Page 63 - Tropic Magazine Issue 26

TROPIC • HEALTH

Q & A

Elyse Dolman
PhyxMe Senior Physiotherapist

Why did you choose physio?
Growing up I always wanted to be a high
school PE Teacher. I am not exactly sure
what changed my mind but during year 12 I
decided I might like to be a Physiotherapist.
Fourteen years on and I still don’t regret my
decision.
Do you have any special areas of interest?
After spending the last five years working
with the Australian Defence Force, I would to control biomechanics and correct
say I enjoy treating lower limb injuries, Podiatrist vs malalignment to reduce load on joint and
especially complex overuse injuries. They soft tissue structures.
can have a huge impact on patient function Physiotherapist For example, you sprained your ankle.
and significantly limit high performance Initially you may present to your
athletes. Although often frustrating for ADVICE physiotherapist for acute management
patients, when managed and progressed When you’ve got foot or ankle strategies including education, reduce
appropriately outcomes are generally inflammation and allow healing, restore
positive, and athletes can return to their pain, who should you see? The range of motion and improve strength,
required level of function. team at PhyxMe explains. allowing return to optimum function.
Most challenging case or client? Through assessment it may become
A patient who fractured his C1 vertebra When it comes to foot or ankle pain, evident that there is an issue with chronic
(that’s the top of his neck). He would have people often wonder which health instability and recurrent ankle injuries
to be the most positive and determined professional they should seek advice secondary to poor foot biomechanics. A
patient I have ever seen. From what started from. Although the answer should referral may also be made to a podiatrist
as a possible life or death situation and be easy it often isn’t as it can depend for further assessment of your foot and
months in hospital ended with a full return on multiple factors and what the ankle alignment, establishing whether
to competitive volleyball. Don’t get me underlying cause of pain or dysfunction support through means such as footwear
wrong the rehab was long and hard work might be. Sometimes gold standard care and orthotics are required.
but it truly shows what persistence and requires a collaborative approach. Physiotherapists and podiatrists often
determination can achieve. Physiotherapists aim to assist their work best when working collaboratively
Favourite Olympic or sporting moment? patient through the assessment, to provide gold standard patient care.
Everyone loves someone that just has a diagnosis and management of injuries Our resident podiatrist Lachlan from My
crack. My favourite Olympic moment would or diseases to return them to pre-injury Foot Dr is currently working alongside
have to be Eric “the Eel” Moussambani who function or improved quality of life. our physiotherapists at PhyxMe Edge
competed in the 2000 Olympics after never Although there are physiotherapists who Hill on a regular basis to provide quality
having seen an Olympic sized pool prior to specialise in specific areas, most physios patient care.
the event. treat a whole range of musculoskeletal
Favourite quote conditions from head to toe. MORE:
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to On the other hand, podiatrists specialise phyxme.com.au or call 4053 4343
pass; It’s learning to dance in the rain” by in the assessment, diagnosis and
Vivian Greene. management of lower limb, foot and
ankle conditions. Podiatrists will look

3 TIPS FOR PREVENTING FOOT INJURIES
Prevention is always best. For more specific advice, talk to a podiatrist or physiotherapist.

CHOOSE GET CONDITIONING
SUPPORTIVE WARMED AND
FOOTWEAR UP MOBILITY

Keep an eye out for a firm heel counter A few minutes of functional movements Our muscles are the first line of
and stiff sole with sufficient flexion at the such as a jog and drawing circles with defence against stress and injury.
toes. A foot and ankle moving all over the your feet can be enough to warm up the Gradually build up strength through
place can lead to injury, a supportive shoe muscles, joints and ligaments to prevent the lower limbs and partner with
will look to stabilise this. injury. regular stretching.

63 • tropicnow.com.au