Physio on Ross Annandale

06/05/2026

Do you have a running injury? Or are you trying to get back to running after an injury? Physio on Ross’s Nathan George has created a graduated Return To Run Blueprint to get you back to running safely and injury-free. If you would like to see one of our physios to guide you through and individualise the blueprint to your specific injury, you can call our reception at 07 4728 2116 or book online at physioonross.com.au

Return To Run Blueprint

My morning runs are some of the best (and worst) parts of my week. Dragging myself out of bed when the alarm goes off is miserable. Particularly when all I’d rather do is hit the snooze button and steal another half hour of sleep. And even once I’m out the door, those first few minutes feel brutal, my lungs are burning, my legs feel heavy, and I find myself questioning why I’m doing this at all. But then something shifts. The crisp morning air wakes you up. Your stride settles. You find your rhythm. All the busyness of life fades to the background, and all that you’re thinking about is the next step. And when you finish, there’s that deep sense of accomplishment, the sense of having done something difficult and made it through, that makes it all worth it. That’s why I love running. I’ve run a 19:56 5K in the past, and I’m currently chasing the sub-20 again. I am admittedly still a long way off the 20-minute mark, but the keyword is “chasing.” This year, I’ve also stepped into longer distances and completed my first half-marathon and full marathon. I know what it feels like to set a goal, struggle through the process, and feel the thrill of making it through.

But running isn’t without its risks.

I’ve experienced it myself, and I see it all too often in the clinic: knee pain that won’t settle, shin splints that flare up after a few weeks, stress fractures, and persistent tendon pain. It’s frustrating because most runners don’t want to stop. So they push through, only for things to get worse. Or they rest for a week or two, feel a bit better, and then the pain comes straight back after a couple of runs.

The questions we hear all the time are:
How long should I rest?
What exercises should I be doing?
What pain is okay to run through—and what means I should stop?

The honest answer is: it depends.

Every runner is different. Your symptoms, your history, your biomechanics, your strength, your mobility, all of these factors matter. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and there’s no single online plan or YouTube video that can perfectly guide every runner back safely.

That’s where seeing a physiotherapist makes a real difference. It’s not just about treating injuries, it’s about preventing them, identifying weak links, and guiding your return in a way that actually suits your body and your goals. Too often, runners get caught out by doing too much, too soon, or by following generic advice like the “10% rule.” While that can be a useful guideline, it’s not individualised enough. For some runners, a 10% increase is too much, while for others, it’s not enough to make meaningful progress.

Research shows that anywhere from 20–70% of runners will re-injure themselves within the first few months of returning to running. Often, this tends to be because they don’t know how to safely and gradually progress their return to running. They either just “wing it” or are guided by an online program that is, at best, not tailored to them and their body or, at worst, downright harmful.

That’s exactly why we created our Return to Run Blueprint. It’s a step-by-step, evidence-based program designed to take the guesswork out of returning to running. It helps you build back gradually, improve resilience, and work towards your specific goals—whether that’s starting running for the first time, getting back to pain-free runs with friends, or chasing that ever-elusive personal best. It is implemented in 3 structured phases that build on each other and are tailored to your individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals by our physios. With the right guidance, structure, and support, you don’t have to be a part of the re-injury statistics; you can come back stronger, healthier, and more confident than ever.

Written by: Nathan George

29/04/2026

Shoulder rehab doesn’t have to be boring 💪

4 levels. One goal: strong, stable, bulletproof shoulders.
Start simple, build control, and progress your way up the challenge

21/04/2026

Hydrotherapy 1-on-1 classes now open!
We’re excited to announce we’re now running fortnightly, 1-on-1 hydrotherapy sessions at Long Tan Pool on Thursday’s!
These sessions are perfect if you’re recovering from injury, managing pain, or just looking for a low-impact way to build strength and move better. The water takes pressure off your joints while still giving you the resistance you need to improve — it’s one of the most effective (and underrated) ways to rehab and train.
What we love most is seeing people move with confidence again — whether that’s getting back to sport, walking without pain, or just feeling stronger day-to-day.
If you’ve been stuck with something that hasn’t improved, this could be a great option for you.
Please call the front desk on 4728 2116, visit our website https://www.physioonross.com.au/ or chat to us in clinic to see if hydrotherapy is the right fit.
- The team at Physio on Ross

14/04/2026

Ever wondered why physios strap ankles? Jared explains how strapping tape can protect against injury and help you move with confidence.

