Category: Health News

Podiatry is one of the most utilised Medicare-subsidised individual allied health services. However, this profession remains under pressure to sustain itself in the face of future funding and service model changes.

Ella loves all areas of podiatry but has a passion for sports injuries and foot care. Outside the clinic, you will find her on a soccer field or training for a marathon with her dog! For professional podiatry specialist Adelaide, check this out.

Biomechanics

The human body is an incredibly complex system composed of trillions of cells. It is also governed by the same fundamental laws of mechanics that govern simple metal or plastic structures. The study of the response of the musculoskeletal system to mechanical forces is known as Biomechanics.

Sports Biomechanics studies human movement during exercise and sport, applying physics principles to improve performance and reduce injury. This is accomplished by analysing an individual’s movements and providing recommendations for improving form and boosting results.

For example, studying the forces that lead to ankle sprains may help researchers determine how to prevent them in the future by examining factors such as shoe design and playing surface. In addition, research may assist in developing new training techniques based on mechanics to improve athletic performance.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a modern technique used to ease muscle pain. Physical therapists use thin needles to target “trigger points,” or knotted muscles. During the procedure, your provider will sterilise the treatment area and place a filiform needle in your skin. The needles are fine, sterile and single-use. Your physical therapist may also put a plastic guide tube over the needle to help with accuracy. For professional podiatry specialist Adelaide, check this out.

The needles stimulate a twitch response in the muscles to ease the trigger point. They may also be paired with electrical stimulation.

Studies show that dry needling helps with several conditions, including fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. These conditions are painful because of tightness in the fascia, a sheet of connective tissue that wraps your muscles. Dry needling eases these knots and improves your movement.

Orthotic Therapy

Orthotics are shoe inserts that can help improve posture, reduce pain and prevent injury. They support the foot, correct faulty alignment and redistribute pressure evenly across your feet.

Our podiatrists can design customised orthotics for you and manufacture them in our on-site lab. Most private health insurance providers cover custom-made orthotics under their extras benefit.

Kids with flat feet, in-toe or out-toe, bow legs, curling toes, or other foot problems often require orthotics. If treated early, these conditions can be corrected before they become permanent and limit the child’s activities.

Some people may require specialised orthotics for conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease or following a brain injury (TBI). These orthotics will be customised to the individual to address spasticity and improve function.

Sports Injuries

Podiatrists are highly skilled in managing sports injuries of the lower limb. Often a niggle can lead to serious problems such as Lisfranc injuries (fractures or severe bruising in the midfoot), tendonitis, stress fractures and foot ulcers.

Athletes and people who enjoy playing sports have a high risk of injury as they push their bodies to the limit. This can lead to new injuries as well as old ones flaring up. For professional podiatry specialist Adelaide, check this out.

Whether it’s an ingrown toenail, a rash on the foot, a painful knee or a nail problem you need help with, we are here for you. We are bulk-billed in South Australia and have experience treating older people, people with diabetes and people with chronic medical conditions.

Heel Pain

Many patients with heel pain find that rest decreases symptoms, but symptoms can return as soon as they resume activity. A heel splint, worn while sleeping or walking, can help prevent this from occurring. It is also helpful to perform gentle calf stretches, particularly first thing in the morning.

Heel pain can occur anywhere under, behind, or on the side of the heel bone (calcaneus). It is usually caused by excessive pressure on the foot due to abnormal walking or running patterns and excess weight. Tight calf muscles may also cause heel pain.

Heel pain in the back of the heel is usually due to Sever’s disease, a condition that occurs in active growing children between the ages of 8 and 14. It happens when excessive tension and stress are placed on the calcaneal apophysis growth area.

A mobility scooter can make life easier for older adults with mobility problems. It allows them to move around their homes and community more efficiently and reduces the physical demands on caregivers.

A good way to ensure your scooter remains in excellent condition is to look for a manufacturer that offers an in-home service contract with every model you purchase. It includes both repairs and labour. For more mobility scooters direct, check this out!

Mobility Scooters for Indoor Use

The mobility scooter has become an everyday sight on the streets and is a valuable assistive device for individuals who require additional assistance. The scooter helps users maintain independence while allowing them to do the things they love.

