Neil Synnott
Practice Locations: Prahran, North Melbourne
Healthshare Activity: 56 Answers
Professional Profile
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Bio
I am qualified as a PHYSIOTHERAPIST and ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST.
I primarily use the McKENZIE METHOD for assessment and management of musculoskeletal pain disorders. The McKENZIE METHOD, with it's emphasis on self-management principles and specific therapeutic exercise enables people to overcome their pains quicker than standard physiotherapy. The McKenzie Method achieves great results with all musculoskeletal pain disorders, especially neck, low back and sciatica pain.
I have a special interest in DIABETES, given I have a family history of the condition. My mother has lived with and managed her DIABETES for 20+ years now. Through vigilance, continued education and exercise, she has been able to maintain a reduced diabetic medication and insulin dosage.
Over time with experience of my own body, and treating patients, I have come to the conclusion - EXERCISE is your friend. -
Qualifications
Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement)
Bachelor of Exercise Science
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (HONS)
Credentialled McKenzie Physiotherapist - Areas Of Interest Prostate Cancer Gestational Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Hypoparathyroidism Hypothyroidism Ageing Well Bone Health Fitness Obesity Weight Management Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Fatty Liver Disease Asthma Enlarged Prostate Prostatitis Ankylosing Spondylitis Back & Neck Pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Chronic Pain Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Degenerative Disc Disease Fibromyalgia Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Sciatica Sports Injuries and Prevention Dizziness & Vertigo
Answers contributed by Neil Synnott
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Are there specific exercises for pain management?
Hi all, Dr Leow and Sandra both make great points regarding exercise for low back pain. Dr Leow's comments regarding the psychological and physiological value of exercise is very important. The key is finding the ... read more -
How can an exercise physiologist help manage diabetes?
Hi, As Stuart, Eric and Amy highlight, accredited exercise physiologists (AEP) are highly skilled health professionals. As everyone is unique, a one-size-fits-all approach for exercise does not work. So an AEP will help you understand ... read more -
My 17yr old daughter has complex regional pain syndrome for the second time, what are the coping mechanisms for complex regional pain syndrome?
Hi, Following on from Dr Leow's comments re CRPS. I find it relevant that your daughter has had CRPS symptoms following injuries to the right side of her body. Our body displays a concept called ... read more -
What is neuropathic pain?
Hi all, Neuropathic pain relates to pain from dysfunction within the nervous system. With the burning leg pain you are experiencing, while it may be true neuropathic pain, as Dr Leow mentioned, the nerve dysfunction ... read more -
What are the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Hi all, Carpal tunnel syndrome is essentially a median nerve related problem. Symptoms include pain, pins and needles and if severe weakness of the thumb and first two and half fingers. As Dr Derkenne highlights, ... read more -
Are there any non-medication alternatives for managing chronic pain?
Hi, Your persistent ankle pain may well be related to an untreated restriction in the ankle, knee, hip or commonly unmanaged low back problem. You may even not have a complaint of a low back ... read more -
Could chronic back pain be degenerative disc disease?
Dr Dun has answered this question very nicely! I would just like to reiterate Dr Dun's final paragraph... extended periods of sitting (at work, driving, home) and lack of exercise are all too common a ... read more -
I am looking for a specialist in Melbourne who is familiar with D.I.S.H
Hi, Firstly a couple of questions for you: Have you been diagnosed with DISH (Diffuse Idioapathic Skeletal Hyperostosis)? If so by whom? Where you do have pain or restrictions? Although you may have been diagnosed ... read more -
Does anybody know about the condition I have - Chronic Whiplash Syndrome?
Chronic whiplash Chronic whiplash has many factors which medical professionals need to be aware of - specific restrictions and dysfunctions within the cervical, thoracic (and lumbar) spine, motor control of cervical and thoracic spine as ... read more -
How is sciatica treated?
Sciatica is pain (and pins and needles) in the leg. Sciatica occurs due to compression of portions of the sciatic nerve which begins at the base of your spine. Often there are 'warning' signs prior ... read more -
Slight shoulder pain from swimming... when to seek help?
Hi... it's fantastic that you are regularly active... swimming regularly at your own pace is great for your health! I agree with Kylie, swimming can be quite technical (and repetitive). Thus if your stroke has ... read more -
How long should I exercise each time?
Hi all, Jessica, Courtney and Luke have answered this question quite well. I would just like to reiterate a few points. GOALS - what are you actually exercising for? - weight management, increased fitness and ... read more -
How can I take care of a sore back/neck at home?
