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I couldn’t resist this photo of two of our therapists reviewing our moon boots! But when do we use a boot vs a cast? Or what about a brace?

What is a Cast?

Plaster casts, often referred to as a cast, are hard shells made of plaster or fiberglass that are wrapped around a broken bone to prevent movement while the break heals. Plaster and fiberglass are used because when it hardens, the material is extremely durable and rigid. This rigid structure immobilizes and stabilizes the broken bone so that it can properly heal.

What is a Moon Boot?

A moon boot, sometimes referred as an orthopedic boot, is a specially designed medical shoe made out of lightweight, yet sturdy material. The design allows for a lighter fit that can be easily adjusted throughout care. Some noticeable differences include the use of adjustable straps that allow for a customized fit, varying lengths in the height, and the toes are usually not covered.

Which should be used?

Lots of factors go into choosing which system is right for you. At Active Therapy, our therapists have unique skills in that we can cast, splint, brace and can provide moon boots.

If your broken bone is severe, a cast is usually applied during the first weeks of treatment. This method has the best research supporting healing as it cannot be removed by the patient. There can be some exceptions to the rule. If there are wound care concerns and a patient is under one of our therapists, a moon boot maybe considered to enable easy dressing and inspection of wounds.

Moonboots are usually better tolerated by patients as the material is lightweight allowing easier mobility and less strain on the tendons. They also allow more breathability for patients with skin concerns.

Splinting can be used for smaller breaks or for children. this can enable very exact customisation with the lightness of a splint. Like the moon boot, It can also be removed towards the end of treatment to shower or for approved exercises.

Different options can also accelerate or decelerate healing depending on the condition. In some instances casts will enable faster healing however in other cases, moon boots can allow some walking and thus pressure, enabling faster healing.

It comes down to the injury, the break, if surgery had to be performed, wound care, patient conditions and many other factors. Luckily our Active Therapy therapists do this every day and work very closely with GP’s and Surgeons to get the fastest, safest healing.

Injuries to the ankle can be a lifelong trouble if not treated well. Weak tendons can lead to further injuries and poorly healed fractures can lead to arthritis in later life.

We can experience up to 3 times our body weight in impact when we are walking! So looking after an injury and finding the right help is crucial.

Jordan, one of our lower limb specialists, says that diagnosing exactly which structure is causing the pain can be tricky but is very important in management long term. Sometimes we get pain in one area, that is actually caused from an injury at a completely different location. Obesity, poor posture or balance can also alter the body’s centre of gravity leading to a change in mechanics of the lower limb region.

A very common injury that occurs is an ankle sprain. This is when the ligaments supporting the ankle are wrenched and stretched, usually as a result of a known fall or injury. Once a sprain has occurred it is important that the ligaments heal well so that the ankle can remain supported long term. If a significant injury is missed or proper rehabilitation doesn’t occur you may end up prone to further strains or having an unstable ankle joint.

A specialised lower limb physiotherapist is a good place to start to assess this condition.

Jordan will often assess using multiple different techniques and sometimes will require a patient to consider an X-ray or MRI if the strain is complex.

If you suspect an ankle strain, start by elevating the foot to reduce swelling and icing the area to reduce pain. If the ankle is still sore to walk on the next day, or looks considerably swollen, consider a physio appointment to assess the level of damage.

At a physiotherapy appointment, Jordan, would assess the severity, rule out a fracture and provide education moving forward. This might involve exercises, taping, soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and return to sport time frames.

Miles Gray – Physiotherapist

Miles graduated with a double degree of Bachelor of Physiotherapy with First Class Honours, and a Bachelor of Exercise Science, and has over 10 years of experience. He has worked in a number of Private Physiotherapy Practices, specialising in musculoskeletal injuries. He also spent time working as the physiotherapist for Gymnastics Tasmania, Miles has specific experience in return to high level sport and often treats our complex patients. Miles joined the Active Hand Therapy team to improve patient outcomes and sees a wide range of patients from shoulder conditions, ankle injuries, knee conditions and complex hand injuries. Miles has a unique set of skills with his ability to splint, cast, remove stitches, perform wound care, dry needle and many other modalities.

He will often see our post-surgical patients and is well known to our surgeons.

Miles has a very hands on approach to his sessions and develops clear pathways for his patients. Miles is often booked out as his patients love his relaxed, professional approach. 

Miles enjoys travelling and photography outside of work. 

We have experienced Physiotherapists at all our clinics. Our Physios work with Orthopaedic Surgeons as leaders in their field.

Miles, has worked with Gymnastics Tasmania and has over a decade of experience in lower limb concerns. He says that knees require specialist knowledge as the concern could be coming from the lower leg, upper leg or the knee itself.

The good news is, once diagnosed, there are many ways to enable a return to good function.

Miles will get a patient to do multiple staged tests to assess where the pain or injury is stemming from. He will sometimes organise scans to rule out other pathology. Treatment will be based on diagnosis but can include, strengthening of weakened areas, protecting the injury site, education and modification to keep you Active through the recovery phase, deep tissue trigger points, dry needling and many more modalities. Our physios can also support you through any surgery required with expertise in post-surgical care.

If you have a knee concern, come and book in to see Miles at our Southport Clinic.

We are open!! Our new Physiotherapy Clinic in Coomera is now open. We are providing all our usual Active Therapy services to our new clinic. Providing Physiotherapy and Exercise Therapy to the Coomera, Logan and Northern Gold Coast areas.

We are a specialist clinic that works with your surgeon and doctor to provide lower limb and upper limb therapy. This may include foot, ankle, knee or elbow and shoulder.

Come and see us if you have a concern!

We offer a bespoke service for post-surgical care. We are the preferred provider for many surgeons on the Gold Coast.

Our care involves

• Organisation of all relevant surgical notes to tailor your treatment
• Direct contact with the surgeon pre appointment
• In-patient hospital services if required
• Wound dressing changes and wound care advice
• Splinting and casting
• Stitches removal
• Regaining range of movement
• Pain and oedema management and advice
• Tailored exercises for strengthening
• Updates and input from surgeons
• Return to work programs
• Scar management

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‘They knew what had to be done to get the best result. No guessing. No unnecessary appointments. It was so easy. ‘

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Our clinics at Coomera, Southport, Palm Beach and Tweed are open. Residents not wanting to cross the border can visit our therapists in either our Tweed or Palm Beach clinic depending on preference.

We have a limited number of patients and therapists at each clinic to minimise contact.

We have stocked up on hand sanitiser, cleaning products and we have extra deep cleans weekly.

Active Therapy can offer Telehealth appointments for anyone that has been in a Covid hot-spot or feels unwell. We ask that no patient enters the clinic if they are waiting on a Covid result, have been in a hot-spot area, has been in contact with anyone with Covid or has been unwell.

We will get through this together!

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Welcome to Active Therapy news feed!  Active Therapy is a Therapy clinic located on the Gold Coast. We have been providing specialised Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services to our clients for over 10 years. We work with Surgeons and Doctor’s to diagnose musculoskeletal concerns. Our focus is post-surgical care for our many clients.

David Coles, our director, is passionate about providing the highest level of professional service. He is a regular lecturer at universities on the Gold Coast and at multiple conferences. David also provides specialist support to the Gold Coast Suns, Gold Coast Titans, Tennis Australia and other sporting bodies. If you have any questions about services we provide or any general inquiry please contact us on (07) 5526 4066. Alternatively, email us at, [email protected].