Welcome to Hills Physiotherapy
Allied Health Services in Rowville, Emerald, and Knox
Hills Physiotherapy has been operating in Emerald for over 30 years, providing the premier physiotherapy, osteopathy, exercise physiology, pilates, remedial massage, myotherapy and associated health services to the hills. With our new locations in Emerald and Knox we’re excited to be able to offer our extensive experience to the Dandenongs and surrounds.
Book Online or call us on 1300 9 HILLS
Footy Shoes
During footy season we start to see the stress fractures caused by increasing loads of pre-season training (for Football, Soccer etc) on hard, rain starved grounds. Most coaches allow training in runners, but as we start to go into practice match time, some players opt back… Read more »
More TipsCan exercise treat Depression?
Depressed? Exercise may be as good for your depression or emotional state as medication.
It’s very common knowledge that exercise is good for our bodies. But we often forget that within our body lives our brain – and exercise is just as good at improving our mental health as it is our physical health. In fact, Australian researchers recently analysed studies including over 14,000 participants and found that exercise was as effective as psychotherapy or medication in treating depression.
The study found that there were improvements in mental health no matter the baseline severity of symptoms, and with varying activities and frequency of exercise across the week.
Some interesting results came through regarding the type of exercise that showed best results – strength training seemed to have the greatest effect for younger people, whereas qi gong and yoga seemed to have greater effect for older people. Walking and jogging had good effects for everyone. Across all the studies, the more vigorous the exercise, the better the results.
There were several reasons hypothesised for why these improvements in mental wellbeing occurred that weren’t just neurobiological (brain chemistry) changes – including the social aspect of exercising in a group, mindfulness or experiential acceptance, increased self-efficacy (one’s belief in their ability to succeed in a given task or situation) and immersion in green spaces (ie, when out walking in nature).
The take home? Exercise is an effective treatment for depression, either alongside psychotherapy or medication, or by itself. This is not a suggestion that if you’re already on medication that you should stop or change without consulting with your doctor or Psychiatrist, however, as these can be life-saving and critical for mental health, and shouldn’t be changed without qualified advice.
There is no specific type, frequency or duration of exercise required to get the mental health benefits – which means you can create an exercise plan that feels fun and enjoyable for you. This brings us back to the saying “the best type of exercise is the one that gets done!”.
Working with an accredited exercise physiologist is a perfect place to get started – an AEP can help you figure out an exercise program that takes into account your personal situation, and help you stay motivated. Using techniques like motivational interviewing, with touches of cognitive behavioural therapy thrown in, we can help reduce the barriers to participation, and help you feel more like it’s something you want to do, rather than something you have to do.
You don’t need a referral to see an AEP but if you get a Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP, you may be able to get up to five subsidised sessions a year.
Written by Louise Pontin, AEP at Hills Physiotherapy Knox
Noetel M, Sanders T, Gallardo-Gómez D, Taylor P, del Pozo Cruz B, van den Hoek D et al. Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials BMJ 2024; 384 :e075847 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-075847
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Physiotherapy
With a wealth of experience in all sports, work injuries, and advanced pain control techniques - our Physiotherapists will diagnose your condition and work with you to address the root of the problem.
Remedial Massage
Using "hands-on" techniques to reduce pain and spasm in soft tissues and relieve stress. This is an essential part of maintaining a healthy body.
Clinical Pilates
Sophisticated exercise classes to correct abnormal movement patterns, and strengthen sore bodies. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Myotherapy
Effective treatment of painful conditions using massage, needling and other pain relieving techniques. Can have amazing health benefits.
Orthotist
Analyses movement problems and fabricates devices to support normal movement. Foot orthotics, Knee braces, custom lymphoedema garments, and fracture management.
And Many More Services
- Dry Needling
- Aquatic Therapy
- Chronic Pain Management
- Spinal Manipulation
- Sports Injuries
About Us
Physiotherapy aims at relieving joint pain and restoring normal movement for any muscle, joint or bone injury. Skilled therapists will use a range of techniques including manipulation, massage, dry needling, aquatic physiotherapy, craniosacral therapy and exercise prescription to achieve results and relieve pain.
Hills Physiotherapy has been operating at the corner of Monbulk and Main Roads for over 30 years, providing the highest quality care to the community. We are located across from Woolworths and Worrell Reserve.
Opening Hours
Emerald
- Mon - Fri
- 8am - 8pm
- Saturday
- 8am - 12:30pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Knox
- Mon
- 8:30-6pm
- Tues
- 9-5:30pm
- Wed
- 9:30-8pm
- Thurs
- 9am - 8pm
- Fri
- 9 -5pm
- Sat
- 8am -12pm
Rowville
- Mon - Fri
- 8am - 7pm
- Saturday
- 8am - 12:30pm
- Sunday
- Closed
A Word From Ben Kewish
Hills Physiotherapy is committed to offering the highest quality in Allied Health Care, with experienced therapists providing a range of complementary medical services. All of our clinicians offer focused, one-on-one service aimed at delivering results today. We work WITH you, the patient, to address the cause of your pain or dysfunction, so that you can become independent of our services and pain-free long term. After becoming the premiere Allied Health facility in the Dandenongs, we are excited to offer our services to Rowville and surrounds, and think that our range of services make Hills Physiotherapy hard to beat.
- Ben Kewish
Owner and Physiotherapist
