Tag Archives: medicare physio

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.

 

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.

Dr7 Physiotherapist Katie using the cupping technique.

Cupping

What is myo-fascial cupping?

Cupping is a soft tissue therapy that uses suction on the skin to pull tissue up into “cups”. Cupping was originally invented by the Egyptians around 1550BC but was re-discovered by the Chinese in 281–341 A.D and has been used as formal modality in Chinese hospitals since 1950.

How does cupping work?

Areas of tension or fascial adhesion are found by the therapist and the myofascial cupping treatment uses negative air pressure to lift, separate, and stretch underlying soft tissues. The cups may be left on the affected area for a short period of time or they may be moved over the tissue in a gliding motion.

The purpose of cupping is to separate the fascial adhesions, increase blood to the area and promote healing through the immune system. It can also create relaxation of muscles through the parasympathetic nervous system.

What does cupping feel like?

The “cups” are made of a strong plastic and the suction is created with a small hand-held device. The suction does not create any cuts or wounds, however occasionally some light bruising or skin discolouration will remain for up to several days. There may be a sensation of pulling and sometimes of mild heat.

What does cupping help with ?

Cupping is used for a wide variety of ailments such as low back pain, postural pain, shoulder injuries and bursitis and can be used in sub-acute or chronic conditions. Cupping is always used in conjunction with other soft-tissue techniques at Dr7 Physiotherapy Yokine which significantly improves its beneficial effects

Cupping is typically applied on the back, shoulders, sacrum, hip, thighs (including the ITB) and the calves.

Can I get myo-fascial cupping at Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry ?

Several physiotherapists at Dr7 Physiotherapy Dianella are able to use cupping as a treatment method. Contact 9349 1777 to book an appointment today and try myofascial cupping for yourself !

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 (click on the “Book an appointment” button on the top right hand side of the page) 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.

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.

Rib Dysfunction

Rib Dysfunction

Rib Dysfunction

Have you ever felt a sharp sensation around your shoulder blade or mid-back during certain twisting, lifting and abrupt movements? Chances are you may be experiencing dysfunction around your rib joint/s. Read on to find out more…

 

What is rib dysfunction?

Rib dysfunction occurs when there is a misalignment of a rib/s on the thorax. This results in mechanical dysfunction, restriction, dislodgement or inflammation between your ribs and their attachment sites. Due to the anatomy of a rib joint, dysfunction of this area can cause immense, debilitating pain.

Anatomy

The thoracic (mid-back) region typically has 12 vertebrae and 24 ribs. These vertebrae connect and articulate with ribs via the costovertebral and costotransverse joints which are held together by ligaments. These joints have a blood and nerve supply which subjects them to a great deal of inflammation and pain when irritated.

Causes

Rib dysfunction is caused by a variety of contributing factors. These include:

  • Recent trauma
  • Recent illness that generates constant coughing motion
  • Prolonged, poor posture
  • Awkward sleeping patterns
  • Weak back muscles
  • Repetitive stress
  • Stationary desk work

What does rib dysfunction feel like?

Typically patients will describe a deep, dull ache around between the spine and shoulder blade. This pain will fluctuate or become sharp with activities such as coughing, sneezing, twisting, lifting or bending. At times symptoms may refer into the arm or neck, with tenderness reported around the front of one’s chest bone.

Symptoms

  • Diffuse, deep, dull ache
  • Sharp, severe pain with laughing, coughing & sneezing
  • Abdominal and/or chest pain
  • Feelings of ‘clicking’ or ‘popping’
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unexplained back pain
  • Postural imbalance

 

Treatment

Here at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Yokine all of our practitioners have the expertise to correctly diagnosis, treat and manage symptoms associated with rib dysfunction. Most presentations will require a rib joint manipulation and soft tissue release around the site of injury. Some cases are resolved immediately with others requiring multiple treatments/adjustments to completely alleviate symptoms

Once the acute, sharp pain has been resolved our practitioners at Dr7 Physiotherapy Tuart Hill will undertake a biomechanical assessment and provide exercises and/or strategies to prevent further aggravation. It is important to correct the underlying structural abnormality to prevent frequent and chronic rib shifts.

 

When to consult with a Medical practitioner

If you are concerned about your chest / rib pain it is very important to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider or emergency department. Some examples are:

  • Patients with fever or a severe cough
  • Left-sided chest pain radiating into the jaw and left arm
  • Extreme difficulty breathing

 

Prevention

  1. Avoid awkward, sustained postures such as hunching and prolonged reaching as a desk
  2. Avoid lifting to holding objects with outstretched arms
  3. Review with a Physiotherapist at Dr7 to assess and correct structural abnormalities
  4. Strengthen the muscles that attach to and control the rib cage

If you think you are experiencing rib dysfunction 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.

$40 Initial Consults for Physio and Pod

Claim Instructions: (Only valid for booking on https://dr7physioandpod.com.au/)

  1. Click the “Book an appointment” button at the top right of Dr7 Physiotherapy webpage (https://dr7physioandpod.com.au/)
  2. Select Physiotherapy or Podiatry
  3. Select appointment time and specific practitioner if you wish
  4. In the reason for visit box, type “$40”
  5. Inform reception upon arrival that you are claiming ‘$40’ website special.
    *Terms and conditions apply. Valid only for new clients to Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry clinic or past clients who have not visited greater than 3 yrs ago.

 

 

 

 

*Terms & Conditions
This offer is only valid for:
1. A limited time – from 9th April 2019 until 30th June 2019.
2. Online bookings ONLY through our web page (www.dr7physioandpod.com.au)
3. New private clients to the Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Business ( or clients who have not visited for more than 3 yrs).
4. Initial consultation and treatment only but does not include stock, equipment or any take home consumables. Eg, if your practitioner recommends braces, orthotics, creams etc, then these are charged separately upon prior discussion and approval from you.

You must inform reception upon arrival for your appointment of the “$40” special offer.