Welcoming the New Year: Prioritizing Your Health a Multi-disciplinary Approach
The New Year is here—a fresh opportunity to focus on health, set goals, and build habits that enhance your overall well-being. While resolutions often center on fitness or diet, a holistic approach involving allied health professionals can provide lasting benefits. This multidisciplinary field includes physiotherapists, podiatrists, chiropractors, exercise physiologists, dietitians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and more, all working collaboratively to improve your quality of life.
Why Allied Health?
Allied health professionals specialize in preventing, managing, and treating a variety of physical and mental health concerns. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking ways to optimize your health, these experts can help. Beginning the year with a thorough assessment allows you to address any overlooked areas and create sustainable, personalized strategies to achieve your goals.
Setting Realistic and Sustainable Goals
New Year’s resolutions often falter due to unrealistic expectations. By consulting allied health professionals, you can set attainable goals and receive expert guidance to help you stay on track. For example:
Physiotherapists can create exercise programs to address injuries, build strength, or enhance mobility.
Podiatrists can assess foot mechanics and recommend orthotics or footwear for new sports or fitness routines.
Dietitians can provide meal plans tailored to your lifestyle, ensuring sustainable and nutritious choices.
Chiropractors can address spinal alignment and posture to improve function, alleviate pain, and enhance overall health.
Exercise Physiologists can guide you in developing safe and effective fitness routines, particularly if you’re new to exercise or managing chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease.
With their expertise, your goals become actionable and achievable, reducing frustration and increasing long-term adherence.
The Importance of Preventative Health
A cornerstone of allied health is prevention. Regular visits to allied health professionals can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Examples include:
Chiropractic care to prevent postural issues and spinal strain from desk jobs or repetitive activities.
Exercise physiology to reduce the risk of injury when starting a new fitness program or transitioning to higher-intensity training.
Podiatry to prevent foot problems such as plantar fasciitis or bunions, especially if your routine involves prolonged standing or running.
Physiotherapy to address muscle imbalances or joint stiffness before they lead to chronic pain or injuries.
Preventative care not only helps you feel your best today but also safeguards your long-term health.
Holistic Health: Building Your Team
Achieving optimal health often requires a collaborative approach. By assembling a team of allied health professionals, you can address all aspects of your well-being: physical, mental, and emotional. For instance, pairing chiropractic care with physiotherapy may improve posture and mobility, while dietetic advice combined with exercise physiology ensures your body is fueled and conditioned for your goals.
Starting the Year Right
The New Year isn’t just about resolutions; it’s about commitment to your well-being. Whether you aim to recover from injury, manage a chronic condition, enhance athletic performance, or simply feel your best, allied health professionals are here to guide you. Their expertise ensures your approach is safe, effective, and tailored to your unique needs.
This year, let your health take center stage. Consult an allied health professional to craft a plan that empowers you to thrive—not just in January, but all year long. Together, you can build a healthier, more vibrant you. Here’s to a year of well-being and success!
The short answer is yes. A chiropractor can help neck pain. Neck pain one of the most common presentations at The Wellness Place.
4 Ways to Prevent “Tech Neck”
Text neck is a repetitive stress injury of the neck from having your head in a forward position for an extended period. This often happens due to texting or staring at a phone and is prevalent in today’s society.
According to a recent orthopedic review, “text neck directly affects the spine while flexing the head forward at varying degrees: when the head tilts forward 15 degrees, the force on the neck surge to 27 pounds, at 30 degrees 40 pounds, at 45 degrees 49 pounds and at 60 degrees 60 pounds.”
That sounds stressful, doesn’t it? Check out our top tips below for preventing this painful condition.
Raise your phone Move your phone closer to eye level to prevent your head from tilting excessively forward, limiting extra stress on your neck.
Take frequent breaks Spend time away from your phone—or any type of head-forward task. You can set up screen time limits on your phone for specific apps if needed.
Correct your posture When using your phone or other e-device, ensure a good posture. Sit up straight with your chin slightly tucked and your shoulders pulled back. This will help align your body in a more neutral position.
Exercise regularly Exercising regularly can create a robust and flexible spine that can better handle the extra stress. Research indicates that teenagers active in team sports or endurance sports are less likely to have neck pain.
Keep these tips in mind to stay healthy. And remember, we’re here to help when you’re feeling uncomfortable.
Call our office if you suffer from neck pain due to text neck (or any other reason). We can provide customized treatment to get you back on track quickly!
Why not book an appointment online and get a professional medical assessment and the right whiplash treatment plan, today?
