Category: Physiotherapy

Today is Physiotherapy Day, an opportunity to recognise how physiotherapists help people move well, maintain independence and participate in activities that matter to them. 

This year’s theme focuses on cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention and management, highlighting the role of movement, exercise and rehabilitation in supporting health, recovery and wellbeing. 

At National 360, we are celebrating the difference physiotherapy makes across Australia and one of our most flexible service options: mobile physio. 

What is mobile physio?

Mobile physio brings support to the places where people live, learn, work and participate.

A physiotherapist may meet you at home, school, day care, work, supported accommodation or another community location. Sessions may also take place at playgrounds, gyms or swimming pools for aquatic physiotherapy.

Working in everyday environments helps physiotherapists understand each person’s activities and challenges. This allows therapy to focus on practical strategies that can be used in daily life.

Mobile appointments may be complemented by telehealth, including phone calls, video appointments or other check-ins to review progress and provide ongoing support.

Who can benefit from mobile physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is about much more than exercise. It can include rehabilitation, equipment recommendations and provision, environmental assessment, education, funding evidence and practical strategies to support everyday life. 

Mobile physiotherapy can support people of all ages, with services tailored to each person’s needs, circumstances and goals. This may include: 

• NDIS participants working towards mobility, participation or independence goals 
• People living with neurological, psychosocial or physical disabilities 
• People recovering from injury, illness, surgery, stroke or heart attack 
• Older adults wanting to maintain strength, balance and confidence 
• Children developing movement skills and learning through play 
• People who find travelling to appointments difficult 

Depending on the person’s goals, physiotherapy may involve: 

• Improving safety and confidence at home and in the community 
• Developing strategies to manage pain, fatigue or physical limitations 
• Creating and progressing an achievable home-based program 
• Providing aquatic physiotherapy at a local swimming pool 
• Trialling and recommending equipment, such as recliner chairs, bedding, scooters, e-bikes, trikes and walking frames 
• Completing assessments and reports for the NDIS or other funding 
• Providing evidence for home modifications or supported living needs 
• Educating family members, carers and support workers 
• Working alongside speech pathologists, occupational therapists and other supports to understand the full range and nuances of each person’s needs 

Physiotherapists can help people build or maintain their capacity while also supporting adaptations that make everyday life safer and more accessible. This might include improving independence with mobility at home, recommending recliner chairs, suitable beds or bathroom equipment, and providing walking aids, scooters or other mobility equipment to support greater community participation. 

Mobile physio at National 360

National 360’s physiotherapists work with clients, families, carers and support networks to provide person-centred, evidence-based support. 

They are part of a multidisciplinary team that includes occupational therapists, speech pathologists, positive behaviour support practitioners and early childhood practitioners through our 360 Kids program. 

Physiotherapy may be delivered through mobile appointments, telehealth or a combination of both, guided by each person’s goals, preferences and clinical needs. 

Case Studies & Examples: Unveiling the Power of Mobile Physiotherapy Services

1. Mental Health Support: A 53-year-old with schizophrenia and depression experienced an improved quality of life and greater independence in daily activities such as shopping and walking through regular sessions with a mobile physiotherapist. Exercise became a catalyst for benefits including improved mood, cognition, and social connection.

2. Paediatric Physiotherapy: A 6-year-old with autism spectrum disorder made significant progress through mobile physiotherapy services delivered in familiar environments. A strengths-based approach, family-centred care, and tailored interventions supported meaningful developmental outcomes.

3. Aged Care Physiotherapy: For older adults, mobile physiotherapy provides convenient access to falls prevention programs, mobility assessments, strength and balance training, and assistive technology recommendations, all within the comfort of their own home.

4. Assistive Technology Assessments: Amy, a 50-year-old living with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, regained her independence through mobile physiotherapy services. Comprehensive assessments, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and the prescription of appropriate assistive technology resulted in a life-changing power wheelchair.

Mobile physiotherapy services are making a profound impact on the lives of Australians by delivering personalised care directly to where it is needed most. Whether supporting mental health, paediatric development, aged care, or assistive technology needs, mobile physio helps clients achieve better outcomes while remaining comfortable in their own environment.

Get started with National 360

If you or someone you support may benefit from mobile physiotherapy, our team is here to help. 

Learn more about National 360’s Physiotherapy services or visit our Get Started page to speak with our team. 

Carl, one of our Senior Physiotherapists based in Geelong VIC, shares his knowledge on the benefits of aquatic therapy in improving balance for clients.

Who might benefit from balance training?

Balance training is not just for individuals who have a history of falls. Other factors participants can display that may indicate the need for balance training can include:

• Changes in the person’s ability to dual-task during walking or transfers. Dual-tasking refers to the ability to perform two tasks simultaneously such as transporting a meal to the table or being able to meaningfully engage in a conversation with a support worker whilst walking.
• A history of “near misses” (for example, tripping or stumbling) related to balance.
• Avoidance of previously enjoyed areas in their home or community, such as the local takeaway shop or backyard.
• Preference for furniture walking (holding onto furniture for balance) when moving around.
• Changes in reactive balance control after unexpected perturbations, such as being bumped into whilst at the shops.
• Recent acquisition of assistive technology or home modifications to aid mobility/transfers.
• Changes to a person’s medical condition or new comorbidities that have impacted their sensory inputs, sensory processing, motor outputs, and feedback mechanisms.
• Delays in gross motor skills in infants, children and teenagers

Why use aquatic therapy for balance training?

