Category Archives: private health

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.

 

athletes foot 1

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is one of the most common foot problems a person could encounter if they do not keep their feet clean. It happens when a fungus grows most commonly in between the toes and can spread to the other parts of the foot. It can inflame the skin and develop a white and scabbing rash on your feet.  Athlete’s foot can also cause itching, soreness, burning and sometimes a slight smell .

athletes foot 1athletes foot

Causes:

  • Walking barefoot at showers, locker rooms, swimming pools
  • Sharing socks and shoes with an infected person
  • wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Sweaty and having your feet wet for a long time

 

Symptoms:

  • Itching and burning of the feet and in between your toes
  • Dry skin on the feet and between your toes
  • Discolored toenails
  • peeling skin on your feet

 

Prevention:

  • Washing your feet daily
  • Keeping the feet dry and always changing your socks so there is no moist area for fungi to grow
  • clipping your toenails short to prevent growing of fungus
  • Avoid tight footing footwear and wear well ventilated socks so your feet can get some air into them.
  • wearing sandals or thongs in communal areas such as bathrooms where the fungus can grow and get attached to your feet.

Wash feet

Treatment:

  • Athletes foot will usually treat itself without any medication but you must not wear or use the same socks or nail clipper where the fungi may have latched onto.
  • Wash your feet thoroughly once or twice per day
  • Apply over the counter anti-fungal cream after you wash it.
  • If the condition is not recovering you should see a podiatrist to get stronger medication.

how-to-cure-athletes-foot

Home remedies:

  • You may soak your foot in salt water or diluted vinegar to dry up the blisters on your foot
  • Tea tree oil can also be applied to infected areas

 

 

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

Dr7 Flyer - Aquatics 2-1Dr7 Flyer - Arthritis 2-118947131_10155206690175149_542908460_o 18948747_10155206656930149_1024210344_o 18948804_10155206613320149_664476892_o (1) 18986346_10155206647535149_1797790688_o 19024598_10155212797250149_1860699602_o 19024727_10155212796560149_972323937_o

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.

 

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry proud physios for the under 18s WA's women's hockey team.

Physiotherapy for under 18s Hockey WA

Congratulations to the U’18 Western Australian Hockey Women’s team who competed in the National U’18 Hockey Tournament in Hobart, Tasmania. The competition was held in April, with a total of 10 women’s teams competing for top spot. As the team’s physiotherapist I was kept very busy but thoroughly enjoyed working with the girls to bring home the bronze medal. I treated many hockey related acute and chronic injuries.

Pre Tournament:

Before departure, the team underwent a high volume block of conditioning to fine-tune components of their technical game and fitness. On touch down in Hobart the girls continued with their tournament preparations and adjusted to the new weather conditions.

During Tournament:

With the tournament underway, injuries began to surface. The girls continued implementing strategies to maintain their physical fitness and avoid emotional fatigue. A typical day for the girls would commence at 6:30am with a light walk and stretch, and finish at 5:00pm in the afternoon with freezing cold Hobart beach swim. In between their tactical match preparations the girls would individually attend physiotherapy and taping . On rest days we would go down to the local pool for hydrotherapy recovery.

Injuries

The girls contested with multiple injuries throughout the trip and kept me very busy. With fatigue setting in after the few games, majority of the team were receiving some form of physiotherapy management. We dealt with a couple of sprained ankles, knee injuries, back spasms, a split eyebrow and multiple soft tissue strains/tears to name a few. As a team we managed to go through 25 rolls of tape, 12 acupuncture boxes, 2 bottles of massage cream and multiple ice packs.

Despite the hard work-load for both athletes and the off-field staff we all had a great experience and thoroughly enjoyed our time in Hobart. I am thoroughly looking forward to working with more HockeyWa athletes in the future.

Tess M.

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry proud physios for the under 18s WA's women's hockey team.
A team huddle before the first match.
Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry proud physios for the under 18s WA's women's hockey team.
Team and staff after a successful tournament in Hobart.
Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry proud physios for the under 18s WA's women's hockey team.
Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry proud physios for the under 18s WA’s women’s hockey team.
Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry proud physios for the under 18s WA's women's hockey team.
A few stretches and warm up before the game.
Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry proud physios for the under 18s WA's women's hockey team.
Our very own Tess M. from Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry.
high-heels

Long term effects of high heels and Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy and podiatry may be your only option if you are one of those people who wear high heels everyday. Wearing high heels daily could be doing more damage than you think. Due to the shape and height of these, you feet and leg muscles and bones are placed in damaging pressure spots. Muscle imbalance create sore and tire feet, which could worsen into long-term ongoing pain and injury.

As it turns out, looking good high heels isn’t good for you!

Wearing high heels places your ankles in a vulnerable position. It makes them more susceptible to sprains and strains. It also makes the rest of your body work harder to maintain its balance. This could be causing some irreversible damage in parts of your body that you wouldn’t expect. But no need to ditch these precious heels too early! Our physios and podiatrists are here to help – we can treat any acute foot and leg pain as well as give you exercises to help prevent and minimise ongoing damage.

The article below outlines some common aches and pains experienced by frequent high heel wearers. If you are suffering from any of these, then book in and see one of our experienced team today.

One of our Podiatrist’s will be able to fix your bunions or callus’s, while the Physiotherapist will be able to help with those pesky feet and knee pains.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/08/17/this-is-what-wearing-heels-all-day-does-to-your-body/

high-heels

 

Physio Perth-MMA-Jack Becker

Physio Perth-MMA-Jack Becker

PHYSIO PERTH – MMA – Jack Becker

 

 

Do you want to prepare train and recover like a professional MMA fighter? Dr7 Physio is proud to be in Jack Becker’s corner helping him recover and stay in peak physical fighting condition. The countless injuries we’ve seen and treated will make a grown man weep! Jack is a tough dude that can fight! But he also gets his fair of sprains and strains.

 

Check out Jack Becker’s Instagram feed to see how a professional fighter prepares for his upcoming fight in Japan with the help of mach1fightclub and Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Yokine – Perth .

@dr7physioandpod

@jackmbecker

@mach1fightclub

#ufc #icwest #physioperth

# perth #perthlife #perthisok

 

www.dr7physioandpod.com.au

 

world masters

Physiotherapy Yokine – World Masters Games Perth

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Perth are proud sponsors of the upcoming World Masters Athletics Championships in Perth!!

Greg Brush is a world class athlete who is competing in the long jump event. Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry will be treating Greg in the lead up to and during the event , in order to get his body in top condition.

Greg will be writing a blog, chronicling his training and treatment journey with us!!

Stay Tuned!!