Category Archives: Exercise

NDIS

NDIS

NDIS

National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS for short is a scheme where the Australian government funds certain services such as physiotherapy and podiatry for people with a disability. Dr7 Physiotherapy, Podiatry, and Hydrotherapy Yokine, is a provider for NDIS patients and works closely with carers to set short- and long-term goals with a tailored plan for each person. The convenience of having a hydrotherapy pool located within the practice makes it more accessible for NDIS patients who want a physiotherapist to guide and assist with hydrotherapy and physiotherapy.

 

Am I eligible?

  • Aged between 7 to 65 years old.
  • Australian citizen or Permanent resident or have a permanent or special category visa.
  • Need support from a physiotherapist or podiatrist because of a permanent and significant disability.
  • Use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability.
  • If you need more information, please visit https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible

 

How do I apply?

 

Why come to Dr7 Physiotherapy, Podiatry, and Hydrotherapy?

  • Convenient to have three services located at the same practice.
  • Easy access and free parking bays.
  • Friendly, caring, and helpful staff members.
  • Highly trained and professional physiotherapists and podiatrists.
  • Located in a medical center that has various services such as GPs, pharmacy, psychologist, clinical labs, etc.

 

 

Dr7 Physiotherapy, Podiatry, and Hydrotherapy Joondanna accept all NDIS patients who are self-managed, plan managed but we DO NOT accept NDIA managed NDIS funds (Please call reception for billing information).

 

Please do not hesitate to call Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Tuart Hill and ask to see one of our physiotherapists today. Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry services Perth’s northern suburbs including Yokine, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Stirling, Nollamara, Dianella, North Perth, and surrounding suburbs. Our friendly Physiotherapists and Podiatrists have appointments available Monday-Saturday.

Bookings are available on our website https://dr7physioandpod.com.au/ (click on the “Book an appointment” button on the top right-hand side of the page) or over the phone on 9349 1777.

Safe Lifting Technique

Safe lifting techniques

Low back injuries are a common injury seen by physiotherapists, often caused by repetitive poor safe lifting techniques, but there are some simple steps you can take to keep your back protected.

 

  1. Use your legs, not your back!

Your back muscles (called extensors) are actually quite small muscles when compared to your thigh muscles or buttock muscles. When your knees are straight and you hinge from your hips and pelvis to lean forwards and pick something up your low back muscles are taking the force and pressure.  When you are standing up straight there are ~100 millimeters of mercury(mm) of pressure on your back, when you lift with bent knees there is ~350mm of pressure on your back, however, when you hinge at your hips and keep your knees straight there is an extra 100mm of pressure on your back. If this pattern is repeated continuously it can lead to injury to muscles, tendons, or even the discs or nerves of your low back.

The safest way to lift objects is to bend your knees with your hips should be pushed out behind you.

 

  1. Keep a neutral spine

It is common for people to bend their knees, push their hips out behind them, but then curve their back to reach down. Unfortunately, this is putting similar pressure on the spine as mentioned above. When picking objects off the ground or lifting in general it is important to keep the spine in a neutral position; this means that the spine is inline, the ribs or low back are not curved or arched. In this position there is even pressure on all the tissues of the spine, reducing any risk of tissue injury such as disc bulges.

 

  1. Knees in line with toes

When squatting down low for an object on the ground it is best practice to keep your heels on the ground, this allows you to activate your hamstrings, calves, and buttock muscles, which as mentioned above are part of the large muscles groups that can provide the most strength in assisting you to lift an object. Also, when you lift your heels off the ground and have all your weight on your forefeet, you increase the pressure to the inferior aspect of the knee cap and can cause inflammation of tissues inside the knee. Even with the heels on the ground, it is still safest for the knees to stay inline with the toes and not move any further forwards, again to prevent excess pressure on the tissues within the knee joint.

 

If you would like any further information or assessment of your lifting technique, please contact Dr7 physiotherapy and podiatry on 9349 1777.

