What we do

Muscle release and the management of trigger points are integral aspects of podiatric care, particularly for individuals experiencing Foot or lower limb pain. Trigger points refer to localised areas of muscle tension that can refer pain to other areas, often leading to a cycle of discomfort that can significantly hinder mobility and overall quality of life. As podiatrists, our approach involves thorough assessment and understanding of the underlying muscular mechanics that may contribute to a patient’s pain.

Techniques aimed at muscle release can be beneficial in alleviating this tension. These methods may include manual therapy, stretching exercises, and education on optimal
biomechanics to reduce strain on the affected muscles. Moreover, addressing trigger points often requires patient collaboration, as self-care strategies such as targeted stretching and use of foam rollers may enhance the effectiveness of treatment. We also recommend incorporating proper footwear that supports the foot’s structure while minimising undue stress.

By embracing a holistic approach that combines manual therapy with education on movement mechanics, we can significantly improve our patients’ outcomes. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort, we encourage you to consult a podiatric professional who can provide you with a tailored treatment plan focusing on muscle release and the management of trigger points to enhance your mobility and well-being.

Although it’s not typical for podiatrists to be associated with treating individuals with ASD, Ripple podiatrists’ are by:

1. Early assessment of foot posture and gait can help prevent long term pain and injury. Toe walking is a common gait presentation for those with ASD and can be related to their altered sensory processing. We can work with individuals and families to find ways of improving this gait pattern and reducing the muscle and joint compensations related to toe walking.
2. Treatment and management of foot or leg pain through accommodative footwear, and foot and ankle orthotics: many individuals with ASD can experience issues such as severs, bursitis and plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon issues, or knee and hip pain. Altered sensory processing makes the management of these conditions more difficult to finding the correct socks, shoes and orthotics that can be tolerated.
3. Low muscle tone (hypotonia) some children may appear “floppy” and have poor physical endurance like not wanting to walk or stand for long periods.
4. Routine foot and nail care: Some individuals with ASD can struggle with routine foot and nail care. This includes difficulty in correctly cutting nails, toe deformities and nail damage which can lead to issues such as ingrown toenails and thickening callous and corns. We have experience working with individuals with ASD to treat these conditions and help avoid future issues.
5. Individuals with ASD often experience toe deformities, awkward walking patterns, poor coordination and muscle asymmetry causing issues with balance and clumsy falls. These can be improved with neuro-muscle training and balance/proprioception pressure training.

Cerebral Palsy

People with CP often experience complications with their feet, knees and hips, gait abnormalities due to muscle spasticities, poor balance, poor muscle tone (hypotonia) and low tolerance with footwear and walking.

1. Early assessment of foot posture and gait can help prevent long term pain and injury. Toe walking is a common gait presentation for those with CP and can be related to their altered sensory sensitivity. We can work with individuals and families to find ways of improving this gait pattern and reducing the muscle and joint compensations related to spasticity and “floppy” walking.
2. Treatment and management of foot or leg pain through accommodative footwear, and foot and ankle orthotics: many individuals with CP can experience issues such as severs, bursitis and plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon issues, or knee and hip pain. Altered sensory sensitivity and tolerances makes the management of these conditions more difficult to finding the correct socks, modified shoes and orthotics that can be worn.
3. Low muscle tone (hypotonia) some children may appear “floppy” and have poor physical endurance like not wanting to walk or stand for long periods.
4. Routine foot and nail care: Some individuals with CP can struggle with routine foot and nail care. This includes difficulty in correctly cutting nails, toe deformities and nail damage which can lead to issues such as ingrown toenails and thickening callous and corns. We have experience working with individuals with CP to treat these conditions and help avoid future issues.
5. Individuals with CP often experience toe deformities, awkward walking patterns, poor coordination, uncontrollable movements (dyskinesia) and muscle asymmetry causing issues with balance and falls. These can be improved with neuro-muscle training and tolerated worn/proprioception pressure training.

Down Syndrome

People with Down Syndrome often experience complications with their feet, knees and hips, gait abnormalities due to hypermobility, poor ankle range of motion, external femoral rotation (duck/out toeing), poor balance, poor muscle tone (hypotonia), flat feet and low tolerance with walking.