Striding into Summer: A Sports Podiatrist's Guide to Getting into Running Safely
As the summer sun graces us with its warmth and vitality, many individuals feel the call to embrace a more active lifestyle. For those considering taking up running as their chosen form of exercise, it’s crucial to approach this endeavor with care, especially when it comes to foot health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key aspects of getting into running from a sports podiatry perspective, ensuring that your summer stride is not only enjoyable but also safe and sustainable.
Choosing the Right Footwear:
One of the first steps towards a successful running journey is investing in the right pair of running shoes. Sports podiatrists emphasize the importance of proper footwear to support the unique biomechanics of each individual’s feet. Visit a specialty running store where knowledgeable staff can analyze your gait and recommend shoes that provide the right combination of support, cushioning, and stability. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a myriad of foot issues, from blisters to more serious conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Some of our current favourite running shoes are the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the Altra Fwd Via.
Gradual Progression:
In the enthusiasm of starting a new fitness routine, it’s easy to overexert oneself. Sports podiatrists stress the significance of a gradual approach to prevent injuries. Begin with a mix of walking and jogging, allowing your body, especially your feet, to adapt to the new stress. This progressive method reduces the risk of overuse injuries such as stress fractures or tendonitis, common pitfalls for newcomers to running.
Proper Warm-Up and Cool Down:
Prior to hitting the pavement, it’s essential to warm up your muscles and joints. Dynamic stretches like leg swings and hip circles can enhance flexibility and reduce the likelihood of strain. After your run, perform static stretches to improve flexibility and aid in muscle recovery. A sports podiatrist can recommend specific stretches targeting the muscles and tendons in your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Listen to Your Body:
Sports podiatrists often advocate for a mindful approach to running. Pay attention to any discomfort, pain, or changes in your gait. Addressing minor discomfort early can prevent it from developing into a more serious injury. If you experience persistent pain, it’s advisable to consult with a sports podiatrist who can assess your condition and provide tailored advice.
Cross-Training for Foot Health:
Running can place repetitive stress on certain muscles and joints, potentially leading to imbalances and injuries. To mitigate these risks, incorporate cross-training activities into your fitness routine. Swimming, cycling, or strength training can help strengthen supporting muscles and give your feet a break from the impact of running.
Foot Care Routine:
Maintaining proper foot hygiene is paramount for runners. Regularly inspect your feet for blisters, calluses, or any signs of irritation. Keep your toenails trimmed and invest in moisture-wicking socks to prevent fungal infections. If you notice any abnormalities or persistent issues, consult with a sports podiatrist for personalized guidance.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a running journey this summer can be a fulfilling and invigorating experience when approached with care and consideration for your foot health. By choosing the right footwear, progressing gradually, warming up and cooling down effectively, listening to your body, cross-training wisely, and maintaining a dedicated foot care routine, you can ensure that your summer stride is both enjoyable and sustainable. For personalized advice and guidance, don’t hesitate to consult with a sports podiatrist who can support you on your path to becoming a happy and healthy runner.
A Ganglion is a cyst, which is a fluid filled sac that is often found on the hands and feet. It originates from a joint capsule or tendon. The cause of Ganglions is not known however could be a consequence of repetitive trauma or a single event.
What does it feel like?
A ganglion can cause some burning or tingling in the hands and feet. This is due to the sac impinging on a nerve. It may make shoes uncomfortable because if irritation against the ganglion.
Diagnosis
A Podiatrist can diagnose a Ganglion in the foot by palpating the area. It will usually move freely beneath the skin when palpated. If there is suspicion of an alternative diagnosis, then the podiatrist may request an x-ray or ultrasound to rule out other causes.
Treatment
If the cyst is causing no issues and the patient just wants clarification on the diagnosis, then the Podiatrist can monitor closely over time.
In the instance that the Ganglion is causing irritation then there are options such as:
-Shoe modifications
-Padding to offload the Cyst
-Insoles that are specific to the region and size of the cyst so that comfort can be achieved.
-Aspiration of the Ganglion can be completed, however often the cyst will return.
– Surgical removal can be completed when the previous treatments have been exhausted. Surgical removal reduces the chance of the Ganglion returning however there is still the possibility of its return.
To conclude, Ganglion cysts may come and go. If the mass is causing pain, there are treatments available to allow you to manage discomfort. See a Podiatrist to confirm a diagnosis and to create a treatment plan specific to you.
Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerve supplying the digits (toes). Patients commonly complain of a pain at the ball of the foot that feels like a stone or marble. The condition can cause nerve pain such as tingling, pins and needles or numbness. This digital neuritis often occurs at the webspace between the third and fourth toes however can occur between any of the digits.
