Tag: physiotherapy

Integrated healthcare

The Power of Integrated Healthcare & Healthfix’s Approach

Posted on | by Ash Cooney
In today’s fast-paced world, healthcare has evolved far beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. People are seeking more comprehensive and personalised solutions to their health and wellness needs. This is where integrated healthcare comes into play, offering a holistic approach that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of integrated healthcare, discuss the success factors that contribute to positive outcomes, and delve into how Healthfix, a leader in this field, approaches this transformative model of care.  

Understanding Integrated Healthcare

Integrated healthcare is a patient-centred approach that focuses on collaboration and coordination among various healthcare providers and disciplines. Its primary goal is to provide seamless and comprehensive care, resulting in improved patient outcomes. This approach recognises that health is not solely about treating symptoms but rather addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting overall well-being.  

Success Factors in Integrated Healthcare

Several key factors contribute to the success of this approach:
  1. Team Collaboration: Effective teamwork among healthcare professionals is crucial. Integrated healthcare relies on a multidisciplinary approach where physicians, physiotherapists, dietitians, mental health experts, and other specialists work together to develop tailored treatment plans.
  2. Patient-Centred Care: Placing the patient at the centre of care is paramount. This involves active listening, involving patients in decision-making, and understanding their unique needs and preferences.
  3. Coordinated Care: Seamless communication and coordination among healthcare providers ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time. This prevents duplication of services and streamlines the treatment process.
  4. Preventive Focus: Integrated healthcare emphasises preventive care to address underlying issues and promote long-term health. This approach reduces the risk of recurring health problems.
  5. Education and Empowerment: Educating patients about their health conditions and involving them in self-management empowers individuals to take an active role in their health journey.

Integrated Care Models in Hospitals and Professional Sports Teams

Integrated care models are not limited to outpatient settings like Healthfix; they are also integral to the success of hospitals and professional sports teams.
  • Hospitals: In hospital settings, integrated care involves various medical specialties collaborating to provide comprehensive care for patients. This includes specialists, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff working together to ensure patients receive holistic treatment. For example, a patient with a complex medical condition may benefit from coordinated care involving surgeons, internists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals. This approach minimises communication gaps, reduces hospital readmissions, and enhances the patient’s overall experience.
  • Professional Sports Teams: Professional athletes often receive integrated healthcare to optimise their performance and recovery. Sports organisations employ teams of specialists, including physicians, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and strength coaches, who work in tandem to address athletes’ physical and mental needs. This comprehensive approach helps athletes prevent injuries, recover more effectively, and achieve peak performance. Integrated care in sports also focuses on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement, highlighting the holistic nature of the model.
 

Healthfix: Standard of Care for Everyone

At Healthfix we believe that the benefits of integrated healthcare should not be limited to elite athletes or hospital patients. We are committed to bringing this transformative model of care to everyone, regardless of their fitness level, health condition, or background.   Our integrated approach is accessible to all through tailored treatment plans with either standard 1:2 servicing or  Health Club Memberships. These memberships provide individuals with access to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and mindset coaches. This ensures that clients receive personalised care that considers their unique needs and goals.   The Health Club Memberships also grant access to a world-class gym, group classes, and discounted sessions with healthcare professionals, making integrated healthcare more affordable and attainable for a wider audience.   We have been committed to these principles for over 11 years, delivering exceptional outcomes and empowering clients in North Sydney to lead healthier, happier lives. Integrated healthcare is not just a trend; it’s a revolution in healthcare delivery that’s here to stay, and we are at the forefront of this movement, ensuring that the benefits of integrated care are accessible to everyone.

Achieving Optimal Recovery: Physio Rehab for ACL Injuries

Posted on | by Ash Cooney
Living in a sports-loving nation like Australia, it’s no surprise that many individuals, both athletes and non-athletes, turn to sports as a means of recovery after surgery. However, successful rehabilitation requires a proactive and preventative approach, taking into account primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies. It is crucial to ensure athletes build up their workloads safely to reduce the risk of subsequent injuries. To achieve the best outcomes, an interdisciplinary approach is often necessary, where practitioners share the responsibility for injury management and safe return to all activities. In this blog we explore physio rehab for ACL injuries and how the team at Healthfix can help you achieve your goals.  

The Challenge of ACL Rehabilitation

Return to play after ACL reconstruction can be a challenging journey, with reported success rates as low as 65% for athletes, even with access to 24/7 care within professional organisations. The key to better rehabilitation outcomes lies in a structured and progressive postoperative rehabilitation program, combined with clear goal-setting, repeated testing, and patient education. Unfortunately, the high cost of frequent care can serve as a significant barrier to achieving these desired outcomes when using standard care physiotherapy clinics.  