When shopping for a mobility scooter, there are several factors to consider. These include size, weight, number of wheels, drive train, and features. Each factor has a different impact on the scooter’s functionality and use.

For instance, the number of wheels is essential if you intend to use your scooter indoors. Indoor scooters feature a three-wheel configuration and have tighter turning radiuses than their outdoor counterparts, making them perfect for navigating narrow hallways and doorways.

Mobility Scooters for Outdoor Use

If you plan to use your scooter outdoors often, be sure it has a maximum weight capacity that can support your weight and any gear or groceries you may need to carry. Four-wheel scooters are more stable than three-wheel models and can better handle bumps and rough terrain. For more mobility scooters direct, check this out!

If portability is necessary, consider a model that breaks into smaller parts for easy transport in your car’s trunk or an aeroplane’s overhead compartment. Also, check the weight of the heaviest scooter component to ensure you can lift it without assistance.

Practice driving your scooter in a safe and controlled environment to get used to the controls and maneuverability. Lastly, keep your battery fully charged to avoid running out of power before your day’s activities end. Some insurance and government programs offer coverage or financial assistance for mobility scooters. Consult with a physical therapist and a local dealer to learn more about your options.

Mobility Scooters for Travel

These lightweight mobility scooters are the perfect solution for those who frequently travel. They fold up easily and break into a few lights and portable pieces, making them easier to transport in your vehicle or aeroplane. They have smaller batteries than full-size mobility scooters and are generally FAA-approved to bring on board.

They have under-till storage that keeps your belongings safe and within easy reach. Some models have a reclining high-back seat with armrests and backrests for added comfort on longer trips. They are available in several colours and are very affordable. Some even have a feather-touch disassembly for ease of use. For more mobility scooters direct, check this out!

Mobility Scooters for Long-Term Use

Many scooters have features to keep users comfortable and happy while driving long distances. It includes a comfortable suspension, which can help them travel over rough terrain and bumps while keeping them stable. It also has various accessories like storage baskets and cane holders.

Scooters deemed medically necessary by a physician can be covered by insurance. However, insurers typically want to save money by only approving the lowest-cost models.

It can make purchasing a new mobility scooter difficult. To avoid this problem, consider a travel scooter designed to fold up or come apart for easy transportation in your car. These scooters are airline and cruise ship-safe and can fit in most vehicles’ trunks or backseats. In addition, they offer great features like an extended driving range and a lightweight frame. They also come with a curbside delivery option to be delivered to the front of your home instead of at the doorstep. For more mobility scooters direct, check this out!

A mobility scooter is an excellent tool for people who have limited mobility. They can quickly go out to the shops or meet with friends. They also have a good battery life and can be used in most weather conditions. They also offer a mobile service for convenience.

However, mobility scooters, like any electronic or mechanical device, will suffer from wear and tear over time. It is essential to know how to repair them. For professional mobility scooter repairs Adelaide services, check this out.

E-scooters

The e-scooter market is booming, and several companies provide scooter repair services. These companies specialise in repairing all brands of mobility scooters. They can also help you find parts and accessories for your scooter. Choosing the right company for your scooter repair needs is vital to keeping it in good condition. You can ask friends or relatives for recommendations.

The data from the survey showed that e-scooter users reported more accidents than non-users. The most common cause of these accidents was other road users, although pedestrians were a close second. Pedestrians often are not familiar with the operating characteristics of an e-scooter, so they may not be able to judge how fast or comprehensively the scooter is moving.

While there are some things that a scooter owner can do on their own, such as lubricating the moving parts, other issues require professional help. In these cases, visiting a high-quality Mobility Scooter Repairs Adelaide shop is essential.

Tires

Like any other machine or vehicle, a scooter can have broken parts. This is especially true of the tires, which are prone to wear and tear due to frequent use. It is essential to keep spare tires on hand, as they can be used to replace damaged ones. For professional mobility scooter repairs Adelaide services, check this out.

Tires on a scooter can be either pneumatic or solid, and they should be checked regularly for signs of wear and puncture. Deflated tires can make the scooter work harder and increase speed, which may result in a lack of balance. This can be dangerous and lead to accidents.

