Month: October 2023

Combining Cold Laser Therapy with Other Treatments for Maximum Efficacy

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser or photobiomodulation, is a safe and noninvasive treatment for pain relief. This FDA-approved technology delivers healing light to your body on a cellular level.

It works by beaming energy pulses at different light wavelengths into the painful area of your knee. This triggers chemical changes to damaged tissue. You’ll need a series of sessions to see the best results.

1. Physical Therapy

Cold laser therapy Adelaide is a noninvasive and painless treatment that increases the body’s natural healing response. Its red light activates the tissue and triggers a chemical reaction without heating the area. It has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation and stimulates cell regeneration in soft tissues and joints to relieve pain and accelerate the healing process.

The treatment involves a device the size of a flashlight that is placed directly over the affected area for 30 seconds to several minutes. The light is absorbed by the damaged tissues and triggers a chemical reaction that stimulates the cells to heal faster. It can also help increase blood flow to the injured area to decrease pain, swelling and spasms.

While many doctors were skeptical of this therapy in the past, it is now widely accepted as a viable treatment option for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. It can be used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation treatment program to speed recovery and return patients back to their daily lives.

LLLT is safe when performed under the care of Adelaide Fungal Nail Clinic. It is not recommended for cancerous lesions or carcinomas, and it shouldn’t be used over the thyroid or eyes. It has not been tested for the effects on unborn children, so women should avoid this type of treatment during pregnancy.

2. Massage

Probably the best known of all spa treatments, massage is the stroking, kneading, warming and pressing of the skin and muscles. It is widely used to relax, revive and heal the body, as well as being a great stress reducer. Theraputic massage improves muscle blood flow and circulation, encourages the exchange of substances between cells, reduces cell adhesion and stiffness and increases flexibility.

A good massage can also help regulate your hormones, which is particularly important if you are struggling with menopause symptoms or chronic sleep problems. A study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that the stress hormone cortisol may be reduced and the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine increased by getting regular therapeutic massages.

Another benefit is that massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which maintains bodily fluids and removes waste and toxins, so it is helpful for those with mastectomies or other breast surgeries. Massage can also help with issues such as asthma, arthritis and constipation and is being increasingly used by people with dementia and stroke victims.

Many clients find that massage is not covered by their health insurance plans, but it may be possible to get it reimbursed by an extended health benefit plan or even a motor vehicle accident benefits program. If you are planning on getting a massage, try to do it when you can take time out to relax. It’s not the best idea to schedule a meeting immediately afterwards, host a children’s birthday party or go on a three-hour drive up M6 to visit your ex-husband!

3. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a hands-on manual therapy that improves the spine and other joints and helps alleviate pain. It is commonly used for neck and back pain, but it can also help a variety of other symptoms, such as blood pressure, joint degeneration and inflammation, circulation, immune function, mood, energy levels, digestion and more.

Chiropractors are highly trained in nearly all joints in the body and are often able to provide effective treatment for many problems beyond spinal manipulation alone. For example, chiropractic has been shown to significantly reduce high blood pressure by reducing destructive nerve compression in the spine and other joints. It can also lower stress hormones and boost immunity.

Chiropractic can be especially useful in relieving neck and back pain by adjusting the joints to decrease tension and tightness. Studies have also found that spinal manipulation significantly reduces the need for pain relievers, including opioids. One study comparing chiropractic with physiotherapy and general practitioner care showed that patients who received chiropractic treatments were far less likely to require prescription opioid pain relievers.

Although chiropractic is a safe, non-invasive alternative to medications and surgery, it is important that the chiropractor be made aware of any medical issues you may have, such as inflammatory conditions, spinal cord compression, or a herniated disc. Patients taking blood thinners should not receive spinal manipulation.

4. Nutritional Counseling

For patients who have chronic pain or injuries, nutritional counseling may be necessary to help reduce the amount of medication they need. Nutritional counselling is a two-way interaction between the patient and member of the medical team that helps to interpret the results of a nutritional assessment, identifies the patient’s nutritional needs and goals, and discusses ways to meet those goals.

