The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a scheme that “will provide more than $22 billion in funding a year to an estimated 500,000 Australians who have permanent and significant disability”.  Though there are around 4.3 million Australians who have a disability, for many this will be the first time they receive the disability support they need. The NDIS is overseen by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) which is an independent statutory agency. Their role is to implement the NDIS which will help support a better quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Australians with a significant and permanent disability and their families and carers.

There are a wide range of different services that are covered under the NDIS that help support people with a disability in their daily personal lives. Under these services come health and wellness services, such as physiotherapy. Greenwood Physio has proudly been an NDIS provider since 2018. Since then we have worked with a wide range of clients on the NDIS to help achieve their short, medium and long term goals.

Whether you’re currently on the NDIS, you’re interested in getting on the NDIS or you’re the carer of someone who requires assistance, we are here to help you gain information about the role physiotherapy can play to someone who is on the NDIS. As a starting point, we have done a short Q&A with Greenwood Physio, Ellen Harvey. Ellen works with a number of our current NDIS clients and wanted to answer any general questions you might have.

In regards to physiotherapy, what does the NDIS fund?

The NDIS covers a wide range of different things depending on the individual. So when it comes to Physiotherapy, there are a number of treatments we will recommend for someone on the NDIS. The NDIS covers any treatment that is specifically related to your disability. The treatment has to have a high chance of assisting you in your independence and quality of life.

As a Physiotherapist, what type of services do you typically provide to help someone on the NDIS?

We can help you with services and equipment to help you be safer in the home and wider community. Our team is experienced in putting together exercise programs to help build your strength, fitness levels and mobility. At our Studio we are able to use a wide range of in-house equipment to assist you through exercise rehabilitation. We also offer hydrotherapy where we are able to take people into the swimming pool to do exercises there. Lastly, we offer hands-on treatment for patients who really need it. However, that’s only for individuals where that style of treatment will specifically help with the management of their disability.

What do you enjoy most about working with NDIS clients?

There are so many reasons I love working with NDIS clients. I find it a hugely rewarding part of my career. For me it’s great to be able to help someone get stronger, more confident and happier from the treatments I provide.

How many NDIS clients do you currently work with?

Here at Greenwood Physio we see a wide range of NDIS clients from all different walks of life at any given time, so it’s hard to say at any given time how many NDIS patients I’m currently working with. But they all range in age, ability and fitness level.

More Information

For more information regarding the NDIS, head over to the NDIS website, if you have any questions about Greenwood Physio or the services we are able to provide our NDIS customers, feel free to give us a call on 9246 0882 or contact us through our Online Contact Form. If you’re going to visit Greenwood Physio and are currently receiving the NDIS, please make sure you send through a copy of your NDIS plan so we can best tailor your treatment to suit your needs.

Whether you’re becoming a new mum for the first time or you’re adding your last baby to your family one thing that is for sure is that the postpartum experience is different for every woman  and every baby she brings into the world. The first few months post birth is often spent in the newborn haze – while your body heals and you adjust to the new little human you’ve created being a part of the outside world. But eventually, whether it’s 6 weeks after birth, 6 months after birth or many years after birth you’ll feel ready to bring some form of exercise and self care back into your routine. Yoga is a wonderful practice no matter what stage of life you’re currently in. But for new mums returning to exercise, yoga can be a mindful way to transition back into your normal workout routine. 

How will I know I’m ready to start postnatal yoga?

Most new mums have been told about their “6 week check”. It’s the period when your body is meant to be healed from childbirth and ready to return to life as normal. However, the reality is that returning to exercise in any capacity will differ greatly from woman to woman.  As you plan to return to exercise it’s important to check with your GP that you are physically and mentally ready. If you fear you might be suffering from pregnancy and birth related issues such as Abdominal Separation (diastasis recti) it is important to check with a physiotherapist that it is safe to return exercise in any capacity. A physio will be able to work through any potential limitations you face when it comes to exercise as a result of both pregnancy and birth.

Postnatal yoga supports your physical and mental journey postpartum 

Any form of exercise after childbirth is beneficial both physically and emotionally. However postnatal yoga utilises movement, balance and relaxation to support your body throughout the recovery from birth. Unlike other forms of exercise, postnatal yoga helps heal the body and the mind.

