Australians.

Chronic pain refers to persistent or recurrent pain that lasts for an extended period, typically exceeding three to six months.

Unlike acute pain, which is a normal response to injury or illness and tends to subside as the underlying cause heals, chronic pain persists beyond the expected recovery time and often becomes a condition in its own right.

Chronic pain can have various causes, such as:

💥 injury
💥 illness
💥 nerve damage
💥 musculoskeletal conditions
💥 autoimmune disorders, or
💥 even unknown origins.

It can affect any part of the body and can interfere with work, sleep, social activities, and overall quality of life.

Additionally, chronic pain can have psychological and emotional repercussions, leading to depression, anxiety, frustration, and reduced functionality.

Chronic pain doesn't have to dictate your life. Contact our team at CHH to discuss ways in which we can help you step towards finding relief and enhancing your overall health and wellness.

19/07/2025

Flexibility and Mobility for Injury Prevention

When it comes to staying active, pain-free, and performing at your best, whether in sport, work, or everyday life, two key factors often get overlooked: flexibility and mobility.

What’s the Difference Between Flexibility and Mobility?

👉 Flexibility refers to the ability of your muscles and soft tissues to lengthen. This is what allows you to stretch or move through a full range without resistance.

👉 Mobility, on the other hand, is the ability of a joint to move freely and efficiently through its range of motion, influenced by muscle strength, flexibility, joint health, and control.

Together, they create the foundation for healthy, pain-free movement.

Why Are They So Important?

Poor flexibility or restricted mobility can place extra strain on your muscles, joints, and connective tissue, increasing your risk of injury, particularly during repetitive tasks, high-impact activity, or sudden movement.

Common injuries linked to limited mobility include:
💥 Muscle strains and tears
💥 Lower back pain
💥 Joint sprains (ankles, knees, shoulders)
💥 Postural issues and overuse injuries

At Canterbury Health Hub, our team of experienced Osteopaths, Myotherapists and Remedial Massage Therapists work together to assess and improve your flexibility and mobility.

Whether you’re an athlete, office worker, parent, or retiree, we can help you move better and keep injuries at bay.

📞 Call us on (03) 9836 3688 or
🌐 Book online at www.canterburyhealthhub.com.au

16/07/2025

Meet the Team ✨ Caleb Poppenbeck
Osteopath

Caleb's interest in Osteopathy was cultivated by his own sporting injuries whilst growing up, when osteopathic care proved to be crucial for his recovery and return to play. This exposure during his young age shaped his interest in the profession. Caleb never looked back from this point and embarked on this journey to become an Osteopath!

Caleb is a caring, welcoming and knowledgeable Osteopath, who makes you feel at ease as soon as you meet him. He utilises a broad spectrum of evidence-based techniques, including soft tissue therapy, muscle energy techniques, joint manipulation, dry needling, mobilisation and stretching.

Caleb enjoys treating people of all age groups, with a particular interest in treating hip pain, shoulder pain, spinal pain, headaches, postural issues and sporting injuries.

Outside of work, Caleb enjoys playing soccer and cricket and being active in those communities. He loves to cook and has progressively added to his equipment, with the latest purchase being a pizza oven! Caleb will watch any sport that he can absorb in his spare time, with the major followings being soccer, cricket, basketball and AFL.

Book your session with Caleb on Wednesdays and Thursdays to start your journey to better health.
🔗 https://canterburyhealthhub.com.au/meet-the-team/caleb-poppenbeck

15/07/2025

Part 3: Pregnancy and Osteopathy 🤰
How can osteopathic treatment help a pregnant woman?

By visiting an Osteopath during pregnancy, the body can be helped to adjust to the changes occurring. An Osteopath’s focus on the musculoskeletal system combined with the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems make it a safe and gentle option to help balance the body.

