Dry Needling in Adelaide
Dry needling is similar to acupuncture but works on a Western medical protocol of inserting needles into what are called trigger points (imagine they are like knots in the muscle). When you have these trigger points or knots they can reduce the ability of the muscle to function or work correctly. This can lead to pain within the muscle or refer pain to another part of the foot or leg.
For the vast majority of people, dry needling is not a painful process but the thought of needles can concern some people. The needles we use are incredibly fine and most people either feel nothing when they are inserted or a very small amount of very brief tenderness.
Dry needling is generally used as part of a broader treatment plan for conditions such as plantar fasciitis or achilles tendon pain.
Dry Needling Services in Adelaide
What to expect at your consultation
When you see one of our Podiatrists at Healthy Life Foot Clinic, you’ll not only feel welcomed but confident in their care.
We’ll initially take the time to learn about you and your problem and how it’s affected you and what it’s stopping you from doing. We will then take a thorough history and perform a detailed examination to determine what’s wrong and the cause of your problem.
Part of the examination will involve observation of your walking which may also include the use of video or Gaitscan (this measures the pressure applied under your feet). We may also refer you for further xrays or ultrasound if indicated.
Finally, we will give you a plan which will clearly detail what the problem is, why it’s there and what we will do to get you back to doing what you love as quickly as possible. Treatment will vary according to your problem but may include a combination of hands on therapy (foot mobilisation and dry needling), strapping, exercise, footwear advice, laser, orthotic therapy and general foot care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a couple of our most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for please contact us and we will be more than happy to answer any further questions.
When you have any contact with Healthy Life Foot Clinic, you will always feel welcomed and cared for. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by one of our friendly team. You may need to complete some paperwork but you’ll be seen on time. Jo, Tessa or Mark (our 3 amazing Podiatrist’s) will take extra special care of you immediately. They will take the time to listen to your concerns, find out what the pain or problem is stopping you from doing, thoroughly assess what’s wrong and then explain all of this in non-technical ways.
Where possible, we will always provide some form of treatment to try and get you more comfortable straight away. You will also always leave with a clear written plan of any further treatment required, costs and importantly anything you need to do such as exercises, footwear etc.
When you visit us, always wear clothing that is comfortable. We frequently as part of our assessment need to observe you walking so wearing pants that roll up above your ankles.
Please bring any recent xrays or scans of your foot and ankle. If you have any old insoles, arch supports or orthotics then bringing them will be helpful. A list of medications is important to see and lastly please bring at least one other pair of shoes as footwear often will give us clues as to what may be wrong with your feet.
If you have private health cover with Podiatry, then you will generally be able to receive a rebate on your visit or services provided. If you are unsure if you are covered, we encourage you to contact your health insurer for more information. We have onsite HICAPS facilities so we can process your claim on the spot.
No you don’t need a referral to see a Podiatrist. As a primary health care provider, you do not need to see your GP prior to making an appointment with us.
Podiatry consultations and services are covered under private health insurance. If you are referred to us by your GP with a Medicare referral, there will be a gap. For further information please contact the clinic so we can learn more about your problem and then give you a specific on fees.
