Category Archives: Medicare physio

Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry

Dr7 Physiotherapy Podiatry BUPA members first

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Yokine is calling out to all BUPA members as we are a BUPA preferred clinic- aka Bupa members first. Since June 1st, 2016, Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Yokine is part of the BUPA Members First Network. This means that BUPA members will receive a discounted rate on initial and subsequent consultations for physiotherapy and podiatry, as well as 60% – 100% rebate for these services. Also, there will be NO out-of-pocket expense for physiotherapy and podiatry services for dependent kids under 25.

BUPA Rates:

Our Prices at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Nollamara for 2017:

Physiotherapy: Initial $85 ,Subsequent:$75

Physiotherapy with BUPA: Initial: $83.50 ,Subsequent:$69

Podiatry: Initial $85 ,Subsequent: $75

Podiatry with BUPA: Initial $75 ,Subsequent: $65

Dr7 Physiotherapy Tuart Hill lets patients use the hydrotherapy pool for free after each physiotherapy consult. Dr7 Hydrotherapy Yokine allows patients to exercise and relax in the easy access 10 metre length pool and ranges from 1.1 metre to 1.8 metre in depth.

If you are with BUPA, under 25 and still a dependent child on your parents health cover come visit Dr7 Physiotherapy Joondanna for a fully covered consult. Dr7 Podiatry Osborne Park also offers the same fully covered consult if you are still under your parents health cover.

Did you know if you book via our Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiarty Coolbinia website (www.dr7physioandpod.com.au) its available 24/7 just click on the link and it will show you times and our practitioners. Select your preferred practitioner, day and time and book it in. You may also contact us on 9349 1777 from 7am to 7pm to book in appointments.

Contact us or BUPA if you have any further questions.

We are well located to provide physiotherapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy and massage to  Yokine, Dianella, Joondana, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Coolbinia, Mount Lawley, Bedford, Inglewood, Balcatta, Stirling, Nollamara and surrounding Perth communities.

We have been providing friendly and professional physiotherapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy and massage treatment since 2001.

hydroptherapy_perth

Hydrotherapy-The Benefits of Hydrotherapy for the Elderly | Aged Care Report and Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry

Hydrotherapy for Seniors

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic technique commonly used in older adults in which heated water is used as treatment. It is a type of physical therapy used for treating various types of injuries and diseases. It is performed in specially designed heated pools and is highly recommended for older adults who are experiencing pain from a physical disorder or illness.

How does it work?

The main therapeutic element is warm water as, according to professional therapists, its thermal effects alleviate various pains. These stimulate the immune system by applying heat and pressure to the body. Heat is used by many people to soothe muscular and joint aches. At Dr7 Hydrotherapy Yokine, we are one of the few physio clinics that has an onsite hydrotherapy pool in Perth. Our pool is heated to a warm 34 degrees to increase blood circulation, improving muscle tightness and joint flexibility. 

Once an older adult is submerged in water, they will experience a massage-like feeling because of the hydrostatic effect. As a result, the nerves will then carry the heat and pressure deeper into the body where it can help improve blood circulation, lessen the body’s reaction to pain, and eliminate stress hormones.

Who can benefit from hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is commonly used for older people who suffer from various ailments that affect their mobility. Older people who are suffering from neurological conditions can also benefit greatly from it. 

Water and heat therapy has been used since ancient times for all types of pain and injuries.  At Dr7 Physiotherapy Joondanna, we offer different classes for different types of participants in our hydrotherapy pool. We have supervised one on one rehabilitation as well as arthritis and aqua fitness classes.

It reduces muscle tension

When submerged in water, you will feel the weightlessness of your body as it relieves aching muscles and reduces tension. It is believed that the hydrotherapy treatment allows you to release endorphins which will then act as a natural pain reliever. If you have had a tough day, you can always ask a physiotherapist at Dr7 Physiotherapy Tuart Hill or a caregiver to guide you during the treatment.

