Modern Medicine

Balance isn’t just “standing on one leg”. It’s the combined work of your vision, inner ear, strength, and proprioception (your body’s awareness of where it is in space). And as we get older, balance becomes one of the biggest protectors of independence.In this episode, Lisa Dumayne (Exercise Physiologist) shares practical, evidence-informed guidance on strength, bone health, and falls prevention, with a focus on what matters most from 50+ onwards.We cover:Why our society is becoming more sedentary, and how that affects chronic disease riskThe link between movement and mental health, and why behaviour change is often the hardest partThe difference between physical activity and targeted exerciseWhy walking is great, but often not enough for conditions like osteoporosisWhat actually improves bone density (impact loading + resistance training)Why muscle and bone changes accelerate through menopause, and why strength and balance become non-negotiableHow balance is assessed in clinic, including tools like a force plate and multi-surface testingWhat balance training can look like, from simple sit-to-stand and heel raises through to dynamic, dual-task movementWhen to consider a balance screen (especially 50–60, or after slips, stumbles, tripping, or confidence loss)The real-world consequences of falls: fractures, head trauma, loss of confidence, isolation, and reduced independenceRed flags to take seriously, including medication-related drowsiness, numbness/tingling, neuropathy, vision issues, and foot painAt-home checks mentioned:Single-leg stand: can you hold for ~30 seconds (safely, near support)?Sit-to-stand + short walk + turn + return: does it feel stable and effortless?Key message: It’s never too late to start. The goal is to build strength and balance gradually, at the right level for you, so you can stay confident, capable, and independent for longer.

Achilles pain is common, stubborn, and often misunderstood. In this episode, Dr Tamanna Bhadouria (Podiatrist) breaks down what Achilles tendinopathy actually is, why the old term “tendonitis” doesn’t always fit, and how recovery works in real life.You’ll learn:The difference between tendonitis (inflammation) and tendinopathy (a broader tendon condition)Why location matters: insertional vs mid-portion Achilles tendinopathyCommon symptoms people notice, from stiffness and swelling to pain during work, walking, running, or jumpingWhy tendons “don’t like surprises” and how sudden workload spikes can trigger painHow footwear, foot mechanics, and day-to-day load can contributeWhy heel lifts can help temporarily, but don’t fix the root cause on their ownWhen imaging is useful (especially if there’s a pop, severe pain, swelling, or no improvement)Treatment options used alongside rehab, including shockwave and laser as supportive therapiesWhen to involve other team members like an exercise physiologist or myotherapist for strength, loading, and hands-on supportKey message: Achilles issues rarely fix themselves. The goal is to identify what’s driving the problem, reduce overload, rebuild capacity, and get you back to moving confidently.

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek podiatric care, yet it’s often misunderstood and self-diagnosed.In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Maitrey Shankar, Clinical Team Leader at Modern Medicine, to unpack what heel pain really is, why it occurs, and why no two cases are the same.We discuss:The different types of heel pain, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles-related pain, nerve involvement, and stress-related injuriesWhy heel pain affects people of all ages, not just athletes or older adultsCommon contributing factors such as prolonged standing, footwear, workload, and biomechanicsThe importance of accurate assessment and individualised treatmentHow musculoskeletal podiatry supports long-term movement, function, and recoveryThis episode highlights the evolving scope of modern podiatry and reinforces the value of addressing the root cause rather than simply managing symptoms.If heel pain is limiting your ability to work, exercise, or move comfortably day to day, this conversation offers clarity on how targeted podiatric care can help.

In this episode of Modern Medicine, Sam sits down with myotherapist Arielle to break down one of the most common issues people come in with headaches.Arielle shares her journey into myotherapy, why she chose the profession, and what she finds most rewarding about helping people walk out feeling different to how they walked in.Together, they explore • The three main headaches seen in clinic – Tension type headaches – Cervicogenic headaches that come from neck dysfunction – Migraines and how they differ from muscular headaches• The real-life factors that trigger headaches Stress, dehydration, sleep, posture, screens, sustained positions and daily habits. How the neck and upper back influence pain felt in the head.• How myotherapists assess a headache Range of motion, movement restrictions, trigger points, referral patterns, strength and posture. How Arielle determines whether a headache is tension-based, neck-driven or migraine-related.• Treatment approaches that help Hands-on myotherapy Dry needling or cupping Trigger point work Joint mobilisation Education and lifestyle strategies for long-term relief• Simple things people can do at home Box breathing for stress regulation Neck strengthening and stretching Hydration and electrolytes Desk and screen set up Sleep and recovery habits• When headaches need referral Red flags, lack of response, and when to involve GPs, exercise physiologists, dietitians or psychologists.Arielle explains why every headache is different and why a personalised assessment is the key to understanding what’s actually causing the pain.If you’re dealing with ongoing headaches and want a clear plan, you can book with our myotherapy team at Modern Medicine.

In this episode, we sit down with Leanne, one of our counselling psychologists at Modern Medicine. With almost 20 years of experience across private practice, government services, employment programs, and relationship counselling, Leanne brings a deeply person-centred and compassionate approach to mental health care.She shares her journey into psychology, her experience supporting individuals and couples through complex life events, and what led her to join the Modern Medicine team in Ballarat.Together, we explore: • The difference between counselling psychology, clinical psychology, and other specialties • How therapies like CBT, ACT, mindfulness and EMDR fit into real-world psychology sessions • Why counselling psychology is often the best fit for common concerns like anxiety, depression, stress, grief and relationship challenges • What to expect when you come to see a psychologist at Modern MedicineThis is a grounded, easy-to-understand conversation that helps demystify psychology and highlights the supportive, evidence-based care available at our clinics.If you’ve ever wondered whether seeing a psychologist could help you or someone you love, this episode is a great place to start.