Search Results

Goals and Goalsetting Goals are part of the NDIS plan and your physiotherapy treatment. Goals are things you want to achieve, and can relate to your ability to move around, participate in sport and work, or even do things as simple as gardening and your hobbies, whatever they may be. In your NDIS plan, your goals are discussed in your planning meetings and are used to guide and determine the funding allocated to your plan, as well as how that funding is divided up between different categories. These categories determine what services you can access, and what goals those services will help you achieve. It's important to either have a clear idea about your goals or to provide the NDIS plan to your treating clinician, so that your goals can form the basis and guiding plan for the treatment you receive. The NDIS exists to allow people with disabilities to access the supports they need to live engaged, fulfilled lives and to achieve the things that make life meaningful for them, whether that's finding a job, going back to school and completing a qualification, spending more time with their family, or even getting a Chinese meal with their friends every now and then. Because peoples' lives are different, peoples' disabilities are different, peoples' social context and backgrounds are different, and peoples' goals are different, no two clients are ever the same, and so no two treatment plans can ever be structured in the same way. This also means that some goals will be more appropriate for a physiotherapist to manage than others. That's okay - there are many Allied Health clinicians and professionals who work in the NDIS space who are ready and able to work with you to achieve your goals. NDIS goals are important to have because they will determine what physiotherapy you receive and how you go about doing it. Because of this, separate physiotherapy goals will need to be developed with you, in a process much like the planning meeting you had with the NDIA. Developing physiotherapy goals is important because it identifies the areas in which physiotherapy will be most beneficial to you, as well as how that physiotherapy should be provided. It can mean the difference between receiving hands-on treatment, pool-based exercises, exercises in a gym, or even having equipment bought for you depending on what you want to achieve. When your physiotherapy goals and plan are developed with you, we make sure that we're doing the right thing and that you understand the plan. NDIS goals are important because they let you decide what is important to you, why those things are important, and how you want to go about achieving them. By discussing your NDIS goals with your physiotherapist and making plans around that, you get to work with your clinician and tell us what is important to you, how you want to achieve those goals, and help us give you options and information so you can make choices for yourself. You have the opportunity to tell us how to work with you, to add value and benefit to your life, and to make the most of the resources and supports that you have available.

Physiotherapy for NDIS participants Physiotherapists are uniquely advantaged to deliver NDIS funded therapy to participants because of the breadth of practice possible within Physiotherapy and in Allied Health generally. Physiotherapists and other Allied Health clinicians can add value to NDIS plans across multiple support categories, from providing the same hands-on input you might receive in a private clinic to support Improved Health and Wellbeing through a structured exercise and rehabilitation program or through therapist-led manual therapy, to supporting Increased Social and Community Participation with community mobility and safety plans, and more. Physiotherapists have broad skill bases, and often work directly or in consultation with other Allied Health providers like Occupational Therapists to ensure that participants are achieving their best outcomes. Beyond providing therapy directly, physiotherapists are also able to provide reporting, evidence, and undertake assessments to assist participants across their access and planning journey. This sometimes means writing and submitting reports to participant advocates or the NDIA directly as part of assessment or advocacy. Sometimes it means being present during meetings or discussions, and sometimes it just means having a phone number to call in case you or someone else might have questions. It's important to remember that physiotherapy has the potential to add value and contribute to your goals outside of the clinic as well as inside. Sessions can be provided at your home or in an assisted living facility. Exercises can be done with or without equipment, and physiotherapists are able to request purchases of consumables and therapy aids within the context of achieving a goal. Most importantly, physiotherapists are goal-oriented health professionals, just like everyone else in Allied Health. This is important because NDIS funding is there to help you support your goals and the things you want to achieve. Physiotherapists know how to take a big goal that might mean a lot to you, and break it down into achievable components. Physiotherapists know what they can do, what they can't do, and who might be able to help in the event that a little more support is needed to deal with a problem or to negotiate a barrier. Physiotherapists are team-players, and they know how to liaise with plan managers, reviewers, other clinicians, and of course you as the participant. Physiotherapists know to put the participant front and center in the process, and never make a decision without considering the immediate and consequent impact of that choice on the plan or the person at its core. Physiotherapists are well-positioned to help NDIS participants make the most of their resources and time, and to help them achieve their plans. Through therapy, assessment, reporting and review, physiotherapy services can assist participants to achieve their aims and goals in a timely, sustainable, and effective manner. There are many physiotherapists practising in many different professional contexts, so no matter the problem, there will be someone to whom you can speak, and a path of inquiry you can pursue. It's important to remember that not all physiotherapists may have the training to address the needs imposed by your specific situation, be that a disability, a social context, or even a goal you want to achieve, but by reaching out you start the process to find the person who can help you the best.

Dry Needling Dry needling refers to the use of solid needles inserted into specific regions of the body, that produce physiologcal effects at the level of muscles which result in decreased pain and stiffness. ​ The term dry needling refers to the use of solid, non-injector needles in a similar manner to acupuncture. Dry needles are different from wet needles, which use a hypodermic proboscis and are used in the injection of saline, local anaesthetic or corticosteroid. The important thing to remember is this: dry needling uses solid needles, not injection needles. ​ Dry needling is applied to trigger points, which are specific areas in muscle that have become tight due to excess activity or injury. The insertion of a dry needle into this trigger point is believed to increase blood flow to the trigger point, resulting in the relaxation of tight muscle fibers thanks to the addition of fresh oxygen and nutrients, which results in pain relief. ​ Dry-needling is not an end-all treatment, and its use will depend on the nature of your problem and its context. Dry-needling treatment will not be applied in isolation, and will be combined with prescribed exercise, stretching, and other physical modalities to best address the source of your discomfort. ​ Not every patient will be appropriate for dry needling. Dry-needling in the clinic will be used depending on the discretion of your treating clinician as well as the nature, history, and context of your presenting discomfort. Feel free to discuss this treatment with your clinician, either in appointment or during your initial consultation.