Hi, My name is Neil. I practice as a physiotherapist and accredited exercise physiologist. I like the phrasing of your question!! Often people experience low, middle or upper back and neck pain due to being ... read more -
How can I tell if my knee pain is caused by arthritis?
Hi, My name is Neil. I practice as a physiotherapist and accredited exercise physiologist. First, a couple of questions - what is your current age? Do you have pain elsewhere on your body (even subtle ... read more -
I'm 63 year old with a pacemaker and badly need to get fit & lose weight. What should i do?
Hi, My name is Neil... I practice as a physiotherapist and accredited exercise physiologist. Following on from Dr Kaplan's advice re exercise... making a good start is so important... Easing yourself into exercise means that ... read more -
How can I prevent neck pain after sitting for hours?
Hi, A few simple strategies can help to minimise neck pain in an administrative role. 1. Sitting posture - Placement of a lumbar roll at the level of where a belt would be helps to ... read more -
What is the best way to get relief from sciatic pain?
Hi, I'm not sure when you posted this question, put given that you were/are 6 months pregnant, this information may be useful. Given you have the extra weight of your baby on your pelvis, and ... read more -
Which health professional is best to diagnose a sports injury?
Hi all sportspeople or exercise enthusiasts, The best professions to diagnose a sports injury are a physiotherapist (specialising in musculoskeletal or sport injuries) and a sports and exercise medicine doctor (aka sports doctor). Both of ... read more -
How does the shoulder girdle influence neck pain?
Hi, I practice as a physiotherapist. I agree with your chiropractor that neck pain can be influenced by the shoulder girdle. Your shoulder (including the scapula and humerus) essentially hangs from your neck by muscles. ... read more -
Will strengthening my abs prevent lower back pain?
Hi, Low back pain can be a difficult problem to treat. Low back pain is a very personal and individualised problem... thus an individualised management program is advisable! Assessment and management with a physiotherapist is ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, Sounds like you are having a rough time... chin up and keep up with the instructions from the surgeon and physio. Maybe you did aggravate the knee by walking in the rock pools. ... read more -
Time spent sitting as an independent risk factor for chronic disease?
Hi Matt, Great idea! Being active at regular intervals during the day is very important in keeping our bodies healthy - ie. general metabolism, blood glucose metabolism, muscles, joints, etc. It does not necessarily need ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, My best advice is to continue with the exercises your physio gave you - the straight leg raises and cycling. What sort of footwear did you wear at the Tuncurry markets? Regardless of ... read more -
My poor management of Type 2 Diabetes
Hi Jen, I appreciate your honesty regarding YOUR management of YOUR diabetes. Having a diagnosis of diabetes is different for every individual. Every person with diabetes has their individual challenges with management of their diabetes. ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, Overall your report sounds like you are progressing as expected. So well done on keeping up with the daily cycling (and other activities)! I agree with your friends... the 6-8 week mark is ... read more -
Time spent sitting as an independent risk factor for chronic disease?
HI Debra, Thank you for seeking more information regarding management of your diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (aka DISH). I have been involved in the care of a few people who have DISH, and physiotherapy has ... read more -
Pain in the sole of my foot
Hi faithforus, My name is Neil - I am a physiotherapist. Your foot needs to be supported most of the time - with a good solid shoe with some degree of medial (inside) arch support. ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, I'm good thanks... Did you and your family have a nice xmas? First point regarding your question re expected recovery time.... everybody and everyone is different! So timelines are always a guide only. ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, Overall, your arthroscope sounds like a success... except for the right foot pain! Even though the exercises as prescribed by your physio may be sore, the straight leg raises are a good place ... read more -
Time spent sitting as an independent risk factor for chronic disease?
Hi Sabine, Thank you very much for these links. I have had a look at the references, the info I have has the same references. How did you find these links? Do you work with ... read more -
Time spent sitting as an independent risk factor for chronic disease?
Hi all healthsharers, The festive season is upon us again... how quickly does the year go!? With the festive season comes plenty of festive events. Many of us will be attending multiple events over the ... read more -
Time spent sitting as an independent risk factor for chronic disease?
Hi all healthsharers, Continuing the theme of time spent sitting as an independent risk factor for chronic disease. Has anyone been spending more time out of their chair since this thread has been posted? I ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi June, My name is Neil, I practice as a physiotherapist. I agree with your GP about when to have your knee replaced... aged 71 is still young! and if you can manage the pain ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, Good news that a tidy up (arthroscope) is a suitable option for you. In my experience, performing the prescribed exercise before and after surgery helps for a better outcome following surgery. All the ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, Unfortunately... getting a complete history of events (other places that hurt) and physical examination (knee and toe) when an injury occurs does not always happen. From a physiotherapist point of view, we are ... read more -
Time spent sitting as an independent risk factor for chronic disease?
