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By adelaiderehabandtherapy Uncategorized ,

BracenFix™: A Revolutionary Solution for Ingrown and Involuted Toenails Without Surgery

Ingrown toenails can be a painful and persistent problem for many people, often leading to discomfort, swelling, and even infection if left untreated. Traditionally, treatment options for ingrown or involuted toenails have ranged from soaking and trimming to painful injections and invasive surgery. However, a groundbreaking new treatment called BracenFix™ is changing the game, offering a non-invasive, painless, and highly effective solution for those looking to avoid surgery.

 

What is BracenFix™?

 

 

BracenFix™ is a treatment specifically designed to address the issue of ingrown and involuted toenails without the need for surgical intervention. Using a unique bracing system, BracenFix™ gently repositions the nail over time, allowing it to grow naturally and pain-free. This method not only provides immediate relief from discomfort but also corrects the underlying issue, preventing the nail from growing into the skin again in the future.

 

 

Who Can Benefit from BracenFix™?

The beauty of BracenFix™ lies in its versatility. Unlike traditional surgical methods, this treatment is suitable for a wide range of patients, including:

  • Diabetics: For individuals with diabetes, foot health is critical, and invasive procedures carry added risks. BracenFix™ is safe for diabetics, as it doesn’t require cutting or injections, minimising the risk of complications.
  • Those with Poor Circulation: Reduced blood flow to the feet can make recovery from surgery more difficult. BracenFix™ eliminates the need for recovery time, making it a safer option for individuals with circulation issues.
  • Needle Phobia: Many people dread the idea of needles or injections. With BracenFix™, there’s no need for anesthesia or injections, making the experience completely needle-free.

Anyone Wanting to Avoid Surgery: Surgery can be daunting, and recovery can be lengthy. BracenFix™ offers a non-invasive alternative that allows patients to walk in, walk out, and resume their daily activities immediately.

The Benefits of BracenFix™

BracenFix™ is quickly becoming a popular choice for treating ingrown toenails due to its many advantages, including:

  • Immediate Pain Relief: Patients often experience relief right away, as the brace begins to gently lift the nail, preventing it from digging into the skin.
  • No Injections or Surgery: With BracenFix™, there’s no need for needles, cutting, or surgical procedures.
  • Painless and Comfortable: The process is completely painless, allowing patients to relax during and after treatment.
  • Non-Invasive: The BracenFix™ brace is applied externally to the nail, making it a non-invasive solution with no recovery period.
  • Safe for Everyone: BracenFix™ is suitable for individuals with diabetes, circulation issues, and those with sensitive skin or feet.
  • No Side Effects: Unlike surgery or medications, BracenFix™ has no side effects, ensuring a worry-free experience.
  • Resume Daily Activities: There’s no downtime or recovery required. You can get back to your regular activities immediately after treatment.
  • Wear Nail Polish: Unlike other treatments that might require nail removal or trimming, BracenFix™ allows you to keep your toenail looking great, with the option to even wear nail polish.

How Does BracenFix™ Work?

The BracenFix™ system works by applying a small, specialized brace to the affected toenail. This brace gently lifts the edges of the nail, preventing it from growing into the surrounding skin and causing pain. Over time, as the nail grows, the brace guides it to grow straight and naturally, eliminating the cause of the ingrown toenail.

The treatment is quick, typically lasting just a few minutes, and patients can walk out of the clinic and resume their daily activities immediately. There’s no need for bandages, and unlike surgical options, there’s no need for any recovery time.

 

Is BracenFix™ Right for You?

If you’ve been struggling with ingrown or involuted toenails and are looking for a solution that’s painless, safe, and effective, BracenFix™ might be the perfect treatment for you. Whether you want to avoid surgery, have a fear of needles, or simply want a faster, more comfortable solution, BracenFix™ provides immediate relief and long-term results without the risks associated with invasive procedures.

 

 

Our podiatrist, Lauren Bayly, is passionate about helping people with these and other foot-related issues. With her extensive training and experience, she’s ready to provide the care and support you need.

Lauren says, “Podiatry is an incredibly rewarding profession, and I get to help people every day. There’s no better feeling than someone limping into my clinic room and being able to walk out.”

Want to find out more information or book your first consultation?

Call on 7089 6666 or book online here.

Book Now
By adelaiderehabandtherapy Uncategorized

What is a Stroke and How Does Rehabilitation Help?

What is a Stroke?

