After a tough workout, a long run, a weekend of sport, or even a physically demanding day at work, it is normal to experience muscle soreness and fatigue. While many people believe the best way to recover is to rest completely, research suggests that light movement and gentle stretching can often be more beneficial than total inactivity. Muscle soreness, particularly delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), typically develops 12 to 48 hours after exercise. This soreness occurs as the body repairs microscopic muscle fibres that have been stressed during physical activity. Although rest is an important part of recovery, remaining completely…
Understanding Morton's Neuroma: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
Have you ever felt like you have a pebble stuck in your shoe, even when there is nothing there? Or perhaps you've experienced burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of your foot that worsens when walking or wearing certain shoes. These symptoms may be caused by a condition known as Morton's Neuroma. Morton's Neuroma is a common foot condition that affects the nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. Despite the name, it is not actually a tumour. Instead, it involves thickening and irritation of the tissue surrounding a nerve, usually as a…
Focused vs Radial Shockwave: What's the Difference?
Shockwave therapy has become one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for chronic tendon pain, heel pain, muscle injuries and bone healing. At Functional Foot & Ankle, we are proud to offer both EMS DolorClast® Focused Shockwave and Radial Shockwave Therapy, allowing us to tailor treatment to your specific injury. Although both technologies use acoustic energy to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, they work in different ways and each has its own advantages. EMS DolorClast® Focused Shockwave Focused shockwave is the latest generation of shockwave technology. It concentrates energy at a precise depth beneath the skin, allowing treatment of deep tissues without…
Stay Mobile This Winter with Chiropractic Care
As winter arrives in Perth, many people notice an increase in aches, pains, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While cooler weather can be a welcome change from the summer heat, it can also place additional stress on your muscles, joints, and spine. This is one reason why many patients find they benefit from more frequent visits to their chiropractor during the colder months. Cold weather can cause muscles to tighten and become less flexible. Research suggests that lower temperatures can contribute to muscle tension, reduced circulation, and increased stiffness, particularly in people who already experience back pain, neck pain, arthritis, or…
How Dry Needling Complements Physiotherapy Treatment
Dry needling has become an increasingly popular treatment option within physiotherapy, helping many patients manage pain, improve movement, and recover from injury more effectively. When combined with physiotherapy treatment, dry needling can be a valuable tool in addressing muscle tension, trigger points, and movement dysfunction. For patients in Melville and Perth dealing with ongoing pain or injury, understanding how dry needling complements physiotherapy may help them achieve better recovery outcomes. Dry needling is a technique performed by a trained Physiotherapist using thin, sterile needles inserted into tight or sensitive muscles known as trigger points. These trigger points are areas of…
The Link Between Shin Splints and Poor Foot Mechanics
Shin splints are a common overuse injury that affects many active people, particularly runners, athletes, gym-goers, and those returning to exercise after a break. The condition can cause significant discomfort and may interfere with daily activities and sporting performance if left untreated. Fortunately, a qualified Podiatrist can play an important role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing shin splints. Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, typically cause pain along the inside edge of the shin bone (tibia). The pain may begin as mild discomfort during exercise but can gradually worsen over time, sometimes persisting even during walking or…
Why Your Chiropractor Recommends Frequent Visits at the Start
Many patients are surprised when their Chiropractor recommends more frequent visits at the beginning of treatment. It is a common question asked in clinics throughout Melville and Perth: “Why do I need to come in so often at the start?” The answer is simple — the early stages of care are focused on stabilising the problem, reducing pain, restoring movement, and helping the body begin the healing process as efficiently as possible. When people first visit a Chiropractor, they are often experiencing pain or dysfunction that has been developing for weeks, months, or even years. Conditions such as neck pain,…
The Role of a Physiotherapist in Recovery After a Car Accident
Recovering after a motor vehicle accident can be a challenging and stressful experience. Even seemingly minor accidents can leave people dealing with pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and ongoing discomfort that affects daily life. Seeking treatment early from a qualified Physiotherapist can play a major role in helping patients recover safely, restore movement, and prevent long-term complications. Following a car accident, many people experience injuries such as whiplash, neck pain, back pain, shoulder injuries, muscle strains, joint stiffness, headaches, and reduced mobility. In some cases, symptoms may not appear immediately and can take several days to develop. This is why it…
Quality Business Awards Winner "The Best Podiatrist 2026"
Congratulations to Benjamin Hodgetts from Functional Foot & Ankle for the Quality Business Awards "Best Podiatrist" in the City of Melville for 2026! This award highlights the importance of choosing a qualified and experienced podiatrist when it comes to caring for your feet and lower limbs. Your feet are the foundation of your body. They absorb impact, support posture, and play a major role in the way you walk, run, stand, and move every day. When foot pain or dysfunction develops, it can quickly affect your ankles, knees, hips, and even your spine. This is why seeking treatment from…
Scoliosis & Chiropractic Care
Scoliosis is a condition that causes an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often developing during adolescence but also affecting adults. While the severity can vary, scoliosis may lead to discomfort, postural changes, and reduced mobility if left unmanaged. Chiropractic care is one approach that can help support people living with scoliosis, particularly when guided by an experienced Chiropractor in Melville or Perth. What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis occurs when the spine curves in a “C” or “S” shape rather than maintaining its natural alignment. In some cases, the cause is unknown (idiopathic scoliosis), while in others it may be related…
