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Headache

Headache

Can Physiotherapy fix your headache?

Did you know that a physiotherapist can help you with assessing the cause of your headache? And in some cases, can even help manage it!

Headaches are a very common problem and can make it extremely difficult to concentrate, work, sleep or perform normal day to day activities.

There are many different causes of headache, some of which can be addressed by your Dr7 Physiotherapist Yokine. In fact, The International headache society (yes, it’s real) has a classification system that can help differentiate types of headaches and help guide management.  Examples include migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headaches and cervicogenic headaches.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

Cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by a non-traumatic disorder involving any structure in the neck, including bony, muscular and other soft tissue elements.

Typically cervicogenic headaches consist of pain in one side of the neck, head and face. Often pain will exist in the back of the head, temples and radiate to the face and eye. The headache can be acute, or it can be present for weeks or months. Symptoms can also include reduced range of movement of the neck as well as sensitivity around the base of the skull.

Is it common?

Data relating to the incidence of cervicogenic headache is mixed, with some studies showing that up to 20% of chronic headaches could be cervicogenic in nature.

What causes cervicogenic headache?

The exact cause of the headache is usually unknown, but it is likely that a combination of factors contribute to the onset of cervicogenic headache. Physical factors such as acute neck strains/sprains, repetitive strain, prolonged postures (such as sitting at work all day) have the potential to irritate the muscles and joints of the neck and trigger a headache. Non-physical factors such as stress, anxiety and diet are likely to contribute to the onset of cervicogenic headache and can prolong recovery.

How can Dr7 Physiotherapy help?

Your Dr7 Physiotherapist Joondana will assess your headache and identify contributing factors. They will also exclude any other causes for your pain.

At Dr7 Physiotherapy Balcatta we can treat the joints and muscles of the neck using manipulative therapy and myofascial tissue therapies such as massage and dry needling. We can also advise you on the best exercises and stretches to improve your pain and reduce your risk of re-injury.

How long does it take to get better?

The duration of your symptoms can vary and depend on several factors. In most cases you will feel a significant reduction in both headache and neck pain within a few treatments. Generally if you have had cervicogenic headache for a long time it will take longer to improve, whereas acute headaches will get better very quickly.

Wry Neck

Pain in the Neck  – Wry Neck / Acute Torticollis

What is Wry Neck

Wry Neck is a relatively common, acute episode of neck pain. It is characterised by the sudden onset of sharp pain and neck stiffness which restricts one’s ability to turn their head. Physiotherapy is an effective method to minimise neck pain and have you back to full health sooner.

Read more to find out how our Physiotherapists at Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry can help you ...
Read more to find out how our Physiotherapists at Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry can help you …

 

Symptoms of Wry Neck

Have you ever woken with severe neck pain and found it extremely difficult to move your head?

If so, it is likely that you might have experienced an episode of Wry neck.

Typical symptoms of Wry neck include:

  • Severe neck pain
  • Sudden onset of pain
  • Pain felt on one side of the neck
  • Restriction of neck movement
  • Muscle tightness and spasm
  • Altered neck posture
  • Asymmetries between shoulder/neck position
  • Headaches

Causes of Wry Neck

Acute wry neck typically occurs without warning. The exact cause of wry neck if not completely understood. However we do know that it can be triggered by one of the following events:

  • Minor injury to the neck
  • Sleeping in sustained, awkward positions
  • High levels of stress
  • Poor postural loading
  • Excessive, unaccustomed physical activity
  • Sudden, jerk of the head

 

Relevant Anatomy of the Neck

Also known as the cervical spine, the neck consists of 7 building blocks called the cervical vertebrae. Each vertebra is separated by a disc and joins to another vertebra above/below it to form a facet joint.  Together the disc and facet joints support the weight of the head and allow movement within the neck.

 

Types of Wry Neck

Discogenic Wry Neck

Discs are spongey shock absorbers that lie between each vertebra. These discs may sustain micro-injury under stress, leading to inflammation and swelling. This causes increased pressure to the surrounding structures within the neck and consequently high levels of pain and restricted neck movement.

 Facet Wry Neck

Facet joints are small swivel joints that allow smooth gliding and turning movements. Irritating positions or movements of the neck can cause a “locking” sensation. This leads to irritation in the facet joint and associated muscle spasm. Nerve endings located within this region trigger intense pain and jerky movement.

 

Management of Wry Neck

The good news about Wry Neck is that it can be treated quickly and effectively with the help of one of our Physiotherapists at Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry. We recommend immediate treatment for best results.

At Dr7, we will undertake an assessment of your neck to confirm diagnosis and the joints involved.  This will form a management program which will be provided and put into action with the help of our therapists.

Our aims at Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry are:

  • Confirm your diagnosis
  • Normalise joint movement
  • Relax muscle spasms
  • Improve muscle length/tension
  • Ensure optimal cervical posture & function
  • Educate to prevent further injury

 

If you suspect an acute wry neck, please call out clinic and we’ll do our best to fast track your appointment.

