April Newsletter

NDIS & Physiotherapy

We provide physiotheray treatment and care to clients that receive support under the national disability insurance scheme for a range of conditions. Our services include pain management, rehabilitation, maintenance programs, falls prevention and functional assessments.

Our Physio team works with clients with a whole range of chronic conditions and physical disabilities. We are able to help those with intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries and strokes, as well as clients with Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimers and Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

One-on-one consultations in physiotherapy rooms …. These visits may include hands-on treatments by our physiotherapists as well as delivering exercise prescription, recommendation and correction programs.

Gym visits & rehabilitation …. Used to enhance your exercise program or for post-surgery and injury rehabilitation. A gym is an excellent place to perform programs as it is non-clinical and gets you out in the community.

Home visits …. We can come to you! Hands-on treatment when required as well as exercise programs and education for family members and carers. This is a good option if you don’t have the possibility to get into our clinic.

TEAM APPROACH

We will liaise with your doctor or other health professionals who are involved in your health management so that all programs work together to enhance your outcome. Our programs are always designed with regards to your future needs and lifestyle.

FOCUS ON YOU

Our team is dedicated to serving our clients. We place a strong focus on achieving functional and capacity building outcomes for our clients, both in the short and long term.  We tailor our programs to be in line with the goals you work out with your case manager, which may include one-on-one treatments and exercise based sessions in our clinical space, exercise studio or at home.

If your life is enhanced by playing sports we will help you to achieve that. On the other hand, if your life is enhanced by joining a local community group, then our programs will help you to maintain your mobility, balance and movement so that you are able to get the most out of your participation in these groups.

Our programs always come with homework, so that you will have things to do at home that will enhance your outcomes. We are able to accommodate you if you are unable to come into our clinic by seeing you in your home. Our physiotherapists are able to treat and set you up with a program in your home if this is a more suitable option for you. It will include advice on the management of your condition as well as help to teach mobility transfers within the home and outside in the community.  If you are wanting more information or would like to book in to see one of our physiotherapists call today or book online. 

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in Australia. It is a disease in which the dopamine-producing cells of the basal ganglia fail, resulting in distinct changes in movement quality. The average age at diagnosis is 65 years, but adults of any age can be affected. In Australia there are approximately 80,000 people living with Parkinson’s disease and about 20% are people of working age.

The causes of Parkinson’s disease are still unknown and there are currently no disease-modifying therapies. Medication is the standard treatment, supervised where possible by a neurologist skilled in movement disorders. Physiotherapists can prescribe exercise and give advice to assist with problems with everyday function.

How can physiotherapy help with the management of Parkinson’s disease.

Physiotherapists are trained to provide treatment plans for people at all stages of Parkinson’s disease. Treatments will vary according to your stage of Parkinson’s disease and individual problems.

Because research evidence suggests that regular, vigorous exercise may delay the onset and progression of disability, exercise and physical activity are very important. Even if you have been recently diagnosed, a physiotherapist can help you devise an activity and exercise program which is appropriate and enjoyable.

Maintaining or increasing physical activity and exercise has many benefits including strengthening muscles, improving balance and reducing stiffness, and maintaining heart health and fitness. A physiotherapist will assess your individual needs and tailor an appropriate program which could include some of the following:

Resistance training: Training to improve muscle strength.

Balance training: It is important to train balance skills because people with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of falls than the general population.

Training of everyday activities: Includes practising specific aspects of walking or common actions like rolling and getting out of a chair. If you find it difficult to initiate or maintain actions such as walking, your physiotherapist can give you advice on strategies and cues you can use to help you overcome these problems.

Cardio-vascular training: Your program may include activities such as treadmill training to improve your fitness level.

Hand training: An exercise program of dexterity exercises may improve your ability to manipulate small objects.

What can I do at home to help manage Parkinson’s disease?

If you have Parkinson’s disease, it is important for you to maintain or increase your level of exercise and physical activity. It is not necessary to stop sporting activities as long as you are safe to continue.

There are many ways to increase your levels of exercise and activity. Select activities that you enjoy and are more likely to continue in the longer term. Some options are gym sessions, community exercise groups, boxing exercise, and special programs specifically developed for people with Parkinson’s disease. Tai Chi and different types of dance have also been found to be effective for improving balance.

As each person with Parkinson’s disease is different, your physiotherapist can help you to develop an exercise and activity regime to suit your needs. Home exercise programs may include walking and balance training, practising daily activities and strengthening exercises.

Many people with Parkinson’s disease experience falls. You may be able to reduce your risk of falls at home by making simple changes such as clearing cluttered areas and removing dangerous obstacles such as loose carpets. If you have more advanced Parkinson’s disease, your physiotherapist may help you to learn movement strategies to make it easier to move around your home.

c   Australian Physiotherapy Association Website * Clinical content contributed by APA physiotherapist Libby Proud

Love gardening? … Here’s a couple of quick tips to help prevent injuries. 

While you are lifting, reaching, pulling and digging remember to keep your shoulders back and down instead of allowing them to shrug upwards or round forward. Always think of engaging the muscle in-between your shoulder blades.

Don’t stay in the same position for more than 20-30 minutes. You don’t have to work on one task at a time. Have a few tasks that require different positions on the go at once so that you can switch constantly.