In many cases, patients will be able to significantly reduce the amount of painkillers they need to take by getting regular nutritional counseling as part of their treatment plan. This can often be a much more effective way to treat their pain, as it will not have the negative side effects that are commonly associated with taking pharmaceutical drugs.

Cold laser therapy (also known as low level laser therapy or LLLT) uses a non-invasive and safe light to penetrate deep into the tissues of the body, where it stimulates damaged cells and promotes healing. This helps to reduce inflammation, speed up the formation of new cells and tissue repair, and increase cellular energy production. It can also be used to break up thick scar tissue, allowing the body to move and heal more easily. This type of treatment is completely non-invasive and has no negative side effects, making it a great alternative to surgery or prescription medications.

Physiotherapy for Gamers: Preventing Injuries in the E-Sports World

The electronic sports (e-sports) industry is booming worldwide. Professional competitors make millions of dollars in tournament winnings and the total viewership last year reached 450 million people. However, the physical health of gamers is an issue that must be addressed. E-sports athletes are at risk for musculoskeletal injuries such as eye fatigue, neck and back pain, wrist and hand pain, and even chronic stress syndromes like rheumatoid arthritis.

Many of these problems can be prevented with regular physiotherapy treatment by Ace Allied Health who are knowledgeable about these and understand how players’ bodies work while playing video games. The therapists can help determine whether a patient should continue gaming or if it is time to take a break. In addition, therapists can offer preventive care by teaching patients proper ergonomics and assisting them with strengthening exercises.

Injuries can also be avoided by addressing the way that gamers hold their mouse and keyboard. Gamers who are used to holding their hand in a certain position may unknowingly be straining their fingers and thumbs, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, a physio Castlemaine can teach patients to place their hands in a neutral position when they are using the mouse and keyboard. Taking short breaks to stretch out the fingers and hands can also be helpful.

Some esports organizations are taking steps to mitigate these injuries in their players. For example, Seattle-based Evil Geniuses recently hired a full-time director of player performance to monitor the health and well-being of its players. This is a great step towards ensuring that the players can live longer careers in esports.

As the esports industry continues to grow, there will be more opportunities for physiotherapists who are knowledgeable about gaming and its related health issues. They can educate their patients about injury prevention, provide onsite rehabilitation, and serve as the point of contact for referrals to other healthcare professionals. They can also present to e-sports leagues and organisations about the health benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare for their players.

READ  How to Ease Headaches with Physiotherapy

If you’re interested in a career in the medical field, consider enrolling in an allied health program. These certificate programs allow students to get out of the classroom and into a healthcare profession quickly and fully trained. Courses are offered at colleges in some countries. Allied health professionals are medical personnel who diagnose and treat diseases, illnesses, and injuries using evidence-based practices.

How to Ease Headaches with Physiotherapy

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. Despite this, they are usually not serious and can often be resolved with some simple self care techniques.

Physiotherapy is very effective for treating migraine and tension-type headaches (which can feel like a tight band around your forehead). It is also very effective for cervicogenic headaches that originate from structures in the neck.

1. Massage

Massage is not only a great way to relieve a headache once it hits, but also has a preventative effect. It stimulates the nerve receptors that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” system. This slows down heart rate, relaxes the muscles and brings a general sense of well-being. In one study, the number of headaches experienced per week by participants dropped significantly during a 4-week massage treatment period when compared to a baseline period. The duration of each headache was also significantly reduced.

For those who don’t have a therapist nearby, self-massage can help to ease tension headaches by releasing the tight muscles. Some easy-to-perform techniques can be done at home or in the office to target areas such as your temples, forehead, neck and shoulders and even specific pressure points.

Take a look at our previous blog post on self-massage techniques to learn more, but be careful and stop if you feel pain beyond normal tension release. If you have a chronic headache or migraine, consult with physio Balwyn North to create a treatment plan that can include regular massage therapy and other proactive steps such as posture advice, yoga, supplements and decreased screen time to reduce stress levels.

