Physiotherapy Professionals Parramatta 12 Ada Street Harris Park NSW 2150: Hand Therapy
What is hand therapy?
Hand Therapy is the science of rehabilitating the upper limb, from shoulder to hand. This can include injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers. Injuries can occur due to playing Sports, injury at work (usually covered under WorkCover) and motor vehicle accidents (usually covered under CTP Claims)
What does a hand therapist do?
Hand therapists evaluate and test the injured limb to assess what treatment is required to restore movement and flow. They design specific treatment programs and work closely with reputable hand or Orthopedic surgeons, providing recommendations as required.
What conditions can hand therapy be beneficial for?
Upper limb overuse injuries, such as De Quervains tenosynovitis, trigger finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Finger injuries, including dislocations and fractures e.g. Boxer’s fracture
Thumb issues, such as arthritis or skier’s thumb
Wrist and elbow pain, e.g. lateral extensor tendinopathy (tennis elbow)
Throwing injuries and overuse dysfunctions such as Ulnar collateral ligament injuries
Is a referral required?
No referral is required for a hand therapy consultation.
Can I claim this service as an extra on my health insurance policy?
A hand therapy session with your Physiotherapist may be claimed on private health insurance depending on your level of cover. Please check with your private health insurance provider for details.
Contact:
Contact us on on 0479 080 800 or 0479 080 800 to make a booking. Alternatively you can email us on [email protected] for further information. Our Physiotherapists are Medicare, NDIS, DVA and Work Cover approved, specialising in injury management and rehabilitation to get you back to full function.
Physio Parramatta WorkCover, Car accidents, Post Surgery Rehab, NDIS, Sports Injuries
Physiotherapy Professionals Parramatta 12 Ada Street Harris Park NSW 2150: HomeCare Physiotherapy
HomeCare Physiotherapy
We specialise in providing Physiotherapy care to clients in our clinic or in their place of residence. We can also visit them in an aged care facility.
Our Physiotherapists are experts in managing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions which affect movement, function, and independence.
We provide a range of Physiotherapy services through a patient centered view to ensures all clients have the best possible opportunity to achieve their goals.
Mobile HomeCare Physiotherapy Services. We come to you.
Services we offer:
Falls risk assessment and prevention
Falls are a very common problem among older people. In fact, one-third of 65 year olds will have at least one fall each year. We work with our patients to identify their individual risk factors and devise an individualized program to reduce this fall risk.
Mobility assessments
Staying mobile is critical to our overall health and quality of life. Our team of experienced Physiotherapists are best placed to advise on how to maintain and improve your level of mobility. If your mobility has declined due to age, pain, injury or illness, we are able to help you.
Walking aids and equipment
As our mobility declines with age or illness, we may require the use of a walking aid to enable us to stay safe when getting about. There are many aids available, such as a walking stick, a walking frame or a 4 wheeled walker to name a few. These aids can significantly improve your walking quality, duration and your ‘functional capacity’. They also act as a safety measure to reduce your risk of falling and all the complications associated with a fall.
We understand accepting the use of an aid can be difficult and so our consultations are very much tailored around our patient’s needs and goals. If an aid is required, we will work with you on choosing the most appropriate aid, helping guide your selection to best suit your lifestyle.
Strengthening programs following hospital admission
Did you know that bed rest in older adults often results in a significant decline in lower limb strength, power and aerobic capacity. A lot of older people discharged from hospital have a decline in their functional ability compared to when they were admitted. Our team works with clients to regain what was lost during their hospital rehabilitation so that they can best manage their goals and day-to-day requirements.
Post-operative rehabilitation
Many operative procedures require physiotherapy to regain full strength, range of joint movement and function following surgery. Common conditions we treat post-operatively include total hip and knee replacements, post-fracture and general surgical conditions. Being seen by a physiotherapist promptly is associated with good long-term outcomes.
Neurological rehab such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and TBI
Stroke: Strokes come in varying degrees of severity and consequently have varying effects on people. They can affect movement, vision and/or speech. Some people have only short term symptoms while others are long-term or permanent. The aim of physiotherapy is to maximize a person’s ability to perform functional tasks such as walking and upper limb activities. This is achieved largely through movement retraining and strengthening. Sometimes muscle stretching and splinting may be required. The earlier rehab is commenced following a stroke, the greater the chance of a good outcome.
Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson’s Disease affects functional activities of daily life by disturbing movement and balance. An individualised exercise program can be designed by a physiotherapist to maintain muscle length and joint range of movement, improving initiation and co-ordination of movement and maintaining good heart and lung function.
Some other neurological conditions which benefit from physiotherapy management include Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Acquired Brain Injuries, Huntington’s Disease, Spinal Cord Injuries and Post-Polio Syndrome.
Cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation and management
Common cardio-pulmonary conditions we see include: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: This is a common condition characterised by shortness of breath due to reduced flow of air to and from the lungs. It is not reversible and generally deteriorates over time. Physiotherapists can help you manage this condition with a specific pulmonary exercise program designed to meet your individual needs.
Bronchiectasis: This is another obstructive lung disease characterised by excessive production of yellow/green sputum. Physiotherapists can teach you self-management strategies and assist in the clearance of these lung secretions with postural drainage and chest physio.
Arthritis
Arthritic conditions such as osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are painful conditions that can affect your movement and ability to perform daily tasks. Managing this pain is important so that you can maximise your functional ability. There is good evidence that aerobic exercise within ones tolerance of pain is strongly associated with good outcomes in terms of pain management and function. A tailored exercise program by a physiotherapist can help you manage your arthritic symptoms that affect you.
Chronic disease management
Long term disease and chronic pain will invariably have an adverse effect on a person’s lifestyle. Conditions such as diabetes and osteoarthritis, among others, can be managed better with an appropriate program devised by a Physiotherapist consisting of appropriate exercise and learning self-management strategies.
Home care packages
Physiotherapy can be accessed with funds from a home care package. We are experienced in providing appropriate Physiotherapy care. We pride ourselves on providing a client-centred approach, with an emphasis on ongoing communication between all key stakeholders in the clients’ care. If you are on a home care package and require Physiotherapy, please contact us or speak to your Case Manager/Care Coordinator.
Benefits of engaging Physiotherapy Care:
Increased feelings of independence, empowerment and autonomy in managing their health and abilities.
Improved physical and emotional well-being
Improving their ability to self-care and to perform everyday activities of daily living
Reducing the need for ongoing home care services
Reducing the risk of falls and falls related injuries
Avoiding hospital admission for reasons directly addressed by this program, for example, falls, medication or chronic disease mismanagement
Contact Us:
For more information on how we can further assist you, please call our clinic number on 0479 080 800 or send us an email on admin[email protected] for further details. Our Physiotherapists are Medicare, NDIS, DVA and Work Cover approved, specialising in injury management and rehabilitation to get you back on track.
Physiotherapy Professionals Parramatta 12 Ada Street Harris Park NSW 2150: Herniated Disc after a Car Accident
What are lower back discs?
The inter vertebral discs separate the vertebrae of the spine.
Discs in theory have a role in absorption and stabilisation as well as allowing movement in the back joints.
Discs are comprised of two parts; annulus fibrosis (outer fibrous layer) and the nucleus pulposis (inner layer)
Normal pain free people can have all disc changes on their spinal scans including MRI and CT’s.
Symptoms of Herniated Disc after a Car Accident
Some people with disc bulges can complain of:
Back pain
Radiated pain into the leg
Numbness or pins and needles into the leg
Weakness in the leg and foot
Pain worse with coughing and sneezing
Pain worse with bending or sitting for extended periods.
What physical things affect disc injuries
Car accident, Work accident
Incorrect lifting techniques – Our spines naturally moves with a little bend and in fact with conditioning can become very strong.
Poor posture has been widely publicised as a caused of disc injury but there isn’t real research to back up this theory. However, Curitn University are currently researching this at the moment and hopefully the results will clarify this for us.
Obesity- This is still a risk factor in having back pain generally and not necessarily a risk for developing disc budges
Lack of regular exercise and strength
Self-Care for Disc Bulges
Some things that have been used include:
Relative rest in the correct alignment, resting in provocative positions such as sitting can worsen the condition
Over-the-counter pain-relieving medication
Ice packs or warm packs
Upright posture
Resting the back by not bending, twisting or lifting heavy weights
Warm baths
Sleeping on a mattress that is not too soft or too hard
Ergonomic furniture, such as chairs with lumbar support
Gentle exercises to strengthen and support the lower back
Gentle walking program as pain permits
However, there aren’t any real direct link that these interventions have a direct affect on the disc budge in the current research but some do have an effect on reducing pain perception.
Treatment for Disc Bulges
Physiotherapy
Medication including pain relief and anti-inflammatories
Epidural steroid injections into the disc region
Manipulative therapies
Surgery
Alternate therapies such as Trigger point therapy or dry needling
Surgery for Disc Bulges
Unless you have a severe nerve compression causing leg numbness, muscle strength loss, loss of reflexes then surgery is usually not recommended
There has been recent increase in spinal fusions an all in the private sector
Back surgery for back and leg pain only is no more effective than good, high value physiotherapy care.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Herniated Disc after a Car Accident
Soft Tissue Release: Muscle tension is usually a symptom of the underlying problem and can assist to unwind a tense area
Spinal mobilisations or joint mobilisations can have good outcomes to ease symptoms
Dry needling or acupuncture can also ease muscle tightness and have positive effects for disc budge related pain
Ultrasound, interferential, shockwave, any most machines haven’t been shown to speed up recovery
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a type of back injury, commonly caused by overexertion and potentially after a car accident due to high levels of trauma associated with a car accident.
