Category Archives: Vertigo

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.

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!

Vertigo

Vertigo

Most people are unaware that Physiotherapy can be extremely helpful for Vertigo. Specifically at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Yokine, our Physiotherapists can treat a type of Vertigo called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV for short – what a mouthful!). Generally within 1-2 sessions a client can go from being extremely nauseous and dizzy to healthy, happy and fully functioning again. If you or someone you know has ever suffered from Vertigo, this may surprise you. Most people, who have suffered from Vertigo before, will attest that it is a horrible feeling.

What is Vertigo

But first, let’s establish what Vertigo is. Vertigo is a broad classification given to a ‘condition’ which encompasses all types of movement causing dizziness, nausea and spinning. BPPV occurs when the inner ear becomes affected and the structures which help to orientate and balance the body are disrupted. As such, the body moves and because these structures aren’t doing their job, it feels as though the body is still moving (e.g. the room continues to spin).

Anatomy & Cause

Let’s get technical. Below is a photo of the inner ear. You will see that there are many structures that comprise this very small structure – it measures only 30mm in length! Within the utricle and saccule, there are many thousands of crystalised minerals (Otoconia). Occasionally, these crystals can become dislodged from the Utricle and Saccule and make their way into the 3 semi-circular canals (anterior, posterior and horizontal). The semi-circular canals are full of fluid. When the body moves in a particular direction, it sends the fluid ‘swirling’ through these canals. As the fluid moves the body/brain is able to determine which way we are moving and therefore derives its sense of balance from this. When the crystals are stuck in these canals, the crystals continue to move/swirl, long after the movement of the body has ceased. This gives the body a perception that it is still moving when it isn’t (e.g. spinning room, dizziness).

 

 

Management

Your Physiotherapist at Dr7 Physiotherapy Tuart Hill can perform a very simple test called the Dix-Hallpike to establish that you have BPPV. From there, they will perform a series of sequential movements called the Epley’s manoeuvre. This will relocate the crystals from the semi-circular canals back to the Utricle and Saccule. Here they will literally re-attach back to the wall lining where they once belonged. The sequence of movements is very specific as this is the ‘order’ which the canals flow from one to the next.

Prevalence

BPPV appears to be most prevalent in people between the ages of 50-80, peaking at the age of about 60. It is not unheard for a person below this age to suffer from BPPV, but in this case it generally follows a trauma/blow to the head (e.g. head knock, car accident, etc) – which causes the Otoconia to become dislodged from the inner walls.

If you think you are experiencing vertigo book an appointment at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Yokine.

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.