2. Heat

Whether it’s a tension, muscle contraction, or migraine headache, the pain can range from mildly uncomfortable to debilitating. Many times, headaches come with other symptoms such as light sensitivity, nausea, and/or blurry vision. Some can last for days and require medical attention.

Luckily, there are some easy ways to ease headaches without reaching for the pill bottle or other invasive methods. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits like getting regular massages, drinking plenty of water, exercising, and eating well can help prevent headaches from occurring in the first place or reduce their intensity and frequency.

A heating pad placed on the neck and shoulders can relax muscles, relieve stress, and alleviate headaches by increasing blood flow, soothing stiff neck muscles, and numbing pain. Alternatively, a warm bath or shower can also be very beneficial to alleviate headaches. Taking a hot bath or shower with a few drops of eucalyptus oil can be particularly helpful to treat a tension headache.

It is important to drink enough water, especially in the hours leading up to sleep, as headaches are frequently caused by dehydration. Also, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, sugar and nicotine in the hours before sleep can help prevent headaches. It’s also a good idea to keep a food and headache diary, which can help identify what triggers your headaches. This way, you can gradually eliminate foods that might be causing them and find new ones that may provide relief.

3. Exercise

If you suffer from a dull, shooting or throbbing pain in your head – and are fed up of taking pills to relieve it – physiotherapy can help. The treatment involves manual therapy, which targets the neck muscles, to reduce tension and improve strength and posture. It can also involve a range of lifestyle changes to help you manage your headaches, such as avoiding trigger foods, hormonal fluctuations or poor sleeping habits.

Initially, your physiotherapist will work with you to rule out more serious headache causes such as a stroke or tumour. A detailed manual assessment of the joint stiffness and muscle balance in your upper cervical joints, and a neck movement/function and muscle strength/endurance assessment may be required to identify a possible cause.

A common type of headache is known as a primary exercise-related headache (previously called an exertion headache) which occurs only during and after strenuous exercise and lasts from five minutes to 48 hours. These typically have a throbbing sensation and are felt on both sides of the head, but they can be brought on by other factors, including dehydration, food intolerance, hormone changes or a blow to the head.

Another type of headache is a cervicogenic headache, which is caused by neck muscles tightening or loading the structures of the upper cervical spine. Your physiotherapist will use manual techniques and gentle soft tissue massage to release the tension in these muscles, which can be triggered by poor neck/head posture, repetitive motions or sleep habits. They will then guide you through rehabilitation exercises, clinical pilates and a range of other lifestyle changes to help minimise the load on these structures.

4. Sleep

For many headache sufferers, getting enough sleep can make a huge difference to their symptoms. Studies have shown that sleep disturbance is linked to increased risk of a migraine and can also increase the frequency of headaches triggered by certain lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and stress.

Sleep is key for the development of the brain chemical serotonin, which is involved in several functions of the body including mood and pain control. Research has also indicated that a lack of REM sleep can be a trigger for both migraines and tension type headaches, while avoiding exposure to migraine triggers seems to help reduce sensitivity to those triggers (Martin, Citation 2007).

Headaches are the result of pain messages being sent from structures in the neck, such as ligaments, muscles and joints. These structures can become stressed over time from poor neck/head posture and movement, repetitive motions that cause strain on the muscles or from a traumatic injury. These headaches are known as primary headaches and include migraines, cluster headaches and tension type headaches.

To determine the cause of your headaches, a thorough clinical assessment is required to ensure accurate diagnosis. This can be done through a detailed manual examination of the cervical joints and muscles in combination with a postural/movement and stress assessment. A specialised neck physiotherapy treatment is then provided to ease the symptoms and to address the root cause of the pain. This is especially effective for cervicogenic headaches, which are due to a painful structure in the neck.

Relief for Big Toe Pain: Which Treatment is Right for You?

