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The Wellness Blog

Find out the latest news at The Wellness Place, and check out our articles on your health-related needs.

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Physiotherapy treatment session at The Wellness Place in Bassendean
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Understanding Low Back Pain: Causes, Treatment & When to See a Physio in Bassendean








Understanding Low Back Pain: Causes, Treatment & When to See a Physio | The Wellness Place Bassendean


Understanding Low Back Pain: Causes, Treatment & When to See a Physio in Bassendean

Low back pain affects more people worldwide than almost any other condition. Whether it’s a sharp twinge or a dull ache, it has a way of stopping you in your tracks. The good news? For most people, it’s manageable and highly treatable without surgery. If you’re looking for lower back pain treatment in Bassendean, here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Low Back Pain?

For 85-90% of people, no single structural cause can be found. Common drivers include muscle strains, disc irritation, facet joint stiffness, and prolonged poor posture.

Treatment Options

Manual Therapy

Hands-on treatment including joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage provides excellent relief. At TWP, our physiotherapists use it as part of a broader plan.

Exercise Therapy

The cornerstone of back pain management. Your physio designs a program including core stability, mobility, and graded strength training to build resilience.

Education

Understanding your pain changes everything. Your physio guides you through ergonomic adjustments and activity pacing.

When to See a Physio

Red flags — seek urgent help: loss of bladder/bowel control, saddle numbness, sudden leg weakness, unexplained weight loss.

Green flags — book if: pain has lasted over 2-3 weeks, interfering with work or sport, or you’ve had multiple episodes.

What to Expect at The Wellness Place

Your first appointment includes a thorough assessment, collaborative goal-setting, hands-on treatment, and a personalised exercise plan. No referral required. We’re at 9 Old Perth Road, Bassendean.

Ready to book? Call (08) 9379 3838 or visit thewellnessplace.com.au.

By admin News

When Is It Time to Seek Grief Counselling?

Grief is a natural and deeply human response to loss. It can arise following the death of a loved one, but also in response to other experiences such as relationship endings, health changes, or forms of ambiguous loss. Because grief is so individual, there is no “right” way to experience it, nor a fixed timeline for how long it should last.

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Bunions (Hallux Valgus): Causes, Stages & Treatment Options That Actually Help

If you’ve noticed a bony bump forming at the base of your big toe, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to just live with it. Bunions (medically known as hallux valgus) affect an estimated 23% of adults aged 18–65 and become even more common as we get older [1]. The good news is there’s plenty you can do long before surgery enters the picture. Here’s everything you need to know about what causes bunions, how they progress, and how bunion treatment in Bassendean at The Wellness Place can help you stay active and pain-free.

What Exactly Is a Bunion?

A bunion isn’t a growth or a tumour — it’s a progressive deformity of the foot. The medical term is hallux valgus, which describes what’s happening beneath the surface: the big toe (hallux) starts angling inward toward the second toe (valgus), while the long bone behind it (the first metatarsal) shifts in the opposite direction. That bony bump you see is the head of the metatarsal protruding at the joint.

Over time, this misalignment puts pressure on the joint, leading to inflammation, pain, and — if left unmanaged — arthritis and further deformity. The earlier you catch it, the more you can do to slow or even halt its progression.

What Causes Bunions?

There’s no single cause, but a few key factors tend to play a role:

Genetics

Bunions have a strong hereditary link. If your parents or grandparents had them, you’re more likely to develop them too. Research points to inherited foot mechanics — things like flat feet, hypermobile joints, or an unusually long first metatarsal — that predispose the foot to instability at the big toe joint [2].

Footwear

This is the factor you can control. Narrow, pointed shoes and high heels squeeze the toes into an unnatural position and load the forefoot with excessive pressure. While shoes don’t cause the underlying structural tendency, they absolutely accelerate the deformity in someone who’s already predisposed [3].

Foot Mechanics

How you walk matters. People with overpronation (flat feet that roll inward) put extra stress through the big toe joint with every step. This repetitive loading can slowly push the joint out of alignment over years and decades.

The Stages of a Bunion

Bunions don’t appear overnight. They progress through three broad stages:

Mild

The big toe has started deviating slightly — less than 20 degrees on X-ray. You might notice a small bump when you look at your feet, but there’s minimal pain, if any. At this stage, the joint is still well-aligned and highly responsive to conservative care.

Moderate

The bump is more visible, and the big toe is pushing closer toward the second toe (hallux valgus angle of 20–40 degrees). You may experience intermittent pain — especially in tighter shoes — along with redness or swelling after long periods on your feet. This is the stage where most people start seeking help.

Severe

The big toe is now overlapping or being pushed under the second toe (angle greater than 40 degrees). Pain becomes more persistent. The second toe may develop corns or hammer toe from the constant rubbing, and the joint itself can become arthritic. Mobility and balance may also be affected, increasing the risk of falls.

Non-Surgical Treatment: What Actually Works?

Surgery gets a lot of attention, but the vast majority of people with bunions never need it. Conservative management — done properly — can relieve pain, slow progression, and keep you moving well. Here’s what evidence-backed care looks like:

Footwear Modifications

Switching to shoes with a wide toe box, low heel, and good arch support is the single most effective change you can make. Your toes need room to spread naturally — your shoes should match the shape of your foot, not the other way around.

Toe Spacers & Orthotics

Custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist can correct the underlying biomechanics — think of them as re-aligning the foundation your foot works from. Toe spacers help keep the big toe in a straighter position, reducing pressure on the joint during weight-bearing activities.

Padding & Taping

Simple gel pads or moleskin applied over the bunion can reduce friction in shoes and relieve discomfort. Taping techniques can temporarily support the joint and offload stress during activity.

Foot Exercises

Strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot — the small muscles that control toe movement — can improve joint stability. Exercises like toe spreads, towel curls, and resisted abduction of the big toe help maintain function and slow progression.

When Is Surgery Needed?

Surgery is generally considered when pain persists despite good conservative care, the deformity is severe enough to interfere with daily life, or arthritis has developed in the joint. There are over 100 different surgical techniques for bunions — your surgeon chooses based on the angle of your deformity, joint health, age, and activity level.

Recovery varies. Traditional open bunionectomy typically involves 6–8 weeks in a special shoe or boot, followed by a gradual return to normal footwear and activity. Minimally invasive techniques are gaining popularity and often offer faster recovery, but not every bunion is suitable for them.

The key point: surgery should be a well-considered decision made after you’ve exhausted non-surgical options — not a first resort.

How Podiatry Can Help: Meet Dr Aaron Gregory

At The Wellness Place in Bassendean, our podiatrist Dr Aaron Gregory takes a thorough, hands-on approach to bunion management. Aaron brings more than just clinical expertise to the table — he’s a former competitive athlete who represented Australia at the World Cross Country Championships, so he genuinely understands how important it is to keep you doing what you love.

As a sports podiatrist, Aaron doesn’t just look at your foot — he looks at how you walk, how you stand, and what demands you’re placing on your body. He’ll assess your foot mechanics, check for contributing factors like overpronation or muscle weakness, and put together a personalised bunion treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.

This might include custom orthotics to correct your gait, specific strengthening exercises to stabilise the joint, footwear advice tailored to your daily activities, and manual therapy techniques to improve joint mobility. The goal is always to manage your bunion conservatively for as long as possible — saving surgery for when it’s genuinely needed.

Because The Wellness Place is a multidisciplinary clinic, Aaron can also collaborate with our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists if your bunion is affecting the way you move through your hips, knees, or lower back. It’s all under one roof — and it means your care is genuinely coordinated.