Herniated discs are extremely painful and can potentially lead to long-term debilitation.
Common Causes of a Herniated Disc
Most herniated discs are triggered by physical overexertion, car accidents or wear and tear.
It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of a herniated disc in some cases, as the pain associated with this type of injury often develops gradually.
However, many spinal injuries can be traced back to some form of physical activity, such as picking up a heavy object with poor lifting technique.
Factors that Increase the Risk of a Herniated Disc
A range of factors can increase the risk of disc herniation.
Weight gain – Excess weight can place an unsustainable amount of stress on the spinal discs, especially in the lower back region.
Smoking – Over time, the toxins found in cigarettes can reduce blood flow to the spinal discs, encouraging disc degeneration.
Age – Spinal discs tend to lose elasticity as we get older, making them less able to absorb stress.
A physically demanding occupation – Jobs that involve lots heavy lifting are linked with high instances of disc herniation.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding physical overexertion is the best way to minimise these risks.
It’s often known as a slipped disc
A herniated disc (also sometimes known as a ‘slipped disc’) refers to damage sustained by the jelly substance located between each vertebra (spinal bones).
Every human spine has 23 discs, extending from the top of the neck down to the lower back.
Spinal discs help protect your back by absorbing the stresses involved with everyday movement, such as walking, sitting and bending.
Spinal discs are prone to rupturing
Since they are comprised of a soft rubbery substance, spinal discs are prone to rupturing especially after a car accident.
When a rupture occurs, it can put pressure on the nerves located in the spinal cord, causing discomfort.
The Difference Between a Herniated Disc and a Bulging Disc
Herniated discs and bulging discs are classified as separate injuries. Herniated discs are non-contained, meaning the disc tissue has been torn or ruptured.
This causes a gel-like matter to leak into the spinal column, conversely, bulging discs are isolated.
Many herniated discs start out as bulging discs.
A small portion of the disc may protrude into the spinal cavity, but no tear or rupture is present in its outer layer.
Coping with Herniated Disc Pain
Herniated disc pain can be excruciating. It frequently spreads from the back into other parts of the body, including the legs, shoulders and arms, and can make basic physical movements difficult
For less severe herniated disc injuries, avoiding physical activity for a number of weeks can be effective for pain management.
Over-the-counter medications, physical therapy and heat packs can also help, but surgical intervention may be needed if the pain doesn’t subside.
Can a Herniated Disc Heal On Its Own?
Yes, a herniated disc can heal on its own. The amount of time it takes varies person to person. This can depend on your lifestyle, age, previous injuries etc.
The body’s natural immune response helps reduce the size of the herniation, although you must avoid strenuous physical activity for this process to take place.
Does Physiotherapy help a herniated disc?
Yes, Physiotherapy can also help recover from disc injuries.
Even if your symptoms subside, you shouldn’t assume that your injury has completely healed.
The pain may reappear over time, especially if you resume the activities that caused the herniation in the first place.
When to See a Doctor for a Herniated Disc
Always seek medical advice if you experience any discomfort in your back lasting longer than a few days.
Herniated discs can worsen if not treated in a timely manner, prolonging the recovery process. Even if your symptoms are mild, don’t wait for them to get better on their own.
Herniated Disc Diagnosis
There are several diagnostic tests that can be used to confirm a herniated disc.
Physical examination – Your doctor can use this procedure to look for limitations in your range of movement, numbness in your arms and legs and other typical characteristics of disc herniation.
Imaging tests – CT scans, MRIs and X-rays are all able to detect a herniated disc.
Herniated Disc Surgery
Surgery can be used to treat a severe or chronic herniated disc. By undergoing a surgical procedure known as a discectomy, the injured person can have a portion of their ruptured disc removed. This can help relieve the pressure on the spinal nerves and any corresponding pain.
The entire disc may need to be removed if a large enough rupture has occurred.
Herniated Disc after a Car Accident Recovery Time
Recovering from a herniated disc can be a lengthy and complicated process. The recommended recovery time for a mild herniated disc is around 6 weeks, but a severe herniation can take longer to heal.
The duration of your recovery will depend on the size of the herniation and the location of the affected disc. Following the advice of your doctor will ensure you can recover from a herniated disc as quickly as possible.
