Balance Health Phillip Island

13/11/2025

The base of the thumb is called the carpo-metacarpal joint or CMC joint, and alongside the big toe, knees, hips and fingertips, these are the most common joints in the body affected by osteoarthritis. Typically bothersome in cold weather, and with changeable weather, especially coming into winter - and the cold snap over the past week has seen some grumpy joints rear their ugly heads!

Arthritic joints generally benefit from a balance of relative rest and movement, with too much of either being a problem. When flared up, thumbs may require a bit more rest, some support such as bracing or taping, and some simple analgesia. If they don't settle down as expected and its interfering with doing the things you love then get them checked out. Physios and Osteos can help with mobility and exercise. Your GP or pharmacist can guide medication use.

12/11/2025

On the 1st of November, the new AGED CARE ACT came into effect. To access allied health therapies, you can visit the clinic and clinician of your choosing however you do need an approved SUPPORT AT HOME package, a chronic condition management plan (CCMP) referral from your GP, and a service request from your care coordinator / package provider.

Services can include Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Remedial Massage, Falls and Equipment Assessments, Men's and Women's Continence Physiotherapy.

If you have an enquiry please call our friendly staff on 5952 2244

11/11/2025

04/11/2025

Have you met Physiotherapist Sandeep Soni?

Sandeep is a dedicated physiotherapist with a passion for restoring mobility and enhancing quality of life. He has over a decade of experience and has cultivated a deep understanding of advanced physiotherapy techniques and evidence-based practices. Hailing from India, Sandeep embarked on his professional journey with a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, followed by a master’s degree in Neurological Physiotherapy. He is thrilled at the opportunity to live and work on Phillip Island.

Sandeep’s approach combines hands-on treatment, dry needling, taping, and cupping modalities, with personalised exercise programs tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. His professional interests span a broad spectrum, including musculoskeletal, neurological, sports, and post-surgery rehabilitation. he is alos trained in managing vertigo and the TMJ.

Whether it's aiding athletes in their return to peak performance or assisting individuals in managing everyday challenges, Sandeep finds immense fulfillment in guiding his patients towards optimal health and function. Beyond his professional endeavors, Sandeep cherishes an active lifestyle, enjoying activities such as cycling and yoga. He believes in leading by example, promoting holistic well-being both in and out of the clinic.

Sandeep works Monday to Friday at Balance Health.

To book call 5952 2244 or book online https://www.balance-health.com.au/bookonline

29/10/2025

Did you know the Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body? It is also one of the most challenging to treat when problems arise.

Overuse tendon injuries are often called tendonitis - the 'itis' suggests inflammation however this isn't often the case. Tendinosis or tendinopathy is more accurate to describe these injuries. They can certainly be painful however!

There are many things that can be the cause. Increasing training too quickly especially if middle aged and/or following other injuries is very common. Areas requiring attention may include the Achilles and calf, the foot, the ankle, even the lower back.

Should you be experiencing a problem Achilles tendon, its a great idea to consult a physiotherapist or osteopath for a full assessment. Identifying the likely cause is important, in addition to modifying training and working out a rehab plan that is specifically tailored.

Recovery is almost always slow, even the most successful recoveries. Understanding this is an essential part of Achilles injury management.

27/10/2025

Have you met Senior Osteopath George Leonardos?

George graduated from as an osteopath from RMIT University in 2021. He subsequently completed a Post Graduate Certificate in strength and conditioning in 2025. Having grown up locally and attending school on Phillip Island, George feels a strong connection to the local community, leading him to join Balance Health.

George loves the holistic nature of osteopathy and believes that we all hold the power to improve our physical health/well-being when given the right tools, motivation, and support. As an osteopath he strives to be a key motivator to facilitate these changes and empower people to be the best versions of themselves.

George takes great satisfaction in treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions through a combination of hands-on osteopathic techniques, education, and exercise. He takes on an evidence-based treatment and management approach with the aim of reducing the recurrence of pain, improving patient outcomes, and compassionately empowers his clients to attain a better quality of life. George is particularly skilled at managing low back pain, and neck pain with associated headaches or migraines.

His active involvement in various sports includes power-lifting, basketball, swimming, football, soccer, and MMA/kickboxing. George’s postgraduate strength and conditioning education also involved placement with the Western Bulldogs AFL and VFL football teams. His experience has driven him to develop comprehensive treatment and management protocols aimed at facilitating recovery and minimising the risk of future injuries. If you are a professional or recreational athlete, George would love to work with you to overcome your injury and achieve a high level of performance.

George role models an active, healthy, and balanced lifestyle, which underpins his osteopathic approach. In his spare time, you can find him at the gym, being outdoors, playing his guitar, relaxing, cooking and/or spending time with his friends and family.

George works Thursday and Friday at Balance Health

https://www.balance-health.com.au/team/george-leonardos

To book call 5952 2244 or https://www.balance-health.com.au/bookonline

22/10/2025

19/10/2025

Have you met Myotherapist Helen Tavakkoli?

Helen has more than a decade of remedial massage experience treating a range of conditions such as post-injury dysfunction, headaches and migraines, lower back pain, soft tissue injuries and stress induced tension.

Helen specialises in providing personalised care with a compassionate approach, whether you are looking to release shoulder and neck pain and tension, improve flexibility, or recover from an injury.

Helen is able to support your journey to wellness and recovery, intuitively using a range of techniques such as trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, joint mobilisation, stretches and myofascial release, dry needling and cupping.

Helen also provides pregnancy massage, supporting women through all trimesters. Each treatment is carefully tailored to offer pregnant mothers optimal comfort and safety during their treatment.

Helen works on Fridays at Balance health.

To book call 5952 2244 or https://www.balance-health.com.au/bookonline