When it comes to foot and ankle injuries or conditions, The Mechanist can help

Everyone is different and therefore respond to different treatment methods and techniques. The Mechanist creates a bespoke treatment plan for every individual offering manual therapies.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive medical treatment that utilizes high-energy sound waves to address foot injuries. It is commonly used to treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and heel spurs.

During the procedure, a handheld device delivers controlled shockwaves to the affected area of the foot. These shockwaves create microtrauma, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. ESWT promotes increased blood circulation, tissue regeneration, and the release of growth factors, which aid in the repair and recovery process.

The shockwaves have multiple therapeutic effects on foot injuries. Firstly, they help to alleviate pain by disrupting pain signals and reducing inflammation. Additionally, ESWT can break down scar tissue, calcifications, or adhesions that may be impeding the healing process. By stimulating the formation of new blood vessels and enhancing cellular activity, ESWT promotes the healing of damaged tissues.

ESWT is a preferred treatment option for foot injuries due to its non-invasive nature, minimal side effects, and high success rate. Patients typically undergo multiple sessions, usually scheduled a week or two apart, to achieve optimal results.

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Dry Needling

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to address muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting fine, solid needles into specific trigger points within muscles, tendons, or connective tissues. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling focuses on targeting muscular trigger points to alleviate pain and improve musculoskeletal function.

The primary goal of dry needling is to release tension and tightness in muscles by triggering a localized twitch response. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it stimulates the muscle fibers, causing them to contract and then relax. This process helps to restore normal muscle length, increase blood flow, and promote the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins.

Dry needling is commonly used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including myofascial pain syndrome, muscle strains, tendonitis, and joint dysfunction. It can also be beneficial for individuals with sports injuries or chronic pain conditions.

Dry needling is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. Some individuals may experience temporary soreness or bruising at the needle insertion site, but these effects are typically mild and short-lived. Following a dry needling session, it is common to experience immediate relief or a reduction in pain, although multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve longterm results.

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Myofascial Cupping

Myofascial cupping is a therapeutic technique used to address muscular tension, tightness, and pain. It involves the application of suction cups to the skin, creating a vacuum effect that lifts and separates the underlying layers of fascia and muscle tissue. Unlike traditional cupping, which focuses on creating a suction on the skin, myofascial cupping targets the deeper layers of tissue to release restrictions and promote muscular relaxation.

The primary purpose of myofascial cupping is to improve blood circulation, release fascial adhesions, and enhance the flexibility and mobility of muscles and connective tissues. When the cups are applied, they create negative pressure, pulling the skin and underlying tissue upward. This suction effect helps to stretch and elongate the fascia, break up scar tissue, and stimulate blood flow to the area.

Myofascial cupping is commonly used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle strains, trigger points, myofascial pain syndrome, and tightness in specific areas. It can also be beneficial for improving athletic performance and reducing post-workout muscle soreness.

The procedure involves the practitioner applying silicone or plastic cups to the skin after creating a vacuum effect. The cups may be left in place for a few minutes or moved along the targeted muscle groups to facilitate tissue release. The treatment may cause a sensation of tightness or pulling, but it is generally well-tolerated and should not be painful.

Following a myofascial cupping session, it is common to experience temporary redness or bruising at the cupping sites. These effects typically subside within a few days. Some individuals may also notice an immediate improvement in muscle flexibility and a reduction in pain, while others may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.

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Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy, also known as regenerative injection therapy, is a medical treatment aimed at promoting the healing and repair of injured or damaged tissues, including ligaments and tendons. It involves the injection of a solution, typically containing a local anesthetic and a proliferant substance, into the affected area.

The primary goal of prolotherapy is to stimulate the body’s natural healing response by triggering inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. The proliferant solution used in prolotherapy typically consists of  dextrose (a sugar-based solution). This substance works by causing controlled irritation at the injection site, which increases blood flow, stimulates the production of collagen (a key component of connective tissues), and encourages the growth of new cells.

Prolotherapy can be used to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including ligament and tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and chronic joint pain. It is particularly effective for conditions where weakened or damaged ligaments contribute to joint instability or pain. In the case of arthritis, prolotherapy can help alleviate symptoms by promoting the regeneration and strengthening of the affected joint tissues.

The procedure involves a trained healthcare professional injecting the proliferant solution into and around the affected ligaments, tendons, or joints. The number of injections and treatment sessions required will vary depending on the individual’s specific condition and response to therapy. Mild discomfort or a temporary increase in pain may be experienced following the injections, but these effects are typically short-lived.

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Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts that are specifically designed to provide support, alignment, and improve the function of the feet and lower limbs. They are custom-made to fit the unique shape and biomechanics of an individual’s feet, offering personalized solutions for various foot conditions and imbalances.

The primary purpose of custom orthotics is to correct foot mechanics and alleviate pain or discomfort caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, and overpronation or supination. By providing proper support and alignment, custom orthotics help distribute pressure evenly across the feet, improve foot function, and reduce excessive stress on specific areas.

The process of obtaining custom orthotics involves a full biomechanical assessment to assess the individual’s foot structure, gait pattern, and any existing foot issues. We also utilize tools like 3D foot scanning to capture precise measurements and contours of the feet.

Based on the assessment, the custom orthotics are then meticulously crafted to address the specific needs of the individual. They are made from various materials, such as foam, rigid plastic, or composite materials, to provide the necessary support and cushioning. The orthotics are designed to fit comfortably inside the individual’s shoes and are often accompanied by recommendations for appropriate footwear.

Once the custom orthotics are ready, the individual will receive them and undergo a fitting session. The healthcare professional will ensure that the orthotics fit properly and make any necessary adjustments to optimize their effectiveness and comfort. They will also provide instructions on how to gradually break in and adapt to wearing the orthotics.

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Mobilisations and Manipulations

Foot mobilizations and manipulations are hands-on techniques performed by trained healthcare professionals, such as podiatrists or physical therapists, to improve foot and ankle mobility, address joint restrictions, and alleviate pain or dysfunction. These techniques involve specific movements, stretches, or adjustments applied to the foot and ankle joints to restore normal range of motion and optimize foot function.

The primary goal of foot mobilizations and manipulations is to promote joint health, reduce stiffness, and enhance overall foot mechanics. They are commonly used to address conditions such as ankle sprains, joint stiffness, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and foot misalignments. These techniques can also be beneficial for athletes seeking to improve performance or individuals recovering from foot injuries or surgeries.

During a foot mobilization or manipulation session, the healthcare professional will assess the individual’s foot and ankle mobility and identify areas of restricted movement or misalignment. They will then apply manual techniques to gently move, stretch, or manipulate the joints and surrounding tissues.

The specific techniques used in foot mobilizations and manipulations may vary depending on the individual’s condition and the healthcare professional’s expertise. They may include joint mobilizations, where controlled force is applied to the affected joint to improve its range of motion. Soft tissue mobilization techniques, such as massage or myofascial release, can also be incorporated to address tight or restricted muscles and fascia.

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Shop 9, 78 Glenhaven Road, Glenhaven NSW 2156
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Tuesday 7.30am - 7.30pm
Saturday 7am - 4pm

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