Archive for category Treatment & Rehab

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a medical treatment primarily used for chronic tendon disorders such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinopathy. The technology stems from lithotripsy, which is a non-invasive treatment first developed to treat kidney stones.

A shockwave is a mechanical sound wave that initiates a pro-inflammatory response in the tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing blood flow and metabolism in the area being treated which stimulates and enhances the body’s healing capacity. The shockwaves also break down injured tissue and calcifications, just like lithotripsy breaks down kidney stones.

What common conditions can be treated with Shockwave Therapy?

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
• Patella tendinopathy
• Hamstring tendinopathy
• Greater trochanteric syndrome (hip pain)
• Tennis elbow
• Golfers elbow
• Calcified shoulder tendinopathy

What are the advantages of Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy offers two main advantages over surgical intervention – fewer potential complications and faster return to normal activity.

The benefits of Shockwave Therapy include:

• No anaesthesia
• Non-invasive
• No medication
• No surgery
• Rapid treatment -15 minutes per session
• Low complication rate
• Significant improvement is often seen 6 weeks after treatment

How does Shockwave Therapy work?

The shockwaves are delivered to the injured tissue via a compressed air impulse administered by a handpiece held by the clinician. Typically, no more than 3 sessions are needed to see a benefit. No anesthetic is required and you can continue usual activities, however, it is recommended to avoid pain aggravating factors as best as possible for 48 hours following each treatment session.

What is the success rate of Shockwave Therapy?

Clinical evidence demonstrates an overall success rate to 77% of chronic conditions that have not resolved with other previous treatments. Whilst we expect positive clinical outcomes there is a chance that the treatment may not improve your symptoms. A review at 6 and 12 weeks post-treatment is recommended. If at this stage your symptoms have not resolved you will be advised on alternative treatment options or your clinician may recommend diagnostic tests to understand why your pain hasn’t resolved.

Is the treatment painful?

The inherent nature of Shockwave Therapy means there will be some discomfort during treatment, however, most people can manage their treatment session without any medication. Your clinician will constantly ask for your feedback to make adjustments that can help manage your discomfort. It is important to note that having some pain during treatment indicates that the shockwaves are having a positive effect.

Will I be in pain after treatment?

In most cases, you will experience a reduced pain level immediately after treatment which can last for up to 48 hours. However, in some cases, you may experience mild and diffused pain immediately after treatment which can last up to 48 hours. Each person responds differently and it is not possible to predict which reaction you will have.

What shall I do if I am in pain after treatment?

If necessary you can take over-the-counter pain killers. It is important that you do not take anti-inflammatory medication as this may interfere with the effectiveness of the Shockwave treatment.

What precautions should I be aware of?

• Cortisone injections are not to be administered within the last 12 weeks prior to shockwave therapy treatment. Sometimes they may be some bruising and swelling.
• If you take warfarin or other anticoagulant therapy please notify your clinician
• If you have a cardiac pacemaker please notify your clinician prior to treatment as shockwave therapy may interfere with this.
• If you have been diagnosed with cancer you should notify your clinician, as treatment should not be administered.
• If you are pregnant please notify your clinician, as treatment should not be administered

We are proud to be one of the few clinics that offer this highly effective treatment. If you’d like to learn more about Shockwave Therapy or get booked in for a consultation with one of our Physiotherapists, please call our friendly team on 01380 730473.

Are you tired of trying every treatment in the book to get rid of your verrucae? After a while, many people decide to give up looking because they’ve tried a variety of solutions that have all been ineffective.

We know how frustrating and sometimes painful verrucas can be which is why our Podiatrists now offer the most advanced and effective verrucae treatment available – Swift Microwave treatment.

Although anyone can develop verrucae, they are particularly prominent in children and can be easily picked up in a school gym or a communal swimming pool.

So if you suspect that yourself or your child has verrucae on their feet, then this could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Not sure if you have a verruca? No problem. At  your appointment, one of our Podiatrist will assess your feet and confirm whether Swift is the right form of treatment for you.

If you’d like to get started with Swift, please call us on 01380 730473. *Please note: This treatment is currently available in our Devizes clinic only.

Did you know that GP’s recommend more patients to Physiotherapy than any other health profession? This is because Physiotherapists can help you maximise your health and wellbeing throughout your life.

Physiotherapy is well known for helping athletes prevent and manage their injuries but they also do so much more than that – especially when it comes to preventing physical age-related issues.