1. Early assessment of foot posture and gait can help prevent long term pain and injury. Toe walking is a common gait presentation for those with Down Syndrome and can be related to their altered sensory sensitivity. We can work with individuals and families to find ways of improving abnormal gait pattern and reducing the muscle and joint compensations related to out toeing and excessive flat feet walking.
2. Treatment and management of foot or leg pain through accommodative footwear, and foot orthotics: many individuals with Down Syndrome can experience issues
   such as bursitis and plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon issues, or knee and hip pain. Altered sensory sensitivity and tolerances makes the management of these conditions more difficult to finding the correct socks, modified shoes and orthotics that can be worn.
3. Low muscle tone (hypotonia) some children may appear “floppy” and have poor physical endurance like not wanting to walk or stand for long periods.
4. Routine foot and nail care: Some individuals with Down Syndrome can struggle with routine foot and nail care. This includes difficulty in correctly cutting nails, toe deformities and nail damage which can lead to issues such as ingrown toenails, fungal nails and thickening callous and corns. We have experience working with
   individuals with Down Syndrome to treat these conditions and help avoid future issues.
5. Individuals with Down Syndrome often experience toe deformities, awkward walking patterns, tight calves, poor coordination, and muscle asymmetry causing issues with balance and falls. These can be improved with neuro-muscle training and proprioception pressure training.

Treatment

Correct footwear – modifying current footwear with orthotic features or measuring and fitting orthopaedic footwear for patients with a range of different depths, widths and sizes.

Foot and ankle orthoses – to help with gait abnormalities, balance and proprioception, that help with pressure distribution and removal of painful callous and corns.

Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO’s) – springs can help with ground clearance during the swing phase of gait. Ankle braces help with excessive pivoting and rolling (overpronation), to learn balance and build stability.

Exercise prescription- for muscle strength, joint and gait coordination, to improve motor patterning (both fine and gross movements), improve endurance aerobic fitness, posture, and poor balance.

Skin and nail care – trimming of toenails, reducing thickening, removing nail spikes, removal of callous and corns. Identifying and treating any fungal or bacterial infections appropriately.

At our clinic, we understand that foot and ankle discomfort can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. As qualified podiatrists, we are committed to providing personalised care that addresses the unique needs of each patient. One vital aspect of this care involves the use of orthoses, braces, and orthotics.

Orthotics are custom-made or prefabricated devices designed to support, align, offload or enhance the function of the foot and ankle. They can alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and improve overall foot function. The type of orthotic recommended will depend on the specific foot condition, whether it be flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or other musculoskeletal disorders.

Braces serve a similar purpose, providing additional stability to the joint structure and limiting excessive motion that may exacerbate injuries. Utilising a brace can be particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from sprains or undergoing rehabilitation for foot or ankle surgery.

Orthoses, often utilised to relieve stress off particular areas of the foot, can range from simple arch supports to more complex modifications tailored to specific foot shapes and conditions. Through comprehensive evaluations, we will determine the most suitable option for your needs, enhancing your quality of life and allowing you to regain the activities you love. Let us guide you towards a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

Shockwave

Shockwave also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is an effective treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions and tendon pathologies such as Achilles pain or plantar fasciitis.

It is a non-invasive therapy which uses ultrasound shockwaves to kick start the body’s natural healing response that may not have responded to medication, rest or other therapies.

How does Shockwave work?

• ESWT stimulates the release of growth factors and improves bloody supply leading to the repair of tendons and muscles.
• It helps to reduce pain through a technique called hyper-stimulation anaesthesia. This is when the nerves send pain signals to the area which are stimulated to a point
  that their activity diminishes, thereby decreasing pain.
• It can take up to 3-5 sessions to achieve significant pain relief, with each appointment being about a week apart.

What to Expect

During the session, a gel will be applied to the treatment area, and the shockwave device will be positioned over the targeted site. It is common to experience some dull, achy pain in the treated area over the next few days after treatment. This is a sign that the treatment is producing a healing response in the tissues.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

• Non-Invasive: Unlike surgical options, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure.
• Pain Relief: Many patients report significant pain reduction after just a few sessions.
• No Anesthesia Required: The procedure is well-tolerated without the need for anesthesia.