Not only big toe pain in Adelaide is a nuisance, but it can also be a real problem that stops many people from keeping active and achieving the health benefits of exercising. It can even lead to other foot and ankle problems if left untreated. It’s important to visit a podiatrist early so you can take steps to prevent bunion progression and keep your feet healthy.

The biggest cause of bunions is a deformity in the 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. This is a joint in the front of your foot and is involved in most activities we do in the day-to-day. It is a complex joint and can be subject to abnormal mechanical loads that can change its function. Traditionally this has been treated by a surgery called fusion where the bones of the MTP joint are joined together which reduces movement and alleviates pain. This technique is still used in some cases however a new procedure has recently become available and is transforming the treatment of bunions.

Bunion surgery is not an option for everyone and is only recommended for people with significant symptoms such as a swollen painful joint, difficulty pushing off in walking or running, unable to wear shoes without rubbing, and pain. We can offer a new surgical technique called ‘Cartiva’ which allows the natural MTP joint to remain functional and is a much more attractive alternative to fusion surgery. It is also easier to recover from and most people can return to running, footwear, and normal activity from 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

READ  Common Foot Problems Treated by Podiatrists and Podiatrists

Symptoms can also be alleviated by wearing footwear that is adequate in length and width to avoid the big toe joint being compressed. Changing your shoe size or switching to a wide, rocker-soled shoe can dramatically lower the load on the plantar plate region. Gel pads and toe inserts can also be useful in cushioning the pain, acting like stints, and helping to prevent further bunion growth.

It’s important to visit a podiatrist with a good understanding of bunions Adelaide and the underlying issues. This is to minimise the damage that can be caused and prevent further progression of the bunions & the more serious hammertoe deformities that can develop.

Bunion clinics offer a range of services that cover anything that changes the way your feet & ankles work by altering their alignment or the function of their joints/muscles/tendons/nerves. It can include stretches and strengthening, gait retraining, paddings, strapping, bracing, or orthoses (shoes). A biomechanical assessment will allow us to identify the key areas that are affected by your bunions and what the best approach is for your case. Call today for a consultation with our specialist podiatrists and get back on your feet sooner.

How Chiropractic Benefits Long-Term Health

Long-term chiropractic care isn’t just about getting rid of pain. Regular spinal adjustments help to maintain balanced health and prevent serious injuries that could potentially disrupt daily life activities.

Chiropractic aligns the spine and reduces interference to the nervous system. The benefits of this are far-reaching and include increased immune function, improved posture, greater flexibility and better mental health.

Increased Immune System Function

The immune system is the body’s natural defense mechanism. It protects us against bacteria and viruses, fights off infections, and speeds up the healing process from injuries. It’s important to support the immune system through chiropractic care, and regular treatments can help keep it functioning at its best.

Many chiropractors have noticed that their patients often demonstrate improvements in complaints related to immune health, including the disappearance of allergy symptoms, lessening of sore throats and congestion, or faster recovery from colds and flu. While these observations have not been scientifically validated, researchers have found that certain chiropractic adjustments can influence the biological immune response.

Our nervous and immune systems communicate with one another through a series of tiny messenger molecules. When spinal misalignments compress these pathways of communication, it can reduce your body’s ability to naturally fight off infection and injury. Fortunately, research shows that chiropractic treatment designed to relieve pain and misalignment improves nerve function and may boost your body’s natural disease-fighting ability by up to 200%.

Chiropractor in Brunswick are primarily focused on helping people with neck and back pain, but this is only one of the many benefits of long-term chiropractic care. In fact, a 2020 study found that spinal manipulation can decrease the need for opioid pain relievers by altering levels of neuropeptides, which act as neurotransmitters and hormones.

Increased Mobility and Range of Motion

Achieving and maintaining proper mobility is one of the primary focuses of chiropractic treatment. This may include spinal adjustments, massage therapy, exercise prescription and Kinesio Taping (a method of securing muscle groups for support and stability). This can help individuals improve their flexibility, strength, and overall quality of life by reducing pain and improving movement abilities.