21/03/2026

Physio on Ross would like to welcome Billie La Rosa to their rooms. She runs her own Clinical Psychology business and as a point of interest, her mother Sally used to lease the rooms before her. Billie is extremely approachable and comes with a great reputation. She is a clinical psychologist offering neurodevelopmental assessment from age 5 to adulthood. Billie assesses a range of conditions including autism, ADHD, FASD, intellectual disability and learning disorders. She also provides therapy for adults only. See website for more details

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16/03/2026

Meet our Team's Physiotherapists.

After years of staffing shortages, at last I have a full team. With the correct staffing we can now get your acute injuries in as quick as possible rather than wait for days on a waiting list. This promotes better and quicker results. My goal is to try an offer an appointment time within 24 hours of your enquiry.
Pictured is Jared in the centre ( newly engaged-congrats to him and Jasmine), with Nathan on the right and yours truly making up the numbers.
Best wishes to all
Brett, Nathan and Jared

13/03/2026

The Ghost in the Consultation Room

The patient arrives with an MRI report in one hand and a smartphone in the other. Before you’ve even performed a single provocation test, they present you with a neatly bulleted ‘recovery road map’.

This isn’t a collection of disparate Google searches. It is the output of ChatGPT: a conversational artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that allows users to upload their medical documents and receive a bespoke, albeit automated, management plan.

As the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recently highlighted, we have reached a crossroads where innovation meets significant clinical risk. For the physiotherapist, this shift represents a fundamental challenge to our role as the primary architects of physical rehabilitation.

The algorithm knows the average; we know the exception.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ recent analysis of ChatGPT sparked a necessary debate: is this a digital assistant or a ‘Dr Google 2.0’? While our GP colleagues are primarily concerned with diagnostic errors, the threat to physiotherapy is more subtle and existential.

It is the threat of de-contextualised prescription.

Consider Sarah, a 34-year old office worker with chronic lower back pain. Her ChatGPT-generated plan recommends a progressive loading program based on her uploaded MRI showing ‘mild L4-L5 disc bulge’ and her self-reported pain scores. The protocol is evidence based and the exercise selection is textbook. The periodisation follows current best practice.

It is also completely wrong for Sarah.

The algorithm cannot see that Sarah guards into extension because of a previous pregnancy-related diastasis. She catastrophises every twinge because her father was disabled by back surgery. Her workstation set-up loads her spine asymmetrically for nine hours daily. Most critically, she is three weeks away from a work deadline and psychologically incapable of adhering to anything that requires more than ten minutes.

ChatGPT knows that, statistically, loading is the gold standard for disc pathology. But it cannot palpate the protective muscle spasm, observe the kinetic chain compensation at the hip or read the anxiety in her face when mentioning the word ‘deadlift’.

The algorithm has read thousands of papers. We have read thousands of bodies.

Physiotherapists spend years mastering the art of therapeutic language: explaining that a disc bulge is as normal at 45 as grey hair, degeneration is correlation rather than causation and pain rarely maps neatly onto structural findings.

ChatGPT, by contrast, inadvertently practises the opposite. It validates the client’s worst fears by treating every radiological finding as a structural problem requiring a structural solution. The AI-generated plan for that degenerative disc often includes phrases like ‘to address the severe degeneration’ or ‘targeting the damaged area’ language that embeds a pathoanatomical narrative we’ve spent two decades trying to dismantle.

We are now treating not just the injury, but the AI’s nocebo effect.

