Diane Pridham Physiotherapy

ABOUT

Diane is a physiotherapist with post-graduate training in the treatment of sports injuries.

She worked as the sole physiotherapist for twenty years at Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne (1984 - 2004), attending to the needs of injured SAS soldiers. She was part of a team of both civilian and military medical staff, within an Army Medical Centre.

Injuries to the soldiers were common due to the high level of fitness required, their extreme training methods and their involvement in overseas UN and combat missions. At times, soldiers were flown back from "conflict zones" (such as Rwanda, Iraq, East Timor and Afghanistan) for several weeks of intensive physiotherapy and then re-deployed into active service. This demanded a high level of expertise and commitment, both from the soldiers and from the staff of the Medical Centre.

Diane was also employed for ten years as a part-time Clinical Educator at Curtin University in the Graduate Masters Sports Physiotherapy programme.

Since 2005 she has worked as a physiotherapist in Private Practice (Bunbury, Subiaco, Shenton Park), at Inner Focus Physiotherapy and at Qantas. In 2012 she started her own business in West Leederville.

SERVICES

Whilst your treatment will usually involve some passive "hands-on" treatment, clients will also be encouraged to take an active role in managing their own lifestyle.The most common issues to address include stress management, attitudes to injury and pain, workplace ergonomics and engagement in some form of therapeutic exercise.

Rooms are located in West Leederville at Oxford Close Specialist Centre. Appointments are available Monday, Thursdays and Fridays (9am - 6pm), and after hours Wednesdays.

Diane also does home visits, as well as visits to your own gym to give advice on which exercises may be appropriate to your needs.

HANDS ON TREATMENT

Hands on treatment includes techniques employed by physiotherapists such as:

• joint mobilisation


• massage


• dry needling & acupuncture


• assisted stretching


• guided exercises

Conditions suitable for "hands-on" treatment

Sports Injuries - especially if there is pain, swelling and/or loss of function.

Soft tissue and joint related problems, such as:

• whiplash after a vehicle accident;


• severe bruising after a fall;


• pain after unaccustomed activity;


• pain during or after repetitive activities;


• loss of range of movement or a persistent feeling of tightness;


• a feeling of instability related to movement;


• pain in the neck, shoulders or back area from prolonged sitting;


• pain in a joint that interferes with your usual activities;


• joint or muscle pain that interferes with sleep.

Note that a "hands-on" treatment session will also include education, some home exercises and/or some strategies to help you to deal with the issue. Your initial session will most likely involve 30 minutes of assessment which will include a series of questions about you, your problem and your expectations. A physical examination of the area is also part of the initial assessment.

In some cases you will be referred back to your Doctor if there is an underlying medical problem that needs to be addressed. Poorly controlled Diabetes, for example, delays the healing process.

Physiotherapists can fill out request forms for basic X-Rays and Diagnostic Ultrasound, but if you need a CT or MRI you will be asked to return to your Doctor or your Specialist. There is strong evidence, however that radiological findings often do not correlate with symptoms, especially when there is a non-specific, long term issue such as low back pain. The real value of imaging is that it looks for significant pathology such as fractures, ruptured tendons, serious ligament injuries or tumours.

MOVE INTO NATURE

These sessions are suitable for those who need some assistance and motivation to get moving. Research has shown that exercising in a natural environment is particularly helpful for people who suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Studies from Japan, the US and Finland have shown reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, as a result of exposure to chemicals released by plants (phytoncides). The Japanese have a term for this - "Shinrin Yoku" or "Forest Bathing" where they immerse themselves in a natural environment for a sense of well being and to reduce stress levels.

My Nature and Movement sessions generally consist of:

1. Transport from your house to a bushland area with walking paths (15 km radius of CBD);


2. 2. A 20 min graded and assisted (if necessary) walk in a natural environment;


3. 15 mins of resisted exercise;


4. 15 mins of stretching;


5. Coffee or tea.


6. Transport home.

If it is a nice day and the birds and flowers are all out, we might just walk for the full hour and take a few rests if needed. If you are feeling stressed, we can do guided relaxation with the sounds of nature.

Total time 1.5 to 2 hours.

My working knowledge of Perth's Flora and Fauna, and my experience as an amateur photographer should make this an interesting and invigorating experience.

Cost $85
Mobile Eftpos, Cash or Cheque
Private Health Insurance rebates available
IF YOU ARE EXERCISING AND RECEIVING ADVICE UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A PHYSIOTHERAPIST, IT COUNTS AS A STANDARD CONSULTATION, WHETHER WE ARE INDOORS OR OUTDOORS IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

Pricing and Health Care Rebates

Initial assessment sessions are 60 minutes: $95

Subsequent sessions are 50 minutes: $89

More than one area of treatment: $92

As Diane's fees are well below the standard rate for long appointments, please do not ask for a discount unless you are a

pensioner or full time student. Discounts are not given for people without private health insurance.

Diane treats workers compensation and MVA cases, however clients will need to settle their account at the time of consultation, and then claim from their employer or insurance company.

Diane is currently not taking on any more DVA cases at present, however is happy to see ex-service personnel as private patients.

For hands-on treatment, advice, education and self management strategies, send an SMS or leave a message with Diane on 0409685287.