Hydro

It rejuvenates aging or injured muscles

Once your body is immersed in warm or hot water, your body temperature will then rise and circulate the blood flow in your body. When blood circulation improves, it will then heal damaged tissues and rejuvenate injured muscles. People tend to become weaker as they grow older which is why going for a hydrotherapy treatment at Dr7 Physio Dianella is one way of rehabilitating aging muscles.

Hydro1

It improves your immune system

Warm water increases the blood flow and allows white blood cells to circulate throughout your body. It also helps the immune system fluid called lymph to move through the different parts of your body. This type of fluid is responsible for eliminating unwanted waste and toxins in your body and will help your body fight off various illnesses such as the cold and flu.

It cleanses your body

Hydrotherapy is also known for eliminating toxins from your body. The use hot or warm water and combining it with specific exercises will help with this. 

It relieves stress and anxiety

Hydrotherapy exercises is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety as it helps in reducing blood pressure. In addition to that, older people will definitely enjoy taking a dip into the shallow heated water of the pool at Dr7 Physiotherapy Nollamara. We have group sessions which is a great way to socialise and have fun whilst improving your general health.

Now that you’re aware of the benefits of hydrotherapy, you should look at making an appointment at  Dr7 Physio and Podiatry Yokine. 

knee pain

Knee pain and physiotherapy

knee 1

Knee pain and physiotherapy. A common problem we see at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Yokine. No matter what sport you play, you must always look after your knees because if you suffer an injury, you may not walk, jog or run comfortably.

Causes:

Knee pain can be caused by arthritis, sporting injuries and other traumatic events.

Injuries:

  • Ligament tears, including  Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – One of the four ligaments which connects your shin bone to your thigh bone. If the ACL is torn,  your knee will be unstable and may give way when stopping suddenly.
  • Fractures – Bones in your knees including the knee cap (patella) may be broken in car crashes or falls. Knee pain can be associated with a fracture.
  • Torn Meniscus – The meniscus is a rubbery cartilage which acts as a shock absorber between your thigh bone and shin bone. When torn or damaged,  you may experience deep knee pain, swelling and sometimes clicking and you are susceptible to more injuries because the knee will be unstable.

Types of Arthritis:

  • Osteoarthritis –  The most common type of arthritis which deteriorates the cartilage in your knee due to wear and tear.
  • Pseudogout – Caused by calcium containing crystals that develop in the joint fluid in the knee.

Other Problems:

  • Runners knees / patello-femoral pain – is the knee pain that is felt behind your kneecap. Usually, the pain is under and around the kneecap.
  • Back, hip/foot/knee pain – When you experience pain elsewhere, such as in the back, hip, or foot, you will usually compensate for it by walking differently. This compensation in walking or running can increase pain in the affected knee and may cause  wear and tear in the cartilage.
  • Overweight – Being overweight can put more stress on your knee joints.
  • High intensity sports – Sports such as basketball, soccer, football requires a lot of sudden change of direction and stopping which can cause sudden injury or gradual wear and tear of the knee.

Treatment:

  • Physiotherapy is the first line and usually the most effective management for acute and ongoing knee pain.
  • Strengthening – general gym based exercises such as quad extensions and hamstring curls , as well as body weight dynamic exercises , such as squats and lunges are effective and safe ways to strengthen your knee.  However, most injury related will need a specific conditioning program. At Dr7 Physiotherapy Yokine, we can accurately diagnose your condition and treat, then outline an effective program to get you back to peak condition.
  • Medication – Pain medication such as paracetamol, anti-inflammatories to relieve the knee pain.
  • Surgery – This is the last option and is usually taken up by some patients who has had extensive physiotherapy without success. Your GP will usually do scans and will make the appropriate referral.
  • Acupuncture/Dry needling –  There is increasing credible evidence to suggest that acupunture ( also known as dry needling ) is very effective in managing knee pain. Our physios at Dr7 Physiotherapy Yokine can administer acupuncture/dry needling as part of the management program.

