Respiratory Physiotherapy

This is the assessment and treatment of people with disorders of the respiratory system. It includes conditions affecting the lungs, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia. It also includes a wide range of conditions that impact the respiratory system, such as general surgery and severe illness requiring intensive care.

Respiratory Physiotherapy Applications

Respiratory physiotherapy has many applications but the most commonly used are various chest clearance techniques to clear the lungs of sputum and improve air entry and oxygen saturation. When someone suffers from a respiratory condition their symptoms can include:

• A productive cough
• Shortness of breath
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Wheeze
• Panic attacks
• Pain

In order to help with those symptoms, our specially skilled respiratory physiotherapists will perform an assessment and treatment to help clear the lungs and manage any shortness of breath. Your physiotherapist will then work with you to gradually improve exercise tolerance and help get you back to your favourite activities.

Pre-Operative Rehabilitation

Pre-operative is the stage before you have surgery that allows you to be fully informed about the procedure and your post-op recovery. It allows you to feel less stressed about the surgery and ensure a smooth recovery process. Pre-operative rehabilitation is a vitally important component to anyone wanting to optimise their recovery following surgery.

The goal of pre-operative rehab is to help you be as well-conditioned as possible prior to surgery to enhance your post-operative recovery, and to understand the therapy routine that will be in place after surgery. The need for rehabilitation after surgery is often well appreciated, the importance of exercising before surgery is often overlooked. Because of the months of pain and reduced activity leading up to surgery, muscles become weaker, and walking, balance and exercise tolerance deteriorate.

Improved muscle strength reduces the effects of muscle wasting following surgery, making standing, walking and getting out of bed or a chair much easier. It is therefore recommended that you take part in a specifically prescribed rehab program prior to surgery to increase muscle strength and reduce the chance that you will require extended inpatient rehabilitation prior to being discharged home after surgery.  We have witnessed far accelerated results with patients undergoing preoperative physiotherapy in direct comparison to those with the same conditions that did not undertake pre-op physio. Our physiotherapists will perform a thorough preoperative assessment to determine your physical capabilities and plan the best possible rehab program.

Patients are assessed for:

• Muscle and joint strength
• Mobility and gait pattern
• Independence within the home, including stair climb and descent.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

This is also an opportunity for you to familiarise yourself with any walking aides you may need postoperatively, such as crutches or walking stick. We will also explain and demonstrate the correct post-operative exercises, and give guidance as to when these should be started.

Research strongly suggests that patients have much greater success postoperatively if they have had instruction in exercise prior to their surgery, therefore give us a call NOW to get yourself on the right path to a seamless surgical recovery.

The best post-operative rehabilitation is important in achieving the optimum outcome from your surgery and in minimising the risk of complications.

Your post-op rehab normally commences in the hospital the day after your surgery under the guidance of a physiotherapist and continues once you are discharged home.

Structured Programs for Pre & Post Operative Rehabilitation

A structured and prescribed exercise program helps to restore range of movement, decrease pain, improve muscle strength and mobility, and get you back doing the things you love more quickly.

Your post-operative rehabilitation is always individualised depending on your surgery, protocols and specific rehabilitation goals.

We place a strong focus on education, exercise, and manual therapy to help you regain movement, strength and normal function, getting you back to the tasks you love quickly and safely. Contact us to discuss your surgery and how we can help you through the recovery process.

A musculoskeletal injury implies damage to the muscular or skeletal system. They are generally caused by activity, and often strenuous activity.  We see a variety of injuries and conditions, the most common being:

• Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Knee Injury
• Shoulder Injury

We understand how musculoskeletal injuries and conditions can affect an individual’s day-to-day life and sporting performance. We use our extensive knowledge; skills and experience to get you back to enjoying your normal activities again.

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Program

The goal of musculoskeletal physiotherapy is to return the individual to a maximum level of function at home, work, and in the community. Our experienced clinicians take the time to do a thorough assessment of not only the presenting injury but also all the contributing factors, allowing for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment program that is not only effective but also long lasting. Prompt assessment and diagnosis is vital in the successful management of musculoskeletal injuries in order to minimise tissue damage and allow for a quicker return to normal.

We will use a variety of treatment techniques including:

• Manual therapy including massage, soft-tissue mobilisation, and joint mobilization
• Individualised strengthening programs
• Spinal and core rehabilitation
• Postural training
• Gait re-education
• Balance and proprioception retraining
• Taping
• Pacing advice
• Ergonomic evaluation and instruction
• Patient and family education

So if you need help getting back to your favourite sport or activity in the community, give us a call now and let us help!

Falls are a major health problem among the elderly. It is estimated that ‘one third’ of the population aged 65 years and over have experienced a fall in the past 12 months. In older adults, up to 30% of falls can result in moderate to severe injuries that increase the risk of death. Falls have been reported to cause:

• Hip, wrist and shoulder fractures
• Dislocations and soft tissue injuries
• Head injuries

As you age, your body goes through changes such as vision loss, muscle weakness, joint stiffness and impaired balance and reaction time, all of which contribute to a loss of balance and an increased risk of falling. A fall may lead to a fear of falling, avoidance of daily activities, social isolation, lowered quality of life and can precipitate a move to residential aged care.

Risk of Injury from Falls

Many older people can be prevented from falling. Some risk factors for falls are relatively easy to change, and when falls occur, the severity of the injury can be reduced. When individuals or their loved ones notice a deterioration in balance or mobility, it is best to seek advice and an assessment from a physiotherapist on how to best manage the condition and gain strategies to prevent fractures, loss of confidence and possible nursing home placement. Training or retraining of balance, strength, flexibility and endurance is an extremely effective way to prevent falls, build confidence, maintain mobility and live an active and independent lifestyle.

At My Mobile Physio, we understand and support that an increasing number of seniors in our community wish to remain in their own home and keep their independence. We are committed to helping our ageing population stay safe, mobile and independent in their own home.

We strongly believe the most important and pro-active approach to falls prevention is to maintain physical activity and exercise.

This is why we have developed our custom designed our three step program:

3 Step Falls Prevention Program

Our program addresses the 3 P’s in falls prevention:

POWER

Research states that the more power you have in a muscle group the less likely you are to fall. Ever had difficulty getting up from your chair and losing your balance? We will work on strengthening your quadriceps muscles so this is no longer a problem.

PROPRIOCEPTION

Poor balance can lead to falls, injuries and fractures. Balance exercises have been proven to reduce the likelihood of falling. We will use various exercises and pieces of equipment to challenge your balance and subsequently make you more steady and safer on your feet.

PRESCRIPTION

The correct walking aid and equipment in the home is essential in preventing the possibility of falls. Assessment and prescription of this will allow you to move with greater ease, take away any falls hazards within the home and reduce the chance of falling.

One of our physiotherapists will come to your home and perform a detailed falls risk assessment. We will look at your balance, your muscle strength, your mobility and your functional activities at home. Our expert physiotherapists will then provide you with a personalised home-based exercise program to help greatly reduce the chance of a fall, and prescribe the appropriate walking aid where required, allowing you to perform your daily activities independently.