Physiotherapy

Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Shockwave Therapy

Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Shockwave Therapy
Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Shockwave Therapy 1200 600 Ace Health Centre

Renewing Intimacy: Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Shockwave Therapy

Introduction

Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Shockwave Therapy is now available at Ace. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can significantly impact a man’s confidence, self-esteem, and intimate relationships. While ED can stem from various physical and psychological factors, there’s promising news on the horizon: shockwave therapy. This non-invasive procedure is gaining traction as an effective treatment for ED, offering hope to men seeking a natural solution to regain their sexual vitality. In this blog, we’ll delve into the concept of shockwave therapy for treating ED, its mechanisms, and the potential benefits it brings.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. Factors such as age, stress, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and lifestyle choices can contribute to this condition. While medications like Viagra have been widely used, there’s growing interest in alternative treatments that address the root causes of ED.

Shockwave Therapy: A Promising Approach To Treating Erectile Dysfunction

Shockwave therapy, also known as low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT), is a non-invasive procedure originally used to break up kidney stones. In recent years, it has gained attention as a potential treatment for ED. Here’s how it works:

  1. Mechanism: During the procedure, a device delivers low-intensity shockwaves to the penile tissue. These shockwaves stimulate blood vessel growth, increase blood flow, and promote the formation of new blood vessels. Improved blood circulation is crucial for achieving and maintaining an erection.
  2. Collagen Production: Shockwaves trigger the release of nitric oxide, a compound that plays a pivotal role in dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. This encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which contribute to tissue repair and regeneration.
  3. Neovascularization: Neovascularization is the formation of new blood vessels. Shockwave therapy promotes neovascularization in the penile tissue, enhancing blood supply and supporting the overall health of the erectile tissue.

Benefits of Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Shockwave Therapy

  1. Non-Invasive: Unlike surgical procedures, shockwave therapy is non-invasive and requires no incisions or anesthesia.
  2. Minimal Side Effects: The procedure is generally well-tolerated and carries minimal risk of side effects, making it an attractive option for men seeking a safer alternative.
  3. Long-lasting Effects: The effects of shockwave therapy can last for several months, providing sustained improvements in erectile function.
  4. Addressing Underlying Causes: Shockwave therapy doesn’t just mask the symptoms of ED; it targets the root causes by improving blood flow and tissue health.
  5. Enhanced Intimacy: By restoring erectile function, men can experience improved self-confidence and a renewed sense of intimacy in their relationships.

Conclusion

Erectile dysfunction can be a challenging condition to navigate, affecting both physical and emotional aspects of a person’s life. Shockwave therapy offers a promising avenue for those seeking a natural and effective solution to ED. As this field of treatment continues to evolve, it’s crucial to consult with a medical professional who specializes in erectile dysfunction and shockwave therapy. They can assess your individual case, provide personalized guidance, and determine if shockwave therapy is a suitable option for you. Remember, open communication with healthcare providers is essential for making informed decisions about your sexual health and overall well-being.

 

Book in today with Christian

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis 1200 848 Ace Health Centre

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common condition that affects the lower back and causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. It occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through the lower back. This narrowing is often a result of age-related changes in the spine, such as the thickening of ligaments or the formation of bone spurs.

Living with lumbar spinal stenosis can be challenging, as it can limit one’s mobility and overall quality of life. However, physiotherapy has emerged as a valuable treatment option that can help manage the symptoms and improve functionality for individuals with this condition.

What will physio do to help?