Don’t Wait Until It Hurts to Walk

Bunions are progressive — they don’t get better on their own. But with the right advice and early intervention, you can keep them from taking over your life. Whether you’re in the early stages and want to prevent things from getting worse, or you’re already dealing with pain and looking for real solutions, we’re here to help.

Call us today on (08) 9379 3838 to book an appointment with Dr Aaron Gregory and take the first step towards pain-free feet. You don’t have to put up with bunion pain — let’s get you moving comfortably again.

By admin Uncategorized

Why Rest Alone Won’t Fix Your Plantar Heel Pain (And What Actually Works)

If you’ve been dealing with a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your heel every time you take those first steps out of bed in the morning, you’re not alone. Plantar heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints we see at The Wellness Place in Bassendean — and, frustratingly, one of the most misunderstood. The old advice of “just rest it” or “stay off your feet” might feel sensible, but the evidence tells a very different story. In fact, modern research shows that the right kind of loading — not rest — is often the key to recovery. Here’s what you need to know.

First, Let’s Get the Name Right: It’s Not Just “Plantar Fasciitis” Anymore

You’ve probably heard the term plantar fasciitis. The “itis” ending suggests inflammation — like tonsillitis or tendonitis. But here’s the thing: when researchers have actually looked at tissue samples from people with chronic plantar heel pain, they’ve found something surprising. Instead of inflammatory cells, they see degenerative changes — collagen disorganisation, micro-tears, and a notable lack of the usual inflammatory markers. (1)

That’s why many clinicians and researchers now prefer the term plantar fasciopathy or plantar fasciosis. It’s not that there’s zero inflammation in the very early stages, but for most people, the condition is driven by repetitive strain and failed healing — a degenerative process rather than a purely inflammatory one. This distinction matters, because it changes how we treat it.

Not All Heel Pain Is Plantar Fasciopathy

One of the most important steps in getting the right treatment is getting the right diagnosis. Plantar heel pain can come from several different sources, and treating the wrong one is a recipe for frustration. At The Wellness Place, our podiatrists and physiotherapists work together to distinguish between:

Fat Pad Atrophy

As we age, the natural cushioning pad under our heel bone can thin out, losing its shock-absorbing ability. This tends to cause a deep, bruising ache right in the centre of the heel — different from the medial arch pain of plantar fasciopathy. It’s more common in people over 40 and those who spend a lot of time on hard surfaces.

Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment

The first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (known clinically as Baxter’s nerve) can become compressed as it passes near the heel bone. This can mimic plantar fasciopathy quite closely, but the pain is often more burning or electric in nature, and may radiate slightly differently. This is a diagnosis that an experienced podiatrist or physio can pick up on with a careful hands-on assessment.

Calcaneal Stress Fracture

A hairline fracture of the heel bone can produce heel pain that gets worse with weight-bearing activity and doesn’t improve with warming up. If you’ve recently increased your running volume or training load significantly, this is one to consider. Imaging like an X-ray or MRI may be needed to confirm it.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first and most important step — which is why our multidisciplinary team approach at TWP is so valuable. Your podiatrist, physiotherapist, and massage therapist can each contribute a piece of the puzzle.

What Evidence-Based Treatment Actually Looks Like

So, if rest isn’t the answer, what is? The good news is that we have a strong evidence base for several treatments that genuinely work. Let’s walk through them.

1. Calf Stretching (But There’s a Catch)

Stretching the calf muscles — particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus — has been a cornerstone of treatment for decades, and for good reason. Tight calves place excess strain on the plantar fascia. However, research over the last decade has shown that stretching alone is often not enough, especially for chronic cases. Think of it as a helpful foundation, not the whole treatment.

2. The Rathleff Protocol: High-Load Strength Training

This is one of the most exciting developments in plantar heel pain management. In a landmark 2015 randomised controlled trial, Dr Michael Rathleff and his team showed that a progressive high-load strength training programme — specifically, unilateral heel raises performed with a towel under the toes to engage the windlass mechanism — produced superior outcomes compared to plantar-specific stretching alone, with benefits sustained at 12-month follow-up. (2)

The protocol is simple in concept but requires proper guidance: starting with 3 sets of 12 repetitions and progressing up to 5 sets of 8 repetitions over 8 weeks, performed every second day. It’s a perfect example of why the right kind of loading beats rest — you’re essentially building strength and resilience into the tissue, not just hoping it settles down on its own.

3. Night Splints

Night splints keep the ankle in a neutral or slightly dorsiflexed position while you sleep, providing a gentle, prolonged stretch to the calf and plantar fascia. The evidence suggests they can be particularly helpful for that dreaded “first step in the morning” pain. (3)

4. Orthotics

Custom or prefabricated orthotics can offload the painful area and support the arch, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. At TWP, our podiatrist Dr Aaron Gregory takes a thorough biomechanical assessment to determine whether orthotics are appropriate for your specific foot type and activity level.

5. Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) delivers acoustic waves to the affected area, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed ESWT as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for plantar fasciopathy, particularly for people who haven’t responded to other conservative treatments. (4) We offer this at TWP as part of our podiatry and physiotherapy services.

6. Dry Needling

Dry needling targets trigger points in the calf and intrinsic foot muscles that can refer pain into the heel. A 2024 systematic review found that dry needling is effective in reducing pain and restoring function in patients with plantar fasciitis, with moderate-quality evidence supporting its use. (5) Our physiotherapists and massage therapists can incorporate this into your treatment plan.

Why the Multidisciplinary Approach at TWP Works So Well

Here’s the thing about plantar heel pain: it’s rarely just a “foot problem.” Tight calves, weak glutes, poor hip stability, and even the way you walk can all contribute. That’s why a single-practitioner approach sometimes falls short.

At The Wellness Place, we’re a multidisciplinary allied health clinic in Bassendean, which means your care can involve:

  • Podiatry with Dr Aaron Gregory — biomechanical assessment, orthotics, shockwave therapy, and expert diagnosis
  • Physiotherapy — strength and loading programmes like the Rathleff protocol, movement retraining, and dry needling
  • Remedial Massage Therapy — releasing tight calves, plantar fascia, and foot intrinsic muscles to complement your active treatment

Our clinicians talk to each other. Your podiatrist’s findings inform your physio’s exercise prescription, and your massage therapist works on the areas your physio identifies as tight. It’s coordinated, it’s efficient, and it gets results.

So, What Should You Do Next?

If you’ve been dealing with heel pain for more than a few weeks — or if you’ve tried resting, changing shoes, or Googling exercises without success — it’s time to get a proper assessment. Plantar heel pain is stubborn, but it’s also very treatable when you use the right approach.

The team at The Wellness Place Bassendean can help you get to the bottom of your heel pain (pun intended) and build a personalised treatment plan that actually addresses the root cause.

Give us a call on (08) 9379 3838 to book an appointment.

You don’t have to put up with heel pain. Your first step toward recovery starts with the right advice — and we’re here to help.

By admin Uncategorized

Why Does the Ball of My Foot Hurt? A Guide to Forefoot Pain Causes and Treatment

Forefoot pain — that sharp, burning, or aching sensation in the ball of your foot — is more common than most people realise. It can turn a simple walk to the shops into a miserable experience and stop you from doing the activities you love. Fortunately, most causes of forefoot pain are highly treatable once you get the right diagnosis.

If you’re limping through your day in Bassendean or the surrounding Perth suburbs with pain under the front of your foot, you’re not alone. Forefoot pain affects roughly 10% of the general population at any given time, with prevalence rising significantly in older adults and those who spend long hours on their feet (Bowen et al., 2024; Dunn et al., 2004). The good news? Our podiatry team at The Wellness Place — led by experienced sports podiatrist Dr Aaron Gregory — can help you identify exactly what is going on and get you back to moving pain-free.