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Sports

Sports Therapy at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry’s Yokine therapists have extensive knowledge of biomechanics as well as prevention and treatment of injuries from hobbies and sports. The therapists at Dr7 undertake a wide range of sports and hobbies themselves in their own time which gives them  “insider knowledge” of injury prevention and management. Below is a brief summary of activities undertaken by our staff:

 

Katie Starke

Physiotherapist

Katie has been dancing Latin styles for many years now such as salsa & bachata.  Over the last 8 months, Katie has been taking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons. Katie is also an advocate of yoga and pilates which she does herself on a regular basis. Katie also enjoys running, swimming, and gym-based exercise. Several years ago, Katie was involved in participating in short-distance triathlons.

Ryan Weir

Practice owner

Ryan plays social basketball and trains for long-distance runs and has completed several marathons. Ryan also undertakes gym-based exercise on a weekly basis.

Luke Richards

Physiotherapist

Luke plays AFL football, runs, and attends the gym for strength-based training regularly. Luke has completed the Busselton jetty swim on several occasions.

Tess Moynihan                             

Physiotherapist

Tess previously competed intensively in outdoor Hockey for many years and trained heavily in Boxing. Currently, Tess is focused on equipment and functional-based strength training, such as rings, and beach swims.

Trevor

Physiotherapist

Trevor has worked for Circus-Soliel on several occasions, providing treatment to their high-level performers. Trevor was also part-owner in an aerial yoga company for many years. Currently, Trevor is focused on jiu-jitsu training, swimming, and trail run.

David Chia

Podiatrist

Dave plays social basketball weekly with Ryan Weir and trains regularly at his local gym. David is also a long-distance bike riding enthusiast.

Chris Gilomen

Podiatrist

Chris plays social soccer in a team in the Hills and also plays social basketball with David Chia on a weekly basis.

 

All our staff at Dr7physiotherapy and podiatry Joondanna are highly experienced in treating sports injuries and providing prevention methods such as dynamic warm-up stretches, RICE treatment protocols, sports strapping, and sports-specific biomechanics education.

From the wide range of exercises undertaken by our staff at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Tuart Hill, you may even be able to find a practitioner with a common interest!

Please contact our clinic on 9349 1777 to arrange an appointment today or book online at the top right hand of the homepage.

 

Photo: Getty Images / Sarawut Doungwana / EyeEm

Benefits of Yoga and Meditation

Possible benefits of yoga and meditation?

Yoga and meditation have been associated with many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Yoga is primarily a form of exercise used to promote the release and flexibility of muscles within the body. Unlike “traditional” stretches that often focus on one muscle group at a time, such as a triceps stretch or a hamstring stretch, yoga involves stretching muscles within their myofascial chains or groups. An example of this is the well-known Downward Dog Stretch which consists of stretching the hamstrings along with companion muscles within this group that work as a unit, such as the plantar fascia and calf muscles.

Yoga also helps to promote muscle strength, endurance, and bone density through the pressures put through the tissues while positions are sustained for varying lengths of time. Yoga also improves balance and general co-ordination.

There is no restriction on what conditions can be assisted through the practice of yoga and meditation from arthritis, osteoporosis, depression, and general heart and blood pressure health.

 

Physiological benefits of yoga and meditation?

The most significant benefits of yoga are the gradual loosening and lengthening of muscle fibers and connective tissues. This improves joint movement and range of movement of the body; likely providing injury prevention. Moving muscles and joints through their full ranges provide fresh nutrients for all tissues of the body including cartilage and ligaments.  This is especially beneficial for those with joint pain such as low back pain.  Yoga also produces a contraction and relaxation of different muscle groups which improves blood and oxygen flow throughout the body. Improved circulation offers heart health protection, lung capacity improvements, and general artery conditioning.

 

Mental and emotional benefits of yoga and meditation?

Yoga encourages focus on long slow breaths and relaxation of the body which helps to combat the physical effects of anxiety, depression, and stress which are muscle tension and breath-holding. Mental health issues are well-known to benefit from mindfulness:  focusing on the present moment & having a detached awareness of one’s thoughts. Yoga allows the person to focus completely on their movements and breath, allowing over-activation of the mind to subside. It is then possible to transfer these skills into daily life.