Who does it effect?
This condition can affect anyone, sprinters may experience it due to the compression of the nerve from pushing off at the start blocks.
Those wearing high heels can experience it, similarly due to the toes/forefoot position because of a heightened heel.
Tight, narrow shoes are a large factor contributing to the condition.
What else could it be?
-Stress fracture
– Capsulitis (aggravated joint capsule)
-Systemic causes such as Rheumatoid Arthritis
-Corn, Callus, Verruca.
-Foreign Body.
How can A Podiatrist Help?
A Podiatrist will analyse symptoms, medical history, footwear, activity changes and biomechanics. These factors alongside range of motion, mobility and strength tests will guide the Podiatrist to a diagnosis. Imaging such as x-ray can be used to rule out differential diagnosis such as fractures.
Treatment
Treatment can include footwear changes, Orthotic use, stretching and strengthening. Other treatments used for Morton’s neuroma include:
-Corticosteroid injections.
-Shockwave therapy.
-laser therapy.
-Foot and ankle mobilisations.
– Neurectomy (Surgery to remove the affected area of the nerve).
A plantar wart, also referred to as plantar verruca is a skin condition caused by the Human Papiloma Virus. This virus is very common, and presents on the feet. It infects the skin causing an abnormal reproduction of the skin’s appearance. Verrucas can be embarrassing for some however there is no need to be concerned as there are various treatments for Plantar verruca’s.
Verruca’s can be painful due to their raised appearance on the skin and are often surrounded by hyperkeratosis (callus). They often contain small black dots within them, these are small blood vessels. If you think you may have a verruca, it could be time to visit a Podiatrist.
What can Podiatrists do?
Podiatrists will assess the lesion to determine if it is verruca or something else like callus, or a foreign body. We will ask for a medical history so that we can determine the best treatment plan for you. Treatments can include debridement of the tissue and the use of chemicals such as silver nitrate, or salicylic acid. We can modify insoles and use padding to offload the Verruca so that you can stay active and pain free throughout treatment. Verruca’s that don’t respond to these treatments may require further interventions such as Swift Microwave therapy or Faulkner’s needling.
What can you do?
Verruca is a virus that is transferable through direct contact or surfaces. If you think you have a verruca it is important to wear socks around the house or public places to minimise the cross-contamination.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease whereby your immune system begins to damage tissues such as cartilage and ligaments. The condition affects the hands and feet most commonly. Females are 3 times more likely to develop this condition and the most common age category for developing it is between 40 and 60 years.
Symptoms can present as swelling and stiffness in the foot and ankle joints. Deformities such as bunions, hammer & Claw toes, pes planus (flat feet), can develop at a progressed stage of the condition. These deformities can lead to increased pressure on aspects of the foot, causing callus buildup and possible breakdown of the tissues.
After a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, treatment can commence in the form of medication known as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) following assessment from a Rheumatologist.
A thorough assessment from our health professionals will determine the extent of deformity or progression of the disease. Treatments such as exercise therapy, Orthotic therapy and footwear modifications are excellent for slowing the progression and will often include softer materials that offload any deformities of the condition and to keep you comfortable and active.
Swollen feet and ankles can be commonly associated with either oedema or an inflammatory response to injury or infection. Standing for too long or consuming excess salt through your diet can also cause excess fluid retention.
Pregnancy can cause the feet and ankles to swell due to hormonal changes, and increased pressure on veins due to extra weight in the uterus.
Acute (short term) and Chronic (long term) injuries can cause an inflammatory reaction, with an increased blood flow to the injured site. Common injuries such as ankle sprains, Achilles tendon tears, broken bones, and underlying conditions such as Diabetes, Gout, and heart failure can all cause swelling in the lower limb, foot, and ankle.
As Podiatrists we take a through history and perform a detailed assessment to determine the cause of your foot and ankle swelling. We provide a progressive treatment plan specific to you.
Hey there, soon-to-be moms! Pregnancy is a magical ride, but it does come with its set of changes, especially in the pelvis. If you’re a chiropractic patient, understanding these shifts is key. Today, we’re going to explore how your Sacroiliac (SI) joints and some hormonal magic play a starring role in this journey and why a bit of chiropractic care can make it all a smoother ride.
Meet Your Backbone: Sacroiliac (SI) Joints
Picture this: your SI joints, hanging out at the base of your spine between your hips, are like the unsung heroes of stability, supporting the weight of your trunk. Ladies, your naturally wider pelvis is built for the miracle of childbirth, thanks to these joints and the awesome team of muscles and ligaments backing them up.
