Adding ancillary services to your practice has the potential to improve patient outcomes, boost your bottom line and help you attract new patients. However, many podiatry offices have been reluctant to add physical therapy due to confusion and fear surrounding Stark Law.
Matching physiotherapist independent prescribers and podiatrist independent prescribers and non-prescribers by their professional role, care setting and geographical location was carried out. Written informed consent was obtained.
Physiotherapy
The field of physical therapy is concerned with human movement and maximizing physical abilities. It uses techniques like acupressure, myofascial release, joint mobilization and manipulation, and pain control techniques to alleviate symptoms, restore function, and improve quality of life.
Physiotherapy is a great complement to podiatry care, as they both share similar clinical goals. For example, podiatrists often prescribe orthotics to help stabilize the foot or provide arch support. They also utilize tools such as syringes to administer pain medication or nail anvils and scalpels to remove ingrown toenails. They may even utilize cryotherapy equipment to freeze off plantar warts.
Physical therapists are trained to assess the foot and ankle for imbalances in muscle strength or flexibility that may contribute to foot-related injuries or conditions. They develop customized exercise programs and educate patients about injury prevention. This is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, where proper foot care can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
Physiotherapists also have a unique advantage over other allied health professionals in that they are licensed to prescribe medicine under a limited range of patient group directions in the United Kingdom. [5] However, robust evaluation of physiotherapists’ prescribing and medicines management activity is lacking.
Diagnosis
Physiotherapists take a ‘whole body’ approach to treatment so will often consult with other healthcare professionals (including podiatrists) when treating a client. For example, if a client comes to a physiotherapist with foot/ankle problems, the therapist may refer the client for a podiatry assessment and diagnosis.
Podiatrists at Optimise Health podiatry are dedicated healthcare professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medical, surgical, and biomechanical conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. As the trusted ‘foot doctors,’ our team expertly addresses concerns like ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses, while also offering tailored advice for general foot and ankle car
As with physiotherapy, the first step in the podiatry process is to take a detailed history and perform a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition. This includes a gait analysis, assessing the foot posture and alignment, and measuring for footwear.
The resulting diagnosis may indicate a variety of problems such as poor biomechanical foot function, flat feet, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, nerve irritation or muscle imbalance. Treatment may include arch supports or orthotics, shoe advice, foot exercises and physical therapy. The physiotherapist then incorporates these management strategies into the client’s program which assists in improving balance and control, decreasing pain and inflammation, and increasing strength/movement efficiency. This in turn, helps to reduce the need for pain medication, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Prevention
Physiotherapy and podiatry are both preventive healthcare disciplines that focus on managing pain, improving mobility and preventing future injuries. Together, a podiatrist and Toowoomba physio can help you achieve optimal musculoskeletal health
Whether you are suffering from foot pain or just want to stay active and healthy, podiatry and physiotherapy can help. Both services are essential to maintaining good musculoskeletal health and avoiding future injury.
Foot problems like arthritic pain and corns can impact your quality of life and limit your mobility. By addressing these issues proactively, you can maintain your independence and enjoy your hobbies and family activities without worrying about your feet.
For seniors, podiatry can be especially beneficial. Chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis can have a negative impact on your feet, leading to pain, swelling, and infection. Podiatrists can offer treatment options that reduce the risk of these complications, such as specialized footwear and orthotics.
Athletes also benefit from podiatry services, which can help them perform at their best and avoid injury. By addressing biomechanical imbalances, educating athletes on proper foot care and warm-up techniques, and providing custom orthotics, podiatrists can boost athletic performance and recovery. Success stories from athletes who have benefited from podiatry services serve as inspiring examples of the transformative power of this discipline. This is particularly true in sports where the feet are critical for performance and safety.
Treatment
The integration of podiatry and physiotherapy services provides a symbiotic relationship, which not only treats existing ailments but also pioneers preventive strategies. This holistic approach reduces reliance on pain medications and improves quality of life by addressing the root cause of discomfort.
For example, if client X rolls her ankle during a netball game and experiences swelling and pain, the podiatrist may prescribe arch supports/orthotics that redistribute the impact of foot strikes to lessen tendons’ overload. This can reduce the occurrence of future injuries.
In addition, the physiotherapist will provide a physical therapy programme of stretching exercises and other manual techniques to improve a client’s range of motion. The physiotherapist can also utilise dry needling and other joint manipulations to help ease the pain and stiffness.
Achilles tendinitis is a common condition that affects the tendon at the back of your lower leg (the achilles) when it’s overused. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the bottom of your heel, tight calf muscles and a limited range of motion when you flex your foot. Treatment includes wearing a shoe insert that takes the pressure off your Achilles, and a programme of stretching exercises.
It’s important that the foot health workforce is diverse, with a number of different roles available. This includes first contact practitioners who support GPs in integrated care systems, and advanced practitioner podiatry clinicians who are educated to Masters level.
