Other Allied Health Services

Orthotics

Who is the Orthotist?
Orthotics is a new service to SSPC by popular demand and will help expand the standard of care that we have available at SSPC. Our Orthotist is Mr. David Dzienciol.

Who will benefit from the Orthotist?
Any person with persisting feet or biomechanical problems may seek a consultation with the Orthotics. Unlike most Podiatrists who outsource the manufacture of their orthotics, David moulds and manufactures all orthotics himself. This ensures that they are very specific to your foot shape, and meet the highest possible standards.

David is also an expert in the making and fitting of all types of braces, as well as a wide range of medical grade compression garments for travelling and vascular conditions.

Are non-patients able to come off the street and see the Orthotist without a referral or without having seen one of the physios?
Yes. A referral is not necessary unless you want to see the Orthotist under a compensable body such as WorkCover, TAC, Veterans Affairs or the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program.

Can I claim on my extras for Private Health insurance?
If you have Orthotics cover under your extras, then you may use your health fund to claim a percentage of the orthotics costs. Some funds have very good rebates (60-80% cover) so check with your health fund. You will most likely require a referral from your GP or Physiotherapist to claim.

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Dietitian

Dietitian’s can assist individuals achieve better health or improve sporting performance at all levels. They can give dietary advice regarding management of many medical conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure as well as many gastro-intestinal problems such as constipation or heartburn. Dietitians are also experts in providing advice to help lose or gain weight, or just improve you energy levels so you can better cope with the ever increasing hectic lifestyles.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world, originating more than 5000 years ago. The most common acupuncture technique involves piercing the skin with very fine needles. At SSPC other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques such as Gua Sha, Ear Candling and Cupping are performed.
Many conditions respond to acupuncture and our acupuncturist treats everything from muscle soreness to stress and anxiety conditions

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Hand therapy

Hand injuries and splinting

Hand Therapy is an area of Physiotherapy dealing specifically with the fingers, thumb, hand and wrist.

Injuries may be acute such as fractures, dislocations and sprains. Thumb ligament sprains are one of the more common sporting injuries, often caused by awkward contact with the ball or landing.

There are also chronic conditions including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and many tendonitis type problems that occur as a result of overuse.

Treatment of these areas can also include splinting. Rather than "off-the-shelf" splints, custom made splints are made on site at SSPC specific to the individual and injury. This will often result in a more rapid return to function as the area is well protected.

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Massage

When should I seek Massage?
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is packed with nerve endings. Massage works by soothing soft tissue and encouraging relaxation.
You are going to obtain the most benefit from massage when you have ongoing soft tissue tightness, which may make you tense up even more creating more tightness. This is often seen around the neck and shoulders. A thorough neck and shoulder massage can release muscle tension and break the pain cycle. Massage is also very useful for injury prevention amongst sporting athletes.
Modern studies have shown that massage can be used to successfully treat a variety of disorders, including:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Chronic pain
• Constipation
• Depression
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia.

What type of massage do you do here?

• Therapeutic - also known as 'Western' or 'Swedish' massage. One of the most popular forms of massage in Australia, this technique is designed to promote relaxation and improve blood circulation.
• Sports - a blend of techniques that aims to enhance performance and help overworked muscles to recover quickly.
• Remedial - to encourage healing of injured soft tissue - such as muscles, tendons and ligaments.
• Relaxation - a more gentle approach aimed at producing the release of endorphins, the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing and reduce levels of stress hormones - such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine

How long will the massage last?
There are 3 time periods that you can book a massage for :
30 minutes, 45 minutes or 1 hour. If you are unsure how long you will need get our reception staff to ask the massage therapist to speak to you prior to booking and they should be able to help you decide. You may also buy massage vouchers as a gift for someone else. Enquire at reception to purchase one of these.

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Myotherapy

Myotherapy is derived from Greek "Myo" meaning muscle, thus a muscle therapist. A Myotherapist is a multi skilled physical therapist who's treatments focus on the preventative, corrective and rehabilitation phases of therapy to maintain and achieve a normal integrity of the soft tissue structure - Muscles, ligaments and tendons of the body.

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