Chiropractic can also benefit athletes by enhancing performance and recovery time. Studies have shown that regular chiropractic care can enhance the flexibility and range of motion of muscles, tissues, and tendons, which can reduce injuries and boost athletic performance.

Besides musculoskeletal benefits, chiropractic has also been shown to relieve symptoms associated with other health conditions. For example, patients suffering from osteoarthritis can benefit from a series of chiropractic treatments that help to align the joints and reduce how much the bones rub together. Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive and effective approach to managing joint pain and inflammation.

Additionally, chiropractic can assist with addressing respiratory issues by helping to reduce spinal misalignments that can hinder proper nerve function. This can lead to better lung function and breathing ability. It can also help to ease digestion breakdowns caused by compressed nerves in the spine. This can reduce gastrointestinal ailments such as heartburn, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome. This can be done through a combination of techniques including manual manipulation, ultrasound and trigger point therapy, massage and restorative exercises.

Reduced Risk of Injury

When the spine and musculoskeletal system are in proper alignment, it allows for natural healing through a decrease in inflammation, improved blood flow, and enhanced flexibility. Chiropractor Thornbury use a variety of techniques to improve musculoskeletal health, including spinal adjustments, massage and other soft tissue therapies, therapeutic exercises and stretches, joint bracing (kinesio taping), and cold laser therapy to promote pain relief and enhance healing.

Chiropractors are also trained to identify and correct musculoskeletal imbalances or dysfunction that could lead to more severe problems, like injuries or chronic conditions, if left untreated. This early intervention and prevention can decrease reliance on pharmaceuticals, which can have a number of side effects, including drowsiness.

Boosting flexibility and range of motion can also reduce injury risk, as it reduces the amount of stress on muscles, ligaments, and tendons. With youth sports often having only a day or two between practice, students need to be able to perform at peak performance and minimize injuries. Regular chiropractic treatment can help reduce lactic acid buildup and improve muscle endurance, allowing athletes to perform at their best.

Balance and stability are important for all ages, but especially as people age. Chiropractors can use a number of techniques to help improve balance and prevent falls, which can be life-threatening. This is achieved through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and rehabilitation exercises that improve posture, strengthen muscles, and address imbalances or dysfunction that can cause falls.

Better Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to overall health and wellness. It’s essential for hormone regulation, allowing your body to heal from the day’s activities and restore its functions for tomorrow. Many common sleep disorders, such as insomnia and snoring, can be alleviated with chiropractic care. Unlike sleep apps, white noise, and chamomile tea, a chiropractor addresses the underlying causes of these issues through gentle adjustments, soft tissue massage, and stretching exercises.

Better sleep through chiropractic benefits your long-term health in several ways. It improves the quality of your sleep, boosts immune system function, reduces inflammation and blood pressure, and decreases the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and obesity. During a good night’s sleep, your body goes through a cycle of light and dark sleep phases that include true light theta wave sleep, light delta wave sleep, deep slow-wave delta sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep (REM). Chiropractic treatments, including spinal adjustments and physiotherapy techniques, help to regulate these stages and promote healthy sleeping patterns.

In addition to correcting misalignments that can interfere with your sleep, holistic chiropractors also increase the flow of blood to your central nervous system. This allows your body to perform at its best and makes it easier to fall asleep. This is because your nervous system is your command center and controls all aspects of the body, including sleep.

Tips From a Podiatrist – How to Avoid Summer Foot Problems

As summer approaches, the warm weather brings many fun activities like hiking, beach-going, and outdoor concerts. Unfortunately, it also brings an increase in foot problems caused by a change to our footwear.

During the summer, wearing flip-flops and other backless shoes can make our feet more prone to blisters, cracked heels and a host of skin and nail issues. Here are some tips to avoid these common summer foot problems.

Blisters

Summer is a great time to wear sandals and go on hikes but these shoes can lead to blisters if you’re not careful. Blisters are the result of too much friction between your feet and your footwear. When this happens fluid forms to protect the area, often forming a painful bubble.