 

Treatment at Dr7 Physiotherapy

Gentle treatment modalities are used to normalise facet joint function and settle soft tissue sensitisation:

  • Therapeutic cervical mobilisations of the facet joints
  • Cervical traction to free up the facet joints & deload the discs
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Postural education
  • Strategies to unload the neck (e.g. pillow, postures)
  • Dry needling
  • Stretching
  • A tailored home exercise program

 

Self-management

If an episode of Wry Neck occurs it is important to take the following steps until you review with one of our Physiotherapists:

  • Avoid vigorous, fast movements of the neck
  • Avoid sustaining prolonged head postures
  • Apply a heat pack to the neck and surrounding muscles
  • Speak with your Pharmacist about taking anti-inflammatory medication

Prognosis

With Physiotherapy treatment symptoms will ease within the first 1-4 days, with normal function being restored within the first 2 weeks.

 

If you have questions please feel free to contact our clinic today on (08) 3949 1777. Wry neck is a debilitating injury, however it can be easily resolved with the help of Physiotherapy intervention.

 

Ankle Sprain

Ankle Sprain

ANKLE SPRAIN:

Lateral ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries presenting to Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Yokine. We provide Physiotherapy and Podiatry services to Yokine, Dianella, Joondana, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Coolbinia, Mount Lawley, Bedford, Inglewood, Balcatta, Stirling, Nollamara and surrounding suburbs and are extremely experienced in managing your rolled ankle.

In this area we have a large proportion of young people participating in competitive sports such as netball, basketball, soccer and football. These are all sports that have a high incidence of ankle sprain due to the volume of running, jumping, pivoting and twisting movements necessary.

A lateral ankle sprain occurs when the ankle is forced into an internally rotated position past it’s normal range. Usually this occurs while changing direction, pivoting or twisting during competition. This causes the ligaments on the outside of the ankle – the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) – to become stretched and torn. These ligaments serve two main functions:

  1. Act as passive restrictions to limit excessive movement of the ankle joint
  2. Play an important role in proprioception. Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense the position of a joint, which helps with balance and stability
Ankle Sprain
Ankle Sprain

The extent of the injury can vary depending on how many ligaments are affected and the severity of injury to each ligament. When these ligaments are damaged it triggers an inflammatory response from the body. Inflammatory cells are rushed to the site of injury and the foot becomes swollen, red and painful. After injury the person is likely to experience:

  • Pain: around ankle, foot and/or leg
  • Inability to weight bear (standing, walking, running)
  • Swelling, heat and redness around the ankle, leg and/or foot
  • In the days following injury swelling can increase and bruising may start to appear around the ankle, leg and foot

Management of Ankle Sprain:

An ankle sprain is almost always managed conservatively (non-operatively). The goal of treatment here at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Joondanna is to reduce inflammation, restore normal movement, and then improve strength and proprioception in the later stages of recovery to facilitate a safe return to sport.

Initially treatment consists of:

  • Rest: restrict weight bearing activities such as standing, walking, running
  • Compress: bandaging to apply pressure around the ankle helps restrict further swelling. In severe cases you may require a cam boot to immobilise the ankle
  • Ice: applying ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, with at least 40 minutes in between applications
  • Elevate: Raising the ankle above the level of the heart helps reduce swelling to the area
  • Physiotherapy: your Dr7 Physiotherapist can provide additional treatments including ultrasound, massage, mobilisations, hydrotherapy, taping and exercises to facilitate a quicker recovery following acute inflammation.

Following the initial phase of inflammation, your Dr7 Physiotherapist will prescribe you with a set of exercises to restore normal movement, improve muscle strength and proprioception of the ankle. This is the most important part of your recovery as it drastically reduces your chances of re-injuring the ankle. Your exercise program will be specifically tailored to you based on your specific injury and sport. Your Dr7 Physiotherapist will then ‘coach’ you through the return to sport phase by giving advice on when to return to running, returning to agility exercises, returning to training and eventually returning to competitive play.

Returning to Sport:

Once you have completed a rehabilitation program and are ready to return to play you may need to consider whether to tape/brace during training and games. Taping/Bracing provides support and passive restraints to extremes of movement, as well as assisting with proprioception around the ankle. In moderate to severe cases where ligaments are very stretched and torn there may be ongoing laxity in the ankle, meaning that taping/bracing is recommended for future games. It is also important to continue with stability and balance exercises going forward to prevent future injury.

If you have any questions regarding ankle sprains or other injury don’t hesitate to contact Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry Tuart Hill for a consultation.

 

How to book an assessment with our qualified physiotherapists

There are 2 ways in which you can secure an appointment at Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry.

  1. Call (08) 9349 1777 to speak with one of our friendly receptionists to book an appointment.
  2. Book an appointment online through Health Engine. This is located on our website com.auSimply click “book an appointment” and you will be guided through the steps.

Dr7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry provides services to Yokine, Dianella, Joondana, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Coolbinia, Mount Lawley, Bedford, Inglewood, Balcatta, Stirling, Nollamara and surrounding suburbs.

 

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. 

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.

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

Dr7 Physiotherapy & Podiatry

Physiotherapy Perth – BUPA MEMBERS FIRST

Exciting news!
From June 1st, 2016, DR7 Physiotherapy and Podiatry will become 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. Contact us or BUPA if you have any further questions.

BUPA