Key Benefits of Onero™:
- Increase in bone mass at the spine and hips
- Improved posture, balance, and mobility
- Significant reduction in falls and fractures (up to 91.7%)
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In 2024, the fitness landscape in Australia is witnessing a seismic shift, with strength training leading the way. With a significant spike in popularity, it’s not merely a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice rooted in the pursuit of holistic health. As the benefits continue to unfold for Aussies, more individuals are discovering that the gym is not just a space for physical transformation but a sanctuary for overall well-being. Get ready to embrace the power surge – 2024 is the year of strength, resilience, and transformative health in Australia.
Welcome to the first instalment of our blog series on injury prevention and recovery at HealthFix. In this blog, we’ll focus on a critical aspect of your well-being: ankle health. Whether you’re an athlete aiming for peak performance or someone seeking to regain function, understanding the significance of ankle health and the role of comprehensive rehabilitation is paramount. Ankles are one of the most poorly rehabbed joints in the body, with chronic ankle instability a common occurrence after an ankle injury, so knowing how best to take care of your ankle and how best to recover from an injury is super important.
The ankle is a remarkable joint responsible for bearing weight, ensuring stability, and facilitating movement. However, it’s also prone to various injuries, with lateral ankle sprains being a common occurrence.
Ankle injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence, and they often have long-lasting implications for those who experience them. One of the most persistent and challenging issues that can arise from an ankle injury is chronic ankle instability. This condition can be particularly frustrating and debilitating, and it frequently stems from incomplete or inadequate rehabilitation following the initial injury. Understanding chronic ankle instability and its impact on daily life and physical activities is crucial for anyone who has experienced or is currently dealing with this condition.
The repercussions of chronic ankle instability can extend far beyond the physical realm. For those affected, it can significantly impact their daily lives. Simple tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods may become challenging. The fear of the ankle giving way can also lead to a decrease in confidence and an increased risk of falls. This can limit one’s independence and overall quality of life.
In addition to daily life, chronic ankle instability can hinder an individual’s ability to engage in physical activities. This is particularly frustrating for those who lead an active lifestyle or participate in sports and recreational activities. The recurring pain and instability can lead to a reluctance to participate, fear of re-injury, and a decline in overall fitness.
Moreover, without proper treatment and rehabilitation, chronic ankle instability can set the stage for further injuries. As the ankle struggles to support the body’s weight and maintain balance, the risk of sustaining new injuries to the ankle or other parts of the body, such as the knee or hip, increases.
Understanding the long-term consequences of chronic ankle instability underscores the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation after an ankle injury. Incomplete rehabilitation is a significant risk factor for this condition. Adequate rehabilitation not only facilitates the healing process but also strengthens the ankle, improving its ability to withstand future stresses. A skilled physiotherapy team can create a tailored rehabilitation program to address each patient’s unique needs, ensuring a more complete and robust recovery.
At HealthFix, we are committed to empowering individuals to overcome ankle injuries and regain strength and confidence to return to sport or even just to be able to enjoy whatever life brings. Our approach to ankle rehabilitation is not just about healing; it’s about preventing future injuries.
Initial Evaluation: The rehabilitation process begins with a thorough evaluation by a physiotherapist. They will assess the extent of the instability, any associated pain or discomfort, and the range of motion in the ankle.
Individualised Exercise Regimen: Based on the evaluation, a customised exercise regimen is created to address the specific weaknesses and imbalances contributing to ankle instability. This program often includes exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve balance and proprioception. Common exercises may include:
Strengthening Exercises: These exercises target the muscles in the lower leg, such as the calf muscles and the muscles on the front of the shin. They may include calf raises, resistance band exercises, and exercises that involve ankle movements.
Balance and Proprioception Training: Balance exercises, such as single-leg stands and wobble board exercises, are crucial for improving the body’s awareness of its position in space and enhancing stability.
Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises help improve the flexibility of the ankle joint. This is important for preventing stiffness and maintaining proper function.
Functional Training: Rehabilitation will include functional exercises that mimic activities the individual encounters in daily life or sports. This might involve walking, jogging, jumping, and pivoting exercises to simulate real-life situations.