Source: Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase the quality of life. Catherine Woodyard. International journal of yoga. 2011.

 

Yoga and Meditation at Dr7 Physiotherapy?

Dr7 physiotherapy has an easy-intermediate level remedial exercise group held on Saturdays at 12pm midday and combines elements of Yoga/ Pilates/ Meditation. The class is run by physiotherapist Katie Starke. Email: katie@dr7physioandpod.com.au for more information.

Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry

Motor Vehicle Accident

Have you sustained an injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident(MVA)?
Do you want relief from your symptoms?

The pain and suffering resulting from a motor vehicle accident can become frustrating and inconvenient. Our Physiotherapists at Dr7 are registered health professionals with a wealth of knowledge to help you become pain-free and functional.

We welcome all patients referred for a motor vehicle-related injury.

Who is ICWA?

ICWA, known as the Insurance Commission of Western Australia is a corporation owned by the Western Australian government. They provide funding to those who are injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Vehicle registration fees provide ‘compulsory third party insurance’. This allows ICWA to provide compensation for injured parties when they involve in a motor vehicle accident.

Who is entitled to Motor Vehicle Accident claim?

Any of the following individuals who have sustained an injury or medical condition as a consequence of a motor vehicle accident can apply for an MVA compensation claim:
• Driver
• Passenger
• Pedestrian
• Cyclist

Eligibility for funding, reimbursement, or compensation is decided by ICWA. ICWA will investigate your claim and establish who was at fault. Liability must be accepted by ICWA for your claim to be accepted.

How do I make a Motor Vehicle Accident claim?

If you have sustained an injury or illness directly related to a motor vehicle injury follow these basic recommendations:
1. Seek medical attention
2. Report the crash to the police via the Online Crash Reporting Facility (https://www.crashreport.com.au/ocrf/) – this will provide you with a crash reference number
3. Call the insurance commission on (09) 9264 333 to investigate whether they require any additional information or forms to be lodged
4. Consult with your GP and request a referral to your allied health professional (e.g. Physiotherapist)

If you are considering a Motor Vehicle Accident claim and require more advice we recommend seeking legal advice.

How do I get referred to Physiotherapy?

When attending Physiotherapy services under a Motor Vehicle Accident claim it is important that you present with the correct documentation.

Before presenting to Physiotherapy you will need the following information:
• A Doctors referral stating the following:
o Name of practice and practitioner you intend on seeing
o Date of accident
o Injured areas to be managed
o Modalities of treatment (e.g. Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, exercise rehabilitation)
• Claim number (if provided)
• Confirmation that you were not at fault by ICWA

If liability has not yet been determined we may kindly request that you pay the fees upfront and seek reimbursement once your claim has been accepted.

If you are unsure what information you need to provide, we recommended speaking to our friendly receptionist on (08) 9349 1777 for more information today!

Role of Physiotherapy

The Physiotherapists at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry have over 25 years of experience managing motor vehicle accident injuries and claims. We make it our priority to provide world-class treatment whilst proving a safe and emphatic environment for your rehabilitation.

We are able to provide the following modalities of treatment/management:
• Hands-on Physiotherapy treatment
• Supervised hydrotherapy
• Supervised exercise rehabilitation in a gym setting
• Education and advice
• Exercise programs

Our goals as Physiotherapists:
• Conduct thorough assessments to identify injuries and functional impairments
• Provide Physiotherapy treatment services to help the patient achieve their goals, reduce symptoms and elevate function
• Monitor progress of rehabilitation
• Liaise and collaborate with the patient’s health team to achieve optimal results
• Advocate for the injured patient within the management process

What can you claim?

• Ambulance services
• Hospital services
• Nursing services
• Medical services
• Scanning
• Medication
• Equipment & medical aids
• Rehabilitation & therapy services
• Household support services
• Travel
• Compensation for inability to work
• Pain and suffering

MVA Dr7 Physio

Who pays for Physiotherapy intervention and treatment?