Physiotherapy offers a range of techniques and exercises that specifically target the affected area, providing relief and promoting healing. Here’s how physiotherapy can help individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis:

  1. Pain Management: Physiotherapists are skilled in using various modalities, such as heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, to reduce pain and inflammation. These techniques help alleviate discomfort and improve overall comfort levels.
  2. Strengthening Exercises: Weakness in the muscles supporting the spine can worsen the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. Physiotherapists can design specific exercises that target these muscles, helping to improve their strength and stability. Strengthening the core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back, can provide better support to the spine and reduce stress on the affected area.
  3. Flexibility and Stretching: Tight muscles and inflexible joints can contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal and increase discomfort. Physiotherapy involves stretching exercises that focus on increasing flexibility in the hip, lower back, and leg muscles. Improved flexibility helps relieve pressure on the nerves and reduces pain.
  4. Posture Correction: Poor posture can exacerbate the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. Physiotherapists can assess a patient’s posture and provide guidance on proper body mechanics. They can recommend modifications to daily activities and exercises that promote optimal posture, reducing strain on the lower back and improving overall spinal alignment.
  5. Education and Lifestyle Modification: Physiotherapists play a vital role in educating individuals about lumbar spinal stenosis and its management. They can provide guidance on proper body mechanics during activities of daily living, as well as recommend assistive devices like braces or walking aids when necessary. Furthermore, they can suggest lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and regular exercise, to alleviate symptoms and improve long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Physiotherapy offers a holistic approach to the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. It focuses not only on symptom management but also on improving overall function and promoting a healthy lifestyle. By addressing muscle weakness, improving flexibility, correcting posture, and providing education and support, physiotherapy can significantly enhance the well-being and quality of life for individuals living with this condition.

If you or someone you know is struggling with lumbar spinal stenosis, it is essential to consult a qualified physiotherapist. They will assess your specific condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and guide you through exercises and techniques that will help manage your symptoms effectively. Remember, with the right support and therapeutic interventions, you can regain control over your life and find relief from the challenges posed by lumbar spinal stenosis.

Contact us today if you need help with your lower back injury.

calf pain when running

Calf pain when running
Calf pain when running 960 576 Ace Health Centre

Calf pain when running

Understanding and Overcoming Calf Pain When Running: Tips and Techniques

Calf pain when running can be a common issue faced by runners of all levels. It can significantly hamper your performance and enjoyment of the sport. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes of calf pain, discuss prevention strategies, and provide effective techniques to alleviate discomfort and get you back on track.

  1. Understanding the Causes: Calf pain during running can stem from various factors, including muscle strains, overuse, improper footwear, inadequate warm-up, and biomechanical imbalances. Identifying the root cause is crucial for implementing the right treatment and prevention methods.
  2. Prevention Strategies: Preventing calf pain starts with a solid foundation. Invest in proper running shoes that offer ample support and cushioning. Gradually increase your training intensity and duration to allow your calf muscles to adapt. Incorporate dynamic stretches and warm-ups to prepare your muscles for activity. Strengthening exercises targeting the calf muscles, such as heel raises and toe raises, can also help prevent pain and injuries.
  3. Effective Techniques to Alleviate Calf Pain: When calf pain strikes, it’s essential to take prompt action to minimize discomfort and aid recovery. Resting and applying ice to the affected area can reduce inflammation. Gentle stretching exercises, like calf, stretches against a wall or using a foam roller can help relieve tension. Consider using compression sleeves or socks to improve blood flow and provide support during runs. If the pain persists, consult a healthcare professional or a sports therapist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
  4. Gradual Return to Running: After recovering from calf pain, it’s crucial to reintroduce running gradually. Start with shorter distances and lower intensities, allowing your calf muscles to rebuild strength and endurance. Listen to your body and increase the duration and intensity of your runs gradually over time. Incorporating cross-training activities like swimming or cycling can also help maintain fitness while reducing strain on your calves.

Conclusion

Calf pain when running can be a frustrating setback, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to overcome it. By understanding the causes and implementing prevention techniques, you can get back to pain-free running.

Remember to consult a healthcare professional if your calf pain persists or worsens, as they can provide expert advice tailored to your specific condition. Stay consistent with your prevention strategies, listen to your body, and enjoy the benefits of running without calf pain.

