Treatments

Assessment and treatment of injuries

All physiotherapists bring expertise in diagnosis and management of all types of musculoskeletal injuries. Hands-on treatment and personalised home exercise programs are an emphasis of this clinic.

Sports related injuries – As a specialty of this clinic. Rob Wallis, an APA Sports Physiotherapist and Consultant Physiotherapist for the NSW and Australian Institute of Sport, brings a wealth of knowledge to the clinic in this area of treatment. Sponsoring many of the local sporting clubs allows close association with coaches for the best outcomes for each patient.

Back and neck injuries - Low back pain is the most common disability in those aged less than 45 years. In 90% of cases back pain settles within 4 weeks. However, the recurrence rate is extremely high with 60-80% of people suffering a recurrence within 12 months. Research has shown a significant reduction in recurrence of back pain with specific exercises. Physiotherapy can provide immediate reduction in pain for many patients. Massage, gentle mobilisations and taping are used together with exercises to treat back pain.

Postural related pain - Posture is the relative positioning of your body parts in relation to one another. It plays an important role in how efficient our body functions and what stresses are placed on our joints and muscles. Forward head on neck posture you can increase the load placed on your muscles and joints by up to 400%. This stress can cause muscle tightness, joint stiffness and as a result local or referred pain through he head and upper body. Muscles held in a prolonged shortened or lengthened position also weaken over time. Postural correction by physiotherapists will involve targeted strengthening exercises in combination with an individualized range of motion and stretching program.

Many long term problems will require postural correction to get full resolution of symptoms and complete recovery.

Osteo- Arthritic pain & disabilities - Wear and tear on our joints tends to occur slowly overtime. Eventually the joints (commonly knees and hips) can become painful. Treatment can improve movement and strength which often reduces pain levels making it easier to walk. Lower limb overuse injuries- Overuse injuries occur when the body does not cope with repetitive loads that are placed on it, such as running,. Treatment focuses on settling down pain as well as assessing anything that can be changed to help the body to cope better with the loads placed on it, such as muscle strength or flexibility.

Adolescent growth related pain - Also known as Sever’s Syndrome or Osgood– Schlatter Syndrome, pain related to growing quickly can be reduced by massage to the muscles to improve flexibility, exercises to improve strength and co-ordination in the lower limbs, and taping to relieve the pain and allow earlier return to sport. An important point to note is that rest may stop that pain but will not assist in early return to sport.

Fibreglass casting – Fibreglass casting is a popular type of casting as it provides a water resistant covering to the cast. To achieve a full water proof cast, Gortex underlay can be used under the fibre glass prior to applying the cast

Aircast/Walker boots – The use of large boots on a lower limb injury is often an alternative to casting a lower limb. They can assist in mobility and at times allow weight bearing movements that would otherwise not be allowed.