ANKLE & FOOT REHABILITATION with "DuraDisc"



INTRODUCTION

Generally rehabilitation programs can be divided into 5 stages. Each stage is a relative period of time, varying from perhaps 15 minutes for a mild ankle strain to perhaps a fortnight or more with more severe injuries. Each stage should be completed before progressing to the next.

• Increase the strength of the muscles and ligaments around the ankle joint.
  
• Educate the patient about foot/ankle positioning using simple and complex proprioceptive drills.
  
• Prevent stiffness of the joint through effective mobility and stretching.
  

By using a single Dura Discs under a round balance plate you get at greater range of motion your client. Commence movement in the unrestricted plane first. The client can the gradually learn to weight shift from foot to foot while keeping the board under control. Develop motor skills by being able to take the edge of the board close to but not touching the floor. Progression from two to one foot is possible as the patient reaches the final stages of rehabilitation.

By using a Dura Discs without a plate you can stimulate pronation and supination of either foot; weight shift feedback; dorsi and plantar flexion alternatively or simultaneously in each foot. It also stimulates the arches of the feet.

Using a Dura Disc for complex and sudden load exercises such as lunging is possible for athletes as a strengthening and preventative exercise. The foot will tend to pronate or supinate suddenly so care has to be taken in preparation for the exercise. Advanced form can be loaded by holding a medicine ball.
The Disc can be placed under the front (as per the diagram) foot or under the rear foot.

For clients who cannot load bear mobilising the ankle is possible you should use it in combination with mediBall PRO. It can be used as part of an advanced ankle specific program.

	For clients who can not support their body weight you can start having your client sit on a chair and using the Dura Disc alone for mobilisation. As they progress have them sit on a mediBall PRO.
	This progression is important because it encourages the body to incorporate the signals from proprioceptors in the foot, ankle and leg to be used in the stabilisation of the upper body when seated on the ball. The client gets feedback quickly through core, vestibular and occular mechanisms to help maintain posture and control of their Centre of Gravity. Practice with both feet on the disc and single foot activities. Exercises can include hip rotations while stabilising the ankle and knee or the reverse with ankle movement while stabilising the pelvis. Variations can be achieved by having the client stabilising at any point in the chain of action.
	For advanced rehabilitation and preventive exercises you should encourage the use of the Dura Disc with any mediBall PRO exercise – the supine bridge shown on the right is a particularly testing exercise even for advanced users.

Beware
There is a cheap imported version of the Dura Disc which is sub-standard in both quality and durability. We urge you to purchase the original Australian made version!