Rural Connection Allied Health

27/04/2026

This weeks client is a handsome 22 rugby player for the glorious Gatton Black Pigs. Struck down with a recent grade 2 MCL sprain, we’re looking at getting this as of yet unclassified weapon back out on the rugby pitch ASAP.

First this as always is to look at the squat/overhead squat to identify any deficiencies/restrictions.

This and our follow up assessments displayed poor hip external rotation and hip stability (particularly of the right leg). As a result, we have prescribed the following exercises as stage one of his gym program. Will keep our ever committed fans updated on this one (and obviously the Black Pigs as well).

08/04/2026

Hey folks, we’re on a roll here and hitting the socials once again for our adoring fans. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 This time to establish that the gym based only makes up part of what we do here at RCAH.

Another MAJOR part is working with the age care and NDIS system!

Below is some of the work for balance and re-enablement training. These video’s display a couple of our lovely client who have worked very hard to build themselves up to being able to assist themselves off the floor independently!!

This task becomes very difficult as we age and takes a lot of combined strength from different part of the body to co-ordinate. Consequently it is also a very important part of what we do in re-enablement training.

It’s absolutely key to helping people maintain their independence and to assist them in staying at home for as long as possible. And one of our big drivers at RCAH is maintaining independence in whatever capacity we can manage. If you or someone you love has been struggling with balance or had a recent fall, get in contact with us to have a chat and see what can be arranged.

30/03/2026

“Zack’s Journey: results of the assessment”

One thing we recognise here at RCAH is that we all move differently and lead different lives, and most of the time we can operate without much trouble. It can however tend to cause some issues when starting a new exercise program, starting or restarting a sport, or trying to push for a new PB. When considering this we should always be working to identify and address any restrictions/imbalance as they can help us move more efficiently and can even reduce our injury risk!

With our case example Zack, whom we established the initial for in our last post, we have a number of considerations when picking our assessments and designing our program. As a reminder, Zack has been dealing with significant back pain for years and has even required surgery to address his Spondolisthesis (vertebral slippage). We also have the consideration that Zack is the father of (soon to be) a one year old daughter and running an incredibly successful business that we at RCAH are more than happy to leech off. Needless to say, he’s busy.

The assessments conducted were part of our movement screen, which aims to look not only at his lower back, but how his body moves as a whole. in the attached photographs gave us the following conclusions;

⁃ highly restricted thoracic spine (extension)
⁃ Overactive deep core musculature (Transverse-abdominals and diaphragm specifically)
⁃ Restricted hip internal Rotation (right leg)
⁃ Weakness in ability of Serratus Anterior to support scapula leading to overactive Upper Traps when working overhead.

Now, there’s a lot of fancy Latin words in there that may get you that girls number at the bar, however become a bit more confusing a bit when it comes to how they connect to moving a better.

In our next few posts, we will be detailing what exercises were chosen for Zack’s program and why. We’ll also be detailing why a program to address lower back pain, doesn’t actually have any exercises targeting the lower back. Stay tuned!

20/03/2026

A lot of people ask us “what’s the difference between an EP and a Physio/PT/all-round good looking chooks. Well.. other than the answer to the last one being ‘nothing’, we say it’s our process of assessment. ⤵️

When dealing with chronic pain/conditions, it’s important to find the root cause ❌
Now unlike our lead EP Harry 👨🏽, these causes are not always simple and as such we require a well rounded assessment. This not only includes a thorough movement assessment, but also getting to know the person!

Below is one of our first victims in the new gym, Project 88 Co-owner and general nuisance Zack Loxley. As you see, we ran him through a full physical assessment and got a bit on an idea about his background with his lower back injury. We’ll spare you the details but needless to say, his back has obviously been carrying a big load with his massive… brains. So amongst our other approaches to treatment (to follow) we’ll also be working closely to help Zack regain his confidence in the gym and get back to the athlete he’s been telling everyone he once was! 🏋️‍♂️

Keep follow for updates on how he progresses! ✅

16/03/2026

Hello everyone 👋👋

I’m your friendly neighbourhood EP Harry. I thought after 5 years in the business it was time to introduce myself through the socials with some exciting news… We’re now located out of 💪🏼

As I have an obvious love for this platform, I’ll be looking to update all of my fans on a bit of the type of work I’ve been doing and will be continuing at 88 Water St South. I’ll also be displaying a bit of my personal stuff that I’ve been doing to keep my rapidly aging body working within a couple of my passions, which include CrossFit and Rugby Union, at the ripe old age of 32. 🏋🏽🏉

A couple of the conditions I commonly work with include:
• Chronic pain & injury rehabilitation (Sport or Work)
• Cardiovascular & metabolic conditions
• Post-surgery rehabilitation
• Strength & mobility for long-term health

So, if you’re looking to improve your health, return to activity after injury from work or sport, or build strength safely and confidently, I’d love to help!

DM for more info! ➡️

P.S. Don’t stress for those folks that can’t get themselves into the gym. We’re still offering our services at home!

26/11/2024

Parkinson’s? Why should that be stopping you?

John has been living with the Symptoms of Parkinson’s for over 10 years. Through working with our Exercise Physiologist Harry (and a boatload of commitment) he has seen major gains in his strength, balance and function. Here is a video of John hitting a new PR on his deadlift… twice at 100kgs!

This is of course only part of John’s program with coordination, balance, flexibility and functional training being high priorities for his specific goals.

Give us a call or send a message if you or a loved one is wanting to get back to a healthier lifestyle.

09/10/2024

For more information contact us via Facebook.

01/11/2022

Come and have a chat to see how our Accredited Exercise Physiologists can help you or your loved ones!

Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing some of Australia’s biggest killers, including heart disease, dementia, diabetes, mental illness, and many types of cancer. And it’s not just about preventing illness. Regular exercise also helps to boost your energy levels, make you happier, and improve your general well-being. ⁠
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Despite the health benefits, half of all Australians don’t get enough exercise. ⁠
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If this sounds familiar and you need help getting moving, then perhaps seeing an exercise physiologist is a good start. ⁠
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Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university-qualified allied health professionals. They specialise in designing and delivering safe and effective exercise interventions for people with chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. Services provided by an AEP are also claimable under compensable schemes such as Medicare and covered by most private health insurers. When it comes to the prescription of exercise, they are the most qualified professionals in Australia. ⁠
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Find an AEP near you: https://www.essa.org.au/find-aep/
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17/06/2022

Dean was at Churches of Christ Warwick Aged Care Campus this morning with some ladies from
The Warwick Combined Probus Club. He took them through some exercises focusing on improving balance, general strength, coordination and cognitive function.

Our classes in our Warwick clinic are very popular and are fantastic for exercising in a social setting. Get in touch to see what classes we have available and how they might help!

26/05/2022

Some of our Exercise Right for Active Aging participants in their group session with Dean in Warwick this morning.

Everyone has an individualised program to address their individual goals. Everyone here moves for a a different reason which is what we’re aiming to highlight this Exercise Right Week 🏋🏻‍♀️🧠🫀🫁