ICWA will cover your medical expenses including Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and exercise rehabilitation if:
• Liability is accepted
• Treatment is necessary & reasonable
• Your injuries are directly related to the motor vehicle accident

In order to provide funding for your medical expenses ICWA requires medical evidence from your health professional team. In some circumstances ICWA may request prior approval for medical needs.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are covered. If you are unsure, we encourage you to speak to your ICWA case manager or seek legal advice.

MVA Contract

When will my claim be finalised?

Your claim can be finalised once ICWA receives a medical report confirming your recovery or stabilisation from a medical condition or injury. The time frame for this varies depending on the extent of your illness/injury/s.

Do I need a lawyer?

In most cases a lawyer is not necessary. You do however have the right to appoint a lawyer to assist you with your claim. We are happy to make a recommendation for legal representation if you require it.
We recommend that you refer to the ICWA information booklet for further information or clarification
https://www.icwa.wa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/6020/A-GUIDE-FOR-PEOPLE-INJURED-IN-A-MOTOR-VEHICLE-CRASH-WEB-FINAL-30317.pdf

What costs are involved?

If your claim has been approved and liability has been accepted there are no gap-fees or out-of-pocket expenses for the patient directly. This needs to be confirmed with ICWA and that they have accepted liability for your claim.

Working From Home

Working from Home

 

 

With a shift in the way we function in our current world, Australia has seen a rapid rise in the number of people working from home. When setting up your new work environment there are some crucial elements that need to be considered to avoid injuries and allow for optimal productivity.

Here at Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry Yokine we are here to help!
Read on to find out more about setting up your workstation in your humble abode.

 

Elements to Consider in your Work Space

 

Your Environment

When choosing a space to set up your workstation, ensure the area has enough lighting. A well-lit area is essential when reading documents and typing on your keyboard. Be careful that your computer isn’t positioned to reflect any glare. You can avoid this by facing your computer 90° away from the windows. Lastly consider trip hazards. Be sure to clear any obstacles around your legs that may cause you to adopt awkward positions or be at risk for a fall.

Your Equipment

Consider 3 zones when setting up your workstation.
1. Primary zone: Position items that are most frequently use comfortably within your reach with your elbows relaced in sitting position. [e.g. keyboard, mouse, notebook, pen]
2. Secondary zone: Position items that are occasionally used within an extended arms reach and your back comfortably against the back of your chair. [e.g. telephone, documents, coffee cup]
3. Non-working zone: Position items that won’t be moved. [e.g. monitor, pot plants, personal belongings]

The picture below gives you a visual representation of your workstations zones!

Tm blog 2

Yourself

Positioning yourself in relation to your workstation is essential. Minor changes can make a big difference. Follow these suggestions to ensure your body posture is correct:

Head/neck: Your eye gaze should be at the top 1/3 or top 3 cm of your monitor. Keep your chin tucked in and avoid a forward poking chin.
Torso/trunk: Ensure your back is against the support of the chair. There should be no gap between your back and your chair. A lumbar support or a small rolled-up towel can be effective in proving support to your lower back.
Hips: Make sure your bottom is seated at the very back of the chair. Adopt an angle of 90-120° at you hips with a slight recline of your computer chair.
Knees/feet: When seated, your knees should be shoulder-width apart and be at a 90-120° angle with your feet flat on the floor. If you feet are unable to reach the floor, prop them up with a foot support or some old textbooks. Keep your
Elbows: Elbows should rest at a 90-120° angle in line with your desk. When using your equipment be sure that your elbows refrain from moving more than 10-15cm away from your torso. Pull your chair close to your desk to avoid poor postures.
Wrists: Avoid planting your wrist on the surface of your desk as this puts pressure on your tendons and nerves. Avoid excessive wrist extension when using your mouse and keyboard and ensure your wrists are place higher than your keyboard. Wrist pads are not recommended however if you are using one make sure it is rested against your keyboard and is cushioning your palms.