 

Hip bursitis - Lateral Hip Pain

Hip bursitis – Lateral Hip Pain
Hip bursitis – Lateral Hip Pain 1228 690 Ace Health Centre
Heel Pain. Heel Spurs. Ace Health Centre. Ace Podiatry. Best podiatrist Gold Coast. Bulk Billing Podiatry. Medicare Podiatry. Best Health Clinic Gold Coast.

Effective Solutions for Heel Pain
Effective Solutions for Heel Pain 1000 667 Ace Health Centre

Effective Solutions for Heel Pain | Find Relief with Our Expert Guidance

Heel Pain Relief: Experience Comfort and Get Back on Your Feet

Are you tired of dealing with persistent heel pain that hampers your daily activities? At Ace Health Centre, we understand the impact that heel pain can have on your quality of life. That’s why we offer expert guidance and effective solutions to help you find relief and regain your mobility.

Understanding Heel Pain:

Heel pain can be caused by various factors, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, or overuse injuries. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to address the underlying issue to alleviate the pain and prevent it from recurring. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in diagnosing and treating heel pain, providing personalized solutions tailored to your specific condition.

Comprehensive Assessment:

When you visit Ace Health Centre, our skilled practitioners will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of your heel pain. We take into account your medical history, perform physical examinations, and may recommend imaging tests if necessary. This comprehensive approach enables us to create an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.

Customized Treatment Options:

Every individual’s heel pain is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. At Ace Health Centre we believe in personalized care. Our team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals. Based on our assessment, we will recommend a range of treatment options, which may include:

1. Physical Therapy: Our skilled physical therapists will design a targeted exercise program to strengthen the muscles and tendons surrounding your heel, promoting healing and reducing pain.

2. Orthotic Devices: We may prescribe custom orthotic inserts or recommend appropriate footwear to provide support, stability, and cushioning for your feet, relieving pressure on the affected area.

3. Medications: In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers may be prescribed to manage your symptoms and reduce inflammation.

4. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive procedure uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in the affected area.

5. Minimally Invasive Procedures: If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, we can refer for minimally invasive procedures such as corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to target the source of your heel pain.

Ongoing Support and Rehabilitation:

At Ace Health Centre, our commitment to your well-being doesn’t end with treatment. We provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your healing journey. Our team will monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and provide recommendations for at-home care to optimize your recovery.

 

Don’t let heel pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards finding relief and reclaiming your mobility. Schedule a consultation with our experts at Ace Health Centre today and experience the difference our specialized care can make.

[Disclaimer]:
Please note that the information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Lumbar Range of Motion 

Lumbar Range of Motion 
Lumbar Range of Motion  1200 600 Ace Health Centre

Lumbar Range of Motion

While some patients might be in a lot of pain and hesitant to move their back, having a patient move to assess the Lumbar Range of Motion is crucial to a physiotherapist. Normal amounts are –

  • Flexion (73-40 degrees) declines noted with age.
  • Lateral flexion (28-14 degrees, L&R) declined with age.
  • The extension (29-6 degrees) declined the greatest at 79% with age.
  • No decline in axial rotational (7%) way across the age spectrum.

The range of motion for the lumbar spine should be symmetrical on either side. When examining a patient’s lumbar range of motion we are not just checking if they have adequate motion, but also to make sure that range is symmetrical. A person’s range will also be dependent of the activities that they partake in. For example, somebody who just does general walking will need less range than a person who plays tennis. Therefore each patient should be assessed as an individual and not just what the textbook says is normal.

What does it Involve?

Firstly, a physiotherapist will take a good history. When diagnosing an injury, taking a complete history is one of the most important parts. Information is taken regarding their pain, pain patterns, mechanism of injury

if it has occurred in the past and if it has, what helped them, what helps to decrease the pain and what makes it worse.

