June updates - Monthly newsletter

In this newsletter:

  • Parkinson's Disease - New exercise class

  • Bike assessments

  • Practitioner Profile - Patrick Blackwell

  • June Active Giving Project

  • Support Team Profile - Katelyn

  • Returning to higher intensity exercise postpartum - NEW blog

  • Do you know our next physiotherapist? Join our team!

  • Wagga Trail Marathon - Are you prepared?


Our new group exercise class with Jake on a Tuesday morning may interest you or a loved one if you are living with Parkinson’s disease.

Jake has recently completed a PD Warrior course is training in an intensive exercise-based program designed to drive neuroplastic change in people with Parkinson’s. It is in stark contrast to the compensatory movement and cueing strategies employed in current clinical practice. The approach is designed to help people live with Parkinson’s better by improving the way they move – either by increasing their effort, amplitude, dual tasking, or a combination of all three. Read Jake’s blog on Parkinson's disease here

To ensure this class is right for you, please make contact with Jake via mail@activephysiowagga.com.au or call (02) 6925 7734.


As you may have observed over the past 12 months the cycling industry has boomed during COVID. More people are out on bikes for their daily commute and smashing strava times on some of our amazing local roads. To be able to perform at your best you need both the body and the machine (your bike) working at an optimal level to smash your mates on the climbs or just get around the lake without pain. Unfortunately, Cyclists are prone to many sport-specific injuries, this may be due to poor riding technique, the high volumes of training, or just a poorly fitting bike.

So that being said, what is the best way to approach your cycling based issues?

Our Physiotherapist Joe has completed post-graduate training in cycling injury assessment and management as well as structured bike fitting. Joe will be able to help you reach your goals no matter what they may be.


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After Graduating in 2016, Pat commenced his career in physiotherapy here at Active Physio where he was a member of the team for over 2 years. He then made the move to Tasmania and continued his career in private practice before Covid put his travel plans to the UK on hold, causing an unplanned, but enjoyable move back to Wagga.

Pat grew up in Orange, where he completed his schooling and university education, he played a wide variety of sports focusing mainly on rugby union, hockey, cricket and basketball.

Special interest areas:

  • Running related injuries

  • Contact sport injuries

  • Treating orthopaedic conditions including pre and post operation

What he enjoys about living in Wagga:

The large variety of sports on offer - he is currently playing rugby union for the Wagga Waratahs and getting out to the Country Club as much as possible for a swing of the golf club. With such close proximity to the dams & rivers, although a bit cold at the moment he can often be found out on there water skiing. A favourite part about Wagga is the very social community with so many different events happening year round.


In April we raised money for BrAshA-T. We were thrilled to donate money to them in support of their quest to raise awareness of this disease and to show support for a local family dealing with this disease.

In May we raised money for autologous stem cell transplantation at St Vincent's hospital in honour of World Multiple Sclerosis Day and a special patient of ours who recently shared the following “After being diagnosed with MS in my thirties I had to learn to live a different way. Exercising was helpful for my body symptoms and my mental space. Using an exercise physiologist pre and post transplant allowed me to enter it stronger physically” 

In June we have chosen to give to Heart Kids Australia on behalf of a beautiful little boy whose life was cut way too short by heart disease. His parents are so inspiring with their community work to help others. 

We are honoured and privileged to help. 

Coming to work each day knowing that you not only help those who come for treatment, but you help to donate to worthy causes together with your patient makes your day brighter.

What is the Active Giving Project?
We have always been a team that likes to give back and help others. Each month we change what charity, event or fundraiser we support and for every new patient that attends our practice that month, we donate an amount of money. These donations are a way to say thank you to them for being a patient at Active and we are thrilled to be working with them, to make not only a difference in their lives, but others at the same time. Together we can make a difference.


We know how important the role is of any support team in a health business.
Our support team works hard to ensure your experience and health journey with Active Physiotherapy is positive, smooth and happy.

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Who inspires you? 
My close friends who constantly build me up, support me and encourage me to be better.

What do you do to keep active, healthy & happy? 
I play soccer for South Wagga, coach a Miniroos team and go to 12RND gym. 

What is the best advice you have been given? 
Don’t ever stop learning and growing as a person. The more you learn and grow, the better your life will become.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
Interacting with our clients and constantly learning and developing new skills.

How would your friends describe you? 
Kind, loyal and a little bit annoying.


Have you recently had a baby, or giving birth in the months ahead?


Like any injury, there are certain considerations when returning to higher intensity exercise for short and long term health outcomes.

Read the 3 key steps in our blog on postpartum exercise by our ESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologist.


Do you know our next physiotherapist?

We are looking for a new graduate or experienced physiotherapist to join our amazing team. Here at Active Physiotherapy, we genuinely care about helping our community and looking after our own.

Have a confidential chat with one of our Directors Paul Heffernan or Dave O’Brien, or Practice Manager Mandy Reid about an opportunity with us for yourself, or for a friend or family member.


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Only 11 weeks until the Wagga Wagga Trail Marathon! Are you prepared?

This is the year for you to run faster times and without injury!

No matter what distance your aiming to do, our running physiotherapists want to help you achieve your running goals. Be sure to get in early as spaces are limited for this unique opportunity to have your running assessed.

A running assessment involves both a musculoskeletal assessment and a video analysis of your running technique. Your therapist will work with you to improve deficits in strength and range of motion and maximise the efficiency of your running technique. Your therapist will also help refine your training program to get the most bang for your buck.

Call our clinic today on (02) 6925 7734 to book your running assessment.

Cristy Houghton