Contact Us:
For more information on how we can further assist you, please call our clinic number on 0479 080 800 or send us an email on admin[email protected] for further details. Our Physiotherapists are Medicare, NDIS, DVA and Work Cover approved, specialising in injury management and rehabilitation to get you back on track.
Physiotherapy Professionals Parramatta 12 Ada Street Harris Park NSW 2150: Car Accident Rehabilitation Parramatta
Car Accident Rehabilitation
After being involved in a motor vehicle accident (Car, truck, motor bike or pedestrian involved in a motor vehicle accident), getting back on your feet can be a complex process.
Depending on the type of injuries you’ve sustained, you may need to undergo rehabilitation which normally involves Physiotherapy and exercise based therapy.
Rehabilitation program is designed to restore your quality of life and get you back to where you were pre injury.
Rehabilitation covers a wide range of healthcare services, including but not limite to:
GP: Who will initiate the process for you
Specialists: To provide you with further medical options for a particular issue in the body
Physiotherapy: For all your rehabilitation needs
Psychologist: For your mental health
Exercise Physiologist: For gym based and return to work based treatment
Accessing rehabilitation services can put pressure on your finances, especially if you can’t work as a result of your injuries.
If you were involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, regardless of who was at fault, your CTP insurance will cover any reasonable expense to get you back to pre injury duties for the first six months after your injury. There are some technicalities which the CTP insurer will discuss with you at the time you lodge your claim. Such as if your accident was at fault or not at fault, minor or major injury. If it’s a major injury or if you were not at fault, the insurer will often continue to support you past the six month mark.
What Is CTP Insurance?
Short for Compulsory Third Party insurance, all vehicles on Australian roads are covered by CTP insurance. In most states and territories, the cost of CTP is included in your registration fees (except for NSW, where road users must purchase it separately).
CTP insurance is designed to cover out-of-pocket expenses and compensation claims made against drivers by other road users. To protect yourself from financial hardship or adverse consequences, always make sure your CTP insurance is up to date. If you are in NSW you cannot register a car unless you have up to date CTP insurance.
Will Insurance Cover The Cost Of My Car Accident Rehabilitation?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another road user, in most circumstances, the cost of your rehabilitation will be covered by the CTP Insurer of the vehicle at fault.
What Happens If I Develop Whiplash From A Car Accident?
Any car accident can result in a neck injury, but rear end collisions have especially high rates of whiplash. When a vehicle gets hit from behind, its occupant’s heads will usually be pushed backwards and then forwards from the impact of the vehicle that hit the car. This can force the neck to stretch beyond its usual range of motion.
Car accident related whiplash can be compounded by the late onset of symptoms. It is not unusual for people not to realize how badly they’ve been injured and fail to seek treatment until several days after an accident.
How Can I Prove That I Need Rehabilitation?
You will need to lodge a CTP claim.
See you GP who will fill out a form confirming your accident and injuries
Call or visit your local Police station and obtain an event number.
Contact your CTP Insurer and inform them you would like to lodge a CTP claim
Car Accident Rehabilitation Parramatta
Most insurers will only cover the cost of rehabilitation expenses if they are:
Reasonable and appropriate
Related to injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident
Verifiable (this means the insurer will ask for proof of the expense, such as a receipt).
You’ll need to supply proof that you require rehabilitation for your claim to be approved, such as a medical certificate or referral from your GP.
How Do I Organize Car Accident Rehabilitation?
You can receive guidance from your GP or your insurer. As a person receiving treatment, you can choose where you go to receive treatment. If you submit a claim to the CTP insurer that includes rehabilitation expenses, the CTP insurer will usually contact you to discuss organizing these services.
Alternatively, you can contact your insurer about arranging car accident rehabilitation.
Your treatment provider may also be able to contact the CTP insurer on your behalf. Most insurers will typically ask you to submit any requests for funding in writing.
Do I Have To Wait For The CTP Insurer To Approve My Claim?
Yes you do. The process can vary between different insurers. Best results you will have an approval within 2-3 days, worst case scenario 7-10 days. Before you lodge your claim ensure yo have provided the insurance company with all the requested paper work.
There are certain services such as Physiotherapy which gives you up to two pre approved sessions prior to a formal approval being received. You should only start the rehabilitation process once you have received an approval.
Delaying treatment could make your injuries worse, potentially causing you even greater pain and suffering. If you need to pay for rehabilitation services out of your own pocket initially, you can seek to get reimbursed later by making a compensation claim.
Contact:
Contact us today on 0479 080 800 to make a booking. Alternatively you can email us on [email protected]. Our Physiotherapists are Medicare, NDIS, DVA and Work Cover approved, specializing in injury management and rehabilitation to get you back to full function.
Ajit Lamba and Daniel Stone – Physiotherapists in Parramatta.