Prevention:

  • Gym –  Strengthening your leg muscles to help better support your knees.
  • Posture – Having correct posture when walking or running may put less strain on your joints in the knees.
  • Visiting a physio – At Dr7 Physio Yokine, our physios are able to assess and create a treatment plan.

 

We are well located to provide physiotherapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy and massage to  Yokine, Dianella, Joondana, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Coolbinia, Mount Lawley, Bedford, Inglewood, Balcatta, Stirling, Nollamara and surrounding Perth communities.

We have been providing friendly and professional physiotherapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy and massage treatment since 2001.

Dr7 Physiotherapy Perth Exercise Program

Dr7 Physiotherapy Perth Exercise Program

Dr7 Physiotherapy Perth Exercise Program can prescribe personalized exercise programs for you. Think you don’t have the equipment or money to stay fit ?

Have access to a free home gym through Dr7 Physiotherapy Yokine with a piece of equipment called Theraband.

Dr7 Physiotherapy Perth Exercise Program

If youve got a Theraband, you’ve got a gym ! Thera-band exercises can be done anywhere, anytime by people with varying levels of fitness. No heavy or expensive equipment required and it allows you to exercise in the comfort of your own home: perfect for these cold winter nights.

There are thousand of different exercises that Dr7 Physiotherapy Tuart Hill can prescribe for depending on your desired outcome. From injury rehabilitation, weightloss, strengthening, stretching to general health and wellbeing, Dr7 Physiotherapy Yokine can design ae exercise program for you.

Either purchase your Theraband for only $9.90 or receive your Theraband for FREE with an appointment with your Dr7 Physiotherapists Dianella, specifically to learn which exercises are appropriate for you and how to undertake them safely.

The attached pictures demonstrates how to strengthen the triceps muscles in the upper arm. If you are suffering from shoulder pain such as bursitis, rotator cuff impingement or degenerative pain the use of theraband can be extremely beneficial for your recovery. These exercises are best prescribed by a Dr7 Physiotherapist to ensure that you don’t make any mistakes and make your injury or pain worse.

In conjunction with theraband exercises we may utilize our onsite heated hydrotherapy pool to help you achieve your injury rehabilitation and fitness goals. The pool is heated to 35 degrees and is specifically designed as a specialist rehabilitation hydrotherapy pool with all the required pool equipment and chair hoist available.

Give us a call or email to find out more, or simply book in with one of our highly experienced physiotherapist.

Dr7 Physiotherapy Podiatry Hydrotherapy Massage

 

 

Lower back pain

Lower back pain

Low-Back-Pain

Lower back pain problems are a common issue for many patients treated at Dr7 Physio and Podiatry in Yokine Perth. Many of our patients from the surrounding suburbs such as Yokine, Dianella, Joondana, Tuart Hill etc, are being successfully treated for back pain every week by our highly experienced physiotherapists.

Causes:

Usually lower back pain is caused by a strain in the muscles or a sprain in the ligaments in the lower back. Things that contribute to the strain and sprain to the muscles include:

  • Improper lifting, instead of squatting down and lifting with your legs you bend over and lift with your back.
  • Lack of regular fitness, running after a long time can strain your muscles because it is not use to it.
  • A ruptured disc, the disc may be pressing on the sciatica nerve causing constant lower back pain.
  • Poor posture, if your posture is bad certain muscles groups will have to compensate for the other areas. This causes strain in the muscle that is working over time.

Lower back pain relief:

  • Cold packs, applying a cold pack to your back may reduce the inflammation of the muscles. It also slows down nerve impulses which causes spasms that causes lower back pain.
  • Heat packs, this will stimulate blood flow which increases the healing process.
  • Stretching, continuous stretching daily can loosen the tense muscles in the lower back.
  • Taking medication, Pain relief medication may temporarily reduce your lower back pain.

Treatment:

  • Come down to Dr7 Physio and Podiatry in Yokine Perth to get a physiotherapist to administer dry needling, manipulation and releasing your pressure points with a massage.
  • A professional masseuse at Dr7 Physio and Podiatry can target the right muscle group and strains to relieve you from lower back pain.