Your brain is where you turn your thoughts into action. In fact, your brain is responsible for most of the vital functions of your body.

Your brain is made up of specialised cells including nerves and other cells with supportive and immune functions.

To keep these cells and nerves healthy, they need oxygen and other nutrients. Oxygen and nutrients are supplied to the brain by blood vessels.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted either through blockages in blood vessels supplying the brain or if there is damage to the blood vessels causing a bleed into the brain. This means that the brains’ nerves and other cells cannot receive the oxygen and nutrients that they need and so they become damaged and/or die.

The brain is organised into areas that serve different functions. Depending on where the damage to the brain is, then depends upon the impact or symptoms of the stroke. 

IMPACT FROM  A STROKE:

  • How you feel
  • How you think
  • How you behave
  • Your speech
  • Swallowing
  • Your vision
  • How you move and feel things

..and more

Rehabilitation after Stroke

Recovery after a stroke is possible; with everyone having a different journey and different outcome. 

The main mechanism behind recovery is something called Neuroplasticity. 

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to restructure and make new connections with other cells and nerves in the brain to improve function. Imagine a part of a tree branch has died off, but then new sprouts/shoots grow out as the tree recovers. Some important points about neuroplasticity include:

  • It requires a stimulus – if you have heard of the saying “move it or lose it” – this directly applies to neuroplasticity. You need to practice and complete tasks to stimulate the brain to adapt. 
  • It is task-specific – you get better at what you practice. Just like a sports person gets better at their sport through direct practice of that sport, the brain after a stroke also recovers best by completing the tasks you are having trouble with. 
  • The more practice the better – for neuroplasticity to occur it requires a large number of repetitions of the tasks you are working on. This usually means daily practice for as much time as is possible. 
  • Meaning matters – we learn and the brain adapts best when we enjoy and are engaged in what we are doing. Performing tasks mindlessly does not get the best results from neuroplasticity. Mindful attention and engagement in what you are doing work best. 
  • Timing is also important – research shows us the best window of time for neuroplasticity after a stroke occurs in the first few months. However, ongoing changes can occur throughout life, just at a slower pace of recovery.
 
 

What is the role for Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology after stroke?

As mentioned above, many people can have ongoing symptoms following their stroke and this can include ongoing challenges completing physical tasks, movement, balance and sensory changes including having ongoing pain post-stroke. It is also well known that people lose general fitness after a stroke, making it harder to remain independent and complete tasks around the home or community.

Based on the principles of neuroplasticity, Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology can design and complete specific exercises with you, targeted to the ongoing challenges you might be having. Whether this relates to your ability to get out of a bed or chair, get in and out of a car, walk around your home or community, your balance, and a range of other things. You also may feel you still have weakness, or lack fitness – which can also be improved by exercise.

Hydrotherapy provides a great option to complete exercises in the supportive environment where the water can be used to assist or resist movement, while also providing warmth and the safety of not being able to fall. Whether your goal is to strengthen, gain more mobility, fitness or balance, a hydrotherapy program can be designed to assist you achieve your goal.

Land-based exercises can also be specifically designed to address any ongoing challenges you might be having following your stroke. Again, whether your goals are to increase your strength, improve your balance, mobility or fitness, address pain or sensory challenges – a program can be designed to your specific needs and completed with you.

Connected to neuroplasticity, the body and brain adapts best by the principle of overload. Overload means completing exercises that are challenging or hard. If an exercise is too easy, the body or brain has no reason to adapt or change. For this reason, completing exercises onsite in a rehabilitation centre with the equipment and guidance from a therapist is important, as not only can they ensure the task is at the right level of challenge, the therapist can also ensure you are safe whilst completing the exercises effectively.

Why are Home-based Exercises Prescribed? 

Based on the principles of neuroplasticity mentioned above, dosage matters. To get the best results and maximise your neuroplasticity and recovery, you need to do as much practice as is possible. For this reason, your therapist will commonly give you a few key exercises to complete at home. These exercises will be tailored to your individual goals and needs and will also consider the home environment and your current ability as far as keeping you safe while you complete your prescribed exercises.

Always remember – your goals are important. Progress can be slow, but possible. Aim to have some smaller short-term goals, but also keep that big end goal in mind. Research has shown that maintaining hope and dreaming big are also important for ongoing recovery. 

 

Nicole is one of our Physiotherapists with over 20-years experience working in neurological and orthopaedic rehabilitation.