If you want to stay healthy and active as you age, here are a few ways that a Physiotherapist can help you:

Manage Your Pain
A high percentage of the population suffers from varying degrees of pain or discomfort on a daily basis, and this can get progressively worse as you age. For some, it’s an irritating niggle that comes from time to time and for others, it’s chronic pain that hinders them from living a fulfilling life.

Most forms of pain can be treated or at least managed with the support of a Physiotherapist, and not just in the short term. With the right advice, pain can be managed long term meaning your life won’t be dictated by your pain. Instead, you can take back control of your own body and get back to doing the things you love.

Avoid Surgery
The thought of surgery for many of us is extremely daunting, and although certain injuries require surgical intervention, there are many occasions when it can be avoided with the support of Physiotherapists.

Physiotherapists can help manage or eliminate your pain by improving your overall physical fitness, making you stronger and your body more resilient.

If you’ve had surgery in the past, you may have been recommended to see a Physiotherapist as part of your post-surgery treatment, as they play a key part in getting you back on your feet as soon as possible.

Prevent Injury
If you are prone to injury, then a Physiotherapist can perform a simple movement screen to highlight the strong and weak areas of your body. They’ll then use this information to put together a specific exercise programme to strengthen your body and reduce your risk of falling or getting injured. This will also improve your rate of recovery should you injure yourself in the future.

Looking after your body becomes ever more important as you age. A healthy and active lifestyle provides you with a choice – a choice to do the things you love without pain and with confidence.

With seven expert Physiotherapists across our three clinics in Devizes, Marlborough and Frome, we’re here to help you prioritise your health. To find a time that suits you, please contact us on 01380 730473 or book online.

Massage is well known for relieving stress and helping you to relax. Both of which are true, but massage also does so much more than that!

Happy, Healthy You
Massage boosts your body’s natural ability to produce Serotonin (often known as the happy hormone) which improves your mood, leaving you feeling happier and ready to take on the world!

Reduce Muscle Tension
Regular massage helps to release any painful ‘knots’ in your body and improve your flexibility and range of movement. This means that you’ll be able to get back to your everyday activities without pain or discomfort.

Improves Sleep
Having that hour of ‘you’ time to unwind, relax and let your mind wander can leave you feeling calm and at ease, ready for a great nights sleep.

Injury Prevention
If you like to keep fit and active then massage is a fantastic way to reduce your risk of getting injured. Keeping on top of any muscle soreness is crucial to avoid injury which can stop you from doing the things you love.

With five expert massage therapists across all three of our clinics, it’s now even easier to fit a massage around your schedule, so don’t hold back from prioritising your health. You can book a massage online or contact your local clinic.

If you’re a worker that spends most of your day sitting at a desk, on average you’ll be sitting down for:

8 hours a day,
40 hours in a 5 day work week,
1,880 hours in a 47 week working year.

As a Physiotherapist when I explore these facts with a patient who suffers from pain related to their sitting posture, the look on their face is probably similar to yours right now. It seems unbelievable right?

When they hear that they can sit for up to 1,800 hours a year (and that is not including your commute or sitting at the dinner table with family) it becomes more apparent just how much of their time is spent sitting which is less than ideal for your posture – but that’s where Physiotherapy can make a difference.

Physiotherapy can do so much to help with posture related pain including massage, dry needling and strengthening programs. However,if we don’t look to improve the way you sit alongside Physiotherapy then we cannot in my mind begin to resolve your pain, which is why I recommend a little piece of kit called a ‘Posture Medic.’

As I write this article I am like so many of my patients, sitting. However, I am trying to sit in a way that is good for my body; head over shoulders, looking directly at my high monitor, leaning comfortably into my back rest with the support of my Posture Medic.

The premise is simple, the Posture Medic helps to open my chest (by pulling my shoulders back) which reminds my muscles to keep the position of my head over my shoulders and therefore improving my sitting position. I don’t have to think about what I look like from the side or actively ‘’pull my shoulder blades back’’ because believe me trying to do that for 1,880 hours gets tiring!

When looking to improve your sitting posture and reduce any posture related pain, some of the best solutions are really simple. Wearing a Posture Medic intermittently throughout the day can significantly help you take the first step in improving your sitting posture in just seconds and bring about a change to your posture, your pain and your future.

You can purchase a Posture Medic from any of our clinics – if you are already seeing one of our Physios why not ask them if you can try one out at your next session to see how it can benefit you. For more information, give us a call on 01380 730473.

At Hatts, every day our aim is to get you back to doing the things you love, whilst inspiring you to prioritise your health and motivate you to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Ask yourself a question – what do you want to be able to do, and who is best placed to enable you to make that happen? Construe this “do” in any way, whether it’s be being able to get out of bed without groaning, playing comfortably with your children or grandchildren, walking that mountain with your partner or friends and cherish a weekend outdoors, or even running that race you’ve been promising yourself you’d do for the last 2 years but not quite got round to booking.

