This is a question our team here at Melville Wellness Centre, your Plocal Physiotherapist, get asked from time to time. It isn't necessarily one of the most well-known procedures. However, it can offer key benefits for sufferers of back pain as well as many other conditions. Here are a few key points about dry needling. What dry needling is and why it's used Dry needling is the process of inserting acupuncture needles into troublesome muscles, seeking to minimise pain and improve or control functional damage. The skilled use of dry needling can encourage relaxation in the muscles. It can also…
What is a Podiatrist and what do they do?
Podiatry relates to the study and treatment of the foot, making Podiatrists foot doctors. They may also be called a chiropodist, which is an older name for doctors of podiatric medicine. These doctors are a kind of physician and surgeon, trained to treat the foot, ankle, and connecting parts of the leg. What training does a Podiatrist have? While a Podiatrist is not medically trained and not an official doctor, they train extensively through postgraduate degrees and specialisms, including applying to register with the Podiatry Board of Australia before they can practice. They have studied how the bones, nerves, and…
Do you take care of your neck?
Some parts of our body are recognised as 'heroes'. Your heart, for example, keeps blood pumping while your lungs allow you to breathe. Other parts of your body, though, can be taken for granted. The neck might be a prime example of this. Like other areas, it can be overlooked until things aren't right. So, let's take a look at the stellar job your neck needs to do. It holds up your head You might just have said something like: 'Well of course it does'. It's stating the obvious. Yet, your neck is providing support to your head, which is…
Three stretches for happier feet
Our feet are one of the most important parts of our body, and yet, unlike other parts, such as our head, neck and shoulders, we don't always think to give them the stretches and exercise they need. Stretching our feet helps to relieve pain, improve flexibility and increase strength. If taking care of your feet hasn't been a part of your daily routine, try these three stretches for happier feet. Raise, point, and curl This is a great stretch for both your feet and ankles. 1. Begin by sitting in a chair with your feet flat on the ground, slightly…
How can chiropractic care help insomnia?
Insomnia is a problem faced by many people around the globe. Around sixty percent of adults in Australia experience symptoms of insomnia up to three or more times a week. There can be numerous causes for insomnia, among them; stress, anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Long term, insomnia can lead to many other health concerns, worsen pre-existing conditions, and decrease daytime focus and energy. So how can your local chiropractor help? Chiropractors work holistically This means that they look at the big picture. They will take an in-depth history of your problem and explore your lifestyle, focusing on facilitating improvements…
Top 3 chiropractic myths in Perth debunked
Whether you know of someone who had an awful chiropractic experience or you have been warned against chiropractic care in the past, we’re here to set the record straight. While there are many misconceptions about chiropractic care, today, we're going to debunk the top 3 chiropractic myths once and for all. Myth 1: Chiropractors don’t use the appropriate diagnostic tools Most patients are often surprised to see chiropractors using ultrasound and x-ray machines to determine the underlying causes. These tools help chiropractors get a better look at ligaments and bones so that they can offer a tailored treatment plan for…
Understanding ingrown toenails
Podiatrists appreciate how even the name 'ingrown toenail' (known as onychocryptosis) can make some people shiver. Yet, the condition can be effectively dealt with and rarely returns after skilled treatment. To better understand, and help prevent this unpleasant condition, let's examine it in detail... What exactly are ingrown toenhails? These occur, usually on the big toe, when corners or edges of a toenail have grown into the skin on one or both sides of the nail. Noticeable symptoms include the skin becoming hard, swollen or tender; as the years pass your nails can also thicken. Pain is often felt when…
The benefits of orthotics
We're on our feet a lot in the course of a day. Whether it be walking to and from work, out for a run, standing for long hours or out doing some shopping, our feet can certainly take a beating. This is why it's so important to take care of them while making sure we are maintaining the correct posture. Proper orthotics can be a life-changer, and you can find out what ones would be appropriate for you by getting a check-up from an accredited podiatrist. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of orthotics below: Improving posture Poor…
Cracking down on the most common chiropractic myths
There are many myths and falsified claims about the practice of chiropractors. If you'd like to learn more about chiropractic, separate the facts from the fiction by learning directly from the businesses that carry our chiropractic services. This article explores some of the most common myths about chiropractic and explains what the reality is. Myth 1: Chiropractic is only useful for back pain The truth: Chiropractic is actually useful for combating the symptoms of a wide range of aches and pains. Alongside back pain, chiropractors can also provide relief for neck pain, injuries related to whiplash, migraines, musculoskeletal pain such…