Some mobility scooter repairs can be done at home, and others need professional assistance. The best option is to visit a high-quality repair shop specialising in your scooter brand. These experts will be able to help you fix any problems that arise. They can also advise on maintaining your scooter and extending its life.

Exhaust system

The exhaust system of a scooter is an important part that helps to keep the vehicle running smoothly. It removes harmful gases and reduces noise. It also protects other parts of the car from heat damage. The exhaust system comprises various components and must be designed carefully to accommodate the specific engine. This can help avoid hissing noises, metallic rattling sounds, and excessive exhaust fumes.

Like any other vehicle, a scooter requires regular maintenance to ensure its proper function and longevity. While some scooter maintenance tasks can be done at home, such as replacing the tires or batteries, others are best left to a professional repair shop.

In addition to repairing or replacing broken parts, a high-quality Mobility Scooter Repairs Adelaide shop can also offer advice on maintaining your scooter. This can include lubricating moving parts, keeping them clean, and tightening loose bolts and nuts. This will not only increase efficiency but also improve the lifespan of your scooter. For professional mobility scooter repairs Adelaide services, check this out.

Battery

The battery is a vital component of a mobility scooter. They come in different types, including gel cells and sealed lead-acid batteries. The former uses a mixture of water and electrolytes that need to be checked and topped up, while the latter does not leak and can be taken on planes. Moreover, these batteries have a long cycle life, which is the number of charge and discharge cycles they can sustain.

A Mobility Scooter Batteries Repairs Adelaide professional can test your battery and recommend a suitable replacement. They can also recondition your old battery and extend its lifespan. They can perform these repairs on-site or at their workshop. They also offer a mobile service for convenience.

If you suffer from foot pain or have a condition like pronation (collapsed arches that cause the ankle to fall toward the midline of the body), custom arch orthotics can help. They are designed specifically for your feet and are a better fit than over-the-counter shoe inserts.

While some people believe that custom arch orthotics Adelaide are expensive, they are actually quite affordable and provide many benefits.

Customization

Whether you’ve tried over-the-counter shoe inserts or seen your doctor about foot or ankle pain, you know that the right kind of support can make all the difference. The problem is that shoe inserts are not one-size-fits-all. Store-bought shoe inserts are shaped to accommodate as many feet as possible, but the chances are that your feet are not average. Custom orthotics are made for your unique feet, based on moulds and digital impressions that account for arch height, foot width, toe alignment, and other features that are specific to your feet.

They help minimize problems such as supination (flat feet that lean outward toward the midline of the body) and overpronation, which put added stress on your knees, hips, lower back, and ankles. In addition, they provide full contact support for all three anatomical arches of the foot to ensure a stable base for your weight bearing joints and muscles.

Unlike a bulky shoe insert, custom orthotics fit comfortably inside your shoes, and can be worn all day long to ease your foot discomfort. They can even help alleviate other conditions like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. And because they are medical devices, you can use your flexible spending or health savings accounts to pay for them. So, don’t delay relief from painful foot and ankle conditions any longer – consult your doctor about the benefits of custom arch orthotics today!

Support

When compared to basic arch support inserts sold at drugstores, custom arch orthotics Adelaide are more sophisticated and offer more advanced foot and ankle support. These supports are made to address the specific biomechanical faults or needs of your feet, which helps to minimize problems arising in the knees, hips and back over time.

These supports lift your arches to the appropriate height to rebalance your feet and help correct your posture. For example, if you have collapsed arches, you will likely overpronate when walking, which puts a great deal of stress on your knees, hips and lower back. Over time, this can also contribute to poor spinal alignment. Custom orthotics will reduce this stress by distributing weight evenly across the feet.

The superior support provided by custom arch orthotics will minimize long-term problems that can lead to a wide range of foot disorders, including heel spurs, plantar fasciitis and leg length inequality. It will allow you to stay active throughout your life without developing these foot conditions over time.

Comfort

Unlike one-size-fits-all shoe inserts available in drug stores, custom orthotics are made to fit the shape and contours of your feet perfectly – your arches in particular. They are a comfortable alternative to over-the-counter insoles and can provide support to your feet for the long term.