The physio will then move on to the assessment. Your spine is made to move, therefore the therapist will ask the patient to bend and flex into certain key positions. They will be looking at how much movement is available in each spinal joint. They will look at what compensations you may have if one area is not moving as it should. Lastly and most importantly, how the patient feels throughout. This includes when they get pain, how much pain, and the type of pain.

Why a Lumbar Range of Motion needs to be done?

Knowing the type of pain and where the pain is throughout the assessment allows the physiotherapist to determine potential sources or causes of the patient’s pain. From just listening to what the patient says and observing how they move they can differentiate whether the injury is likely disc, bone, joint, neural or muscular in nature.

What next?

Once the history has been taken, and the range of motion assessment is complete, your physio will then develop a diagnosis and a treatment plan. This may include anything from massage, needling, shockwave, exercise, scans and more.

If you have a spine injury contact us today to book in with one of our physios.

Blog is written by our physio Lachlan.

online exercise prescription

Online exercise prescription
Online exercise prescription 1920 1009 Ace Health Centre

Online exercise prescription

One of the biggest factors to consider regarding patient rehabilitation and positive outcomes is exercise adherence. Patients no matter the condition are likely to get some form of home exercise program to continue progressing at home. It is reported as high as 50% of patients do not complete their exercise prescribed by the therapist thus limiting their rehabilitation. Often barriers to exercise adherence include lack to time, lack of understanding of exercises, forgetting how to complete the exercise or the prescription regarding sets and repetitions.

So what do we do to combat this?

We use an application called Physitrack for our online exercise prescription. Physitrack allows clinicians to prescribe individualised home exercise programs. Physitrack has multiple user-friendly features including demonstration videos with audible cues for the exercise, allowing the therapist to easily alter the repetitions, sets and resistance for each activity as well as a section for the clinician to add any specific notes for cues they want their patient to remember.

During the consult, we sit down with our clients and educate them on how to download pysitrack and view their program. We also print out the program for our patients which documents, the exercises, exercise explanations, the repetitions and more. We can also put individual notes from the physio to make sure you have everything written down and easy to understand. All these features make exercise adherence easier for the patient thus helping the patient stay on track for a speedy recovery.

Our podiatrist also uses this programme in order to give his exercise programmes. Each clinician can log in and view each person’s programme making it easier to work between practitioners and modalities. This communication between practitioners leads to much better client care.

Online consults

The use of this application also means that we can do online telehealth consultations. Over the phone, we can simply email your exercise programme to you, and know that you will have all the details you need to perform it correctly.

Book now to see our physio

Shock Wave therapy

Shock Wave therapy
Shock Wave therapy 750 502 Ace Health Centre

Shock Wave therapy

Shock wave therapy (otherwise known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy – ESWT) is a modality of treatment whereas a machine passes sound waves through the tissues in the body to promote healing. Similar to ultrasound but at a lower frequency which causes the “shocks to be felt”. This process is a non-invasive technique that is suggested to promote the formation of new blood vessels at the tendon-bone junction, stimulate tendon cells (tenocytes), increase white blood cell count and amplify growth factor and protein synthesis to promote collagen synthesis and tissue remodelling. 

How does Shock Wave feel?

This can be a tender process due to targeting sore areas of the body but the intensity of shock waves can be adjusted by the operator, to the tolerance of the individual. This allows the process to be more enjoyable without much effect to the treatment. 

What is it used for?

Shock wave therapy is primarily used in the treatment of common orthopaedic musculoskeletal conditions. These include;

  • Muscle tendinopathies of the upper or lower limb
  • Plantar fasciitis 
  • Adhesive capsulitis 
  • Non-union of long bone fractures
  • Avascular necrosis of femoral head
  • Shin splints (Medial tibial stress syndrome)
  • Osteoarthritis of the knee 

Most of the time Shock wave is best used in combination with other treatment modalities such as exercise to promote the strengthening of the tissues during the remodelling phase after new blood vessel growth and collagen synthesis. Hands-on physio massage can also help release the tight aggravated muscles to help relieve even more pain. 

