So much so, that the health funds demanded change with diplomas and above qualifications to address the situation of untrained practitioners treating patients.
Projections in Australia show an expected short-medium term shortage of skilled, qualified workers for allied health positions.
Expansion of allied health to accommodate the growing ageing population will require years of experienced practitioners to fill the void.
The practitioners performing massage therapy at Health plus Chiropractic already have years of extensive experience.
The decision was made long ago by this business to only engage the best in their field with the top tier of qualifications in massage therapy.
Professional development programs
While some other professions moved toward mandatory continuing education, Health plus Chiropractic also committed to continuous improvement by a range of ongoing professional development programs
Current trends, particularly for chiropractic, are focusing on functional and rehabilitation programs and customized solutions for musculoskeletal conditions.
As more of the population is taking responsibility for their own health, making the right choice and keeping fit, educating the importance of regular maintenance and looking after yourself has increased the need of having health partners.
Using other approaches in the past has had a redirection change to chiropractic, massage and podiatry as being the choice of preferred treatment.
Patient education and understanding the treatment program is the key to wellness.
Some of the most notable changes in podiatry locally are occurring here at Health plus Chiropractic includes new and emerging technologies, in addition to the usually high standards of general care.
New dimensions for podiatrists
Podiatrists have been able to add a few new dimensions to not only how they diagnose conditions of the lower limb, but also how they can implement more effect treatment programs. Podiatrist Mark Palmer is at the forefront of these developments.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is the newest way of attacking some common, and often stubborn, soft tissue complaints.
Whilst it can be used successfully all over the body, Shockwave Therapy is used in Podiatry to treat plantar fasciitis (heel spurs) and Achilles tendonitis.
These new machines use a repetitive sound wave (or shockwave) to basically stimulate components in the body which can heal inflamed tissue.
How technology is helping
Traditionally, treatment of these types of chronic and painful conditions consists of massage and stretching in conjunction with anti-inflammatory techniques (such as Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation).
By combining traditional approaches with shockwave it is possible to accelerate the healing process, and breakdown tissue that may have scarred from long-term inflammation or even calcified (in the case of spurs).
There are little to no side-effects and the machine intensity can be adjusted to the comfort of the patient.
Another new technology utilised is a 3D foot and ankle scanner. Replacing the older technique of taking casts or moulds of feet to then make orthotic innersoles, the scanner creates a 3D model of the foot.
The type of #D scanner used by Mark Palmer operates on a digital mapping process that takes into account the entire foot, not just the sole.
Extremely lightweight and portable, the scanner connects wirelessly to a handheld tablet that the Podiatrist uses to initiate the scan and upload and view 3D, 360 degree images of the patient’s foot.
They can be shared immediately with the patient and sent wirelessly to the orthotics company, cutting the waiting time for custom-designed orthotics in half, while enabling a “better fit.”
In conjunction with the new technology available, advances in research have led to a new understanding of how our foot and ankle functions in motion and interacts with the rest of our body.
The older theories were based around “forcing” the foot into a pre-determined best position to improve function and reduce pain.
New theories are much more dynamic, realising that there are many different foot types and whilst there is still an overall template for movement and function, everyone is different, therefore the treatment plans need to be customised to the individual patient.
The result for the patient is a much wider variety of treatment options, orthotic designs and better long-term outcomes.
The role of footwear
Footwear has changed greatly in the last decade or so as well. Manufacturers have worked with the various Podiatry Associations around the world to bridge the gap between orthopaedic (or medical grade) footwear and what is available in a retail setting.
Footwear companies are embracing the use of orthotic technology and designing shoes that make it easier for the consumer to follow the advice of their Podiatrist and still end up with a shoe which is stylish, practical and affordable.
This trend extends across most footwear types from running and sports shoes, to safety and work footwear, and even into the fashion sector.
It certainly makes our job easier when we can explain to our patients that they can purchase a shoe that they like to wear, from a shop that is easy to get to, at a price that doesn’trequire a second mortgage
Safety footwear, formally restricted to big, heavy boots, now cater to men and women, can be lightweight and usually offer the same cushioning materials found in a pair of running shoes.
Who needs a podiatrist?
So who goes to see a Podiatrist these days? Little old ladies with thick toenails and corns? The answer now is: everyone with a pair of feet!
General foot care will always be a big part of podiatric practice, but with a combination of cutting edge technology, new and refined techniques and some good old-fashioned experience, everyone will benefit from seeing a Podiatrist.
From elite athletes trying to overcome a chronic injury or improve their technique, to whole companies sending through their valued workers who stand on their feet all day, it is possible to assess, advise, and improve the way your most important asset (your feet) functions.
So whilst many of the tried and tested "hands on" techniques will always be there, the profession of Podiatry is certainly ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ in the technology stakes.
Video Gait Analysis, 3D Scanning and Shockwave are already part of everyday treatments at Health plus Chiropractic and with advances in 3D printing and Laser Technology for Fungal Nails, who knows what may be around the corner?
It is considered that the greatest projected change in Podiatry in the coming years will be more formal specialisation.
Currently, most podiatrists fill a "jack of all trades" role in foot and lower limb care, providing care for those with diabetes, arthritis, kids through to the elderly, biomechanics and sports injuries as well as general foot care (toenails, corns and calluses).
We already see some podiatrists labeling themselves as "Sports Podiatrists," while others will position their practices to cater for particular groups like aged care or paediatrics.
Then there are those who work within the Hospital system will specialise in High Risk Diabetic care. At the moment though, all of these specialties are simply a choice made by the individual Podiatrist.
The push is on to make these specialties a more formal qualification, this will mean further education for those who choose to follow this path and make it easier to direct patients to those clinicians who can best help their problems.
Don't despair though, the local Podiatrist who can look after every foot need will be around for many years to come, but like all good things in life, the profession needs to continually evolve to provide the best care for patients!