Whether your foot or ankle pain stems from an injury or pre-existing condition like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or a chronically bad posture, custom arch orthotics can help ease the pressure on your feet by restoring balance to your body. In doing so, they can reduce the stress on other parts of your body as well.

The way that orthotic inserts work is by helping to stabilize the weight-bearing areas of your feet – your heels and the ball of your foot, which in turn reduces stress on other parts of your body, including your knees, hips and lower back. It is especially important in the case of conditions that cause abnormal stresses to the foot or ankle.

Prevention

Aside from the immediate pain relief provided by custom arch orthotics Adelaide, they also work to prevent injuries and health issues that can arise from biomechanical faults. Orthotics work to minimize overpronation that often leads to knee, hip and back problems by supporting the foot’s natural shape.

Unlike mass-produced, generic shoe inserts, custom orthotics are made from rigid materials for those with flat feet or soft, semi-rigid materials for those with high arches. They are designed to fit your feet perfectly and provide much better cushioning, alignment, and stability support than over-the-counter shoe inserts do.

Depending on the surgery, early return to movement and exercise is essential. However, this is often difficult without guidance.

Exercise physiologists are university-trained health professionals who can guide you through your recovery after surgery. They will consider your specialist’s post-surgery guidelines and tailor exercise programs for you at home. For more information about the post-surgical exercise physiology Woodville, click here.

Pre-habilitation

Most patients undergoing major surgical procedures experience significant reductions in their functional capacity after surgery. These reductions are associated with a lengthy recovery period that may threaten longer-term independence. Pre-hab programs help to reduce these losses by encouraging early return to physical activity. They also promote behavioural changes such as dietary supplementation, smoking cessation, and physical and mental health promotion.

Studies show that patients who participate in a pre-hab program before a planned operation experience reduced post-operative pain levels and improved functioning. Several studies have also shown that participants experience less anxiety about their procedure. In addition, some patients may find that the exercise-based training program helps them to feel more prepared for their upcoming operation. However, some barriers to participation in pre-hab programs have been identified. These include lack of knowledge, fear, and time constraints. Healthcare professionals can help overcome these barriers by educating patients about the benefits of pre-habilitation and its effectiveness in improving post-operative outcomes.

Post-operative rehabilitation

Post-surgical rehabilitation is a process that helps you regain your full physical function after surgery. It includes exercises and treatments that help your body recover from surgery. These treatments are designed to reduce pain and improve mobility. They also include strengthening exercises that build strength around the surgical area. This is a crucial step, as increased joint movement without a related increase in power can lead to injury. For more information about the post-surgical exercise physiology Woodville, click here.

Exercise is also a great way to prevent stiff muscles and joints, which can make it difficult for you to move. In addition, these exercises can help you get back to your everyday activities more quickly.

Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend specific home exercise programs to follow. These exercises will help you regain your strength, flexibility, and functional ability. Generally, you should start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as your body heals. You can also consult with an Exercise Physiologist for guidance and support.

Cardiac rehabilitation

Surgery to correct a heart problem can be very distressing, but cardiac rehabilitation is essential for long-term recovery and prevention of further heart problems. Doctors often recommend it for patients who have had a heart attack or have heart failure, an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or have undergone angioplasty or stent procedures.

The first phase of cardiac rehab is usually an outpatient, medically supervised, monitored exercise program. In this phase, a qualified exercise physiologist will perform an exercise stress test and develop your initial exercise prescription.

During this phase, you will attend cardiac rehabilitation sessions two to three times per week for six to eight weeks. A medical team will monitor you to see how your body responds to exercise and how you manage any medications. Once you have completed this program, an exercise physiologist can help you establish an ongoing exercise routine at home. This will prevent further heart problems and promote a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime. For more information about the post-surgical exercise physiology Woodville, click here.

Abdominal rehabilitation

Various types of abdominal surgeries require post-operative rehabilitation. This includes laparoscopic surgery, which requires understanding how to manage increases in intra-abdominal pressures to protect the surgical sites.

Exercise Physiologists can help you return to movement with a safe and progressive program for these procedures. This is done without requiring you to go through a hospital-based program first. Our team can communicate with your specialist to ensure that our rehabilitation program meets the guidelines in the surgery instructions.

Depending on the surgery, we will help you begin with gentle movements, such as walking and then gradually increase this over time. We aim to get you back into the activities you love safely and on time.