So if you have had that niggly or ongoing injury that just won’t go away, then Shock wave might be the treatment for you! Best to book in with our physio or podiatrist today and start the assessment process to determine the best fit for your condition. 

What is arthritis?

Treatment for arthritis
Treatment for arthritis 722 406 Ace Health Centre

Treatment for arthritis

There are many different treatments for arthritis. We run through a few here.

Massage

As stated before massage can be a great way of suppressing pain and stiffness symptoms associated with OA. When arthrits is present the muscles con contract to help protect the joint. This can also increase pain. Relaxing these muscles can help reduce pain and increase mobility in the joint. Unfortunately, this is only short term until the body starts to guard or protect itself again.

Bracing treatment for arthritis

Bracing is a term used for adding support ot the area to reduce movement. As movement can cause pain reducing this help reduce the pain. On the downside, bracing can cause the joint can stiffen as it is not being used as much. This reduced mobility can mean that when it’s not braced it can be more painful. Bracing is good for the short term to help give the joint a break and reduce inflammation but isn’t always the best long-term option.

Custom orthotics

Custom orthotics work extremely well for arthritis. Not just in the feet, but are also very effective for the knees, and hips and can be for the lower back as well. They do this by redistributing pressure, changing ground reaction forces and changing the angles of the legs and feet. They can help reduce movement where needed, open up joint spaces, provide cushioning and more.

Strengthening

Usually, when it comes to people that have OA they are typically older; have had more stress placed on their joints and are also weaker. This means that they will typically need lots of strengthening. We need to target the most important. Physical assessments from physiotherapists allow the best and most specific exercise prescription to occur, thus allowing the most improvements within the shortest period and easy to manage for clients.

Injections

There are many different types of injections available for arthritis. A few include prolotherapy, Synvisc, cortisone, and local anaesthetic. At the clinic, our podiatrists perform local anesthetic injections into arthritis of the big toe and perform mobilisation. This helps free up the joint, increases mobility and breaks down some of the arthritis. This requires a few weekly appointments. Together with orthotics, this is extremely effective in reducing pain and increasing mobility in the joint.

Other treatments may include Surgery, anti-inflammatories, footwear, custom orthotics, mobilisation, heat, pain medication and more

If you are interested in seeing how we can help you contact our clinic today for more information.

What is arthritis?

What is arthritis?
What is arthritis? 722 406 Ace Health Centre

What is arthritis?

Arthritis describes the “wear and tear” joints face throughout their life span. During this process, cartilage get worn away and is replaced with bone to help strengthen the joint. In turn, this causes joint spaces to get too narrow and irritated. There are many types depending on how the wear and tear occurs; either naturally throughout the life span and due to weaknesses or malfunctioning immune responses causing the body to attack its own joints.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the damage to the joint surfaces as a result of physical load (day-to-day activities). This is usually caused when the load out-weights the strength of the surrounding muscles, thus the joint takes the load. What results is thinning/damage of cartilage (protects joint surfaces) and deposits of bone being placed where the thinning occurs over time. This process can take a while but will create permeant joint changes that are irreversible.

Symptoms of arthritis

Symptoms vary depending on the severity and can also come and go depending on life’s demands. Lot of people can even have arthritis underlying and don’t get symptoms until the joints are placed under demand or an injury occurs in a similar area.

This is due to the body becoming hyperaware and protective of arthritis to prevent further wear and tear. Thus the muscle spasms surrounding ‘worn’ joints to prevent further movement and thus limit further “wear and tear”. This means that massage is a very useful technique when it comes to the treatment OA. Relaxing the surrounding muscles will significantly reduce pain in most cases. 

OA most commonly occurs in the shoulders, lower back hips and knees as these joints are usually placed under the highest loads due to being weight-bearing joints.

There are many different treatments available for arthritis. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss options.

Blog by Christian Monks

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