Prevention:

  • Strengthening your core, this will provide support to your lower back.
  • Exercise regularly, this will keep your body healthy and strengthen other muscles in your body which supports to the lower back.
  • Be well rested, sleeping is a very important factor and sleeping sideways is also beneficial to the lower back.
  • Lift heavy objects correctly, keep your back straight and use your legs to lift and not your back.
  • maintain proper posture, keep your back upright and correct your posture so all the muscles are correctly supporting one another.

 

We are well located to provide physiotherapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy and massage to  Yokine, Dianella, Joondana, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Coolbinia, Mount Lawley, Bedford, Inglewood, Balcatta, Stirling, Nollamara and surrounding Perth communities.

We have been providing friendly and professional physiotherapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy and massage treatment since 2001.

Hydrotherapy

What is physiotherapy?

What is physiotherapy? Physiotherapy is a medical practice that is designed to help patients with injuries. The aim is to restore mobility and flexibility. In most cases, their services are called in to help patients recovering from injury or disease.

A physiotherapist is a qualified, well-trained individual. They work in concert with doctors to provide a physical element to the recovery. Like all medical personnel, they work so the patient can get better and be given the tools to remain healthy.

Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques and go over various data. Their tasks require them to make assessments, diagnosis and prescribe treatments for a broad range of conditions. Movement disorders, joint issues, injuries, and other mobility-related problems are part of their expertise.

However, the practice is not limited to post-injury treatment. They can also be called upon to provide regimens meant to prevent injury or promote better health. Physical rehabilitation and maintenance of mobility, along with aid in particular chronic disease management programs, is not unusual.

A typical physiotherapist in Australia will have an education in patient education and occupational health.

You might be wondering: why would I need a physiotherapist? The first inclination is to think that you don’t and never will. An injury-free lifestyle and a healthy diet, along with exercise, seems like a good recipe for keeping the doctor at bay.

However, various people might come to a physiotherapist to address a variety of concerns. Even those who are perfectly healthy may decide to consult one, in the interest of staying in good health. It helps that the discipline can address a broad range of needs.

Cardiovascular and respiratory therapy are everyday actions for physio Dianella.

The heart and lungs are like the body’s engine, making sure that all the right stuff is pumped into all the right places. Physiotherapy regimens can help rehabilitate people living at risk of many hearts and lung-related conditions, such as asthma.

The physio Osborne Park practice can also provide technique’s to help recover from surgery involving the cardiovascular or respiratory systems.

Cancer is also a possible cause you might seek physiotherapy Dianella.

Lymphoedema, palliative care, and other cancer-related needs can be addressed through the right regimens. Physiotherapists can devise programs that include the treatment and management of the fatigue associated with the cancer treatments.

At the same time, they can aid in deconditioning and alleviating the muscle and joint stiffness. These are sometimes known to be side effects of certain types of cancer treatment.

The elderly can also reap a variety of benefits. Exercise and physical activity – as directed by physiotherapy Dianella – can help improve the quality of life for senior citizens.

Older individuals can use physiotherapy to improve their mobility in the wake of incontinence, osteoporosis, and other conditions. A regimen can also be designed to aid in remaining mobile and active, even in their old physical state.

Physiotherapy can also help the old address continence issues.

Women’s health is also an area that may benefit. Pregnancy, bowel control, post-partum care, pre-birth exercises, and menopause are all areas where physiotherapy can offer assistance.

Some neurological concerns may also be addressed.

Neurology and physiotherapy converge in the areas of damage to the spinal cord or brain. Injuries and trauma may reduce mobility or quality of life. A combination of neurological efforts and physiotherapy regimens can reduce the problem, particularly for conditions such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.

Orthopaedic concerns are also covered.

Physiotherapy Yokine can help the management of acute or chronic conditions. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and amputations are some areas that the practice can help with. They are also part of the rehabilitation program for orthopaedic surgery.

