SUFFERING constant BACK PAIN? Want to ENJOY LIFE again?
Work & play like you used to after just a few sessions!
Andreas Klein Nutritionist & Remedial Therapist
BSc, Adv Dip Nut Med, DRM
FREE OFFER!
If you’ re sick of being in constant back pain CALL NOW for your FREE 30min Assessment Session!
Valued at $ 55
I’ ve personally developed this technique after 16 years experience:
“ After years of severe back pain I’ m now enjoying golf, fully pain free and even started brick-laying again!” John Hasler, Glenmore Park
“ I’ d given up really- I’ d tried so many things. In just a couple of sessions the pain and muscle spasms had gone. I’ d recommend your work to anyone.” Craig Gibson, Richmond
Remedial Muscle Elongation Therapy targets the cause of chronic back pain and inflammation to really eliminate them. This technique works well for shoulders and knees too!
Call Andreas 0418 166 269
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Can stretching your hamstrings help reduce back pain?
with Andreas Klein
Many people suffer back pain with no radiological or other evidence as to cause, therefore. disc herniation, osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis and spondylosis, leg length discrepancy, systemic diseases. Among production line workers who stand for long periods, this type of back pain is frequent, difficult to cure, and has a high( 60 %) recurrence rate. These workers often have tight hamstrings which rotate the upper pelvis backward, reducing the natural inward curve of the lower back( lumbar lordosis).
Researchers recruited 100 auto production workers with chronic lower back pain, without detectable cause, who worked standing eight hours / day, and who were unable to complete a‘ straight leg raise’ test to more than 80 °. Workers were randomised to three groups, with each group given different routines to do, three days per week, over six weeks:
1. Group 1- 32 people were taught lumbopelvic strengthening exercises and hamstring stretches to be done at-home( Control)
Groups 2 and 3 below of 34 people were supervised at work and each did 20min of specific lumbopelvic strengthening per session plus:
2. Group 2 – did simple standing hamstring stretches, one leg on table gently pulling torso to knee of the raised leg for 30 seconds, relaxing for 10 seconds, then repeating stretch. five min for each hamstring.
3. Group 3 – did simple hamstring stretches as above but with pelvic control, therefore with: a. neck and upper back pulled straight b. shoulder blades pulled together c. hamstrings pulled tight
Note: Group 3’ s stretch-method straightens the back during stretching focusing the stretch fully on the hamstrings. Group 2 was allowed to achieve some stretch by bending their backs reducing hamstring stretch efficiency.
Before and after intervention, the authors measured: 1. Back pain: while working and resting 2. Ability to raise a straight leg 3. Ability to do a seated leg stretch 4. Indexes for ability & disability They found: 1. no improvements for group 1 in any measure. 2. groups 2 & 3 improved- all measures 3. group 3 significantly outperformed group 2- all measures
Authors’ conclusion, regular focused hamstring stretches using pelvic control and lengthened hamstrings significantly reduced lower back pain.
New guidelines clarify super access for dental treatment
New guidelines on the early release of superannuation to fund dental treatment have been issued by the Australian Dental Association( ADA), offering clearer direction for both patients and dentists.
The update coincides with the Australian Tax Office’ s annual review of data on early super release, where dental care ranks as the second most common reason for using the Compassionate Release of Super( CRS) scheme.
“ The ability to access superannuation early to pay for critical dental treatment is an important part of our health safety net,” said ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro.“ The scheme has provided welcome financial relief for tens of thousands of people needing urgent care.”
The ADA’ s new CRS guidelines clarify patient eligibility and dentist obligations while addressing common misconceptions:
· Dentists cannot give financial advice about withdrawing super; only licensed financial advisers can.
· The dentist providing the ATO report does not have to perform the treatment.
· Reports must relate only to treatment for life-threatening illness or injury, or acute or chronic pain.
· Dentists may request deposits to cover costs but typically do not require full upfront payment.
· Advertising the CRS on practice websites is discouraged, though it may be mentioned as a payment option.
The guidelines also reaffirm that CRS is available only where there is a lifethreatening condition, acute or chronic pain, or mental illness- and no other means to fund treatment. Applications require two medical reports, one from a specialist or dentist, and for mental illness cases, a psychiatrist’ s report.
Dr Sanzaro added that patients must also obtain a detailed quote outlining costs, treatment, and future maintenance to ensure transparency.
The CRS guidelines address past system misuse and outline rules on advertising, patient communication, and report contributions. Full details are available at teeth. org. au
26 ISSUE 186 // NOVEMBER 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT