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Dr Maxine Szramaka joins the BOSIC team!

BOSIC about us

Barangaroo Clinic is proud to welcome Dr Maxine Szramka to our growing team of specialists. Maxine brings her in-depth knowledge and experience in a range of rheumatology-related conditions such as auto-immune diseases, gout, arthritis, spondylitis and musculoskeletal pain, including sports injuries. Let’s find out how she can help you. 

 

What exactly is rheumatology? Why would a person need to visit a rheumatologist?

Rheumatology is a speciality that deals with the musculoskeletal system and auto-immune diseases that target the connective tissue in the body. You need to see a Rheumatologist if you have any form of arthritis, joint pains, muscle pains such as shoulder or back pain, or auto-immune diseases like lupus, vasculitis or Sjogren’s disease. Rheumatologists are excellent diagnosticians and trained to consider conditions as a whole. 


Tell us something about yourself, Dr Maxine. What motivated you to study Rheumatology? 

I decided to do Rheumatology because I love the musculoskeletal system. I had always had an innate understanding of how the body works together as a whole, so it was a natural fit for me. I love supporting people and helping them understand what is going on in their bodies. 

 

What can a client expect at their initial consultation? 

Your first consultation with me is a bit longer. I get to know you by discussing what you have been experiencing. It is very important to develop foundations of understanding so that you (the patient) and I are on the same page. I then examine you, look at investigations, make a provisional diagnosis and order further investigations, if needed. We may speak about treatments, but usually the first visit is all about making sure we have a correct diagnosis. I like to get a solid foundation of understanding before starting any long-term treatments. 

 

What are auto-immune diseases? Are there any factors that make a person more susceptible to them? 

Auto-immune disease are diseases where the body’s own immune system attacks itself. The sort of auto-immune diseases I treat are immune conditions where the body’s immune system targets its connective tissue. This results in conditions that affect the muscles, joints and other organ systems since we have connective tissues diseases that I see are lupus (SLE), vasculitis and Sjogren’s disease. I’m not aware of any factors that make people more susceptible to getting them other than, perhaps, a family history of these diseases. 

Find out more about Rheumotology.

 

Are there different types of arthritis? Can arthritis be cured? 

These are over 100 different types of arthritis! Common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis are the types of arthritis where there is inflammation of the lining joints known as the synovium and fluid in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis and Gout are common types of inflammatory arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis, but we do have good drugs to help control the symptoms and signs of many forms of inflammatory arthritis. 

 

Can a change in diet and/or lifestyle help manage the symptoms better? 

Many patients ask me this. There is no evidence for one specific type of diet for arthritis and, in my experience, each person appears to have an individual response to food that is unique. My experience has shown that diet does not cure arthritis but, for some people, it may help to improve some of their symptoms. It’s important to discuss any dietary changes with your rheumatologist and get support from a nutritional expert to make sure you are getting the right nutrients from your diet. Exercise regularly, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake all help improve wellbeing. Studies show that quitting smoking improves outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis. 

 

What do you find yourself doing to unwind or de-stress over the weekend? 

I like to stay fit and healthy. On weekends, I take an opportunity to go for a long walk along a nature trail early in the morning, take photos of nature at that time of day – it’s beautiful . My weekends are often full of catching up with people, having meals with friends, working on any extra projects and, of course, couch time when needed! I also like to do Rheumatology videos for my patients – they are so much fun to do. 

Dr Maxine Szramka

VIDEO WATCH 

 

Dr Maxine talks about what she loves about Rheumatology. Her focus is to understand and support her patients through observation and conversation so that she can set up foundations of a successful diagnosis and treatment plan. 

 

Dr Maxine Szramka is available for appointments at Barangaroo Clinic every Thursday. 

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What To Expect At Your First Physiotherapy Appointment

corporate services BOSIC

by Karen Mooibroek

 

You’ve booked an appointment with the physiotherapists at Barangaroo Clinic. It’s your first step on your road to recovery. Let’s find out what you can expect from our physio team. 

 

How long is my appointment? 

Your first appointment is 45 minutes. During  this time, the physiotherapist will ask about your condition/injury, do an examination and start with a treatment plan. All this is done in a private treatment room. Your follow-up appointments are 30 minutes (or longer, if needed). 

 

How can I prepare for my appointment? 

Wear loose clothing or clothes that are appropriate for your injury so that we can examine and assess the area easily. We do have some spare pairs of shorts in the consult room in case you need them. 

If you have any X-rays, images or reports of your injury, please bring them in. Also make note of any medication you’re taking. If you have done any recent blood tests, it’s a good idea to bring in the results. 

You do not need a referral to book a physiotherapy appointment since a physiotherapist is a primary practitioner, but if you do have a referral/paperwork from your GP or specialist, please bring it with you. 

 

How do I pay?

We have EFTPOS and HICAPS facilities. Please bring your private health fund card if you have one, we can definitely do your claiming on the spot if you are covered by your health fund. Otherwise if you do have an enhance care plan prescribed by your GP please bring along your referral letter along with your care plan and medicare care and we can do the rebate on the spot for you. 

 

How early do I need to arrive?

It is best to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment, especially for your first one, since this will give you adequate time to fill in our medical forms and get ready. If you need to charge your phone or have a glass of water, that’s all complimentary at Barangaroo Clinic. We also do have an online medical form to be pre-filled if that is preferred. Follow this link and it will direct you to the page : https://docs.google.com/a/bosic.com.au/forms/d/13n0v2v6vcZtkGgYlzQsez8AS0Dvg-qi1STZXwy7Ec4s/prefill

 

What should I expect from the physiotherapist at the end of my first consultation? 

Your physiotherapist will give you a differential diagnosis of your injury and may also send you for further investigations. You will get a treatment plan which will included a home exercises program. The physiotherapist will also communicate with your GP or referring specialist so that we are working together to aid your recovery. Congratulations! You’re in good hands and are well on your road to recovery. 

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What Exactly is Cupping?

Have you always wondered what “Cupping” is all about? Have you heard about the many benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the practice of Cupping from friends and family but are too nervous to try it for yourself? Let us allay your fears.

Think of cupping as the inversion of massage. Rather than pressure on the tissues through a massage therapist, Chinese medicine practitioners use suction cups which uses pressure to pull the tissues upwards. Cupping helps improve blood flow, relieve pain and tension and improve muscle flexibility – it is only the method/application that is different. Guess what? Most treatments only take 20 minutes.

Is it painful?

Often the sensation is rather relaxing. Depending on the location, some of the cups may feel tight, but cups tend to be moved around. Each treatment is entirely unique to you and your body.

Does it leave a bruise?

Cupping causes the skin to temporarily change colour directly under the area of the cup. The discolouration is not panful and usually only lasts a few days. Once the discoloured skin returns to normal, the treatment can be repeated.

What areas does it work on?

The upper and lower back are the most common treatment areas, but cups can work well on other areas too, particularly areas with more flesh.  

On a side note, a lot of athletes use cupping. Multiple gold medal winner Olympian Michael Phelps is a big believer in this ancient practice as are a lot of Olympic gymnasts.

To book a cupping consultation click here.