Musculoskeletal areas can also benefit from physiotherapy. The primary focus here lies in preventing strain and injury. Techniques can also address some underlying problems, such as limited mobility, or neck and back pain.

Physiotherapy Dianella can also assist various occupational health concerns. The practices and exercises can support the overall well-being of workers. They can also help in reducing the risk of injury or disease and address safety hazards.

There are other areas where a physiotherapist Joondanna might be able to offer help. Consult with one to make sure. Other areas where physio Dianella might help include men recovering from testicular cancer. Physio Yokine can also assist various paediatric concerns.

You might be curious about the average physiotherapy Osborne Park session. Below you’ll find a description of how things tend to go so that you can get an idea for yourself.

The session – indeed, your entire relationship with a physiotherapist – begins with questions. The therapist will ask about your overall health and various other queries, intent on getting an idea about your unique needs and condition. The treatment will depend on what is learned at this stage.

Assessment and diagnosis of what the patient needs follows, using information on the condition. The goal at this point is to know what would be required, which informs the plan and regimen.

This is also the point where the therapist inquires about the patient’s goals. Some patients want to run marathons, while others want to remain physically mobile even in old age. What they want will affect what the therapist will recommend.

A therapist will work with you in setting those goals. Sometimes, you might set a goal that is far too advanced or beyond your body’s current abilities. A physiotherapist can help keep the objectives from being impossible but still challenging. Physio Joondanna can be a huge help for you.

Finally, a treatment plan is developed. Physical aids and exercise will usually be part of this, along with changes to lifestyle and general health. The result is a comprehensive plan meant to make your life better, while also helping you achieve your goal at a steady pace.

Physio Tuart Hill can assist you in having a better quality of life. The holistic approach and the ties with other medical practices mean that you are getting comprehensive care and the attention of a professional. Physiotherapy Tuart Hill might be a good idea for you and your overall health.

 

Myofascial

Myofascial Physiotherapy Perth

muscle-anatomy

What is Myofascial you might ask, so your walking down the street to the shops as the day comes onto dusk. You see a figure walking along the path towards you, even though the figure is at a distance you are able to tell from their walking style that it is a close friend of yours. How is this?

We have a tissue that weaves through our body and connects muscles in ‘chains’ or groups so that several muscles can work together to create movement. This tissue is called myofascial connective tissue. As with muscles, this connective tissue should be elastic; stretching and then returning to its original length.  When we move in similar patterns as we sit, stand or walk, month after month, year after year, these movement patterns cause tightening of muscles and connective tissues in one area and loosening and weakening in the opposing group of muscles and connective tissue.  You can often visually see these muscle imbalances in people when you see:  one shoulder dropped lower than the other, spinal scoliosis, a rotated pelvis or ‘pigeon toed’ walking. If these muscle imbalances are allowed to continue over an extended period of time it will cause wearing or degeneration of joints and pain.

A sensitive area may form on a muscle after overuse or injury, this is what we call a trigger point. A trigger point on a muscle may cause discomfort and pain through the entire muscle if aggravated. If the pain worsens or continues, this is called myofascial pain and should be treated before it gets worse.

Physiotherapy can assist in correcting these asymmetries with: myofascial and trigger-point release, cupping, and sports taping. We will give you postural advice and guidance on how to alter your hobbies or work tasks to produce even wear and tear on your muscles and joints.

 

Notre Dame student

Clinical placement for Notre Dame students

Dr7 Physiotherapy has provided clinical placement for Notre Dame Students (Fremantle campus) for the past 10 years. Around 20 students each year will go through our clinic and gain valuable experience for their physiotherapy studies. The physio students work closely  with our experienced physiotherapists and hydro-therapist on a daily basis to gain insight into patient treatment and management. “We wanted to help in any way possible to educate and teach the interns to better prepare them for the future”, as quoted by Ryan our head physiotherapist.