Nicole has worked in acute, rehabilitation and community-based services assisting people to achieve their movement-based goals using a range of rehabilitation interventions.

Want to find out more information or book your first consultation?

Call us on 7089 6666 

For more information about what a stroke is, watch this video from the Stroke Foundation https://vimeo.com/187095903 or read more from the Stroke Foundation website here https://strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke/learn/what-is-a-stroke

By adelaiderehabandtherapy Uncategorized ,

10 Reasons You Need to See a Podiatrist

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional trained to assess, diagnose, and treat foot and lower limb problems. These issues can range from skin and nail problems to injuries and complications related to chronic conditions like diabetes. Podiatrists play a crucial role in maintaining the mobility and health of people of all ages. Here are ten compelling reasons to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist:

1. Aching Ankles, Legs, Hips, and Lower Back

Do you experience sore ankles, legs, hips, or lower back? This discomfort could be a sign that your feet aren’t supporting you properly. Issues like overpronation (feet rolling in) or supination (feet rolling out) and inappropriate footwear can contribute to these pains. A podiatrist can assess your foot posture, gait, and footwear to identify the root cause and provide effective solutions.

2. Ongoing Heel Pain

Heel pain can be particularly troublesome, affecting both children and adults. In children, it’s often due to Sever’s Disease, which impacts the growth plate at the heel. For adults, common causes include plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, nerve impingement, heel bruising, stress fractures, heel spurs, and Achilles tendinosis. Podiatrists are skilled in diagnosing and treating these conditions, helping you find relief and regain your mobility.

3. Sore Toenails

Sore toenails can result from ingrown toenails, thickened nails, fungal infections, or trauma. Factors like ill-fitting shoes, improper pedicure techniques, injuries, genetics, bacteria, and fungi can contribute to these issues. A podiatrist can treat infections, provide pain relief, and offer preventive care to keep your toenails healthy.

4. Diabetes

If you have diabetes, it’s essential to have your feet checked at least once a year. Diabetes can impair circulation and nerve function in your feet, increasing the risk of ulcers and infections. Symptoms to watch for include numbness, burning sensations, tingling, color changes, cold feet, sharp pains, and slow-healing cuts. A podiatrist can monitor your foot health and prevent complications.

5. Stiff Big Toe

A stiff big toe is often caused by arthritis, leading to inflammation and reduced mobility. Bunions can also contribute to stiffness and pain. Podiatrists can provide footwear advice, orthotic therapy, joint mobilization techniques, and exercise prescriptions to reduce pressure on the joint and improve its range of motion, ultimately relieving pain.

6. Itchy Feet or Discolored Toenails

Itchy feet or discolored toenails are common signs of tinea, a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments. This infection can cause your feet to become itchy, smelly, red, and flaky, and it can spread to your toenails, making them thick, brittle, and discolored. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat recurrent fungal infections, addressing any underlying causes.

7. Hard Skin or Lumps on Your Feet

Hard skin and lumps, such as corns and calluses, can develop on your feet due to increased pressure, friction, improper foot posture, or ill-fitting shoes. Podiatrists can safely remove these growths and determine their cause to prevent recurrence. Other lumps, like warts, can also be treated by a podiatrist.

8. Repeated Ankle Sprains

If you suffer from frequent ankle sprains, a podiatrist can help identify the underlying causes and develop a prevention plan. This can include strengthening exercises, balance training, and proper footwear recommendations, allowing you to move with confidence and reduce the risk of future sprains.

9. Suspected Sprains or Fractures

If you think you’ve sprained or broken your ankle or foot, a podiatrist can assess the injury and manage your treatment. They can refer you for imaging, such as x-rays or ultrasounds, to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care plan.

10. Difficulty Cutting Your Own Nails

Whether you’re pregnant, recovering from surgery, have poor vision, or simply can’t reach your feet anymore, a podiatrist can help. Regular visits for nail trimming and foot care can keep your feet healthy and prevent complications.

Our podiatrist, Lauren Bayly, is passionate about helping people with these and other foot-related issues. With her extensive training and experience, she’s ready to provide the care and support you need.

 

Lauren says, “Podiatry is an incredibly rewarding profession, and I get to help people every day. There’s no better feeling than someone limping into my clinic room and being able to walk out.”

Want to find out more information or book your first consultation?

Call on 7089 6666 or book online here.

Book Now