The easiest way to prevent blisters is to use a moisture control product to keep your feet dry. Moisture is the leading cause of blisters so it’s important to take steps to prevent it. Moisture wicking socks and a dry breathable shoe are also essential. Podiatrist Thornleigh can help you find the right socks and shoes for your foot type.

If you do get a blister it’s best to treat it early with a lubricant or small bandage to avoid it getting worse. Do not pop a blister as this can lead to infection. Instead, a podiatrist can drain it safely.

To reduce the risk of hotspots during your summer activities, you can do several things including wearing a hat, taking a shower or bath before walking, and doing toe exercises such as making ankle circles. You can also apply a foot powder to help absorb sweat and a light covering like moleskin or felt padding to help with friction. In addition, you can see a podiatrist to treat foot deformities that can increase your risk of blisters such as bunions and hammertoes.

Cracked Heels

The warm weather brings a return to flip-flops and backyard barbecues but it also can bring on foot problems. Often these summer-related issues occur because we spend more time in open shoes, such as sandals and flip-flops, or we increase our activity level after a long winter. This increased activity and exposure to the sun can exacerbate existing conditions such as cracked heels.

Cracked heels are painful, and can also lead to a serious infection if not treated properly. They develop when dry, thick skin on the heel begins to crack or break. When this happens, the healthy skin underneath is exposed and can become infected. Moisturizing your feet daily can help prevent cracked heels by keeping them hydrated and soft. If you notice cracked heels that don’t improve with over-the-counter foot care products, contact a podiatrist Glenhaven for treatment.

To avoid cracked heels this summer, make sure your footwear provides support and don’t wear flip-flops or bare feet for extended periods of time. Instead, opt for shoes with good arch support, and a wide toe box to accommodate your toes. Inspect your feet daily to look for early signs of cracked heels and don’t forget to moisturize!

Ingrown Toenails

Summer is the time for vacations, beach walks and outdoor concerts, but it also means exposing your feet to sunburn, fungal infections, painful ingrown toenails and more. While the heat can be a factor, many of these foot problems are preventable by taking some simple steps.

Ingrown toenails are nails whose corners or sides dig into the skin around the nail grooves, causing irritation and sometimes infection. These occur most often in the big toe, and can be very painful. Soaking your feet in soapy water and cutting your toenails straight across may help, but the best solution is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Wear well-fitting shoes with plenty of room for your toes, and avoid tight, pointed or high-heeled shoes, which are the most common causes of ingrown toenails.

If you notice your toenails starting to become ingrown, soak them in a tub of warm water with Epsom salts or anti-microbial soap for a few weeks. This should loosen the toenail and make it easier to cut straight across. If the toenail continues to grow ingrown, apply an antibiotic ointment and wrap it with a bandage. If home care doesn’t help, see your family doctor, podiatrist or dermatologist for treatment, which may include removing the ingrown toenail. This is a fairly straightforward procedure, but it is best done by a professional to decrease your risk of infection.

Foot Pain

Foot problems can put a damper on summer activities. The combination of heat and sweat, along with changes in your foot care routine, can lead to a variety of painful foot conditions. However, a few simple fixes can keep blisters, hotspots, fungus, and swelling away from your feet so you can fully enjoy the season.

Blisters are a common problem that occurs when the top layer of skin becomes irritated due to friction or pressure. When this happens, the skin will start to form a bubble, which can then fill with fluid. It is important to not pop these blisters as this can cause an infection. Instead, use a blister pad or wrap to protect the area and let it heal naturally.

Another common summer foot problem is cracked heels. This can be caused by wearing shoes with inadequate support or walking on hard surfaces. It is also important to apply a moisturizer to your feet daily.

The best way to avoid summer foot problems is to see your podiatrist regularly. A podiatrist has the education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot conditions. In addition, seeing a podiatrist can help prevent more serious problems from developing in the feet, such as diabetes and nerve or circulatory disorders. In the end, your feet carry you everywhere, so take good care of them!