There are lots of opportunities to make small changes that can build up to make a huge difference in your life. When we think about life changing impacts, there are so many patients that spring to mind, but here’s the story of one in particular – A patient that had debilitating back pain, who was told he’d just have to put up with it. However, when he came to Hatt’s, we were determined to make a change and together, we completely turned things around. So much so, that he no longer suffers agonising pain and goes out running and cycling with his family with an amazing zest for life. These are the life changing stories that demonstrate how much of an impact Physiotherapy can have. These are the golden moments Hatt’s will always remember.

But perhaps, you aren’t suffering from debilitating back pain so would like to understand how can a physio change your life?
Well, Physio can also help overcome the smaller niggles that get in the way. For example, if you’re a grandparent that can no longer reach down to pick up your grandchild without aching, or perhaps you have a teenage daughter who can’t play netball with her friends because of  constant knee pain, who then feels left outside of the group.

With Physio, as a grandparent you could finally get mobile enough to not only pick up your grandchild but play with them on the floor, and this teenage girl can get back on the court whilst laughing with her friends…this is what makes Physiotherapy so impactful. Not only does it solve physical conditions, it solves the emotional challenges that come alongside being injured or in pain.

When you decide to take that step towards making a change and find a Physiotherapist that you can trust, you’ll start to see a difference. At Hatts, we have a wide range of services to give you the best possible chance of getting you back to doing the things you love as fast as possible. It is possible to make a change, so give us a call today if you’d like to see a Physiotherapist or visit our Physio page to find out more about how you can benefit from our service.

As part of your treatment at Hatt’s, you may be advised that a massage will be greatly beneficial for your recovery. Often, massage is perceived as being a therapeutic treatment designed purely for relaxation and stress relief.  Whilst this is true in some cases, massage can also be used to aid recovery from injury and restore movement in the body. This type of massage therapy is often thought of as being a more ‘active’ form of massage which is becoming increasingly more effective at releasing tight muscles and restoring movement to joints or limbs.

If you are recommended a massage as part of your treatment plan, it may be that you would benefit greatly from a more active massage. This is likely to involve a mixture of both passive and active movements to encourage movement and release of tightness.

The difference between active and passive movements is the position you may be in for your massage. For example, rather than lying face down, you may be in a seated position to enhance effective neck release or lying on your side to support certain back, shoulder or hip releases. Your therapist will decide which massage techniques best suit your needs as your treatment will be fully bespoke to you and your condition.

Your massage is likely to contain a mixture of both active and passive techniques, ensuring that it’s both effective and relaxing. After all, a key component of a massage is to release tension and loosen your muscles. Techniques that may be included in your massage are the following:

• Muscle energy (a form of stretch)
• Trigger point
• Hot stones
• Sports massage
• Myofascial release

If you would like to know more about our massage service then give us a call on 01380 730473 to speak to our patient services team. You can also take a look at the massage page on our website for some FAQ and further articles of interest.

If you suffer from persistent verrucas, or know someone that does, then the Swift Microwave Verruca treatment could be the solution you have been waiting for.

What are verrucas?

Verrucas are plantar warts commonly found on the foot caused by strains of the human papilloma virus infecting the outer layer of the skin. They can appear on any aspect of the foot but usually present on the weight bearing surfaces.

Visual representation of skin with Verrucas

Visual representation of skin without Verrucas

What are the symptoms of verrucas?

Initially, verrucae can present as a small whitey pink bump but in the later stages, they often have a rough cauliflower-like appearance with central black dots. Verrucae can develop as one singular wart or multiple tightly packed individual warts. If the verrucae forms on a weight-bearing surface such as the heel it will usually protrude into the skin may acquire an overlying spongy callus and can be painful when walking. If it develops on a non-weight-bearing surface such as the side of a toe, it will protrude outwards and might not cause any pain unless squeezed.

The Solution – Swift Microwave Technology

If you suspect you have verrucas, book in to see one of our podiatrists who can confirm a diagnosis and create an individualised treatment plan for you.

1. Do I need to see my GP before seeing a Podiatrist?

If your concern is regarding your feet/ankles, a Podiatrist should always be your first port of call as Podiatrists are specialists in foot and ankle conditions.

They will be able to offer an expert assessment and a recommended treatment plan to help you with your condition. In most cases, the Podiatrist can fully manage your condition independently. However, sometimes the Podiatrist may refer you to another health professional such as your GP or Physiotherapist if they feel their input is required in addition to helping you.