When it comes to balance training, a one-size-fits-all solution does not exist. Each program should be carefully tailored to address the specific needs and circumstances of the individual. Aquatic therapy, in particular, offers several unique benefits:

• In order for balance exercises to be effective, they need to be delivered at an appropriate difficulty. Aquatic therapy can alleviate anxiety about falling making it easier for a person to participate in therapy.
• Heated hydrotherapy pools benefit a wide range of needs, including chronic pain and sensory processing or regulation difficulties. The buoyancy of the water allows individuals to participate in exercise programs with greater ease. The warmth of the water offers pain relief and helps those with sensory issues to better engage in therapy, creating a more comfortable and effective therapeutic experience.
• The safety of the water can make it easier to complete perturbation-based balance training and prescribe exercises that can safely be completed by a person and their supports.
• Promotes community engagement by offering a supportive and accessible environment for physical activity and can aid in building and maintaining sustainable habits. Additionally, aquatic physiotherapy can foster social connections and encourage participation in local wellness programs, further integrating individuals into their community.

Improve your Client’s Balance with National 360

Looking to improve your client’s function? National 360 currently has no waitlists for Physiotherapy in regions across the country.

Learn more about our Physiotherapy services here, and submit an enquiry or referral with our fantastic team using the links below:

• Please use our enquiry form here
• Click here for an NDIS referral form: NDIS Referral Form
• Click here for an Aged Care referral form: Aged Care Referral Form
• Click here for a Private referral form: Private Client Referral

Learn more about Senior Physiotherapist, Carl!

Carl is a Senior Physiotherapist based in Geelong VIC. Since starting his career as a Physiotherapist in 2020, Carl has been actively involved in the NDIS and HCP sectors. His extensive expertise across the lifespan allows him to approach patient care with creativity and flexibility.

The Impact of Community-Based Physiotherapy Services

In today’s fast-paced world, access to quality healthcare services is a top priority. For many Australians, especially those with disabilities or chronic health conditions, the availability of community-based allied health services is a game-changer. In this blog, we will explore the role of community-based allied health services, with a special focus on physiotherapy, to understand why they are different and essential.

What Are Community-Based Allied Health Services?

Imagine a healthcare provider that comes to you, wherever you are, be it your home, school, or workplace. That’s precisely what community-based allied health services offer. These services are provided by multidisciplinary teams, encompassing a range of professionals like Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners, among others. They work with diverse clients, including those under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), aged care recipients, and private clients spanning all age groups.

The Unique Nature of Community Physiotherapy

Community-based physiotherapy stands out due to its distinctive characteristics:

1. Real-time observation: Unlike traditional settings, community physiotherapists have the benefit of real-time observations seeing the client within their own environment, rather than using extensive diagnostic tools. While we don’t do extensive diagnostic tests, we do still complete standardised assessments.
   Whilst they may have limited access to medical records or previous reports, they complete a thorough assessment using real-time observation and standardised outcome measures, making their assessments more immediate, individualised and context driven.
2. Client’s Environment: Community physiotherapists work in the client’s own environment, whether it’s their home, workplace, or a community location. This setting offers a more holistic view of the client’s life and enables tailored interventions.
3. Collaboration: They collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and other stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes for the client. This often includes family members, support workers, and other therapists.

Community-based physiotherapists work tirelessly to provide care where it’s needed most. They visit clients across the age spectrum, in various settings, and collaborate with other disciplines to provide therapy interventions, assistive technology recommendations, and functional assessments.

The Impact of Community-Based Allied Health Services

The benefits of community-based therapy are substantial and far-reaching:

1. Comfort and Familiarity: Clients receive therapy in their familiar environments, which fosters trust and comfort.
2. Personalized Outcomes: Therapists can conduct more thorough and relevant assessments, leading to more personalized treatment plans.
3. Enhanced Collaboration: Community-based services promote better communication and collaboration with client supports, including families, support workers, and other therapists.
4. Convenience: These services are incredibly convenient for clients, offering flexible locations and times.

Who do National 360 Physiotherapists support?

Our teams of community-based Physiotherapists support clients across:

• NDIS
• Aged Care
• GP Management Program (Chronic Disease Management ) and compensable including TAC

The Role of Physiotherapy in Multidisciplinary Teams

In multidisciplinary teams, physiotherapists play a vital role in providing comprehensive and coordinated care. They focus on “person-centred care,” considering physical, functional, and emotional needs. The team sets goals collaboratively with all stakeholders, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare.

Physiotherapy and Assistive Technology

Did you know Physiotherapists can assist with Assistive Technology? Assistive technology plays a pivotal role in maintaining independence for many Australians. These devices can range from personal care aids to mobility equipment, contributing significantly to the well-being of those with disabilities or age-related challenges.