Manual Therapy: In some cases, a physiotherapist may use manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilisation or soft tissue massage, to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and restore normal joint mechanics.
Patient Education: An important aspect of rehabilitation is educating the patient about their condition, proper footwear, and strategies to prevent re-injury. This includes guidance on when and how to return to sports or other physical activities safely.
Progressive Overload: The rehabilitation program should be progressive, gradually increasing the intensity of exercises and challenges as the patient’s strength and stability improve.
Monitoring and Adjustments: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make adjustments to the rehabilitation program as needed.
Functional Testing: Functional tests will be conducted to assess the individual’s readiness to return to their desired activities or sports safely.
Our programs are led by Titled Sport and Exercise Physiotherapists Caitlan and Sean.
Sean also serves as the NSW Institute of Sport’s Performance Health Manager, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team.
Caitlan is the Head Physio and Strength and Conditioning Coach for an A League Women’s Football team and knows how to get you back efficiently.
Just as in our previous blog, HealthFix remains your partner in the pursuit of wellness. We’ve developed fixed-price rehabilitation programs that are carried out in our high-performance facility by our esteemed multi-disciplinary team.
Our facility mirrors a high-performance environment, equipped with a skilled integrated team and a cutting-edge gym. We provide you with the tools, guidance, and support needed to navigate the path to recovery successfully.
Our rehabilitation programs are designed with the sole purpose of achieving positive outcomes for you. We understand that injury management is not just about healing; it’s about ensuring your safe return to all activities.
Ankle injuries can present significant challenges, but with the right approach to rehabilitation and the support of the HealthFix team, you can emerge stronger than ever. Stay tuned for more blogs in our series, where we’ll delve into other common injuries and their paths to recovery. Together, we’ll work towards a pain-free and confident return to the activities you love.
Hello, Healthfix Community!
At Healthfix, we’re committed to your well-being and providing the best care possible. Today, we want to share our perspective on a recent study that’s been making waves in the world of healthcare. It’s a study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, and it highlights something that resonates deeply with our approach to physiotherapy and holistic care here at Healthfix.
The study we’re talking about reveals a simple yet powerful idea: when it comes to acute low back pain, your initial choice of care matters. The research, published in the journal Physical Therapy, suggests that those who begin their journey with physiotherapy tend to experience shorter episodes of pain and spend less on healthcare in the long run.
As physiotherapists at Healthfix, we’ve always believed in the transformative power of early intervention and a holistic approach to managing low back pain. This study supports our stance and offers validation to what we’ve seen in our practice every day.
Now, you might be thinking, “But this study was conducted in the United States. How does it relate to my experience here in Australia?” Great question! While the study originates from across the ocean, the principles it highlights are remarkably relevant to our healthcare landscape.
Let’s break down some of the key findings and why they matter to you as someone dealing with acute low back pain:
At Healthfix, we’re more than just physiotherapists. We’re your partners in your journey toward wellness. We’re passionate about providing not only the best care but also a holistic experience that addresses the root causes of your pain.
We understand that the traditional approach to managing low back pain may not always be the most effective or cost-efficient. That’s why we’re excited about this study—it supports our belief that early intervention with physiotherapy can lead to better outcomes for you.
Beyond physiotherapy, we’re here to provide a comprehensive approach to your well-being. Our services extend to health coaching, dietetics, pain psychology and exercise. We’re dedicated to ensuring that you receive the most suitable and effective care reducing the chance of needing surgical interventions, injections, or opioids.
We invite you to join us in reshaping the way we think about managing acute low back pain. Let’s ask the important questions:
Why shouldn’t physiotherapists be the primary musculoskeletal providers?
How can we better integrate physiotherapy into emergency departments and primary care?
By choosing physiotherapy as your first step in your low back pain journey, you’re not only helping yourself but also contributing to a shift in healthcare that prioritises holistic wellness.
At Healthfix, we support the idea that your first choice in healthcare matters, and we’re here to provide you with the best possible care. Whether you’re already a part of our community or considering us for your healthcare needs, know that we’re here to support you on your path to wellness.
Have questions or need guidance on managing your low back pain? Reach out to us today, and one of our expert physiotherapy team members will provide the answers and support you need. We’re here to help you on your journey to a more comfortable, healthier life.