Hormones Take Center Stage: Progesterone and Relaxin
Around weeks 10-12 of your pregnancy, cue the hormonal symphony featuring progesterone and relaxin. These rockstars help your body get stretchy, allowing your ligaments and smooth muscles to accommodate that adorable little human growing inside you. Cool, right? But here’s the twist – all this hormonal buzz makes your SI joints a bit more mobile, shaking up their stability compared to your pre-pregnancy days.
Muscles Get a Wake-Up Call: Adapting to the New Normal
Now, as those SI joints start grooving, your belly, glutes, and pelvic floor muscles get the memo: it’s time to step up their game for stability during your everyday moves. Enter chiropractors specializing in pregnancy care. They’re like your personal pregnancy support team, checking out how your pelvis moves, keeping tabs on muscle tension, and making sure everything stays on the stable side.
Everyday Woes: Dealing with Pelvic Changes
Let’s talk real stuff – the increased mobility of your SI joints might bring some not-so-fun conditions like pelvic girdle pain, lower backache, and other discomforts. But fear not! Chiropractors are on it, watching over you throughout your pregnancy journey, providing relief, and helping you navigate these changes like the superhero you are.
Power to You: Chiropractic Care for a Happy Pregnancy
To wrap it up, getting chiropractic care during pregnancy is like giving your pelvis a little extra love. Your chiropractor checks in on your pelvic party, managing the hormonal rollercoaster, stability challenges, and muscle demands. It’s all about making sure you cruise through pregnancy with comfort and confidence, ready for the incredible adventure of motherhood. You’ve got this!
FAQs:
Q1: How does pregnancy affect the stability of the SI joints?
During pregnancy, hormones like progesterone and relaxin increase the movement of the SI joints, potentially making them less stable than before.
Q2: Can chiropractic care help with common pregnancy-related pains?
Yes, chiropractors specializing in pregnancy care can assess and address conditions such as pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, and others.
Q3: How often should I visit a chiropractor during pregnancy?
Regular check-ins, especially during the different trimesters, can provide ongoing relief and proactive guidance on managing pelvic changes.
Q4: Are there specific exercises to strengthen the pelvis during pregnancy?
Yes, chiropractors can recommend tailored exercises to strengthen the pelvis, contributing to a more comfortable pregnancy experience.
If you are going through pregnancy at the minute and want to know how one of our Chiropractors can help you out, give us a call on (08)93793838 or book an appointment here
The short answer is yes. A chiropractor can help treat whiplash. Whiplash injuries are one of the most common presentations at The Wellness Place.
What is a whiplash injury?
A chiropractor can help treat a whiplash injury
A whiplash injury occurs when a force is applied to the neck involving a sudden forwards and backwards whipping movement such as during a car accident. This is commonly termed an acceleration-deceleration injury.
You may be surprised to know that a whiplash injury may also result from a blow to the head (such as sporting games) or from the head hitting the ground (such as falling from height or swings).
This causes damage to multiple structures in the neck resulting in pain and inflammation and associated with restricted movement due to muscle spasms around the neck as well as facet joints in the neck (the joints at the back of your neck) being jammed and inflamed. Ligaments, discs and nerves in your neck are equally affected and can contribute to your pain and disability.
Pain and dysfunction associated with whiplash injuries may last from a few weeks to months or even years. The pain can be quite difficult to pinpoint and not necessarily related to the speed of the collision but rather the person’s response just before and at the time of injury.
In addition to this, the person’s previous history, age, gender and general health can have direct and indirect influence on their presentation.
Why a whiplash injury assessment is the first step to successful recovery
While there are many whiplash treatment suggestions, your chiropractor will first conduct a thorough history to determine the mode of the injury. The direction of the collision (if a motor vehicle accident was the cause), your history, your presentation and your restricted movements. Nervous system involvement or muscle spasms need to be all assessed and taken into consideration.
Your muscular system is usually one of the first systems affected when you suffer from a whiplash injury. That is why muscle spasms leading to restriction of movement is a common presentation associated with whiplash.
Nervous system involvement usually is an indicative of the extent of damage with patients presenting with pins and needles, numbness or referred pain not to mention other unusual symptoms such as balance, vertigo or vision disturbances.
Following this, your chiropractor conducts a through neurological test and orthopaedic assessment. This at times can be difficult due to the degree of pain a patient can present with, however it is still quite important to determine the true cause of your pain.