Client’s return to physiotherapists as they need someone who can answer the question the algorithm cannot. ‘Will this work for me?’

That question requires pattern recognition across ten thousand previous clients. It requires reading facial expressions during movement. It demands knowing when to push and when to reassure, when evidence supports aggression and when clinical experience counsels patience.

A physiotherapist's value is no longer in knowing what to prescribe. It is in the irreducible judgement of knowing when, how and why to prescribe it for the specific person in front of us.

In an era where information is infinite and free, context is the scarcity.

Barry Nguyen - Physiotherapist & software engineer

26/02/2026

LYMPHOEDEMA

Most people have heard the word but are not quite sure what it actually means. In simple terms, lymphoedema is persistent swelling that happens when the lymphatic system is not working effectively. This system helps move fluid, waste and proteins around the body. When it becomes overloaded or damaged, fluid can build up in areas like the arms, legs, chest or face.

For some people it develops after cancer treatment such as lymph node removal or radiation. For others it can occur due to trauma, infection or even without a clear cause. It is more common than many realise.

The good news is that lymphoedema can be managed very effectively with the right treatment and education.

What does lymphoedema therapy involve?

Lymphoedema therapy is not just about massage. It is a comprehensive approach that may include:

- Manual lymphatic drainage which is a gentle hands on technique designed to encourage fluid movement

- Compression therapy using bandaging or garments to help prevent fluid from re accumulating

- Exercise programs tailored to safely stimulate lymphatic flow

- Skin care education to reduce the risk of infection

- Self management strategies so you feel confident controlling symptoms long term

Treatment is individualised. Every body is different and every plan should reflect that.

As an accredited lymphoedema therapist, I am proud to provide evidence based care and to support patients through every stage of their management. I am also currently the only male accredited lymphoedema therapist in the region, which gives patients additional choice and comfort when seeking care.

If you or someone you know has ongoing swelling that has not settled, it is worth having it assessed. The earlier we address it, the better the outcomes tend to be.

If you would like to learn more about lymphoedema therapy or book an assessment, feel free to reach out. I am here to help you move comfortably and confidently again.

- Jared Evans

11/02/2026

Hi all, Nathan George here this is my third week working at Physio on Ross. I look forward to meeting you all at the clinic. Please find below my article on frozen shoulder, which is a term that gets thrown around far too often. (The actual incidence of true frozen shoulder in the general population is only around 3-5%). If you have any queries or comcerns don't hesistate to reach out to us at (07) 47282116

FROZEN SHOULDER

If you find your shoulder has become stiff, painful, and hard to move, you might be dealing with frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. Many people describe it as feeling like their shoulder is “stuck” or “locked,” especially during simple tasks like reaching overhead or getting dressed. Though it can be frustrating, frozen shoulder is treatable, and physio plays a vital role in recovery.
Frozen shoulder occurs when the joint capsule (the soft tissue around your shoulder) becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight, limiting movement in all directions. However, it’s often misdiagnosed or confused with other shoulder issues, which is why seeing your physio is essential for differentiating frozen shoulder from similar problems like rotator cuff injuries or arthritis. and making an accurate diagnosis.

Who’s at Risk?
Frozen shoulder tends to affect people between the ages of 40 and 60, with a higher incidence in women. It’s also more common in people who have certain medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease. It can often develop after an injury or extended periods of shoulder immobility, such as after surgery or an illness that limits movement.

The Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Though the timelines aren’t always fully clear cut, frozen shoulder generally progresses through three stages:
Freezing Stage (3–9 months): Pain increases, often worse at night, and movement becomes more limited. Many people start using the shoulder less during this stage.
Frozen Stage (4–12 months): Pain may ease, but stiffness becomes the dominant issue. Reaching or lifting becomes difficult, impacting daily activities.
Thawing Stage (6 months–2 years): Gradual improvement in movement and a return to normal function. But recent research shows that not everyone regains full movement without treatment.