Fixed-Fee Rehab Programs: The Solution

At Healthfix, we have recognised the need for athletes and non-athletes to receive the same level of care as professionals during their rehabilitation journey. To address the cost barrier and provide comprehensive support, we have developed fixed-price rehabilitation programs conducted in our state-of-the-art high-performance facility. Our programs are led by Titled Sport and Exercise Physiotherapists, Caitlan and Sean, with Sean also serving as the NSW Institute of Sport’s Performance Health Manager. At Healthfix, we aim to replicate the high-performance environment, equipped with a highly skilled integrated team and top-of-the-line gym facilities, to ensure optimal results and positive outcomes for our clients.  

Importance of High-Frequency Therapy

Research has shown that high-frequency therapy is critical for achieving optimal outcomes in ACL rehabilitation. For example, a study by Ekstrand (2011) revealed that 94% of athletes could return to their previous level of sport when provided with daily therapy, similar to what professionals receive. At Healthfix, we understand the significance of high-frequency therapy, and our fixed-fee program ensures clients have access to the services they need without financial constraints.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Long-Term Success

ACL reconstruction is just one example of the long-term rehabilitation process that includes joint replacements, ankle reconstructions, knee reconstructive surgeries, and shoulder reconstructions. Each patient’s journey may require different therapies at varying intensities and frequencies. By offering a fixed-fee program that provides access to a range of services, we ensure comprehensive rehabilitation that reduces the failure rates associated with joint instability and promotes overall well-being.  

Creating Motivation through Education, Goal-Setting, and Testing

At Healthfix, we understand that motivation plays a crucial role in successful rehabilitation. If you’re currently dealing with an injury, we understand that staying motivated throughout the rehabilitation process can be challenging. However, we have seen remarkable results when motivation is created and maintained through three key factors:
  1. Quality patient education: We believe in the power of knowledge. By providing you with in-depth information about your condition, the rehabilitation process, and the importance of your active participation, we aim to empower you to take control of your recovery journey. Understanding the ‘why’ behind each step can greatly enhance your motivation to commit to the rehabilitation program.
  2. Goal-setting: Setting clear and realistic goals is essential for keeping your motivation levels high. We will work closely with you to establish personalised goals that align with your needs and aspirations. These goals will serve as a driving force, giving you a sense of purpose and direction as you navigate your rehabilitation journey.
  3. Repeated functional testing: Regular functional testing is a valuable tool in your rehabilitation process. Through objective assessments and feedback, we can help you understand your current abilities and track your progress over time. This feedback will not only provide you with a realistic view of your improvements but also serve as a motivational tool, encouraging you to continue pushing yourself and surpassing your own expectations.
By providing thorough education on the rehabilitation process, setting achievable goals, and regularly assessing progress through functional testing, we keep our clients motivated and engaged throughout their recovery journey.  

Conclusion

Recovering from an ACL injury requires a proactive and comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. We firmly believe that a structured and highly progressive preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation program can lead to better outcomes. When combined with clear goal-setting, repeated testing, and thorough education, this approach creates an environment that nurtures your motivation and encourages you to actively engage in your recovery. Fixed-fee physio rehab programs, such as the ones offered at Healthfix, provide the solution to the cost barrier, ensuring that athletes and non-athletes receive the same level of care as professionals. With a highly skilled multidisciplinary team and a top-notch facility, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve optimal outcomes and safely return to their desired level of activity. Don’t let cost limit your recovery—choose Healthfix and embark on a journey towards successful rehabilitation. If you’re ready to embark on a journey toward rehabilitation and regaining your physical well-being, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can overcome the challenges and achieve your desired outcomes.  