Your chiropractor will then advise the best mode of action and therapy you need. In the initial phase, treatment is directed at reducing pain through gentle stretches, ice or heat and physiological therapeutics (including TENS therapy, Interferential electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy). As your pain starts to subside, the chiropractor aims to improve the mobility of your neck by utilising gentle stretching, mobilisation and soft tissue therapy.
You may be referred for therapeutic massage to assist with your chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic adjustments can be utilised as your tolerance improves to correct faulty movement patterns.
How does a chiropractor treat whiplash?
Different chiropractic whiplash treatments are used by different health professionals. The type of technique utilised is usually determined by the patient’s presentation and preference.
Spinal manipulation techniques are found to be very effective at addressing the neck pain stemming from the spinal joints and are often a primary whiplash treatment option. Other manual therapy methods such as spinal decompression and traction and mobilisation are all shown to be highly effective ways to treat injured soft tissues.
Some chiropractors may use instrument assisted therapy such as an Activator instrument which has been received well by patients who prefer a gentle approach to their chiropractic care especially when they are so inflamed. Some chiropractors may perform gentle repeated strokes to the neck muscles in order to improve abnormal motion and excessive tension in the region.
Therapeutic massage aims to alleviate muscle tension. Chiropractic treatments can be complemented by an effective soft tissue therapy resulting in muscle relaxation. This can assist the patient’s speed of recovery.
Advice to address your poor posture can be invaluable when dealing with whiplash injury presentations.
FAQs about chiropractic treatment for whiplash injuries
What are some common whiplash symptoms?
While some patients may experience immediate aches and pain and associated symptoms such as shoulder pain, headaches, neck pain, or muscle pain, you may be surprised to know that many patients can experience pain in days and weeks after the accident. Pins and needles, numbness, referred pain to the face, jaw or arms as well as absurd neurological signs and symptoms such as blurred vision or vertigo have been reported. Some studies also have shown patients can experience dramatic symptomatology years after an accident. It is extremely important that you get checked even if you do not experience any pain or symptoms immediately after an accident as unfortunately, in many cases your symptoms may appear weeks or months later.
What is the best whiplash treatment?
A thorough examination determines what the best treatment for your condition may be. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may find yourself having muscles, joints, ligaments, muscles or other associated structures injured. Each of these require a delicate and specific approach and treatment plan.
You may require some imaging to be performed to ascertain the extent of your damage as well as your pre-existing condition. Depending on your presentation and assuming that there is no contraindication to conservative therapies, your Chiropractor and/or physiotherapist can guide you who would be best suited for your condition.
At The Wellness Place, we believe in a patient-centric environment. This means that your practitioner would unbiasedly inform you if another discipline can assist you better for your presentation and the stage of your care.
How long does whiplash take to heal?
Your pre-existing condition and your history as well as the extent of your injury and the damage you have sustained, would collectively determine how long it would take to heal. We usually find our patients responding really well to care within the first week or two. In this initial phase, the practitioner would mainly focus on reducing your pain and inflammation. This means that you would experience less symptomatology as well as enjoy better range of motion, sleep and functionality.
What is the fastest way to recover from whiplash?
Early intervention is crucial when it comes to managing whiplash. In most cases, the longer a patient delays presenting to care, the more the chance of their presentation getting more chronic and harder to treat.
As previously stated, many patients can experience none to very minor symptoms post an accident. However, In our experience the very same patient can present with complex and difficult presentation a few weeks later. This is the reason we recommend the early intervention to be a necessary aspect of your care plan.
Appropriate care plan with a thorough and detailed approach to your condition would have you back to normal in no time!
How do I realign my neck after whiplash?
Your chiropractor may recommend undertaking some X-ray studies post your accident. This allows your chiropractor to provide you with a more definitive diagnosis of your condition and ensure chiropractic care is a suitable therapy of choice.
Chiropractic adjustments in conjunction with therapeutic massage has been shown to be one of the most effective whiplash treatments. While some patients may prefer physiotherapy or occupational therapy treatment plans, your health professional would guide you what the best discipline would be for your condition and presentation.
Should I see a chiro or a physio for whiplash treatment?
At the Wellness Place, we operate on a patient centric mandate. We promise to provide our patients with a thorough assessment to allow your health professional advise you on the best approach to care.
In our experience, patients would simply like to see results and are open to honest and educated recommendations. We always offer the patient most suitable care for their presentation.
Occasionally, some patients have a preference of seeing a physio or chiro. All our practitioners are highly qualified, experienced and undertaken advanced and post graduate training. This means that we will be able to assist you in reaching your goals regardless of who you choose to see.
Why not book an appointment online and get a professional medical assessment and the right whiplash treatment plan, today?