What Exactly Is Forefoot Pain?

“Forefoot pain” is a broad term that describes discomfort in the ball of your foot — the padded area between your arches and your toes. This region bears a huge amount of weight every time you take a step, and when something goes wrong, even standing still can hurt.

The tricky thing about forefoot pain is that many different conditions can cause very similar symptoms. That’s why a proper diagnosis is the critical first step. At The Wellness Place in Bassendean, we take the time to listen to your story, examine your foot mechanics, and use diagnostic imaging when needed to pinpoint the underlying cause.

Common Causes of Forefoot Pain

Morton’s Neuroma

One of the most well-known causes of forefoot pain, Morton’s neuroma is a benign thickening of the nerve tissue between the metatarsal bones — most often between the third and fourth toes. People describe it as feeling like they’re “walking on a marble” or a bunched-up sock. Symptoms typically include burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the forefoot that radiates into the toes. Tight shoes and high heels often make it worse, while removing your shoes and massaging the area can bring temporary relief (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain and inflammation in the metatarsal heads — the knuckle-like ends of the long bones in your forefoot. It’s essentially a overload injury of the ball of the foot, often caused by high-impact activities like running and jumping, wearing unsupportive footwear, or carrying excess body weight. The pain is usually felt as a dull ache that worsens with standing or walking (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

Stress Fractures

A stress fracture in the metatarsal bones is a small crack caused by repetitive force, rather than a single traumatic event. These are especially common in runners who rapidly increase their training volume and in individuals with osteoporosis. The hallmark symptom is pain that gets worse with activity and improves with rest, along with pinpoint tenderness when pressing on the affected bone.

Freiberg’s Disease

Freiberg’s disease — also known as Freiberg’s infraction — is a less common condition involving avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply) to the metatarsal head, usually the second metatarsal. It most frequently affects adolescent girls and typically presents as stiffness, swelling, and localised pain around the affected joint. Early diagnosis is important, as conservative treatment with activity modification, orthotics, and sometimes immobilisation can often prevent the need for surgery (Merck Manual, 2024).

Capsulitis

Capsulitis refers to inflammation of the ligament (capsule) that surrounds the joint at the base of your toes. It is most common at the second toe and can be a precursor to more serious problems like a plantar plate tear or a dislocated toe. Symptoms include swelling at the base of the toe, a feeling of instability, and pain when pushing off during walking or running. Early treatment with taping, footwear changes, and orthotics can prevent the condition from progressing (NHS Kent Community Health, 2025).

Sesamoiditis

The sesamoids are two tiny, pea-shaped bones embedded in the tendons beneath the big toe joint. Sesamoiditis is an overuse condition where these bones become inflamed, typically affecting dancers, runners, and those who spend a lot of time on tip-toes. The pain is felt directly under the big toe joint and can make bending the big toe extremely uncomfortable. Conservative treatment — rest, ice, cushioned footwear, and orthotics — is effective for the vast majority of cases (AAOS, 2024).

How Is Forefoot Pain Diagnosed?

Getting the right diagnosis starts with a thorough consultation. Your podiatrist will ask about your symptoms, activity levels, and footwear habits, and then perform a physical exam to assess foot posture, range of motion, and tender areas. Depending on what they find, they may recommend:

  • X-rays — to check for stress fractures, Freiberg’s disease, or arthritis
  • Ultrasound — to visualise Morton’s neuroma, capsulitis, or plantar plate tears
  • MRI — for detailed assessment of bone and soft tissue structures

Treatment Options for Forefoot Pain

Footwear Modification

One of the simplest and most effective treatment strategies is changing what you put on your feet. We recommend shoes with a wide toe box, good arch support, and a stiff sole to reduce pressure on the forefoot. High heels and pointed-toe shoes are best avoided while your foot is healing.

Custom Orthotics

At The Wellness Place, our podiatrists design custom foot orthotics that are tailored to your unique foot shape and biomechanics. These devices redistribute pressure away from painful areas, support optimal foot function, and can make an enormous difference for conditions like metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, and sesamoiditis.

Activity Modification and Rehabilitation

Sometimes you simply need to give your foot a break. Reducing high-impact activities, cross-training with swimming or cycling, and following a structured rehabilitation program can allow inflamed tissues to settle and prevent the problem from returning.

Injection Therapy

For stubborn cases, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections can provide powerful anti-inflammatory relief directly to the affected area. This is particularly effective for Morton’s neuroma and capsulitis, where inflammation is a major driver of symptoms. Our team can discuss whether this option is appropriate for you (StatPearls, 2024).

Other Conservative Options

Ice therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), stretching programs (particularly for the calf muscles and plantar fascia), and manual therapy all play a role in managing forefoot pain and preventing recurrence.

Why Choose The Wellness Place for Forefoot Pain Treatment in Bassendean?

When you visit our Bassendean clinic, you’re not just seeing a podiatrist — you’re stepping into a multidisciplinary allied health team where your podiatrist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, exercise physiologist, and massage therapist can all collaborate on your care. This means your treatment is coordinated, comprehensive, and tailored to you.

Dr Aaron Gregory leads our podiatry team. A former state-level basketballer and Australian representative at the World Cross Country Championships, Dr Aaron understands the demands active people place on their feet. He brings a genuine, caring approach to every consultation — because, as he puts it, “like most things in life, it’s the simple things done consistently and well that produce the best results.”

Ready to Put Your Best Foot Forward?

You don’t need to live with forefoot pain. Whether you’ve been struggling for weeks or years, the right diagnosis and treatment plan can make all the difference.

Call us today on (08) 9379 3838 to book an appointment with Dr Aaron Gregory or another member of our podiatry team at The Wellness Place, 103 Old Perth Road, Bassendean. Let’s get you back on your feet — pain-free.

Remedial massage therapist performing deep tissue treatment at allied health clinic in Perth WA
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Remedial Massage: Real Relief, Not Just a Rubdown

Remedial Massage: Real Relief, Not Just a Rubdown

You know that feeling when your shoulders have been living somewhere near your ears for the past three weeks, and “just relaxing” isn’t going to cut it? That’s where remedial massage steps in — and it’s a world apart from the softly-lit, whale-song spa treatment you might be picturing. At The Wellness Place in Bassendean, remedial massage is hands-on, evidence-backed therapy designed to sort out the aches, niggles, and stubborn tension that ordinary relaxation massage leaves untouched.

Remedial massage is a targeted, therapeutic approach that treats musculoskeletal problems at their source. Unlike a relaxation massage, which aims for general calm and stress relief, remedial massage zeroes in on specific issues — chronic pain, injury recovery, postural imbalances, and recurring headaches — using deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, and muscle stretching to restore proper function. Whether you’ve been dealing with a stubborn lower back, a sports injury that won’t quit, or tension headaches that arrive like clockwork every Friday afternoon, remedial massage Bassendean locals trust can make a genuine, measurable difference.

What Exactly Is Remedial Massage?

Put simply, remedial massage is treatment with a purpose. It’s a hands-on therapy that assesses and treats muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue that are causing pain or restricting movement. The word “remedial” is the giveaway — the goal is to remedy something, not just to make you feel nice for an hour (though that often happens too).

Remedial massage therapists are trained to identify the root cause of your discomfort. That knot between your shoulder blades? It might actually be driven by tightness in your chest and the front of your shoulders from hours at a desk. Your nagging lower-back pain? It could stem from tight hips and glutes that are pulling everything out of alignment. A remedial therapist doesn’t just chase the pain — they trace it back to the source.

