We’ve been like kids at Christmas last week with our new piece of technology, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Don’t be fooled by the name, the Game Ready Med4 Elite is going to be ground breaking for the treatment plans for many of our clients, and with the amount it offers, you’ll be lining up to use it too!
It has four main functions, controlled cold (similar to an ice pack), controlled heat (similar to a heat pack), alternating heat and cold (changing between the ice and heat packs) and compression (acting like a bandage) and each has its own function specific to your rehabilitation. Let’s look a little closer.
THE COLD FUNCTION
The cold function helps to minimise swelling in the area by causing the blood vessels to become smaller, it also helps to manage pain after injury or surgery. The benefits mean that the treatment is consistent, and can be set as low as 3 degrees to ensure you get the level required to actually help your specific case.
THE HEAT FUNCTION
The heat function can deliver consistent, radiating warmth to your area of need up to 45 degrees. The heat encourages your blood vessels to expand, letting more blood run through and help support the healing process. This is usually used after the first symptoms of swelling have finished post-injury or surgery to help get some movement back and aid with pain. Again, the level of heat is adjustable, so your specific needs are met.
THE RAPID CONTRAST FUNCTION
The alternating heat and cold function is a little more complex. This is known as rapid contrast therapy and although there is plenty of research behind it, the manual handling of the technique can be a little too much for many people to bother with.
It involves switching between heat and cold therapies, on a minute by minute basis (sometimes less depending on your needs). The heat therapy allows the blood vessels to expand, letting more blood and nutrients flow and the cold alternative stops extra swelling from building up.
As you can imagine, this is a lot of effort and “mucking around”, and the consistent swapping can lower the effectiveness of both treatments. Thanks to the Game Ready Med4 Elite, we now have all the benefits of this treatment, without the hassle of the changeovers!
THE COMPRESSION FUNCTION
Finally, the active compression function allows pressure to be placed on the injured area, delivering pulses that mimic the body’s muscle movements. This means that excess swelling is pumped from the area allowing extra blood, oxygen and nutrients to head to the affected area and begin the healing process. Compression can be changed to various levels throughout the treatment, and can be used whilst other functions are being completed too.
We pride ourselves on the exceptional standard of care we deliver to our clients, and we are excited to continue to share the latest technology with you on your rehabilitation journey. For more information or to make an appointment, contact the practice today on (02) 4721 7798, email info@progressiverehab.com.au or book your next appointment online, here.
At Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Penrith, we are able to assess, treat, educate and manage all musculoskeletal injuries. We focus on hands-on treatment, exercise prescription and self management techniques tailored to your specific needs. We utilise evidence based treatments to maximise your outcomes.
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Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.
Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.
Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.
As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.
Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024.
Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.
Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).
Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.
Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools.
Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.
Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.
Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.
Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.
Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.
Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.
During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.
Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.