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Shin splits,
• Tendonitis
• And more…

To see if Shockwave is some thing that may help you then book an appointment with us

Gait retraining is essential for anyone looking to improve their overall foot health or alleviate chronic pain. Consulting a podiatrist can have a transformative impact on
your gait and consequently your physical well-being. Our feet are fundamental to our mobility, and how we walk plays a critical role in our overall musculoskeletal health.

Gait retraining involves analysing an individual’s walking pattern to identify deviations and inefficiencies. A qualified podiatrist utilises advanced techniques and tools to
assess your gait, which helps in determining any existing irregularities that may contribute to foot, knee, or back pain. Through a personalised therapy plan, a podiatrist can guide you in making subtle adjustments to your gait. This not only enhances your overall movement but also aids in reducing the risk of injuries. Typically, gait retraining encompasses a variety of strategies such as targeted exercises, stretches, and the potential use of orthotics. These interventions work to strengthen specific muscle groups and improve alignment, ensuring a more biomechanically efficient gait.

By investing in gait retraining under the guidance of one of our qualified podiatrists, you can experience an improvement in your mobility, reduce discomfort, and ultimately enhance your quality of life. If you are struggling with pain or inefficiency in your movement, consider making an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss the potential benefits of gait retraining tailored specifically to your needs. Your journey toward improved foot health may just begin with a simple assessment of how you walk.

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to relieve pain, improve mobility and promote muscle recovery. It involves inserting a thin, sterile needle into specific areas of muscle tissue to alleviate discomfort and restore function.

How does it work?

Dry needling targets “trigger points”—specific spots within muscles where tension or irritation causes pain. These trigger points are often the result of muscle tightness or dysfunction. By inserting the needle into these areas, dry needling helps:

• Release muscle tension: The targeted needle insertion induces a local twitch response, helping to release contracted muscles.
• Increase blood flow and circulation: The needle insertion promotes blood flow to the area, speeding up the healing process by delivering nutrients and oxygen.
• Reduces pain: Dry needling stimulates the body’s central nervous system, which can enhance the body’s natural ability to manage pain.

How is dry needling different to acupuncture?

While dry needling uses the same type of needles as acupuncture, the two techniques differ in their approaches. Traditional Chinese acupuncture focuses on balancing energy flow along the body’s meridians, whereas dry needling targets muscle and nerve function, aiming to alleviate physical pain and discomfort by addressing specific musculoskeletal issues.

K-Tape

Kinesiology tape (K-tape) is a thin, flexible tape that aids muscle movement and enhances athletic performance. It is often used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation and provide support to joints and muscles. The elasticity, or stretchiness, of kinesiology tape allows for movement.

Benefits of K-Tape

• Pain Relief: Alleviates pain by reducing pressure on pain receptors in the affected area.
• Swelling Reduction: Helps reduce inflammation and swelling through its unique lifting mechanism.
• Injury Prevention: Supports muscles and joints during physical activity, reducing the risk of injuries.
• Enhanced Performance: Provides stability without restricting movement, allowing athletes and active individuals to perform at their best.

As a rehabilitation podiatrist, I continually seek innovative methods to enhance patient care and address various foot disorders. One such revolutionary technique that has garnered my interest is Trigenics. This unique treatment combines elements of osteopathy, physical therapy, and chiropractic practices, providing a non-invasive means for addressing musculoskeletal conditions and optimizing overall function. Trigenics harnesses the body’s neural feedback mechanisms to stimulate muscle activity, improving strength, coordination, and range of motion. This approach is particularly effective for patients suffering from chronic pain, joint stiffness, and postural imbalances, facilitating not only improved mobility but also a greater quality of life.

By directly addressing the neuromuscular system, Trigenics promotes healing at a foundational level, allowing for a more holistic approach to foot and lower limb health. For
individuals experiencing symptoms such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or general foot and ankle discomfort, Trigenics represents a promising option worth exploring. The benefits extend beyond mere symptom relief, fostering an environment in which patients can fully engage in their daily activities without the limitations of pain or dysfunction. I encourage anyone interested in understanding how Trigenics can be integrated into their personalised treatment plan to consult with a qualified podiatrist. Together, we can explore how this advanced modality might provide the solutions you seek for optimal foot health and functionality.