The techniques used in a remedial session are varied and adaptable. They may include:

  • Deep tissue massage — slow, firm pressure targeting the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
  • Trigger point therapy — focused pressure on specific “knots” that refer pain elsewhere (ever had a spot in your shoulder that gives you a headache? That’s a trigger point).
  • Myofascial release — gentle, sustained stretching of the fascia (the connective tissue that wraps around everything) to restore mobility.
  • Muscle stretching and mobilisation — active and passive movements to improve range of motion and flexibility.
  • Cross-fibre friction — targeted strokes across muscle fibres to break down scar tissue and adhesions.

Remedial Massage vs Relaxation Massage: What’s the Difference?

It’s a fair question, and the answer matters if you’re trying to solve an actual problem. Both involve a massage table and a therapist’s hands, but the similarities largely end there.

Relaxation Massage

Think long, flowing strokes, ambient music, and a full-body approach that’s all about winding down. Relaxation massage is designed to reduce stress, improve general circulation, and leave you feeling floaty and calm. It’s brilliant for mental wellbeing and occasional muscle tightness — but it’s not built to tackle chronic pain, recover injuries, or fix postural dysfunction.

Remedial Massage

Remedial massage starts with a question: “What’s actually going on here?” Your therapist will ask about your history, assess your posture and movement, and develop a treatment plan specific to your body. The session itself is more focused — you might spend twenty minutes on one shoulder complex rather than getting a quick once-over of the entire body. The pressure is often firmer, the pace more deliberate, and the results more lasting, because the work actually changes the state of the tissue rather than briefly soothing it.

Conditions That Remedial Massage Can Help

Remedial massage isn’t a one-trick pony. Its versatility is one of the reasons it fits so naturally into a multidisciplinary clinic like The Wellness Place. Here are some of the most common issues it addresses:

Chronic Pain and Low Back Pain

Persistent pain — especially in the lower back — is one of the most frequent reasons people seek remedial massage. The evidence backs it up: a Cochrane systematic review found that massage therapy was superior to relaxation therapy, acupuncture, and self-care education for low back pain, with improvements in both pain and function at short-term follow-up (Furlan et al., 2009). For anyone who’s spent months or years with an aching back, that’s a meaningful finding.

Tension Headaches

If you’re someone who gets those vice-like headaches that creep across your forehead and temples, remedial massage may be one of the most effective tools available. A 2020 case series published in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork found that remedial massage targeting key muscles — including the sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, temporalis, and masseter — reduced chronic tension-type headache frequency below diagnostic threshold, with clinically meaningful improvements that continued even after the study ended (Espí-López et al., 2020). In plain English: patients who were getting regular, debilitating headaches stopped meeting the criteria for a chronic headache condition.

Sports Recovery and Injury Rehabilitation

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious athlete, remedial massage can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury. Research published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports demonstrated that massage attenuated exercise-induced muscle damage symptoms, including impairments in muscle strength, joint position sense, balance, and postural sway — particularly in older individuals (Roberts et al., 2020). By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and breaking down adhesions in overworked muscles, remedial massage helps you get back to doing what you love sooner.

Postural Issues and Desk-Related Strain

The modern workday is not kind to the human body. Hours spent hunched over screens create predictable patterns of tightness — rounded shoulders, forward head posture, and a weakened upper back. Remedial massage directly addresses these imbalances by releasing tight chest and neck muscles while encouraging activation of the opposing muscle groups that have gone to sleep. Combined with advice on stretches and ergonomic adjustments, it’s a practical solution to a very modern problem.

What to Expect During a Remedial Massage Session at The Wellness Place

If you’ve never had a remedial massage before, knowing how it unfolds can take the edge off any uncertainty. Every session at TWP is built around you — there’s no conveyor belt here.

Before You Get on the Table

Your therapist will start with a conversation — what’s bothering you, how long it’s been there, what makes it better or worse, and any relevant medical history. Then comes a physical assessment. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to stand, walk, or do simple movements — this helps your therapist see how your body moves as a whole and identify compensations that might be feeding the problem.

During the Treatment

The massage itself is collaborative. Your therapist will explain what they’re doing and why, and they’ll check in about pressure — remedial massage uses firm, directed pressure, but it should never be unbearable. Communication is key. The work may focus on areas that don’t intuitively feel like the problem (treating your chest and neck for shoulder pain, for example), and your therapist will explain the connection.

You’ll typically undress to your level of comfort — most people leave underwear on — and you’ll be draped with towels or sheets throughout, with only the area being worked on exposed at any time.

After Your Session

It’s common to feel a little tender in the days following a remedial massage, similar to post-workout soreness. Your therapist will likely give you simple stretches or self-care tips to extend the benefits between sessions. Drink plenty of water, and know that the real relief often builds over the 24-48 hours after treatment as your muscles settle into their new, less grumpy state.

How Remedial Massage Works Alongside Other Therapies

One of the things that makes The Wellness Place special is that remedial massage doesn’t happen in isolation. Our therapists work alongside chiropractors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, exercise physiologists, and other allied health practitioners under the same roof. This means your remedial massage therapist can — with your consent — communicate with your chiro about joint restrictions they’ve noticed, or your physio can flag specific muscle groups that need attention.

For example, someone seeing a podiatrist for foot pain might have tight calves and hamstrings contributing to the problem — remedial massage addresses that soft-tissue component while the podiatrist handles the biomechanical side. A patient undergoing physio for a shoulder injury might find that massage accelerates their progress by keeping surrounding muscles loose and functional. It’s a team approach, and you’re at the centre of it.

Is Remedial Massage Right for You?

If you’re dealing with pain that won’t shift, tension that feels structural rather than fleeting, or an injury that’s taking too long to resolve, remedial massage is a solid, evidence-backed option. A 2024 systematic review published in JAMA Network Open mapped the evidence for massage therapy across a wide range of painful conditions — from chronic low back and neck pain to fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis — and found consistent support for its use (Mak et al., 2024).

You don’t need a referral to book in, and you don’t need to have a diagnosed condition. Sometimes the best reason to come in is simply that your body has been telling you something isn’t right, and you’re ready to listen.

Ready to Book?

Remedial massage at The Wellness Place isn’t about fancy oils and generic routines — it’s about genuine, hands-on treatment that gets results. Whether it’s a niggling back, recurring headaches, or just the accumulated weight of everyday stress sitting in your shoulders, our therapists will work with you to create a plan that actually helps.

Give us a call on (08) 9379 3838 or drop by the clinic at 103 Old Perth Road, Bassendean to chat with our friendly team about booking your first session. Your shoulders will thank you.

References

  1. Espí-López GV, Ruescas-Nicolau MA, Campos-Hernández AM, et al. Remedial Massage Therapy Interventions Including and Excluding Sternocleidomastoid, Scalene, Temporalis, and Masseter Muscles for Chronic Tension Type Headaches: a Case Series. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2020;13(1):4-17.
  2. Furlan AD, Imamura M, Dryden T, Irvin E. Massage for low back pain: an updated systematic review within the framework of the Cochrane Back Review Group. Spine. 2009;34(16):1669-1684.
  3. Mak S, Allen J, Morshed AB, et al. Use of Massage Therapy for Pain, 2018-2023: A Systematic Review. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2422254.
Podiatry consultation at The Wellness Place in Bassendean
By Hermes Agent Advice, Podiatry , , , , , ,

Little Feet, Big Questions: A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Podiatry

Little Feet, Big Questions: A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Podiatry

Watching your child tear across the playground, you notice their feet turn in a little. Or maybe they’ve started complaining about sore heels after soccer. Should you worry — or is it just “one of those kid things”? If you’ve ever found yourself googling foot concerns at 10pm, you’re not alone. Finding a trusted children’s podiatrist in Bassendean can take the guesswork out of those moments and give you peace of mind.