 

 

A normal day for the interns:

  • They would sit in on initial assessments and learn how the physio would assess a new patient and proper treatment if any on the first visit.
  • Students would learn the many injuries and treatments ranging from workers compensation, motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries.
  • The hydrotherapy pool would be a main focus for the students as Doctor 7 Physio and Podiatry are one of the only practices in Perth with a hydrotherapy pool in it.
  • Interns will get into the pool and help out the physios teaching the proper exercises and movements to the patients.

 

What an intern would learn from the internship:

  • How to properly prepare themselves if they choose to work in a private practice.
  • How to diagnose patient’s injuries from the initial assessment and the proper treatment methods they should undertake.
  • Observing and teaching patients on how to execute the proper stretches and exercises for their rehabilitation.
  • Gaining knowledge and experience of treatment of patients in the hydrotherapy pool

 

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry has also taken in students internationally from other Physiotherapy schools. A student from Germany came to have an internship with us in 2016, staying with us for 3 months before returning back to Germany to begin her career.

 

We will always welcome students from local or international universities to come and undertake an internship with us. If we can accommodate students, we will do our best in showing them how a private physiotherapy and podiatry practice is operated.

http://www.nd.edu.au/fremantle/schools/physiotherapy/internship-acknowledgments

New Hydrotherapy Aqua Fit class

Introducing a new Hydrotherapy Aqua Fit class starting this week at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Aqua Fit is a high intensity and low impact workout in our Hydrotherapy pool. Warmed at a constant 34 degrees Celsius and water resistance makes the work out more intense but with fewer injuries.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy:

  • Post operation of knee and hip replacement – people may not be able to put their full body weight on the operated area so therefore it will encourage the patients to walk properly in their rehabilitation without the weight in the pool.
  • Arthritis – with experiencing pain in their joints doing exercises may take a toll on the body on land but in warm water it can eliminate the stiffness and soreness of the joints and you may exercise pain free.
  • Sports injury/Recovery – the warmth of the water would loosen up tight muscles and encourages relaxation and speed the healing process.
  • It may boost the immune system allowing efficient function of the organs and also increasing metabolic rate and digestion.

Benefits of Aqua Fit (exercising in warm water):

  • Improves your aerobic fitness and flexibility by reducing the weight while exercising in the warm water.
  • Low impact exercising for muscles and joints
  • Improves strength and balance
  • Post natal training and injury rehabilitation

The classes will be on every Friday at 12pm to 12:40pm instructed by Tess our very own physiotherapist and personal trainer. Cost of the class is $37 and is either fully covered or partly covered by your private health, limited spots available.

Tess, Lawrence and Emma also instructs the arthritis classes on a daily basis:

Tess:
Monday 8:30am
Friday 8:30am

Lawrence:
Monday 10:30am
Tuesday 9am
Thursday 9am
Friday 10:30am

Emma:
Wednesday: 10:30am and 1:30pm

Cost of the class is $25 and is either fully covered or partly covered by your private health, limited spots available.

So give Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry a call today on 9349 1777 to make a booking or visit our pages:

https://www.facebook.com/PhysioExperts

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Hand and Wrist Injuires

Hand and Wrist Injuries

 

INTRODUCTION

Hand and wrist injuries can dramatically affect our lives. As humans, we rely heavily on our hands to manipulate objects, grip, carry and reach for things for our survival. We take for granted the ability to feed ourselves, maintain personal hygiene or use technology and transportation, until we sustain a hand or wrist injury.  Given the importance of our hands and their role in facilitating our everyday tasks and activities, it is essential to have your injury or symptoms addressed at the onset of your symptoms.

This article will briefly outline some of the common presentations and give a brief description of how to manage them. It is important to seek the advice and assessment of a Hand Physiotherapist to ensure you are receiving the highest level of care.

