Ascend Health is a registered NDIS provider operating in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne
Meet Trang, one of our amazing community physiotherapists at Ascend Health that is part of our Sydney team of therapists and support workers. Often what she sees when working in the community is that a lot of individuals living with a disability present with unique challenges in performing everyday tasks that many of us take for granted. From challenges with dressing and accessing the community for individuals with stroke, or difficulties with freezing of gait and accessing the bathroom for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, these activities can become formidable hurdles for individuals with disabilities. However, physiotherapy provides an opportunity to help, as it's a field dedicated to enhancing movement, function, and overall quality of life. In this article, we'll explore how physiotherapy serves as a vital support system for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to navigate daily activities with greater independence and confidence.
For many people with disabilities, dressing oneself can be a daunting task due to a limited range of movement, muscle weakness, or coordination difficulties. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by employing a range of techniques and exercises tailored to each individual's needs. These may include specific strengthening exercises to address the weaknesses to be able to complete a task, or coordination exercises which involves practicing a part of the task and correcting any compensation movement to build towards the full movement. In addition, physiotherapy also offers guidance to maintaining muscle length and reduce the risk of stiffness or contractures by prescribing a home exercise program. By working closely with physiotherapists, individuals with disabilities can gain the skills and confidence needed to dress independently, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-esteem.
Navigating the outdoors can pose significant obstacles for individuals with disabilities, whether it's traversing uneven terrain or accessing public transportation. Physiotherapy offers a multifaceted approach to enhancing outdoor mobility, encompassing exercises to improve strength, balance, and coordination, as well as gait training to optimise walking patterns. Moreover, physiotherapists collaborate with members to develop personalised mobility strategies, which may involve the use of walking aids such as walking sticks, wheelchairs or walkers. Ascend Health provides community physiotherapy services which offer tailored services to assist members access a range of locations. This could include areas such as in their own backyard, local parks, shopping centres and other places in their community. Through targeted interventions and ongoing support, physiotherapy empowers individuals with disabilities to explore the world around them with greater freedom and independence, enabling participation in social activities, employment, and community engagement.
Community-based physiotherapy can often be more effective because it allows for the development of personalised strategies tailored to the unique needs and environments of each individual. By working directly in the homes and local settings of individuals, physiotherapists can observe and address specific challenges that may not be apparent in a clinical setting. This personalised approach ensures that exercises and interventions are directly relevant to the individual's daily life, enhancing their practicality and effectiveness. Additionally, community-based physiotherapy fosters a collaborative environment where physiotherapists can work closely with participants to adapt strategies in real-time, ensuring that they are both feasible and sustainable. This customised support helps individuals achieve greater independence and confidence in their daily activities, ultimately leading to improved overall quality of life.
Maintaining personal hygiene and toileting independence is essential for preserving dignity and self-esteem. However, for individuals with disabilities, these tasks can present significant challenges due to physical limitations or mobility impairments. Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive approach to address toileting difficulties, encompassing exercises to improve an individual’s ability to transfer and making equipment recommendations to support individuals with physical limitations. Additionally, community physiotherapists are able assess individuals in their own homes and adapt their toileting strategy based on their home environment. By empowering individuals with the skills and resources to manage toileting independently, physiotherapy fosters a sense of control and autonomy over one's own body, promoting overall well-being and quality of life.
Mel is an experienced Community Physiotherapist with over five years of dedicated practice in aged care and disability services. She focuses on improving functional strength, balance, and falls prevention, while also integrating activities of enjoyment and leisure into her interventions. Mel works closely with each individual to set achievable goals and provides expert recommendations on assistive technology and manual handling. Known for her warm, positive energy and collaborative approach, Mel excels in building meaningful connections with her members.
Matt is a qualified physiotherapist with five years of experience at Ascend, where he held roles as a Support Worker, Team Leader, Therapy Assistant, and now physiotherapist. In 2023, he received the Support Worker of the Year award for his outstanding dedication to patient care. He has a strong interest in neurological and rheumatological conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Functional Neurological Disorder, Stroke, and Myositis.Matt is eager to use his experience working with individuals of varying abilities and their families to help them achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.
Physiotherapy offers specialised interventions and support to enhance mobility, function, and independence in daily activities. Whether it's dressing, toileting, or accessing the community, physiotherapists work tirelessly to empower individuals with the skills, resources, and confidence needed to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and autonomy. Through collaborative efforts and personalised care, physiotherapy transforms obstacles into opportunities, enabling individuals with disabilities to live life to the fullest and participate fully in their communities. Learn more by visiting our physiotherapy page.
Your support services are designed to address your unique goals and want you to feel comfortable with your ongoing support needs. We arrange an initial meet-and-greet between all our new clients and potential students until you find the right support worker for you.
© Ascend Health 2017 - NDIS registration number 4050028857
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