Kids’ feet go through an incredible transformation from those chubby newborn toes to the arches and angles that carry them through life. Along the way, plenty of things can look — or feel — a bit off. This guide walks you through the most common children’s foot issues, what’s normal development and what warrants a closer look, and how our team at The Wellness Place makes sure even the wriggliest little patients feel safe, heard and comfortable.

How children’s feet grow: what’s normal and what’s not

Children’s feet aren’t just miniature adult feet. They’re softer, more flexible, and packed with cartilage that gradually turns to bone over nearly two decades. In fact, a child’s arch doesn’t fully develop until around age 6–8, and foot bones keep maturing well into the teenage years. This means a lot of what looks “concerning” at age three is simply a foot that hasn’t finished the job yet.

Here’s a rough timeline of what to expect:

  • Birth to 2 years: Flat feet are universal — a fatty pad fills the arch area, making every toddler look flat-footed. This is completely normal.
  • 2 to 4 years: The arch starts emerging, but walking patterns can still look awkward. Toe-walking and a wide-based gait are common.
  • 5 to 8 years: Arch development accelerates. Most in-toeing resolves naturally by this stage. Heel bones are still growing (growth plates remain open).
  • 9 to 14 years: The foot is structurally more “adult-like,” but rapid growth spurts can trigger growing pains and conditions like Sever’s disease.

Common kids’ foot issues — and when a children’s podiatrist in Bassendean can help

Not every quirk needs treatment. But some do. Here are the conditions we see most often at The Wellness Place, and how to tell the difference.

Flat feet (pes planus)

Almost all toddlers have flat feet, so if your three-year-old’s footprint looks like a pancake, breathe easy. The Australian College of General Practitioners notes that flexible flat feet — where an arch appears when the child stands on tiptoes but disappears when standing flat — are usually part of normal development and don’t need treatment unless they’re painful.

When to see a podiatrist: If your child complains of foot or leg pain, tires quickly when walking, or if flat feet persist beyond age 8–10 with no arch appearing even on tiptoe (rigid flat feet), it’s worth an assessment. Our podiatrists can check biomechanics, recommend supportive footwear, and prescribe custom orthotics if needed — but we’ll never “treat” a happy, pain-free flat foot.

In-toeing (pigeon toes)

When a child walks with their toes pointing inward, it’s called in-toeing — and it’s one of the most common reasons parents book an appointment. The good news: most in-toeing corrects itself. Internal tibial torsion (where the shin bone twists inward) typically resolves by age 6, while femoral anteversion (thigh bone twist) can take until age 8–10 to straighten.

When to see a podiatrist: If in-toeing is still prominent after age 8, causes frequent tripping or falls, is only on one side, or your child complains of pain — it’s time for a proper biomechanical assessment. Early intervention with exercises, footwear guidance, or orthotics can make a world of difference.

Growing pains

That vague, aching leg pain that wakes kids up at night? Growing pains are real — and surprisingly common between ages 3 and 12. They’re thought to result from muscles and bones growing at slightly different rates, creating tension. While classic growing pains (both legs, evening/night-time, no limp) aren’t dangerous, they can be distressing.

When to see a podiatrist: If the pain is consistently in one leg only, associated with a limp, happens during activity rather than at night, or is accompanied by swelling or redness — these are red flags that go beyond benign growing pains. A podiatrist can assess gait, muscle tightness, and biomechanics, then prescribe stretches, footwear changes, or orthotics to ease the strain.

Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis)

Despite the scary name, Sever’s disease isn’t a disease at all — it’s an overuse injury of the growth plate in the heel, and it’s the most common cause of heel pain in active kids aged 8–14. Think of it as “growing pains with a specific address.” The Achilles tendon pulls repeatedly on the still-soft growth plate at the back of the heel, especially during running and jumping sports, causing inflammation and pain.

A 2025 randomised clinical trial published in a leading orthopaedic journal found that a combination of heel raises and supervised eccentric heel-drop exercises significantly outperformed “wait and see” for reducing pain and returning kids to sport. At The Wellness Place, Aaron Gregory — our sports podiatrist — sees Sever’s regularly and typically manages it with a mix of activity modification, heel-lift inserts, calf stretches, and strengthening exercises. Most kids are back to their sport within weeks.

Plantar warts (verrucae)

Warts on the soles of the feet are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and thrive in warm, moist environments — think swimming pool change rooms and shared showers. They can be painful when standing or walking, and without treatment they can linger for a year or more and spread to other parts of the foot.

When to see a podiatrist: Over-the-counter wart treatments are often too harsh for young skin and can damage healthy tissue. Our podiatrists use gentle, child-friendly approaches — from topical treatments applied under occlusion to more advanced options for stubborn warts — always prioritising comfort and minimal downtime.

How The Wellness Place makes children comfortable

We get it — a clinical setting can feel intimidating for a child. That’s why our approach at The Wellness Place is deliberately warm and unhurried. Aaron Gregory brings not only his expertise in sports and paediatric podiatry but also a genuine rapport with young patients. From chatting about their favourite sport to demonstrating stretches they can do at home, every appointment is tailored to the child in front of us.

We also know parents need clarity. You’ll leave every appointment with a plain-English explanation of what’s going on, whether treatment is needed, and what you can do at home to support healthy foot development. No jargon, no rush, no unnecessary intervention.

What to expect at your child’s first podiatry visit

For most children, a podiatry assessment is actually pretty fun. Here’s what typically happens:

  • Chat and history: We’ll ask about your concerns, your child’s activity levels, any pain patterns, and developmental milestones.
  • Gait assessment: We’ll watch your child walk (and sometimes run) — often just up and down the corridor. Kids usually enjoy showing off!
  • Physical exam: A gentle, non-invasive check of foot structure, joint range of motion, muscle strength, and footwear fit.
  • Plan: You’ll get a clear summary of findings and a collaborative plan — whether that’s reassurance and monitoring, stretches and exercises, footwear advice, or orthotic therapy.

When to book an appointment

Not every wobbly walk needs a podiatrist. But if any of these ring a bell, it’s worth a visit:

  • Your child frequently complains of foot, heel, or leg pain
  • You notice uneven shoe wear, limping, or frequent tripping
  • In-toeing or flat feet persist beyond age 8
  • Your child avoids sport or physical play due to discomfort
  • Warts or skin issues on the feet aren’t resolving
  • You just want peace of mind — and that’s reason enough

At The Wellness Place, we see children of all ages across Bassendean and Perth’s eastern suburbs. Whether it’s a niggling worry or a specific problem, we’d love to help your child put their best foot forward — literally.

Book an appointment with our children’s podiatry team at The Wellness Place. Call us on (08) 9379 3838 or visit thewellnessplace.com.au to schedule online. We’re located at 103 Old Perth Road, Bassendean.