2. I just need my nails trimming – can you help?

Yes of course. One of the many treatments offered by Podiatrists is routine nail care to ensure your nails are healthy and safe.

Many elderly people and people with reduced mobility are unable to trim their own toenails which can cause them to become overly long. This can lead to ingrowing of the nail and pressure wounds on the toes. In addition to this, if a person cannot trim their own nails they may not be able to inspect their feet properly, meaning that an abnormality may go unnoticed

A Podiatrist is the most appropriate professional to see for nail care as they can provide expert and safe treatment but also assess general foot health which ensures things aren’t missed.

3. What moisturiser should I use on my feet?

At the Hatt Clinic we recommend Ureka cream, which is carefully formulated to care for and hydrate dry skin.

Ureka cream contains urea which is an important component of the body’s natural moisturising factor (NMF) and is well known for keeping the skin revitalised and supple. Regular application of Ureka cream helps keep your skin smooth and supple. In addition to this, it also has anti-bacterial and antiseptic qualities. Ureka cream comes is 25% and 10% urea strengths. We recommend the 10% strength cream for general dry skin conditions and 25% for more severe cases of dry skin. You can purchase this cream at the clinic when you come in for your appointment. Alternatively, give us a call and we can put one aside for you.

If you have any other questions that you would like answered, get in contact with us on 01380 730473 or book in for an appointment to see one of our Podiatrists.

A Podiatrist and a Chiropodist mean the same thing and these two terms are used interchangeably. There are many preconceptions about what a Podiatrist is and what a Podiatrist does.

Many people believe a Podiatrist just cuts toenails and removes hard skin; however, a Podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist, trained to assess, diagnose and manage any type of foot and ankle abnormality or problem.

Upon qualifying many Podiatrists choose to sub-specialise in a particular field of Podiatry such as dermatology, diabetic foot care, biomechanics, any many more.

Most people visit a Podiatrist when they have pain or discomfort with their feet or if they notice any abnormal physical changes such as a bunion.

When you visit a Podiatrist they will carry out a thorough assessment of your feet which allows them to diagnose your condition. They will then give you specialist advice and in many cases, formulate a treatment plan for you.

If you are suffering with foot/ankle pain or notice anything unusual your first port of call should be a Podiatrist. You should not delay seeking professional advice as early detection means treatment can be started sooner rather than later and this often means a better prognosis (treatment success/cure).

The most reasons people come to see a Podiatrist are:   

• Corns and callus (hard skin)
• In-growing toenails and general nail care
• Fungal toenails
• Verrucae
• Athletes foot
  

You don’t have to be suffering with foot pain to make an appointment with a podiatrist. A benefit of seeing a Podiatrist can be for foot health education and prevention of problems. A Podiatrist can provide lots of useful information even before you have a complaint with your feet about how to stop the development of foot problems that are preventable.

Alongside this the Podiatrist can educate you on the self-care of your feet; self-care is beneficial when you are equipped with the correct knowledge of how to carry this out safely and effectively.

So, if you would like to book an appointment to see the Podiatrist, give us a call on 01380 730473 or Book Online

The words ‘myofascial release’ may sound alien to some but there is no doubt that over the last few years it’s become more and more popular and lots of our patients are asking for it.  So, what is it? Before we answer this, we need to explore the soft tissue known as fascia.

What is fascia?

Fascia is a 3D web like matrix that intertwines, surrounds, protects and supports every other structure in the body. The fascia extends from the inner aspects of the skull down to the soles of the feet. While anatomy books list around six hundred muscles, one way of visualising the fascia is to think of it as one muscle poured into six hundred pockets of the fascial webbing.

How does fascia respond to injury?

Fascia shortens, solidifies, and thickens in response to injury. Over time, fascial restrictions can spread like a pull in a sweater, resulting in loss of flexibility and spontaneity of movement. This can set the body up for more injury, pain, and movement limitations.

How can it be released?

With Massage! Massage releases restrictions in muscles/fascia tissue. This can be achieved in various ways with either a gentle pressure or traction being applied to the tissues. It is a relatively slow technique where the practitioner has to wait for the tissues to respond to the pressure applied before a change can be achieved.

 What are the benefits of myofascial release?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

·     General increase in health
·     Relaxation and sense of well being
·     Elimination of general pain and discomfort
·     Re-established and improved joint range of movement and muscle function
·     Restored balance and correct posture
·     Injury recovery

Myofascial release is a powerful technique that can achieve amazing results.  At Hatt’s, our Massage therapists can incorporate myofascial release into your treatment. So if you’d like to experience the benefits of myofascial release then give us a call on 01380 730473 or book online.

