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EVEN during the current situation, it’s essential for people to look after themselves, whether through exercise or maintaining their medical regime, says Orthopaedics ACT practice manager Deborah Henry.

Dr Lari Trease, sport and exercise physician, says the COVID-19 physical distancing period may have disrupted many people’s activity regimes.

“For some, it has been a time to do more walking or bike riding with their family, for others who have had their gym closed, they may have fallen out of the habit of being active,” she says.

“The key to remaining active and injury-free is to make sure that if you’re starting a new activity (or resuming an activity not done for a few weeks or months) that you do so in a gradual fashion to avoid any overuse injuries.”

For those doing more activity than usual, Dr Trease advises ensuring well-fitted equipment, such as having the bike seat at the right height or having good, supportive footwear.

“As people start to get back into their previous routines it’s important to have any niggles looked at if they persist or limit their enjoyment or ability to exercise,” she says.

“Finally, I’ve seen some patients with low back pain from working in a different position to their usual desk while working from home (think the couch) and it’s important to make sure you’re well set up to work from home.”

Dr Trease is offering video-telehealth appointments to all patients, with scripts and imaging referrals organised electronically, allowing for remote care in these COVID times.

“Orthopaedics ACT is COVID-19 compliant, we’re screening all visitors to our practice, taking temperatures, hand sanitising, cleaning all surfaces in our consulting rooms between every patient and maintaining the distancing requirements,” Deborah says.

Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist Medical Centre, Level 2, 90 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6221 9320 or visit orthoact.com.au