According to Birthzang there are a number of core benefits to postnatal yoga. These include;

• Restoring hormonal balance
• Eases pressure on the nervous system
• Helps build up strength in the back and spine (which helps keep you strong to carry around those heavy babies)
• Minimises the effects on your body of holding and feeding a baby
• Provides rest and relaxation
• Helps reduce anxiety, and depression
• Helps restore your core strength and abdominal muscles.
• Renews energy
• Allows yourself some time for you
• Helps quieten the mind

Yoga and Greenwood Physio

Greenwood Physio currently offers yoga classes which can be altered to suit your needs postpartum. With the support from our in-practice physiotherapy services you will be able to ensure you have a safe and gentle return to exercise. For more information about our yoga classes head to our Yoga and Pilates page on our website.

Do you work in a stressful environment? Are you trying to get better sleep at night? Does the physical and mental demand of everyday life sometimes become overwhelming? Or maybe you’ve got a recurring pain from an old sport issue? When it comes to aches, pains and tension in the body remedial massage can be an affordable and effective way to manage your ailments.

What is a Remedial Massage?

When it comes to massage there are many different forms, all of which have a specific purpose and objective. Remedial massage is the systematic assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management. 

According to HealthDirect remedial massage is “used to locate and repair damaged areas of the body and speed up the body’s own healing processes. Remedial massage aims to trace the original reason for the pain, tackling both the cause of the problem and the symptoms”. 

How often should I get a Remedial Massage?

Remedial massages are best performed on a regular basis or as a part of an ongoing maintenance program. The recurrence of your massage therapy will depend on your own personalised need. Our therapists can work with you to identify how often you should be receiving your remedial massage whether it’s monthly, quarterly or ad hoc. 

What are the benefits of regular Remedial Massages?

The benefits to receiving regular remedial massages are endless, but here are our top five reasons for you to get regular remedial massages;

Benefit #1 – Deep relaxation to reduce stress and anxiety

In today’s busy world, stress and anxiety can impact absolutely anyone. Beyond Blue estimates that in any given year over 2 million Australians consider themselves to be faced with some amount of anxiety. In 2015, The Australian Psychological Society put out a report called ‘Stress and Wellbeing: How Australians Are Coping With Life’ which suggested over 35% of surveyed Australians reported having a significant amount of distress in their lives, and an additional 25% of Australians suffered from some sort of anxiety.

Remedial massage helps reduce stress and anxiety by triggering a relaxation response within the body. It assists in reducing muscular tension and promotes a deep sense of calm and general wellbeing. 

Benefit #2 – Stimulates blood supply to make joints more mobile and help repair damaged tissue

Regular remedial massages can assist to stimulate blood supply in the body. This helps to make joints more mobile and assists in repairing damaged tissue within the body. Depending on the range of massage techniques your therapist uses, a remedial massage will get blood moving through congested areas which over time will improve and increase circulation levels in the body. By flushing lactic acid from the muscles and increasing circulation you can experience improved body function and lowered blood pressure.

Benefit #3 – Reduces and alleviate recurrent pains

The body can be filled with aches and pains – lower back aches, headaches or tight shoulders are all common recurring pains that sometimes won’t go away despite your best efforts. One of the benefits of remedial massage is the fact it not only addresses the immediate pain and discomfort that is felt in the body, but it also addresses its root cause. Regular remedial massage treatments can play an important role in not only reducing and managing recurrent pains but also preventing further injury arising. 

Benefit #4 – Assists to improve posture

Lifestyle factors such as sitting at a computer all day, incorrect workstation setup and a lack of physical exercise can all contribute to posture issues. Massage is known to loosen muscles in the neck, shoulders and the lower back, which all tend to be the most problematic areas in relation to good posture. Tightening throughout these areas can pull the rest of the body out of balance and cause lumbar issues.

Benefit #5 – Improves sleep and helps with insomnia

A good night’s rest is so important in maintaining your overall wellbeing and health. Getting enough sleep is important not only to help our body rest and recover from the day but also for our ongoing mental health. Lifestyle factors such as stress, worry, anxiety, work schedules, raising children – the reasons your sleep might be negatively impacted can be endless. On top of that physical issues can contribute to poor sleep such as insomnia, sleep apnoea or restless leg syndrome.

