Are you looking for ways to reduce your golf handicap, improve your tennis serve or a host of other sport's skills that involve the need for body flexibility and coordination?

Or if you're constantly hunched over a desk at work and suffer back ache or shoulder tension and want to improve your body posture and general feeling of well-being then come to the Matilda to do this.

Really?

Yes, the Matilda has just become the first Hong Kong hospital to introduce the advanced Gyrotonic(R) exercise system. Now, of course, the principal reason for bringing this system into the hospital is therapeutic so we'll first explain that purpose before returning to consider the body posture of non-sporty people, improvements to your golf swing, or other sport's skills.

Gyrotonic(R) therapeutic training
What is it? Gyrotonic equipment comprises of a structure that facilitates 3-dimensional, rotational exercise thereby strengthening and improving all muscles, joints and ligaments together. Consequently, it ensures improved coordination between upper and lower limbs and the body trunk. Gyrotonic equipment concentrates on deep muscle training and lengthening and avoids overuse of superficial muscles. Trained physiotherapists use Gyrotonic equipment in their rehabilitation programmes for clients recovering from injuries or surgery. "For example", said Fanny Leung, Physiotherapy Manager at Matilda, "some hospitals overseas have deployed this innovative system in their rehabilitation programme for patients who have had spinal surgery".

So can't people just exercise on their own to achieve the same outcomes such as full body coordination and enhanced rotational movement?

Fanny explained the differences between the Gyrotonic approach and conventional equipment, "conventional exercise apparatus allows linear and isolated movement patterns that result in uncoordinated strength". She added, "a Gyrotonic exercise programme is low impact, rhythmic and a whole body exercise tailor-made for individuals' needs."

Help for desk workers
If you're thinking Gyrotonic might have no relevance for the desk worker then consider a study conducted during 1997 to 2001 that was published by Hong Kong Labour Department. This study revealed that there had been a gradual increase in the number of desk workers having upper body discomfort such as backache, neck and shoulder tension.

Fanny Leung commented, "As time goes by, improper office postures result in early joint degeneration giving you neck and shoulder tension and back pain. If you leave the problem unattended spinal nerves may become impinged, leading to numbness of your hands and feet. Gyrotonic training is particularly relevant to the office worker, the exercise system will help to stretch and strengthen the body and at the same time, it increases the range of motion and develops co-ordination."

Now, about that golf swing...
Gyrotonic training has been embraced in several countries by athletes and dancers who seek to increase flexibility and strength of their bodies. This increase in flexibility and strength is just the right kind of development needed to improve your golf swing, your tennis serve or many other sports skills!

And a great thing about Gyrotonic training is the associated teaching on how to practice suitable exercises away from the equipment to maintain your body toning. You will be trained in techniques that you can perform sat at the desk or at home. So whatever your reason for doing so, signing up for some Gyrotonic training will mean you can enjoy a more active and healthy lifestyle without aches and pains.

Matilda International Hospital now offers one-to-one session by certified physiotherapists who have undergone training in Gyrotonics. A private session is $650. Contact the Physiotherapy Department for enquiries or to make an appointment.