Injury & Pain Management

Trigger Point Dry Needling

Dry needling is a procedure in which a very thin solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly aimed at a myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the production of pain. If you think of knots in your muscles that when you push down on it elicits pain and you think ‘that’s the spot’ then that’s it! Dry needling is rarely painful, often you’ll feel a twinge or contraction from the muscle when the needle hits the trigger point. While dry needling doesn’t often cause any bleeding, it occasionally can happen where bruising may occur. You can often feel a difference immediately after the therapy and many of our patients very much enjoy dry needling! Come in and have a chat about whether dry needling can help you too.

Stretching and Strengthening

Stretching and strengthening are often mistaken as the same process, but they serve different purposes. Strengthening restores muscle strength, preventing imbalances that can alter biomechanics and cause pain. Weak muscles are overpowered by others, leading to strain and dysfunction. Strengthening key muscles, including those in the hips and lower back, improves movement efficiency and reduces pain.

Stretching alleviates muscle tightness, preventing strain on bones, joints, and muscles. Tight muscles can disrupt function and contribute to pain. A balance of both stretching and strengthening is crucial. After assessment, we prescribe gradual, customised exercises to build strong, flexible muscles and reduce injury risk.

Orthotic Therapy

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular walking and running patterns that have contributed to increased stress through the feet and legs and ultimately injury. Orthotics are not merely “arch supports”. An orthotic is designed to guide the mechanics of the foot to a precise degree which help the muscles and tendons to perform more efficiently, making standing, walking, and running more comfortable. If you’re suffering from pain or injury, your orthotic is specifically designed to correct any biomechanical anomalies that are contributing to your injury and ongoing pain, and distribute weight away from the painful area. We love orthotics because of the massive change they make in our patients’ lives – and not to mention their pain levels. The way they alter foot biomechanics to help injuries and promote healthy foot function means our patient feel great, look great, and can get back to doing the things they love faster than ever.

Strapping, Taping & Bracing

Strapping, taping, and bracing are effective techniques used to support and protect the foot and ankle during daily activities and sports. Strapping involves applying sports tape directly to the skin to stabilize bones and muscles, helping to reduce pain, prevent excessive movement, and aid recovery from injuries. Bracing, on the other hand, provides more rigid support using a structured device, offering enhanced stability for conditions such as ankle sprains, ligament injuries, or chronic instability.

These techniques can relieve pressure on damaged structures, promote healing, and help prevent re-injury. Many athletes visit us before games or training sessions for taping or bracing to support recovery and reduce injury risk. Your podiatrist will assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable option to keep you active and pain-free.

Shockwave & Low-Level Laser Therapy

Shockwave therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are advanced, non-invasive treatments that help reduce pain and accelerate healing for various foot and ankle conditions.
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow and promoting tissue repair. It is particularly effective for chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and heel pain by reducing inflammation and breaking down scar tissue. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy, uses targeted light energy to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling while enhancing cell regeneration. This gentle therapy is beneficial for soft tissue injuries, nerve pain, and joint conditions, helping to speed up recovery without discomfort.

Both treatments can provide long-lasting relief, improve mobility, and support overall foot health. Your podiatrist will assess your condition and determine the most suitable therapy to get you back on your feet, pain-free.