How Physiotherapy Helps
Physiotherapy supports your shoulder’s recovery in a safe, gradual way, no pushing through pain. Physios will use gentle exercises to encourage movement and hands-on techniques like joint mobilisation to reduce pain and improve function at the right time.
As movement improves, strengthening exercises are introduced to help stabilise the shoulder and prevent future issues. Research shows that no single treatment works best, but a combination of tailored exercises, manual therapy, and clear guidance gives the best outcomes. Consistency is key — small, regular improvements add up over time.

When Should I See a Physio?
You don’t have to wait until your shoulder is “frozen.” If movement is gradually becoming more limited, or affecting daily activities like brushing your hair, dressing, putting on a seatbelt, it’s a good idea to see a physiotherapist. Shoulder pain throughout the night is also a good indicator that you might have a frozen shoulder. Early assessment can help identify the stage of frozen shoulder, make sure it isn’t another condition, and ensure the right treatment plan.

Do I Need Injections?
There are a few different injections that are used to help with frozen shoulder such as corticosteroids, platelet rich plasma, and hydrodilatation. injections can help reduce inflammation and pain, especially in the early stages. However the latest research shows that you get the best outcomes through physiotherapy supported by adjunct therapies like injections when appropriate. Each case is specific and will be guided by your Physio and GP working together to ensure you have the best outcome.

Frozen shoulder can be a challenging condition, but with the right treatment and guidance, most people can improve their pain, movement, and quality of life.

02/02/2026

Meet Townsville's David Steel.

I've known David for over 25 years but he's one of Townsville's cultural elite in that he is an author. At present he is writing his 3rd book of a trilogy that probably interests female young readers the most. It's about Destiny-a 12 year old in a wheelchair who experiences the "dreamworld". The thousands of hours he has worked through-all having experienced himself tumours, serious motor vehicle accidents, spinal fusions etc without whinging about the unfairness of his ailments. All of his profits of sales will ultimately go to charity so if you'd like to support a real artistic battler please consider DJ Steele-"Destiny's Journey"(the second book of the trilogy). Best of luck David!!

20/01/2026

🎯 Sudden Vertigo? The Room Spinning? It Might Be BPPV — And Physio Can Fix It Fast

If you’ve ever rolled over in bed or looked up at a shelf and suddenly felt the room spin, you’re not alone. Vertigo affects up to 30% of adults over 60, and one of the most common causes is something called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

The good news? It’s one of the most treatable causes of dizziness.

👉 What Is BPPV?
Inside your inner ear are tiny crystals that help your brain sense movement and balance. Sometimes these crystals become dislodged and drift into the wrong canal. When this happens, simple head movements trigger sudden, intense spinning sensations.

👉 Fast Facts:
✔ BPPV can last weeks or months if untreated — but often improves in 1–2 physio sessions
✔ More common in women and adults 50+
✔ Episodes usually last 10–30 seconds
✔ Vertigo increases risk of falls by 2–3 times in older adults

👉 Common Symptoms:
• Spinning when lying down, rolling over, looking up, or bending forward
• Nausea or unsteadiness
• Sensitivity to quick head movements
• Brief episodes that settle once you keep still

👉 How Physio Helps:
Specialised vestibular physiotherapy uses gentle repositioning techniques (such as the Epley manoeuvre) to guide the crystals back where they belong. Most people feel dramatically better immediately—or within just a few days.

If dizziness has been making you cautious or worried, you don’t have to put up with it.
💬 Send us a message — we can help you get your balance and confidence back quickly and safely.

P: (07) 4728 2116
E: admin@physioonross.com.au

16/01/2026

UPDATE ON WAITING TIMES

Now that Physio on Ross is finally fully staffed we can normally offer appointments within the 24 hours. As many of you know, Jared Evans (a senior physiotherapist from another local practice ) has joined our ranks so there is now more choice of appointment times. Should any queries arise dont hesitate to make contact on 47282116 or email admin@physioonross.com.au
Best wishes for 2026.
Brett