Rehabilitation and Exercise Classes

Regular exercise has been shown to:

• improve core stability
• improve balance
• improve sport performance
• lessen back pain and enhance a stronger, more flexible spine
• increase overall tone, endurance and fitness
• assist with relaxation and breathing efficiency
• improve concentration, coordination and posture
• provide rehabilitation and prevention from injury
• aid in the recovery of muscles following pregnancy assist in developing flatter and firmer abdominal muscles

To begin, an initial one-on-one assessment is required which may include real time ultrasound imaging of the deep trunk muscles. This assessment allows us to tailor a very specific and individualised program, specific to your needs.

Led only by trained, experienced physiotherapists, our classes are small and personalised to ensure individual attention during each session. Individual sessions are also available. 

Class duration is 45 minutes. Bookings are essential. Exercise classes are held at Flex Norwood, Stirling and Kadina. Timetables can be downloaded in the Class Times section.

Classes are generally covered by private health insurance. 

Please note that we offer child friendly classes at Flex Norwood on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11.30am where you are welcome to bring along your child whilst you exercise.

Depending upon your needs, we offer a variety of class structures:

• Individualised programs designed to address your individual needs.  Dancers will need to undertake a dance assessment in order for a program to be specifically designed. 
• Pre-Pointe and Pointe classes for dancers aiming to improve the strength in their core and legs specifically for pointe work
• Turnout classes for dancers aiming to improve the strength and control around their hips and spine.

Dance FIT classes are held at Flex Norwood.

• Muscle strength can be regained and maintained no matter what age and physical condition
• Supervised exercise is not just for the ‘young people’ and it is not a high risk activity for the over 50s
• Small classes of up to 5 people
• Accessible and safe environment at Flex Rehabilitation Clinic Norwood
• Individualized programs based on participants ability and goals
• Strength training with resistance bands, free weights and pulley weights to assist with activities of daily living
• Low to moderate aerobic training on treadmill, stationary bike and rowing machine
• Balance and falls prevention Stretching to maintain range of motion throughout the body

Research has shown that regular exercise can decrease and manage the effects of chronic conditions such as Arthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Depression and Heart Disease.

It has also been shown to:

• Enhance well-being, raise self-esteem and self confidence
• Decrease blood pressure and improve cholesterol
• Improve body composition and manage weight
• Improve sleep
• Reduce lower back pain
• Improve balance and reduce the risk of falling
• Improve joint range of motion Enhance ability to undertake activities of daily living and maintain an independent lifestyle.

Fab 50s + classes are held at Flex Norwood.

Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 years and older, and also affects individuals as young as 30 years of age.

Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as first line treatment for Osteoarthritis.

While these guidelines are in place, Osteoarthritis treatment in Australia still usually focuses on surgery, pain relief or manual treatment before exercise and lifestyle modifications are carried out. The GLA:D Australia program offers a more effective and safer alternative.

GLA:D, or Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

This 6 week education and exercise program had over 30,000 enrolled participants in Denmark, before it was translated and implemented in Canada in 2016 and Australia in 2017. Results have been outstanding with a significant reduction in pain, and an increase in physical activity for those with Osteoarthritis.

12 months after the completion of the GLA:D program participants generally experience:

• less pain
• improved quality of life
• reduced use of joint related pain killers
• increased physical activity

GLA:D Australia training consists of:

• An initial appointment assessing your eligibility for the course, explaining what’s involved and measuring your current functional abilities
• Two education sessions which teach you about OA, how the GLA:D Australia exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability outside of the program
• 12 Group neuromuscular training sessions (twice a week for six weeks) to improve muscle control of the joint, which leads to reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life

Flex GLA:D trained physiotherapists

Luke Hamood, Sarah Clarke and Anita Bruce

You don’t need a referral to participate, as you’ll undergo a thorough assessment with one of our Physiotherapists to ensure its appropriate and suitable for you.

This assessment and training sessions are held at Flex Norwood and Stirling and education sessions at Flex Norwood.

GLA:D is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities. By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, participants will train their bodies to move properly, prevent symptom progression and reduce pain.

Can I Participate in GLA:D Australia?

GLA:D Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity.

You may participate in the program if you have a hip or knee joint problem that resulted in visiting a health care provider.

You may not be able to participate in the GLA:D if:

• There are other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including; tumor, inflammatory joint disease, result of hip fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems
• You have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia)

Want to join?

If you would like to participate in the GLA:D Australia program at Flex, you will need to start by booking your 40 minute Assessment with one of the Flex GLA:D trained physiotherapists.

Want to find out more?

• Visit the official GLA:D Australia website here
• Contact Flex on 8361 3355 or email admin@flexclinic.com.au 

GLA:D assessment and training sessions are held at Flex Norwood and Flex Stirling

GLA:D education sessions are held at Flex Norwood 

Classes are led by an experienced Flex physiotherapist with a focus on your individual goals using your own program. Class sizes are small with a maximum of 4 people in the class. Exercises are aimed at regaining optimum function, flexibility and strength through a specific but holistic approach. Classes are held at Flex FIT Co in Stirling and class duration is 45 minutes. Bookings are essential. Classes are generally covered by private health insurance. 

Phone 8361 3355 to make a booking. Only available at Stirling.