Let’s break down these suggestions:
• Eye gaze top 1/3 of monitor
• Chin tucked in to neck
• Back and bottom against back of chair
• Opt to use a lumbar support or small rolled-up towel
• Adopt a 90-120° bend at you hips
• Knees shoulder-width apart
• Adopt 90-120° bend at your knees
• Feet flat on floor or support
• Elbows should rest at 90-120°
• Tuck chair close into desk
• Refrain from moving elbow 10-15cm away from the torso
• Avoid excessive wrist extension
• Do not rest your wrist against desk surface or wrist pad

Check out the picture below for optimal positioning!

Hot Tip
At Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry Joondanna we recommend a standing break or stretch every 20-30 minutes for 2-3 minutes. This will help promote circulation, avoid poor postures, and improve productivity!

If you are noticing any aches and pains reflected by your working situation get in contact with one of our experienced Physiotherapists today on (08) 9349 1777.

Happy working from home everyone!

Congratulations to Nera Jareb

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry would like to congratulate Nera Jareb, one of our long term patients, for running 2nd in the Melbourne Marathon in October 2019. Nera has been attending Dr7 Physiotherapy for a decade now and has always been such a determined and talented sportsperson. We feel privileged to be able to help her on her journey. She finished the Melbourne Marathon in a time of 2:36:41 and beating her previous PB of 2:37:30 in the Gold Coast Marathon in July 2019.

 

 

 

Whiplash

Whiplash

Whiplash is a colloquial term describing a neck injury involving quick acceleration and deceleration of the neck. The problems that occur following this type of injury are described as Whiplash Associated Disorder.

The most common mechanism of injury for Whiplash is being involved in a car accident. The head is forced rapidly into extension and then as then into flexion. This occurs so quickly the muscles of the body that protect the neck are unable to react in time to prevent tissue injury. While this mechanism has the potential to cause serious injury to the neck including fractures, most cases involve more minor levels of soft tissue injury to ligaments, muscles and joints of the neck.

 

Due to the potential for significant injury, it is important to have your injury assessed closely by a trained physiotherapist. At Dr7 Physiotherapy Dianella, all our physiotherapists are highly trained in the assessment and management of whiplash associated disorder. This will include screening for major injuries and assessing your risk of non-recovery. Our physiotherapists can explain your injury to you, provide pain management techniques and give advice on things you can do to manage your injury.

For many people pain after a whiplash injury resolves within three months, but there is a number of cases where pain can persist for longer. Early, high quality management can minimise your risk of developing ongoing neck pain after a whiplash injury.

In some cases you may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses following a car accident through the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA). If you have a claim number, a doctor’s referral and your claim has been approved, Dr7 Physiotherapy Yokine can send your bills straight to ICWA so you have no out-of-pocket expenses.

If you have neck pain as a result of a whiplash injury, don’t hesitate to call Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Joondanna and ask to see one of our physiotherapists today. Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry services Perth’s northern suburbs including Yokine, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Stirling, Nollamara, Dianella, North Perth and surrounding suburbs. Our friendly Physiotherapists and Podiatrists have appointments available Monday-Saturday.

Bookings are available on our website (click on the “Book an appointment” button on the top right hand side of the page) or over the phone.

Children’s Feet Footwear

Footwear and Developing Miletones in Children’s Feet

 

From a young age, children’s feet are constantly evolving and changing shape. As a result, footwear is very important as your child progresses from their first steps to running around playing sports. Here are some common milestones to look for in your kids’ feet, and what to look for in footwear.

 

6 months – 2 years

Your kids’ feet are soft and malleable with a fused bone structure. We highly recommend walking barefoot to strengthen the muscles and develop correct bone structure.

 

FOOTWEAR TIP: look for a soft, flexible outsole with minimal structure. This allows the natural motion of the foot.

 

2 years – 6 years

Each bone in the foot is starting to form. Fatty tissue surrounds the foot, which will eventually form the shape of the foot.

 

FOOTWEAR TIP: shoes need to be durable, lightweight and flexible. Firm heel counters are necessary to hold the heel in place,

 

6 years – 16 years:

The foot is now taking shape and requires more support. High impact activities can cause stress on their feet. This is worsened by poor fitted, unstable shoes.