Hi all healthsharers, Further information regarding the health effects of how much we sit... The following information comes from scientific studies completed over the last few years. This information was presented during an Australian Physiotherapy ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, Great to hear the knee is improving. Surgery should always be a last resort... I have seen many people that have had surgery as a first resort because there are signs that suggest ... read more -
Time spent sitting as an independent risk factor for chronic disease?
Hi Matt, Being physical active - 45 mins on most days - is definitely helpful, but the amount we sit, which for many people is as much as 10-12 hours per day is still a ... read more -
I've had a lower back pain for years have you?
Hi Narelle, Glad to hear you are continuing with pilates and getting results! A consistent reason people have another (and often more severe) episode of low back pain is that have stopped doing the things ... read more -
Share your experiences in the Diabetes community!
Hi Simone, I attended a professional info night re PCOS last night. This was about guidelines for health professionals to assist people manage PCOS and other associated metabolic conditions such as diabetes. One key point ... read more -
Share your experiences in the Diabetes community!
Hi Simone, Congratulations on previously losing 10kg as part of your diabetes management! It sounds like you have a busy household to run and finding little time for yourself. Great to hear you are looking ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, Glad to hear you have tried the exercise. While doing it, did the knee hurt right from the time you started and get worse as you continued, or even a little better as ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, A couple of things a likely happening with your knee - change in the articular function (joint) of the knee and muscular control (especially the patella, knee cap). Given your initial injury was ... read more -
Tips for minimising neck pain for office workers
Hi Nicky, My name is Neil. I practice as a physiotherapist and regularly treat people (plenty of them with office related employment) with acute and chronic neck pain. A few tips to manage, reduce and ... read more -
Years of knee trouble - do I need surgery?
Hi Jen, Sounds like you have fun teaching...but end up sore as a result. Great that you are active though! Some feedback with my physiotherapy hat on.... With you having fractured your leg many years ... read more -
What organ produces insulin?
Hi edz! Insulin is produced by the pancreas. Why are you interested in knowing what organ produces insulin? Regards, Neil read more -
Managing neck and back pain
Hi Jen, Again, great to hear you are keen on sorting out your musculoskeletal (knee) complaints. Musculoskeletal complaints can be a big barrier for people achieving the required amount/ dose of exercise each day to ... read more -
Why do doctors focus on Diabetes?
Hi Jen, Looks like you have been active on health share! Great! Also looks like you are active in wanting to manage your (and your friends) health! Like Rochelle mentioned, inviting your friends to be ... read more -
Why do doctors focus on Diabetes?
Sorry Jenny, read your profile name, hence replied to 'olderthanifeel'! Best wishes, Neil read more -
Managing neck and back pain
Hi Rochelle, Excellent to hear you get relief from a single osteopathic session...! While back and neck pain are complex conditions- and not always easily and quickly resolved, a good practitioner should be providing relief ... read more -
Why do doctors focus on Diabetes?
Hi olderthanifeel.... Glad to hear that you had a 'successful' pregnancy and your bub is healthy! I am currently involved in the exercise management of two ladies (one late 30's, the other early 40's) who ... read more -
Managing neck and back pain
Hi Darryl, Have you experienced neck or back pain significant enough to get treatment? If so, which discipline did you attend to first (and second if referred) and what was the result? Any perceptions of ... read more -
Why do doctors focus on Diabetes?
Hi Jenny and Cecilee, I practice as an accredited exercise physiologist... I agree with Cecilee, from my experience with assisting people manage their diabetes, that the GP's focus on diabetes varies quite a bit. Often ... read more -
I've had a lower back pain for years have you?
Hi Narelle, Glad to hear you have been able to manage your lower back pain!! Out of interests sake, a few queries re your pilates. How did you get into doing pilates? Who instructed you ... read more -
Share your experiences in the Diabetes community!
Hi everyone, My name is Neil Synnott. I practice as a physiotherapist and accredited exercise physiologist in Frankston and Prahran. I regularly have people referred by their general practitioner for assistance with developing an exercise ... read more -
How do I prevent insulin resistance from turning into type 2 diabetes?
Hi Cherie, Insulin resistance can be a precursor to diabetes. Thus it is great that you are aware of this and wanting to know more about insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone released by your ... read more
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