References

  1. Wollin, M., Thorborg, K., Drew, M., & Pizzari, T. (2020). A novel hamstring strain injury prevention system: post-match strength testing for secondary prevention in football. British journal of sports medicine, 54(9), 498-499.
  2. Blanch, P., & Gabbett, T. J. (2016). Has the athlete trained enough to return to play safely? The acute: chronic workload ratio permits clinicians to quantify a player’s risk of subsequent injury. British journal of sports medicine, 50(8), 471-475.
  3. Toohey, L. A., Drew, M. K., Fortington, L. V., Finch, C. F., & Cook, J. L. (2018). An updated subsequent injury categorisation model (SIC-2.0): data-driven categorisation of subsequent injuries in sport. Sports Medicine, 48, 2199-2210.
  4. Mooney, M., Charlton, P. C., Soltanzadeh, S., & Drew, M. K. (2017). Who ‘owns’ the injury or illness? Who ‘owns’ performance? Applying systems thinking to integrate health and performance in elite sport. British journal of sports medicine, 51(14), 1054-1055.
  5. Ekstrand J. (2011). A 94% return to elite level football after ACL surgery: a proof of possibilities with optimal caretaking or a sign of knee abuse?. Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy: official journal of the ESSKA, 19(1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1300-4
  6. Arundale, A. J. H., Capin, J. J., Zarzycki, R., Smith, A. H., & Snyder-Mackler, L. (2018). Two year ACL reinjury rate of 2.5%: Outcomes report of the men in a secondary ACL Injury Prevention Program (ACL-sports). International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 13(3), 422–431. https://doi.org/10.26603/ijspt20180422
      By Sean Cooney, APA Titled Sport and Exercise Physiotherapist, Healthfix Founder and Caitlan Skillicorn, APA Titled Sport and Exercise Physiotherapist Senior Physiotherapist Healthfix North Sydney.

Healthy Hips: Tips for Managing & Relieving Hip Pain

Posted on | by Ash Cooney
Hip pain can be a challenging condition to deal with, impacting daily activities and causing discomfort and whether you’re an athlete or a weekend warrior, hip pain is a common issue that affects many people. In this blog post, we’ll explore common hip injuries and conditions that can cause pain and discomfort. Additionally, we’ll provide helpful physiotherapy tips for joint pain relief and management so you can have healthy hips!

Common Hip Injuries and Conditions

  • Arthritis: Hip arthritis is a common condition that occurs when the cartilage in your hip joint wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness.
  • Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion and lubricate the joints. In the hip, bursitis can cause pain and swelling.
  • Gluteal Tendinopathy: A very common condition, more common in older females, brought on by a sudden increase in activity or on-going poor biomechanics • Hip
  • Labral Tear: A hip labral tear is a tear in the cartilage that surrounds the hip joint. It can cause pain and instability in the hip. This is less common in the general population but good to look out for if you are experiencing a painful catching sensation in the hip after a fall or intense bout of exercise.

Tips for Joint Pain Relief and Management from Physiotherapy

  • Exercise: Initially gentle exercises such as stretching and low-impact activities like walking or swimming can help keep the hip joint mobile and reduce pain. Then once the acute symptoms have settled, a progressive strengthening program to improve the strength around the hip joint will help to reduce the risk of reoccurance.
  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce pressure on the hip joint, which can help prevent injuries and reduce pain.
  • Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Seeking Professional Help: If you’re experiencing hip pain that isn’t relieved by self-care measures, it’s important to seek professional help from a physiotherapist or other healthcare provider. They can evaluate your hip pain and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs

Exercises to Strengthen Your Hips

Exercises to strengthen your hips can also be helpful. 1. Hip Bridges: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips off the floor until your knees, hips, and shoulders form a straight line. Hold for 5 seconds and then lower your hips back down to the floor. Repeat for 10-15 reps. 2. Clamshells: Lie on your side with your knees bent and your feet together. Keeping your feet together, lift your top knee up as high as you can while keeping your hips straight. Hold for 2-3 seconds and then lower your knee back down. Repeat for 10-15 reps on each side. 3. Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing forward. Lower your body down into a squat, keeping your weight in your heels and your knees tracking over your toes. Hold for 2-3 seconds and then push back up to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps   Hip pain can be a frustrating and debilitating issue, but there are many strategies you can use to manage and prevent it. Remember to listen to your body and take care of your hips – they’re essential for so many daily activities!     Caitlan Skillicorn, APA Titled Sport and Exercise Physiotherapist, Healthfix North Sydney

Effective Exercises for Shoulder Pain for Older Women

Posted on | by Ash Cooney
Shoulder pain for older women can become a real plight, but it’s not all bad news. Read on for advice on how to be free of shoulder pain.  