 

FOOTWEAR TIP: sturdy heel counter, stable midfoot and flexibility in the toes are vital to support the foot during the gait cycle

 

16 years +

The foot has now fully developed into 26 bones and over 100 muscles/tendons/ligaments that require support

 

FOOTWEAR TIP: extra stability in the heel and midfoot to prevent over-pronation (flat footedness) whilst remaining flexible in the forefoot. Each shoe has different levels of stability to support the different foot types and shapes.

 

If you have had any issues or want to speak to a podiatrist about how to manage your child’s feet call us on (08) 9349 1777 to book an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists today.

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry provides services to the suburbs of Yokine, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Stirling, Nollamara, Dianella, North Perth and surrounding suburbs. Our friendly Physiotherapists and Podiatrists have appointments available Monday-Saturday.

Bookings are available on our website or over the phone.

ACL

The ACL is an extremely important ligament that stabilises the knee joint during multidirectional movements such as pivoting, jumping/landing and direction changes. Injury to this ligament can be a devastating and expensive injury and can potentially be a career-ending injury for athletes. In high-level sport such as AFL, players will often undergo surgery and a 1-2 year rehabilitation before returning to play. But in lower levels of sport many people never return to play. Another major concern is that once you injure your ACL you have a higher chance of having another ACL injury to either knee.  There are many reasons for this, but put simply it often comes down to an inadequate rehabilitation/exercise program. This means that muscles of the leg and hip are often underprepared to cope with the demands of sport after a long period without playing.

Management:

Traditionally, ACL tears are repaired using surgery and replacing the ligament with a graft usually taken from either the hamstring or patella tendon. Although more recently there has been some debate as to whether every ACL tear requires surgery.

In any case, rehabilitation in the form of exercise is essential to return to normal activities and to prevent future injury. This exercise program must involve individualised, gradual and progressive strengthening exercises as well as a focus on balance and stability. Unfortunately many people either aren’t prescribed an appropriate exercise program or they fail to follow it through until the end.

At Dr7 Physiotherapy Yokine our physiotherapists can provide a structured exercise program tailored to your stage of recovery and your level of conditioning. Our therapists are also trained to progress your rehabilitation to a point where you are ready to return to play.

Markus Squat

In the early phase after your injury you will be given basic strengthening and balancing exercises. This will focus on muscles in your thigh, calf and hip. If you are in a brace or using crutches our therapists can also provide guidance as to how and when to wean off these supports.

Markus Single Leg Balance

During the middle phase of rehabilitation you will be provided with progressively harder strengthening exercises for your legs and if you have access to a gym our therapists can provide advice on weight training. During this phase there will also be a focus on balance and stability exercises and as you improve your therapist will start to challenge your single leg balance and stability. Towards the middle-to-late stage of rehabilitation you will also be provided with guidance and advice to return to activities such as running.

Markus Balancing Squat

Once you are ready to progress towards end-stage rehabilitation exercises our physiotherapists will start to introduce sports-specific exercises to train your body to cope with the demands of your specific sport/activity. At this point the exercises you receive will be highly dependent on you and on what activities you are aiming to return to. Your physiotherapist can test you for return to sport and outline specific criteria for you to return to sport. Typically at this point you will start to return to training and sport-specific tasks like kicking, change of directions and contact sports.

There are many biomechanical and modifiable factors that increase your risk of having an ACL tear. At Dr7 Physiotherapy Tuart Hill our physiotherapists can help you reduce the risk of an injury by providing advice/exercises on how to change these factors.

If you have had an ACL injury or want to speak to a physiotherapist about how to reduce your risk of suffering an ACL injury call us on (08) 9349 1777 to book an appointment with one of our friendly physiotherapists today.

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry provides services to the suburbs of Yokine, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Stirling, Nollamara, Dianella, North Perth and surrounding suburbs. Our friendly Physiotherapists and Podiatrists have appointments available Monday-Saturday.

Bookings are available on our website or over the phone.