WRIST AND HAND ANATOMY

At an anatomical level, the wrist contains many small bones neatly joined together by ligaments. This area is commonly referred to as the Carpus.  We have our two main forearm bones, the radius and ulna running from the elbow to the wrist. The other end of the carpus is where our finger and thumb bones join, our metacarpals and the ends of our fingers called phalanges. Our thumb contains a proximal and distal phalanx, and the 2nd to 5th digits contain a proximal, middle and distal phalanx (Figure 1).

Each bone in the carpus has a specific name and the joint spaces between each of these carpal bones is derived from those names – the join between the carpal, scaphoid and lunate is called the scaphoid-lunate joint.  We also have a number of tendons and muscles that either traverse the top or bottom of the wrist and or digits and accompanying these are nerves and blood vessels.

DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT

When considering the types of hand and wrist injuries, we can loosely divide them into two categories – an acute onset or traumatic presentation and a chronic or overuse presentation.

Typically with traumatic or acute injury, we generally feel symptoms immediately and generally, these symptoms immediately follow a particular movement or mechanism of injury.

An overuse or chronic injury, refers to symptoms that have developed over a period of time, whether the symptoms stay the same or gradually change.  This article will give a brief overview for each of these categories for most common hand and wrist presentations.

One common mechanism of hand and wrist injuries is falling on an outstretched hand. This is a common occurrence out on the football field, tripping over when walking or coming off a bike. Structures that are commonly injured include:

  • a fracture of the distal radius / ulna
  • scaphoid fracture
  • scapho-lunate ligament tear / scapho-lunate dissociation (separation)
  • Triangulo-fibrocartilaginous complex tear (TFCC)

Each of these structures will require a period of immobilisation in a specific position prior to commencing rehabilitation to restore movement and strength to the hand and wrist.

Wrist pain can also occur after repeating a movement for a prolonged period of time, or vigorous repetitions with force. Some of the conditions that can occur include:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
  • Intersection Syndrome
  • Tenosynovitis or synovitis of the extensor or flexor tendons at the level of the wrist and forearm

Management of these hand and wrist injuires would typically involve splinting into a specific position for a period of time with regular tendon gliding exercises, icing of the affected area. Once the symptoms have begun to subside, weaning from the splint is introduced and gradual strengthening and movement exercises are prescribed.

When we look at common traumatic hand and wrist injuries to the thumb and digits, the following presentations come to mind:

  • fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges
  • dislocations of the PIP and DIP joints (most commonly)
  • collateral ligament tears to the base of the thumb (MCP joint)
  • collateral ligament tears to the PIP joints of the thumb
  • volar plate injuries
  • avulsion fractures of the DIP joints

Each of these hand and wrist injuries require specific positioning for  varying periods of time to enable tissue healing and then rehabilitation of movement and strengthening will follow.

Overuse hand and wrist injuries of the extremities include:

  • tendinitis / tenosynovitis / synovitis of the flexor tendons at the level of the digits
  • MCP joint and CMC joint degeneration
  • MCP joint instability
  • Trigger finger
  • Trigger thumb
  • Wear and tear of the PIP joints and DIP joints of the fingers

Similarly, most of these areas will require splinting for periods of time to ensure protection of the joint surface or rest of the inflamed area. Careful prescription of movement exercises, tendon gliding exercises, icing inflamed areas and controlled strengthening are all likely to be part of the rehabilitation phase.

Whether in an acute or more chronic presentation, depending on the severity, deformity, deviation and integrity of surrounding structures, other measures will be taken to ensure the best outcome for the individual. Some of these things include imaging, cortisone injections, or referral to a Specialist for surgical intervention.

If you have a hand or wrist injury, no matter how little, be sure to put your health first and consult your Hand Physiotherapist today.

About the author: Sophie Halsall-McLennan is a Drysdale based physiotherapist and is the owner of Fresh Start Physiotherapy in Curlewis, Victoria and has a special interest in hand therapy, tennis elbow and back pain. Dr7 Physiotherapy Podiatry Hydrotherapy Massage in Yokine Perth WA is proud to be partnering up with Sophie to provide high quality blogs to help educate the community in regards to health, wellness and physiotherapy.