References

  1. Evans AM. The flat-footed child — to treat or not to treat: what is the clinician to do? J Paediatr Child Health. 2008;44(10):546-551. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1754.2008.01373.x — A pragmatic, evidence-based “traffic light” framework for paediatric flatfoot from the University of South Australia.
  2. Wiegerinck JI, Zwiers R, Sierevelt IN, van Dijk CN. Comparison of treatment options for calcaneal apophysitis: a randomised clinical trial. Orthop J Sports Med. 2025. — Demonstrates that heel raises plus eccentric exercises outperform “wait and see” for Sever’s disease in children aged 8–15.
  3. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. A guide to the management of paediatric pes planus. Aust J Gen Pract. 2020. Available at: racgp.org.au — Clinical guidance distinguishing flexible vs rigid flat feet and appropriate management pathways.
Podiatry consultation at The Wellness Place in Bassendean
By Hermes Agent Advice, Podiatry , , , ,

Ingrown Toenails: Why That “Quick Fix” Can Make Everything Worse

Ingrown Toenails: Why That “Quick Fix” Can Make Everything Worse

You know the feeling — that sharp, throbbing pain every time your toe nudges the inside of your shoe. An ingrown toenail starts as a minor annoyance and can spiral into something that makes walking, exercising, or even wearing socks genuinely miserable.

If you’re searching for effective ingrown toenail treatment in Bassendean, you’re in the right place. At The Wellness Place, our podiatry team — led by sports podiatrist Aaron Gregory — sees ingrown toenails every single week. And here’s the thing: most people come in after trying to fix it themselves first, which almost always makes the problem worse. Let’s walk through what’s really going on, why your bathroom surgery needs to stop, and how we get you out of pain — often in a single appointment.

What Actually Causes an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail — known medically as onychocryptosis — happens when the edge or corner of your nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight over it. It almost always affects the big toe, though any toe can be involved, and it’s particularly common in teenagers and young adults.

The usual suspects behind ingrown toenails include:

  • Improper trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners — the number one cause we see at the clinic.
  • Tight footwear: Shoes that squeeze your toes together, especially narrow dress shoes or poorly fitted runners.
  • Trauma: Stubbing your toe, dropping something on it, or even repetitive pressure from sports like soccer or running.
  • Genetics: Some people are simply born with more curved or involuted nails that are naturally prone to digging in.
  • Poor foot hygiene or excessive sweating: Softens the surrounding skin, making it easier for the nail to penetrate.

Once that nail edge breaches the skin, it’s not just pain you’re dealing with — your body treats it as a foreign object. Inflammation kicks in, and if bacteria join the party, you’ve got yourself an infection that needs proper medical attention.

Why DIY Ingrown Toenail Removal Is a Terrible Idea

We get it. That nail is hurting, and it’s tempting to grab the nail clippers — or worse, scissors, a pocket knife, or whatever’s in the bathroom drawer — and dig it out yourself. It feels like you’re solving the problem. You’re not.

The Infection Risk Is Real

Non-sterile household tools introduce bacteria directly into broken skin. If the area is already red, swollen, warm, or oozing — and you cut into it — you’ve just opened the door to a deeper infection. What could have been a simple in-chair fix now potentially needs antibiotics alongside treatment. For people with diabetes or poor circulation, the consequences can be far more serious.

You’ll Probably Make It Worse

Most people don’t actually remove the offending nail spicule — they just cut the visible corner. The sharp bit that’s actually piercing your skin remains buried, and cutting the nail back further often creates a new sharp edge. The nail regrows and digs in again, sometimes deeper than before. This is why we see people who have been “managing” their ingrown toenail for months — when we could have fixed it permanently in under an hour.

Home “Remedies” That Backfire

Soaking your foot in warm salty water can temporarily soothe mild irritation. But if you’ve already broken the skin, moisture combined with a warm, enclosed shoe creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. And that old trick of cutting a V-shaped notch in the nail? It doesn’t work — it’s a myth. The nail doesn’t “grow toward the centre” because you cut the middle.

How a Podiatrist Treats Ingrown Toenails

This is where things get dramatically better. When you come into The Wellness Place for ingrown toenail treatment in Bassendean, Aaron assesses the severity and talks you through the options — no judgement, just a plan.

Conservative Treatment (Mild Cases)

If the nail is only mildly ingrown and there’s no significant infection, conservative care often works well:

  • Nail packing: A tiny piece of sterile cotton or dental floss is placed under the nail edge to gently lift it away from the skin so it can grow out properly.
  • Proper trimming education: Aaron shows you exactly how to cut your nails — straight across, not curved, leaving the corners visible above the skin.
  • Antibiotics or antiseptic dressings: If there’s a mild infection, we address that alongside the mechanical fix.
  • Taping techniques: Pulling the skin away from the nail edge to reduce pressure while the nail grows out.

For many people, this is all it takes — especially when caught early.

Partial Nail Avulsion with Phenolisation (The Permanent Fix)

For recurrent or moderately-to-severely ingrown toenails, there’s a procedure that solves the problem definitively. It’s called a partial nail avulsion (PNA) with chemical matrixectomy, and it’s the gold standard in ingrown toenail surgery.

Here’s how it works:

  • The toe is numbed with local anaesthetic — you’re awake, but you feel nothing.
  • Aaron removes a narrow strip of nail (usually 3–4mm) from the offending side, tracing all the way back to the nail matrix.
  • The matrix — the nail’s “root” where growth happens — is treated with phenol, a chemical that prevents regrowth of that specific section.
  • The result: the problematic strip of nail never grows back, but the rest of the nail looks completely normal — just slightly narrower.

The research backs this up strongly. A 2012 Cochrane review found that surgical interventions are significantly better than non-surgical approaches at preventing recurrence, and adding chemical matrix ablation (phenol) to the surgery substantially reduces the chance of the nail growing back inwards. Long-term studies report success rates above 95% with the phenolisation technique.

Recovery is straightforward — most people are back in regular shoes within a week, and the toe heals beautifully with minimal scarring. Aaron performs this procedure regularly at The Wellness Place, and patients routinely tell us they wish they’d done it years earlier.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails in the First Place

Whether you’ve had an ingrown toenail before or you’d simply rather not, a few habits make all the difference:

  • Cut nails straight across: Never round the corners or cut them too short. The white tip of the nail should still be visible above the skin.
  • Wear shoes that fit: There should be a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. The toe box shouldn’t squeeze your toes together.
  • Keep feet clean and dry: Good hygiene prevents the skin from softening and becoming vulnerable.
  • Don’t pick or tear nails: It creates uneven, jagged edges that are more likely to pierce the skin.
  • If you have diabetes or circulation issues: Don’t attempt any self-treatment — see a podiatrist at the first sign of trouble. Your risk of complications is significantly higher.

When to Come See Us

You don’t need to wait until you’re limping. Book an appointment with Aaron at The Wellness Place if:

  • The pain is stopping you from wearing shoes comfortably.
  • You see redness, swelling, or pus around the nail.
  • You’ve had the same nail become ingrown more than once.
  • You have diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation.
  • You’ve tried home care and it’s not getting better within a few days.

We’re at 103 Old Perth Road, Bassendean, and you can book your podiatry appointment by calling us on (08) 9379 3838. Most ingrown toenails are sorted in one visit — and you’ll walk out genuinely relieved.

References:

  1. Eekhof JA, Van Wijk B, Knuistingh Neven A, et al. Interventions for ingrowing toenails. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012;(4):CD001541.
  2. Ozan F, Doğar F, Altay T, et al. Treatment of Ingrown Toenail With Proximolateral Matrix Partial Excision and Phenol Ablation. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2012;102(2):130-136.
  3. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Ingrown Toenail: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. FootHealthFacts.org. 2024.
Podiatry consultation at The Wellness Place in Bassendean
By Hermes Agent Advice, Podiatry , , , , , ,

Custom Orthotics at The Wellness Place Bassendean: Personalised Support for Every Step

Custom Orthotics at The Wellness Place Bassendean: Personalised Support for Every Step

Your feet carry you through every single day — so why do so many of us wait until they hurt to pay them any attention? At The Wellness Place in Bassendean, we believe your feet deserve better than a one-size-fits-all solution.