Case Studies & Examples: Unveiling the Power of Community-Based Physiotherapy Services

1. Mental Health Illness: A 53-year-old with schizophrenia and depression experiences increased quality of life and improved ability with daily activities such as shopping and walking by working regularly with a physiotherapist on his functional goal of increased community participation. Exercise proved to be a catalyst for numerous benefits, including improved mood, cognition, and social connection.
2. Paediatrics: A 6-year-old with autism spectrum disorder saw tremendous progress with community-based physiotherapy. The physiotherapist’s strengths-based approach, family-centred care, and natural environment interventions led to significant improvements.
3. Aged Care: As individuals age, they face challenges like decreased bone density and muscle mass. Community-based physiotherapy services for Aged Care clients provide timely interventions, including falls prevention, mobility assessments, and assistive technology recommendations.
4. Assistive Technology: Amy, a 50-year-old with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, regained her independence with the help of community-based physiotherapy. A thorough assessment, collaboration with other specialists, and appropriate assistive technology led to a life-changing power wheelchair.

Community-based physiotherapy services are making a profound impact on the lives of Australians. They provide personalised care, foster collaboration, and empower clients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives in their own environments. The future of healthcare is increasingly community-driven, and these services are at the forefront of this shift.

National 360 Physiotherapy Services

Would you like to learn more about the range of physiotherapy clients our community-based physiotherapists assist, and the services they provide? Visit our Physiotherapy services page for more information.

Our mobile physiotherapy services are here to help you, and provide the care you or your client needs. Get in touch with our team to learn more and enquire about services:

1300 340 440

info@national360.com.au

Enquiry form

Referral forms

Why is physical activity important for older adults?

We are all getting older, working & living at home for longer, and all deserve to have independence and autonomy in our older age. However, there are numerous effects of aging that we need to be aware of so we can make sure we best address and prevent concerns before they arise. These include:

• Decreased bone density
• Decreased muscle mass
• Decreased cardiovascular fitness
• Increased chronic disease

What can we do about it? At National 360, we have experience in assisting clients in their later years to maintain safety, promote independence and improve quality of life, and to do so, we enable people to move more!

Chronic diseases = exercise deficiency diseases.

Health benefits of physical activity and exercise are linked to volume and intensity exercise, with long-term physical exercise being less harmful for older adults than maintaining low usual activities. In addition to exercise, nutrition, stress-management, sleep, and social interaction are also very important factors to assess.

When are how should intervention be implemented?

There are numerous intervention options:

• Immediate (as soon as possible)
• Preventative / prehabilitation
• Re-ablement
• Assistive Technology
• Downstream impact
  • Reduction in care hours
  • Slowing the need for care
  • Decreased demand on services

One way we can assist aged care clients is by prescribing exercise.

An exercise prescription can be individualised, targeted to goals, and include practical implementation. It can also involve resistance training, power training, balance, and aerobic exercise. Resistance training is safe for older adults, as physical exercise is less harmful than maintaining low activity levels.

For example, an exercise program might include resistance training, power training and balance training.

Did you also know that exercise can assist with Falls Prevention?

There is a high level of evidence that shows exercise and vitamin D supplementation prevents falls. Aerobic training alone has been shown to increase falls and fracture risk, therefore, multicomponent exercise interventions are effective in improving most, if not all, of the frailty syndrome hallmarks, in addition to educating clients on falls and associated injuries.

A way in which our team can assist clients with physical activity is through the implementation of Assistive Technology.

Approximately 1:10 Australians use Assistive Technology which can assist them in maintaining their independence and prolong the stay in their own home. Assistive Technology is most needed by older adults, those with disabilities, gradual functional decline and/or chronic conditions (according to World Health Organisation) and can include devices such as a walking aid.

However, some limitations of Assistive Technology may present as a hazard if not prescribed, used, or maintained correctly. Additionally, ongoing use of Assistive Technology may accelerate muscle weakness.

CASE STUDY

Mr S is an 84-year-old male living at home with his wife. He has a stroke 10 years ago, is a keen gardener and was referred for a new wheelchair.

Our Assessment – We identified that Mr S needed:

• Reablement – need for increased physical activity
• Education – activity modification and falls prevention
• Assistive Technology – review of current devices and identification of further needs

What we did:

• Assist with current wheelchair modifications
• Assist with researching, trailing and prescribing transit wheelchair
• Assist with researching, trailing, and prescribing new mobility scooter
• Cross referral to orthotist
• Completed therapy sessions to encourage increased physical activity
• Provided education on benefits of increased physical activity
• Falls prevention education

Outcomes

• Increased participation in activities of choice through provision of Assistive Technology
• Empowerment and autonomy
• Delay the need for formal supports

WHY NATIONAL 360?

National 360 is an allied health provider with Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Positive Behaviour Support all under one roof. We focus on quality, and are mobile, so we can see clients in their own environment.

When you engage National 360, our team will:

• Complete an initial assessment and provide written recommendations
• Communication with case co-ordinator, client, and family to determine level of intervention required
• Offer client contact or a non-contact service
• Provide an individualised, holistic, high quality, and evidence-based service.

Find out more about our physiotherapy services here, or if you are ready to make a referral click here.