Gordonvale Physiotherapy

28/12/2025

Check out pool times over the next week. The water is nice and cool and crocodile-free.

24/12/2025

Be Merry this Christmas, that's what it is all about. Let go of those worries and grievances, be kind and thoughtful. Let's try a little harder for peace in ourselves, our families, our community and our world. Ho ho ho.

23/12/2025

Just remembering a lovely lady who used to give us these for Christmas each year, and all the other friends we made who have passed away. We loved the stories, the recipes, the handy hints and gardening tips, you will be remembered by your Gordonvale Physiotherapy family.
I still have Mrs Plogs shortbread recipe I was given in my first year as a physio over 40 years ago. It was delicious.

20/12/2025

Check out our opening times over Christmas. Rhys is already on holidays, Helen is still available these times over the break. Always ring for appointments and leave a message and we will get back to you.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New year.

02/12/2025

https://youtu.be/1btj-8pUsCE
Your Aged Care Provider needs to embrace these concepts.

Aged Care Quality Standards have been strengthened to place older people at the centre of their aged care. This video explains how the standards provide prot...

01/12/2025

Our normal mobile phone line is working at the moment but if you can't contact us, you can get up on the landline.
07 40562157
Apparently they are working on the mobile network this week in Gordonvale.

19/11/2025

WORLD COPD DAY — 19 NOVEMBER 2025
COPD is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide — including many right here in our FNQ community.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition caused by damage to the airways.
COPD makes it harder to get enough oxygen into our blood stream. Maybe you are troubled walking up hills or stairs. Eventually even everyday activities make you short of breath and can be distressing.

Common Signs & Symptoms
If you or someone you know has any of the following, it’s worth having a check-up:
Persistent cough (often called a “smoker’s cough”)
Increased mucus or phlegm
Shortness of breath, especially on exertion
Wheezing or chest tightness
Frequent chest infections
Fatigue or reduced ability to do daily activities

Early diagnosis makes a huge difference. Book to see your GP.

What Treatments Can Help?

COPD can’t be cured, but good management dramatically improves quality of life. Effective treatments include:

✔️ Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Structured exercises, breathing techniques, and education to improve fitness, strength, and confidence. Physiotherapists (like us at Gordonvale Physiotherapy!) play a key role.

✔️ Medications
Inhalers, bronchodilators, and sometimes steroids help open the airways and reduce inflammation.

✔️ Quit-Smoking Support
The single most important step for slowing disease progression.

✔️ Vaccinations
Flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines help prevent severe respiratory infections.

✔️ Fitness & Strength Training
Keeping muscles strong reduces breathlessness and improves stamina.

✔️ Airway Clearance Techniques
To help remove mucus and reduce infection risk.

COPD can be challenging, but with the right guidance people can stay active, independent, and enjoy a better quality of life. If you have been diagnosed ask you GP or Specialist for a referral to respiratory rebilitation.

14/11/2025

Get behind McHappy Day and raise money for Ronald McDonald House.

10/11/2025

Joint pain from "wear and tear"? Thinking about a Joint Replacement?
A quick wander through the pros and cons

The Good Stuff (Pros)
Less Pain
Many people describe it as “getting their life back.”
Better Movement
Walking, stairs, gardening… all feel lighter again.
Improved Sleep & Mood
Pain steals energy. Relief gives it back.
Long-lasting Results
Modern implants often last 15–20 years or more.

The Tricky Bits (Cons)
⚠️ Recovery Takes Work
Some people feel worse before they feel better.
⚠️ Surgical Risks
Infection, blood clots, stiffness.
⚠️ Not Instant Magic
Some aches and pain can linger. You will not get a new knee you will get a knee replacement, they are not like a 20 years old's knee.
⚠️ Implants Don’t Last Forever
Young or very active? You may need a revision later.

The “Maybes”
Not everyone with arthritis needs surgery.
Some do brilliantly with physio, strength training and joint protection strategies.
Maybe better treatments may exist in the future.
It’s a team decision: you, your GP, your physio, your surgeon.

Call to Action
If your joints are playing up have a chat with your physio.
The right plan can make movement feel possible again, it may prevent or prolong your need for surgery.

06/11/2025

Helen is swimming this month to raise money for Breast Cancer. Anyone want to join her or make a donation? Did you know exercise can help with preventing and managing cancer?Join the Cairns Mudcrabs Masters Swimming Club Inc team.

This November, I am taking part in Swim for Breast Cancer to raise vital funds for breast cancer research. Please support me!

18/10/2025

Have you heard of Advance Care Planning (ACP)? It ensures your healthcare preferences are clear if you became seriously ill or injured and unable to communicate them. 🏥

ACP is voluntary and relevant to all adults regardless of their health status or age. Start planning when you're healthy—before there's an urgent need for a plan.

Planning your treatment preferences early helps your loved ones and health providers know what matters most to you. 🥰

The most common ACP documents in Queensland are:
👉 an Advance Health Directive: a legally binding document that allows you to give directions about your future or special healthcare
👉 an enduring power of attorney: that allows you to legally appoint attorney(s) and set out terms for how the power operates
👉 a statement of choices: a values-based document that records your wishes and preferences for healthcare.

It's important to share these completed documents with those involved in your care and provide copies of your documents to the Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning to be added to your Queensland Health medical record.

Learn more about these documents, and how to create your plan here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/support/advance-care-planning/making-a-plan

ℹ️ Source:
Queensland Health. Understanding Advance Care Planning

30/09/2025

With the weather warming get some of that water powered wellness into you. Water can make you feel young again! Is water your happy place? Whether it's for fitness, relaxation or just plan fun, enjoy your dip. If you want to join a madcap group of old water rats, pop down to Gordonvale Aquatic Centre on Sundays at 9am and check out swim coaching for the mature body but young at heart with Cairns Mudcrabs Masters Swimming.