Because of the endless list of lifestyle and environmental factors that can impact your ability to have a good night sleep, it’s important to focus on minimising some of these concerns where possible. If your sleep issues arise from stress or muscle tension, then remedial massage may be beneficial in helping both your mind and body relax.

Is remedial massage right for you?

No matter what is going on in your life, there is a good chance you might benefit from regular remedial massage. If you would like more information on remedial massage, or if you would like to see what all the fuss is about and book your next massage with one of our experienced therapists feel free to give our team a call on 9246 0882 or submit an enquiry through our Online Contact form and we will be in touch!

No matter what stage you are in your life, there are endless benefits to keeping fit and healthy. Moving your body, whether it’s through something gentle like walking or swimming or something more intensive life a circuit or aerobics is an important part of everyday life. There is always a lot of emphasis put on physical activity for both children and adults, but sometimes as we age the importance we place on exercise begins to diminish. Whether you are heading into your ‘golden years’ or someone you love is already living out their retirement, it is important to know the benefits of regular exercise.

How much exercise should I be aiming for?

The amount of physical activity you should be aiming to complete each day or week will depend not only on your own personal preferences but also your own fitness level and potential limitations. According to HealthDirect, “it’s recommended that adults aged 65 or older do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days”.  This could include anything from taking the dog for a walk, swimming at your local recreation centre or joining a group fitness class.

So whether it’s yourself or a loved one who is living in your ‘golden years’ here are some reasons why you should keep up physical activities no matter your age!

Reduces risk of injury from falls

One of the major concerns with ageing is the risk of serious injury that is associated with a fall. The Mayo Clinic suggests “physical activity can go a long way towards fall prevention. Activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility”.

Keep yourself healthy for longer

There are a number of general physical benefits of regular exercise as you age. HealthDirect list the key benefits to include:

• helps to control weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and joint and bone problems like arthritis
• reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
• helps to manage chronic pain
• helps to maintain and increase joint mobility.

According to the World Health Organisation, leading a sedentary lifestyle is one of the ten leading causes of an early death. Even a gentle type of regular exercise can increase a person’s lifespan up to five years.

Reduces loneliness and feelings of isolation

In 2015, Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA)  released a paper titled “Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Australians”. As a part of this research ASCA suggested that older Australians are more likely to be impacted by loneliness and social isolation because they a) often live on their own and b) are less likely to get out and about outside of the house. These factors can have a number of negative implications on older people such as poor mental health.

Going for a walk with a friend, joining a local walking group, participating in a group fitness class or regularly attending your local recreation centre are all great ways to combat the negative impacts of loneliness and social isolation. 

Greenwood Physio Golden Circuit

If you’re over 65 and it’s been a while since you’ve ventured into exercise a great place to start is the Greenwood Physio Golden Circuit class. It’s run by one of our amazing Physio’s which means you’ll not only have a lot of fun but you’ll also be completely supported and safe in your journey to exercise. For more information about our class or to book yourself a spot, give our Reception team a call on 9246 0882 or Book Online. 

According to the Cancer Council, lymphoedema is “swelling of part of the body, usually a limb. It can occur as a side effect of cancer treatment when lymph nodes have been removed or damaged causing lymph fluid to build up in tissue under the skin”. Though there is no known cure for this ailment, it can be managed with the help of an experienced physiotherapist.  If you suffer from lymphoedema, the team at Greenwood Physio has two dedicated lymphoedema therapists who are able to work with you to best control and manage your symptoms.

Here we have put together some of the frequently asked questions regarding lymphoedema and how it can be managed;

What are the signs and symptoms of Lymphoedema?

If you’ve undergone treatment for cancer and you’re worried about lymphoedema, these are the common signs and symptoms that people experience:

• a feeling of heaviness, tightness or fullness in a limb or body part
• visible swelling, you may notice indentations in your skin from tight clothing, jewellery or shoes that you previously fit well.
• pitting of the skin
• skin feeling warmer than usual
• a reduced range of mobility in the affected limb

There are often other changes in the body that are associated with surgery and radiotherapy which can sometimes be confused with lymphoedema. These include a reduced range of movement, loss of muscle strength and changes in sensation in the arm. Though these symptoms are not synonymous with lymphoedema, your physiotherapist will also be able to assess these concerns and assist you accordingly.