Now you can enjoy all the benefits of your orthotics in the comfort of flip-flops.

We’re delighted to offer you a new product – FlopThotics – that seamlessly integrates your orthotics into stylish flip-flops.

What are FlopThotics?

The classic flip flop simply doesn’t provide the support your feet require. FlopThotics are flip flops that are custom-made for your feet and provide support exactly where you need it most.

What are the benefits?

• Enjoy the benefits of your orthotics in the comfort of flip flops
• Take them to the beach, garden, pool, or anywhere you’d wear flip flops
• Never have to choose between style or support
• Get the benefits of your orthotics throughout the year
• Choose from a number of stylish colours, straps and designs
  

How to get your hands on a pair.

• Book in for an appointment where you’ll have a cast of your feet taken
• Choose your colour and style of FlopThotics
• In 3 weeks we’ll see you again to make sure your FlopThotics fit
• Price for your appointments and a pair of FlopThotics: £299

Make the most of the summer with all the benefits of your orthotics. Call us today to get your pair of FlopThotics on 01380 730473.

With flip-flops, sandals, and bare feet finally making a show this summer, now’s the ideal time to give your feet some care & attention.

Why do my feet need care & attention?

Your feet will take you 115,000 miles in your lifetime – that’s 5 times around the earth. Visiting a Podiatrist regularly helps keep your feet in good health and can prevent many common conditions from developing.

What are the benefits of visiting a Podiatrist?

• Maintain healthy feet that look & feel great
• Treat & prevent foot conditions such as verrucae & infections
• Keep your nails trim & tidy
• Banish cracked heels & dry skin
• Never think twice about slipping into flip-flops or sandals

What can I expect when visiting your Podiatrist?

Get your feet in tip-top condition this summer. Call us today to book your Podiatry appointment on 01380 730473. Find out more on our Chiropody page.

Things TO DO – the PRICE principle:

• Protection – immobilize injury wherever possible, this may include the use of crutches, slings or a brace
• Rest – as guided by your physiotherapist
• Ice – treat 20 minutes every two hours with an ice pack wrapped in a damp towel to avoid burn
• Compression – with strapping or tubi-grip, DO NOT wear compression overnight
• Elevation – keep the injured area above the level of your heart wherever possible

Things NOT TO DO – the AAA principle:

Alcohol – DO NOT drink alcohol, it thins the blood and increases bleeding, thus making an injury WORSE

Activity – DO NOT use an injured limb unnecessarily, it increases blood flow and could increase bleeding, thus making an injury WORSE

Assessment – DO NOT hesitate to seek the advice of an appropriately qualified physiotherapist who can provide further information about how to manage your injury. Only take medicines if prescribed and do NOT exceed the stated dose.

If you are in any doubt as to the diagnosis or severity of an injury you should seek further advice from a qualified health professional.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics, correctly known as Orthoses, are custom-made shoe insoles or inserts that correct the alignment of your feet to reduce or completely resolve any symptoms.

Although you can buy pre-made orthotics in local shops such as Boots, custom-made orthotics are the most effective way of treating poor foot alignment as they are made bespoke to your feet and for your condition.

If you have orthotics designed for a particular sport, they will be made to support particular movements or positions and support specific loads or stresses associated with your activity.

Orthotics at Hatts

All our custom-made orthotics require a prescription to be taken by a specialist biomechanical Podiatrist, along with a Gait Analysis assessment to identify the corrections required to realign your foot.

At Hatts, this bespoke service is delivered by our biomechanical specialists. In order to create these bespoke orthotics,  a cast impression of your foot will be taken before it is sent off to our laboratory. This ensures that your orthotics fit perfectly to the shape of your feet to support the exact correction required – giving you the most effective treatment possible.

Once your orthotics have been made, they will be fitted and your Podiatrist will advise you on wearing them in. Following your initial wear period, your symptoms will be reviewed and if necessary minor adjustments can be made to your orthotics.

Your custom orthotics will be manufactured to a very high standard using the latest materials and techniques. They are expected to last approximately 10 years with minor refurbishment.

Bespoke orthotics really can be life-changing. It is important not to ignore foot pain as any foot conditions not treated could have a detrimental effect on the way the rest of your body moves.

If you suffer from any kind of foot, knee, hip, or lower back pain, we can help. Book your Gait Analysis appointment online or by calling us on 01380 730473. Appointments are available at any of our clinics in Devizes, Marlborough, or Frome.