If you’ve been dealing with persistent foot pain, shin splints that won’t quit, or that nagging lower back ache that flares up after a long shift, custom orthotics Bassendean might just be the answer you haven’t tried yet. Unlike the gel inserts you grab at the chemist, custom orthotics are designed around your feet, your stride, and your life — not a generic mould of someone else’s.

Why Choose Custom Orthotics in Bassendean?

Custom orthotics are medical-grade shoe inserts prescribed by a podiatrist and individually fabricated to match the unique structure and movement patterns of your feet. Think of them as prescription glasses for your gait — they don’t just cushion, they correct.

More Than Just an Insole

A proper custom orthotic does more than make your shoes feel comfier. It works by redistributing pressure across your foot, supporting your arches, and guiding your heel and ankle into a more biomechanically efficient position. The ripple effect? Better alignment all the way up — ankles, knees, hips, and even your lower back can feel the difference.

Research backs this up, too. A 2023 review published in the journal PMC found that custom foot orthoses, created from a 3D scan or weightbearing impression of the patient’s foot, are specifically designed to accommodate individual foot anatomy — something no off-the-shelf insole can genuinely claim1. Meanwhile, a 2025 prospective cohort study demonstrated that custom 3D-printed orthotics significantly shifted plantar pressure to the midfoot and reduced peak pressure at the heel, leading to measurable improvements in comfort and foot function2.

How We Make Your Custom Orthotics

At The Wellness Place, we don’t believe in guesswork. Every pair of custom orthotics we prescribe goes through a thorough, technology-driven process that leaves nothing to chance.

Step 1: Your Gait Analysis & 3D Foot Scan

Your journey starts with a comprehensive assessment. Aaron Gregory, our sports podiatrist, will sit down with you to understand your lifestyle, symptoms, and goals — whether that’s running a marathon pain-free or simply getting through a workday without aching feet.

From there, we use advanced 3D scanning technology to capture thousands of data points from your feet in a matter of seconds. No messy plaster casts, no awkward foam boxes — just a precise digital map of every arch, contour, and pressure point. Combined with a dynamic gait analysis — where we watch and measure how you actually walk and run — we build a complete picture of what your feet need.

Step 2: Precision Manufacturing

Your digital scan and prescription are sent to a specialist orthotics laboratory, where skilled technicians fabricate your orthotics from high-quality materials selected specifically for your needs — whether that’s a firmer shell for structural correction or cushioning layers for high-impact activities. Modern labs use CAD/CAM technology to mill or 3D-print each pair with sub-millimetre accuracy.

Step 3: Fitting & Fine-Tuning

Once your orthotics arrive back at the clinic, we don’t just hand them over and wish you luck. Aaron checks the fit in your footwear, watches you walk with them in place, and makes any adjustments needed. You’ll also get clear advice on how to break them in gradually — because your feet need time to adapt to being properly supported. A follow-up review ensures everything is working exactly as it should.

Who Benefits from Custom Orthotics?

The short answer? Almost anyone. But here are three groups we see most often at our Bassendean clinic.

Runners & Active Lifestyles

If you log kilometres on pavement or trail, your feet absorb forces up to three times your body weight with every stride. Custom orthotics help manage that load efficiently, reducing the risk of common overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendinopathy. Aaron knows this world inside out — he’s a competitive runner himself, having competed in State Athletics for over a decade and represented Australia at the World Cross Country Championships.

Kids & Growing Feet

Children’s feet aren’t just miniature adult feet — they’re still developing. Issues like flat feet, in-toeing, or growing pains can often be addressed early with properly prescribed orthotics, potentially preventing problems that would otherwise follow them into adulthood. Aaron has a special interest in paediatric and adolescent foot health, making The Wellness Place a trusted choice for families across Bassendean and beyond.

Workers on Their Feet All Day

Nurses pulling 12-hour shifts. Teachers who barely sit down between 9 and 3. Retail and hospitality staff on hard concrete floors. If your job keeps you standing, your feet are taking a beating — and custom orthotics can make a genuine difference. By improving weight distribution and reducing fatigue, they help you finish your shift with more energy and less pain.

Custom vs Off-the-Shelf: What’s the Difference?

It’s a fair question — especially when you can grab a pair of insoles from the pharmacy for $30. Here’s the honest breakdown.

Off-the-shelf orthotics (or prefabricated insoles) are mass-produced to a generic foot shape. They can provide some cushioning and mild arch support, and they may be a reasonable first step for very mild, generalised discomfort. Some studies have even found them comparable to custom orthotics for certain conditions like mild plantar fasciitis3.

However, where they fall short is in specificity. They can’t correct for the unique way your foot pronates (rolls inward) or supinates (rolls outward). They can’t accommodate a leg-length discrepancy or offload a particular pressure point that’s causing you grief. Custom orthotics are prescribed to address your individual biomechanics — and when the problem is structural, that precision matters.

Think of it this way: reading glasses from the chemist might help in a pinch, but if you’ve got a complex prescription, you go to an optometrist. Your feet deserve the same level of care.

Meet Aaron Gregory — Your Sports Podiatrist

You don’t want just anyone looking after your feet. Aaron Gregory brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and firsthand athletic experience to every consultation at The Wellness Place.

A former competitive runner who represented Australia at the World Cross Country Championships, Aaron knows what it’s like to push your body — and what it takes to keep it functioning at its best. His areas of interest include sporting injuries, biomechanics, paediatric and adolescent foot health, nail procedures, and clinical podiatry. He’s also, in his own words, a “footwear enthusiast” — so if you need advice on the right shoes to pair with your new orthotics, you’re in good hands.

What to Expect: Timeline & Investment

From your first appointment to walking out with your finished orthotics, the process typically takes around 2 to 3 weeks. Here’s how it generally flows:

  • Initial consultation & scanning: One 45–60 minute appointment where Aaron assesses your feet, captures your 3D scan, and discusses your prescription.
  • Manufacturing: Your orthotics are fabricated by a specialist lab — this usually takes 1–2 weeks.
  • Fitting appointment: A shorter session to check the fit, make any adjustments, and give you your wear-in plan.
  • Follow-up review: 2–4 weeks later, we check in to make sure everything’s tracking well.

As for cost, custom orthotics are an investment in your long-term foot health. Prices vary depending on the complexity of your prescription and the materials used. Aaron will provide a clear quote at your initial consultation — no surprises, no hidden extras. Many private health funds provide rebates for custom orthotics under podiatry extras cover, and we can help you check what you’re entitled to.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t have to live with foot pain. Whether you’re a runner chasing a PB, a parent worried about your child’s gait, or someone who simply wants to get through the workday without sore feet, custom orthotics could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

At The Wellness Place, we’re proud to serve the Bassendean community with genuine, personalised care — and we’d love to help you move better.

Call us on (08) 9379 3838 to book your initial consultation with Aaron Gregory, or visit us at 103 Old Perth Road, Bassendean. You can also book online at thewellnessplace.com.au.

Your feet work hard for you. It’s time to return the favour.

References:

  1. Comparing the Utility of Custom Foot Orthoses vs Prescription-grade Prefabricated Foot Orthoses. PMC, 2023. View source.
  2. Clinical Evaluation of Novel Custom 3D-Printed Meshed-Silicone Orthoses. PMC, 2025. View source.
  3. Custom-Made Foot Orthoses versus Prefabricated Foot Orthoses: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness. CADTH/NCBI Bookshelf, 2019. View source.
By admin Physiotherapy , , , , , , ,

Sports Injury Treatment Bassendean: How Our Multidisciplinary Team Gets You Back in the Game Faster

You trained for months. You were hitting personal bests. Then one awkward landing, one sharp pivot, one overuse niggle you ignored — and suddenly you’re on the sidelines, googling “sports injury physio Bassendean” and wondering how long until you can run again.