How to manage pain with physiotherapy

As women age, shoulder pain can become a more common occurrence. Whether it is due to hormone-related changes or simply wear and tear from years of use, there are several things that women over 50 can do to alleviate their shoulder pain and get back to their normal activities. Here are some physiotherapy tips tailored to women over 50 for treating shoulder pain:
  1. Relative rest: It’s important to rest the affected area and avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort. Women over 50 should be especially careful with lifting heavy objects or performing overhead activities that may exacerbate shoulder pain.
  2. Ice or Heat: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help to alleviate pain and discomfort. Women over 50 should be mindful of any skin changes or decreased sensation that may occur with age, and apply ice or heat for shorter periods of time or with a protective barrier.
  3. Shoulder Exercises: Specific shoulder exercises can help to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve range of motion. Women over 50 may benefit from exercises that focus on improving posture and balance as well as strengthening the rotator cuff muscles.
  4. Posture Correction: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain. A physiotherapist can assess your posture and recommend exercises to help correct any imbalances that may be contributing to your pain. Women over 50 may be especially prone to developing kyphosis (rounded shoulders) and may need exercises to address this issue.
  5. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques such as massage and mobilisation can help to relieve pain and improve range of motion. These techniques should only be performed by a qualified physiotherapist.
  6. Anti-inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder. Women over 50 should be cautious with taking medications and only use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional and should only be used for short periods.
 

General Shoulder Pain Exercises

One of the best ways to do this is through targeted exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. Your physiotherapist can work with you to create a personalised exercise plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. Some exercises that may be beneficial for shoulder pain include:
  1. Shoulder blade squeeze: Sit or stand up straight, then pull your shoulder blades together and hold for five seconds. Release and repeat 10-15 times.
  2. Wall push-up: Stand facing a wall with your arms extended at shoulder height, then slowly bend your elbows to lower your body towards the wall. Push back up to the starting position and repeat 10-15 times.
  3. Resistance band rotations: Hold a resistance band with both hands and raise your arms to shoulder height. Rotate your arms to the right and left, keeping your elbows straight, and repeat 10-15 times.
  4. Sleeper stretch: Lie on your side with your affected arm resting on a pillow at shoulder height. Gently press your affected hand towards the bed, stretching your shoulder, and hold for 15-30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times on each side.
These exercises, along with others recommended by your physiotherapist, can help alleviate shoulder pain and improve mobility. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain in North Sydney, don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a physiotherapist to get started on the path to pain-free movement.      
By Caitlan Skillicorn, Senior Physiotherapist
Woman doing Exercise

Treating Patellar Tendinosis in North Sydney with Effective Physiotherapy Techniques

Posted on | by Ash Cooney

By Caitlan Skillicorn, Senior Physiotherapist

Patellar tendinosis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a common condition that affects athletes, particularly those involved in jumping sports. It is characterized by pain and tenderness in the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. The condition is caused by repetitive stress and strain on the tendon, leading to microtears and degeneration. If left untreated, it can progress to a more severe form known as a patellar tendon tear. However, with the help of physiotherapy, patellar tendinosis can be effectively treated and managed.   Physiotherapy for patellar tendinosis typically involves a combination of exercise, manual therapy, and education. Here are some ways that physiotherapy can help:
  1. Relative rest and activity modification: Resting the affected knee and modifying activities that aggravate the condition is important to allow the tendon to heal. A physiotherapist can recommend alternative activities that are less stressful on the tendon and help to maintain cardiovascular fitness.
  2. Stretching and flexibility exercises: Tight muscles and a lack of flexibility can contribute to patellar tendinosis. A physiotherapist can recommend stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension on the tendon.
  3. Strengthening exercises: Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstring muscles can help to alleviate the load on the patellar tendon. Eccentric exercises, which involve lengthening the muscle while it contracts, have been shown to be particularly effective in treating patellar tendinosis.
  4. Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and soft tissue mobilization can help to reduce pain and improve tissue mobility.
  5. Bio mechanical assessment and correction: A physiotherapist can assess the patient’s gait and movement patterns to identify any imbalances or abnormalities that may be contributing to the condition. Corrective exercises canthen be prescribed to improve biomechanics and reduce stress on the patellar tendon.
  6. Taping and bracing: Taping or bracing the knee can help to provide support and alleviate pain during activity temporarily during rehabilitation. A physiotherapist can recommend the appropriate taping or bracing technique based on the patient’s individual needs.
  7. Education: Educating patients on the causes and contributing factors of patellar tendinosis is an important aspect of treatment. A physiotherapist can provide guidance on proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, as well as advice on equipment and training methods that may reduce the risk of injury.
  Patellar tendinosis is a common condition that can be effectively treated with physiotherapy. Treatment typically involves a combination of rest, stretching and flexibility exercises, strengthening exercises, manual therapy, biomechanical assessment and correction, taping and bracing, and education. If you are experiencing pain or tenderness in your patellar tendon, seek the help of a qualified physiotherapist who can develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.