Osteopathic techniques include:

✅ Soft tissue techniques: to release tightness in muscles
✅ Stretching: to increase the flexibility of joints and muscles and improve blood flow
✅ Articulation techniques: joints are mobilised by gently being taken through their range of motion

Useful Tips for Pregnancy

💚 Look after your back when pregnant, take care when lifting and carrying, especially other children and avoid carrying a child on one hip for a prolonged period.
💚 When sitting, use a cushion for support and avoid crossing your legs to help prevent varicose veins
💚 When standing for any length of time, “tuck in” your buttocks to reduce the strain on your lower back
💚 When lying on your side, put a pillow under the “bump” and another between your knees to give you support and help prevent back strain
💚 Maintain a nutritious diet
💚 Wear flat shoes, stay away from high heels!
💚 Make sure you have a comfortable and supportive mattress and pillow
💚 Maintain aerobic exercise to keep strong and healthy, but within appropriate limits

Ask your Osteopath for exercises that will help to reduce the stress of the later stages of pregnancy on your body and visit your Osteopath for a tune and balance of the body early in the pregnancy to help avoid complications later in pregnancy.

🔗 https://canterburyhealthhub.com.au/health-tips

13/07/2025

Part 2: Pregnancy and Osteopathy 🤰
Why do pregnant women visit an Osteopath?

The most common reason pregnant women choose to visit an Osteopath is for back and neck pain as a result of physical strains placed on these regions.

Other problems that an Osteopath can assist with include:

💥 Sciatica (leg pain) from nerve pressure
💥 Headaches
💥 Pelvic girdle instability
💥 Sacro-iliac Joint pain
💥 P***c symphysis pain
💥 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
💥 Pelvic floor weakness and incontinence
💥 Poor abdominal tone
💥 Circulatory problems, such as swelling of the legs
💥 Back problems from pre-pregnancy that could affect pregnancy or delivery

10/07/2025

Part 1: Pregnancy and Osteopathy 🤰
How does being pregnant affect a woman’s body?

Pregnancy places numerous stresses and strains on the body. Osteopathic treatment is an extremely safe, gentle and effective method of helping the body to adjust to these changes.

An Osteopath’s initial concern is for the safety of the mother and child. After a thorough case history and assessment, the Osteopath may be able to help alleviate the aches and pains that are caused by the growth of the baby and the changes occurring in the mother.

How does being pregnant affect a woman’s body?

➡️ During pregnancy, the body must adapt to carrying approximately 10-12 kilograms in weight of a baby, placenta and waters, as well as adapting to hormonal, chemical and emotional changes.
➡️ Hormonal changes are responsible for softening of ligaments, allowing the pelvis to accommodate the baby’s head during birth. But, all the body’s ligaments are affected, making every joint more susceptible to strain.
➡️ Furthermore, the curves of the spine change and posture is altered due to hormonal and physical changes. The weight of the baby pushes the mother’s centre of gravity forward, creating a compensatory arch in the lower back and increasing the mechanical stress on the body.

09/07/2025

☀️ Treatment After Care ☀️

At Canterbury Health Hub, we aim to achieve the highest quality treatment outcomes for you. In order that you achieve the most from your treatment, we recommend that you follow these simple guidelines:

☑️ Try to rest for a few hours following your appointment. It is not uncommon to be slightly sore after treatment so a little rest goes a long way!

☑️ Keep mobile – unless otherwise advised by your Practitioner, have several short walks in the following few days after your treatment and avoid sitting for long periods.

☑️ Drink increased amounts of water – this helps to flush toxins from your system.

☑️ Rest from vigorous activity for a few days following treatment. This includes heavy gardening and lifting weights at the gym.

☑️ A hot shower or bath following treatment may help to relax your muscles.

Please seek advice from your Practitioner regarding these recommendations to ensure that they are appropriate for you.

07/07/2025

Ever wondered about the benefits of walking?

Walking is a great form of exercise that is easy to do, doesn’t have to take a long time, doesn’t cost anything and needs no equipment. It is also a great form of exercise that can provide benefit for anyone and everyone!

Read more about the key benefits for why you should walk regularly:

Walking is a great form of exercise that is easy to do, doesn’t have to take a long time, doesn’t cost anything and needs no equipment. It's also a great…