We also teach you how to manage pain, assisting you to develop self-management strategies and one-on-one strength-based gym programs that are progressed and reassessed regularly to keep you moving forward. We can also help you with musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation, weight management and metabolic concerns, including diabetes.

If your baby receives a ‘refer’ result on the hearing screen, they must have a follow-up audiology assessment. A Child and Family Health Service nurse or specialist conducts this in the community.

This involves a pure tone audiometry test in a soundproof booth. This is the most basic form of hearing screening and measures your threshold or the quietest noise you can hear.

Why do I need to have a hearing test?

There are many reasons why you may need to have a hearing test. Some people get tested regularly during regular doctor appointments, and others will have a screening as part of their ear, nose and throat (ENT) examinations. However, for most people, it is only when they notice problems with their hearing that they arrange a test. This could be because they are having trouble with specific sounds or have seen a general change in their quality of life.

For adults, hearing tests are often conducted every few years and are usually part of routine doctor appointments. This is because the risk of developing hearing loss rises significantly after middle age, and it is recommended that people have regular tests to ensure their hearing remains healthy as they age. For professional hearing test clinic Adelaide services, click here.

A hearing test is a simple and painless process requiring no special preparations. During a hearing test, the audiologist will ask you to sit in a soundproof booth and wear a pair of headphones. They will then play short tones of different pitches and volumes into one ear at a time, and you will be asked whether you can hear the sounds. This is then charted on a graph known as an audiogram, which helps pinpoint the severity of any hearing loss you may be experiencing.

Your audiologist will also look at the inside of your ears for signs of blockage, such as excessive ear wax or perforation of the eardrum. They will also test your ability to distinguish speech in quiet and noisy environments and carry on conversations with other people. If your audiologist finds you are suffering from hearing loss, they can recommend treatments such as hearing aids that can help improve your quality of life.

It is important to remember that not everyone who has hearing loss will need hearing aids, and you should always discuss the options with your audiologist. Depending on your lifestyle and needs, they can advise you on the best course of action. For professional hearing test clinic Adelaide services, click here.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is a quick, painless, non-invasive test that evaluates the health of your middle ear space. It uses a small probe that emits a tone to measure the movement of your eardrum in response to changes in air pressure, evaluating whether fluid is present or there is a perforation in the eardrum. This is a standard diagnostic tool for children with suspected ear infections or problems with the Eustachian tube. Children need to remain still during the procedure and may need to be restrained for this reason. It is also advisable that they do not swallow or talk during the test as this can affect the air pressure in the ear canal, affecting the results.

During the tympanometry test, a probe emits a tone to stimulate the tympanic membrane and cause it to vibrate. The middle ear absorbs some of this sound, while some are reflected in the instrument. The device measures this response and plots it on a graph known as a tympanogram. This provides additional information regarding the middle ear that is not offered by audiometry alone, such as the ear canal volume (ECV), the compliance or static admittance of the middle ear, and the tympanometric peak pressure point.

A standard tympanogram curve has a mountain-like shape with a peak around the 0 data mark, meaning there is reasonable compliance in the middle ear. A curve with a smaller maximum height indicates that foreign matter, cerumen, or a lack of proper positioning of the eardrum is causing a poor seal and lower tympanometric peak pressure. A low peak pressure can also be caused by a perforation in the tympanic membrane or the ossicular chain dysfunction.

Performing tympanometry alone cannot confirm the presence of a conductive hearing loss or its cause; other tests like pure-tone and speech audiometry are often necessary to assess hearing sensitivity. Nevertheless, it is an essential test that helps to determine if the eardrum has moved, whether there is fluid behind it or a structural problem.

Speech Tests

A speech test, also known as a speech audiometry or a speech discrimination test, is one of the most valuable tests your hearing health clinic will carry out. This type of testing examines your ability to hear and recognise simple words at various levels of loudness.

You will listen to lists of single-syllable words, and the clinician will record your response. You may be asked to repeat part of the word and be allowed to respond at any level – it doesn’t have to be perfectly accurate! The test results will enable the clinician to determine your speech reception threshold (SRT). For professional hearing test clinic Adelaide services, click here.