What are the causes of Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema can affect a person both during and after cancer treatments. The impact and severity of the ailment can differ greatly from person to person. The Cancer Council suggests that “approximately 20% of patients treated for breast, melanoma, gynaecological or prostate cancers will develop lymphoedema”. However, there are some factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the ailment which include:

• radiation therapy that causes scarring of the lymph nodes and vessels
•  surgery that removes the lymph nodes
• being overweight
• certain chemotherapy drugs
• reduced mobility
• a pre-existing issue with the lymphatic system

How can a physiotherapist help?

The aim of a physiotherapist in relation to lymphoedema is to assist in reducing and controlling the associated swelling, improving a patient’s range of movement in the affected area and assist to prevent infections. The treatment that you will undergo will depend on the severity of symptoms you’re presenting and how long you have been experiencing them. Typical management techniques include:

• manual lymphatic drainage
• compression bandaging
• exercises
• compression garments.

I have more questions, who should I talk to?

If you’re currently experiencing lymphoedema and would like to look into treatment you’re best off to first chat with your GP. Alternatively, you’re welcome to give us a call on 9246 0882 or submit an Online Contact Enquiry and book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists who has experience in lymphedema management. They will be able to answer any further questions you have a put a management plan in place for you.

Maybe Reformer Pilates has been suggested to you by your physio and you’ve rolled your eyes at the idea. Or your friend has been raving about the Reformer class she’s been attending the last few months and it’s got you thinking? You’ve probably walked past a Pilates studio and seen the weird looking machines in the window, right? Whether you’re an exercise buff looking for the next trend or you’re new to exercise but not interested in running on a treadmill, Reformer Pilates is a fun, challenging way to up your fitness game.

What Is Reformer Pilates?

Women’s Health describes Reformer Pilates as “a form of exercise that shares the principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow with traditional mat classes, but is done on a reformer machine which involves a system of springs, ropes, pulleys and a carriage”. A Reformer is essentially like a single bed with a platform on wheels which assists the user in completing exercises. Reformer Pilates shares the same principles as traditional mat Pilates, the reformer machine acts as a support system for the body to assist it into proper form. The springs and straps on the machine add resistance to the Pilates exercises, which adds an additional dimension to your workout.

Do I need Pilates experience to do Reformer Pilates?

There is a common misconception when it comes to Reformer Pilates, and it’s the idea that you need to be experienced in Pilates to jump into a class. When it comes to Pilates the goal is to build up your strength from your core and progress outwards. So it’s like building a house – first you start with the foundation before you begin to build the walls and then finally the roof. So no matter what stage you’re at in your fitness journey, a reformer class can be adapted to suit your experience and ability.

Classes can be designed for any fitness level and the machine can be set up to ensure you’re able to complete the exercises to the best of your ability. But don’t be fooled, whether you’ve had Pilates experience or not, a Reformer class will still be quite the work out!

Why should I choose Reformer Pilates?

Because it’s fun! There is an endless list of benefits to this style of work out, but at the end of the day the most important thing to keep in mind is that you’ll never know if it’s for you unless you give it a try. Stepping out of your comfort zone and try something new is a sure way to have a bit of fun and mix up your exercise program!

This is a full-body workout, which means not only will you enjoy yourself but you’ll also be able to strengthen your body and get a full calorie burning workout at the same time.

I’m recovering from an injury, is this class for me?

At Greenwood Physio our Reformer classes are run by one of our physios who have had additional training in the reformer technique. Because of the low impact nature of Reformer Pilates it’s a great exercise class for those returning to exercise from injury. Just make sure your instructor is aware of your injuries so that they are able to adjust your reformer to suit your body and any potential limitations.

What classes do Greenwood Physio run?

Reformer Pilates classes are coming back to Greenwood Physio. We are currently finalising our timetable and will be running both small group sessions and one-on-one sessions. If you’re interested in Reformer Pilates, please give our team a call on 9246 0882 or contact us through our Online Contact Form.