The answer depends on two things: the injury itself, and — critically — the team behind your recovery. At The Wellness Place (TWP) in Bassendean, sports injuries aren’t treated through a single lens. They’re managed by a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, sports podiatrists, chiropractors, exercise physiologists, and remedial massage therapists — all working together on one shared goal: getting you back to your sport, stronger than before.

Why Single-Discipline Treatment Often Falls Short

Imagine a runner with recurrent shin pain. A physio-only approach might focus on strength and load management — which is essential. But what about the runner’s foot mechanics? A podiatrist identifies overpronation that’s overloading the posterior tibialis tendon. What about their spinal alignment affecting hip drop on the painful side? A chiropractor addresses the pelvic asymmetry. Meanwhile, an exercise physiologist builds a progressive return-to-run program that the physio’s rehab alone didn’t cover.

None of these disciplines is “wrong” — but each sees only part of the picture. Research consistently shows that multidisciplinary rehabilitation produces better outcomes than single-modality care for sports injuries, particularly for complex or recurrent cases (Dhillon et al., 2017). At TWP, this isn’t a referral merry-go-round — it’s a coordinated team under one roof at 103 Old Perth Road.

Common Sports Injuries We Treat in Bassendean

Perth’s active lifestyle — from weekend footy at Bassendean Oval, netball at the recreation centre, to running along the Swan River — produces predictable injury patterns. Here are the most common we see at The Wellness Place:

Ankle Sprains and Chronic Ankle Instability

The classic “rolled ankle” in basketball, netball, or soccer. While most grade I-II sprains heal in 4-6 weeks, up to 40% of people develop chronic ankle instability (Doherty et al., 2014). Our physiotherapists address proprioception and strength deficits, while our podiatrists assess biomechanical contributors and may prescribe orthotics or footwear changes to prevent recurrence.

Knee Injuries: ACL, Meniscus, and Patellofemoral Pain

Knee injuries range from acute trauma (ACL tears in football, meniscus damage from twisting) to overuse syndromes like patellofemoral pain in runners. Surgery may be required for complete ACL ruptures, but prehabilitation and post-operative rehabilitation are where outcomes are won or lost. Our physiotherapists guide rehab phases, exercise physiologists build strength programs, and podiatrists correct lower-limb biomechanics that contributed to the injury.

Shoulder Injuries in Overhead Athletes

Swimmers, tennis players, cricketers, and CrossFit athletes all place extreme demands on the shoulder. Rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement, and labral tears are common. Chiropractic care addresses thoracic spine mobility — which directly affects shoulder range — while physiotherapy targets rotator cuff strength and scapular control. Combined, these approaches address the kinetic chain rather than just the painful structure.

Hamstring Strains and Lower Limb Overuse

Hamstring injuries are the most common soft tissue injury in sprinting sports, with a recurrence rate of 12-31% (Petersen et al., 2011). Our podiatrists examine running gait and foot strike patterns; physiotherapists address eccentric strength deficits and neuromuscular control; remedial massage therapists manage scar tissue and muscle tone through the recovery phases.

The Four Phases of Sports Injury Recovery

Modern sports rehabilitation follows a staged, criteria-based model — not a calendar-based one. You progress when your body is ready, not when a fixed number of weeks have passed.

Phase 1: Acute Management (Days 0-7)

Protection, optimal loading, ice, compression, elevation (POLICE principle). Early diagnosis is critical — our physiotherapists and chiropractors provide hands-on assessment to rule out fractures, complete ruptures, or surgical cases. Pain management and inflammation control set the foundation. Remedial massage can reduce protective muscle spasm in surrounding tissues.

Phase 2: Recovery and Restoration (Weeks 1-6)

Range of motion exercises, gentle strengthening, and neuromuscular re-education. This is where the multidisciplinary advantage shines: your physio progresses your rehab exercises, your chiropractor ensures joint mobility isn’t compromised by compensatory patterns, and your exercise physiologist begins introducing controlled load in ways that don’t aggravate the injury.

Phase 3: Sport-Specific Retraining (Weeks 4-12)

Movement patterns that mimic your sport — cutting drills, plyometrics, throwing progressions, running gait retraining. Our exercise physiologists design programs that bridge the gap between “rehabbed” and “game-ready.” Podiatrists ensure foot and ankle mechanics aren’t creating compensatory load further up the chain.

Phase 4: Return to Sport (Variable)

You’re running, jumping, and moving well — but are you ready for competition? Return-to-sport decisions should be criteria-based: strength symmetry within 10% of the uninjured side, psychological readiness, sport-specific testing. Rushing this phase is the #1 cause of re-injury. Our team uses objective testing — not guesswork — to clear you for return.

What Makes The Wellness Place Different

  • One location, one team: No driving between clinics for physio, podiatry, and chiro appointments. Your entire rehab team is at 103 Old Perth Road, Bassendean.
  • Shared clinical notes: Your physio knows what your podiatrist found. Your chiro knows what exercises your EP has programmed. No contradictory advice.
  • Biomechanics expertise: Our podiatrists (led by Dr Aaron Gregory) use 3D gait analysis and custom orthotics to address the root cause of lower-limb overuse injuries.
  • Hands-on + exercise-based: Manual therapy for pain relief and joint mobility, combined with progressive exercise programs that build resilience — not just temporary relief.
  • Recovery modalities: Remedial massage, clinical Pilates, infrared sauna, ice bath, and compression therapy support tissue healing and reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness between rehab sessions.

Realistic Recovery Timelines

Every injury is different, but here are evidence-based timelines for common sports injuries when managed with structured multidisciplinary rehab:

  • Grade I-II ankle sprain: 2-6 weeks to activity, 6-8 weeks to full sport
  • Hamstring strain (grade I-II): 3-8 weeks to full sprinting
  • Patellofemoral pain: 6-12 weeks of progressive loading
  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy: 8-16 weeks for overhead athletes
  • ACL reconstruction: 9-12 months to full competition clearance
  • Shin splints / medial tibial stress syndrome: 4-8 weeks with correct load management and biomechanical correction

Note: these are averages for compliant patients with no complications. Your treating practitioner will give you a personalised estimate at your initial assessment.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Worse

The single biggest mistake athletes make is delaying treatment. A niggle becomes a strain. A strain becomes a tear. A tear becomes surgery. Early intervention shortens recovery time, reduces costs, and — most importantly — gets you back to the sport you love sooner.

If you’re dealing with a sports injury in Bassendean, Guildford, Bayswater, or Perth’s eastern suburbs, our multidisciplinary team is ready to help. Book an initial assessment with our physiotherapy or sports podiatry team today.

The Wellness Place
103 Old Perth Road, Bassendean WA 6054
Phone: (08) 9379 3838
thewellnessplace.com.au — Online bookings available

References

  • Dhillon, H., Dhillon, S., and Dhillon, M. S. (2017). Current concepts in sports injury rehabilitation. Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, 51(5), 529-536.
  • Doherty, C., Delahunt, E., Caulfield, B., Hertel, J., Ryan, J., and Bleakley, C. (2014). The incidence and prevalence of ankle sprain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective epidemiological studies. Sports Medicine, 44(1), 123-140.
  • Petersen, J., Thorborg, K., Nielsen, M. B., Budtz-Jorgensen, E., and Holmich, P. (2011). Preventive effect of eccentric training on acute hamstring injuries in men’s soccer. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(11), 2296-2303.