Muscle Contractures Muscle contracture is a condition in which muscles tighten as a result of pathology or some outside injury, resulting in shortening of the muscle that is unable or difficult to be reversed. Normal function of muscles requires them to change their length to generate force and produce movement by pulling on bones. The classic double-bicep pose in bodybuilding is an example of muscular shortening as the result of movement, which in that case produces bunching of the bicep muscles. Muscular contractures occur when the shortening that is necessary to produce movement is maintained over time by neurological factors, is more difficult than normal to reverse, or which resists normal movement. Because muscles need to change their length in order to produce movement, the inability of a muscle to lengthen causes changes in function that can result in difficulty in balance, walking, or interacting with the outside environment. Severe cases of contracture can be extremely painful and can pull joints and bones out of position as the result of sustained and un-managed muscular action. Sustained muscular contracture can result in changes in or damage to the structure of joints, being either the bony or soft tissues, and can cause damage to the skin as well. Muscle contracture can be caused by a damaging event or other factor that causes change in way in which the brain and the nerves control the muscle. An example of this is a contracture that occurs following a stroke or spinal cord injury, which causes changes in the muscle tone as a result of damage to the parts of the nervous system responsible for the control and coordination of the muscles in a part of the limb. Another example of muscle contractures being caused by a neurological condition is the increased muscle tone common in cerebral palsy, wherein the increased tone or inappropriate contraction of a muscle can lead to abnormal positioning which, if sustained, may eventually cause shortening of the tissues. Muscle contractures can result from congenital or medical events that occur across the lifespan and which affect a person's neurology, but can also result from non-neurological factors as well. Muscle contracture can occur and develop following decreased or changed use of a muscle. The most common example of this is the development of muscular shortening in the splinted or protected limb. Following a fracture, dislocation, or other structural injury that requires immobilisation of a limb, muscles may be stiff and resistant to movement that is driven either by the patient or by their therapist. This is an example of muscular contracture that does not have a neurological cause. Another example of this kind of muscular contracture is the contractures and shortening which occurs in patients with arthritis and other bony conditions that develop with age. When bones and joints aren't moved through their regular ranges of motion for extended periods of time, the soft tissues that usually provide that flexibility become stiff and shortened, and attempting to move the limb beyond it's shortened range of flexibility can be painful and unpleasant. Physiotherapy management of muscular contractures differs based on the cause of the condition as well as the context of the person. Managing a muscular contracture that occurs in a young adult with cerebral palsy will require a different approach and progression compared with managing a muscular contracture that occurs in an older adult with other age-related conditions or other diagnosed issues. Regardless of the manner in which the condition is managed, physiotherapy intervention has been demonstrated to be effective in the management of the problem and in controlling the risks that may occur. Such treatment may include soft-tissue work like stretching, massage, and manipulation of stiff joints and muscles, movement re-training if the contracture is occurring within the context of stroke or brain damage, coordination with other management such as botox injection or surgery, and liaison with other clinicians as needed. Management of your discomfort depends on its causative factors, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Muscle Injury Muscular Injuries refer to Muscle Sprains and Strains in the human body. Sprains and Strains can be simple and resolve in a short period of time, though the more severe the injury, the more painful it may be. Muscular Sprains and Strains can be localised to different muscles depending on the nature of the injury. Additionally, muscular injuries may present with a consistent pattern of aggravation and ease. Simple muscle injuries can resolve in a matter of days or weeks, while complex or severe injuries may take additional time to resolve. Exceptionally severe injuries may require surgical treatment to stabilise the muscle. Muscle Sprains and Strains can be caused by a number of factors, given the complex anatomy of the muscles of the human body as well as their spatial and functional relationship with ligaments, nerves, bones, and other muscles. Because of this, muscular pain can be referred to as a bio-mechanical problem. Pain can arise due to damage to the muscle belly, the tendons and ligaments supporting the muscle, or due to neurological causes to name a few. Diagnosis of muscular pain will also be affected by the length of time the pain has been experienced. Muscular pain can be further complicated by physical factors like weakness or stiffness, practical factors like your work environment, and fear surrounding treatment and progression of the pain. Management of Muscle Injuries depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Muscle Injuries, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Tendinopathy / Tendinosis / Tendinitis Tendinopathy, Tendinosis, and Tendinitis all refer to the pain, swelling, and disruption of functions in tendons throughout the body. Typically, the pain is worse with movement, and common sites that may be affected are the rotator cuff, the elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle. ​ Tendons are bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to other things, such as bones, ligaments, soft tissue or other connective tissue. Some tendons are wrapped in fluid-filled coverings, while others glide around each other. When tendons move and act in repetitive motions throughout the day, they can become worn down and inflamed. It is from this that the term Tendinitis is derived; Tendin = tendon, itis = inflammation. The term Tendinopathy is broad, and refers to any pathology that might affect the normal function of a tendon. ​ Everyone in the population has the potential to experience Tendinopathy throughout their lifetimes regardless of the nature and vigour of their physical activity. Tendinopathy typically presents with inflammation, as well as pain on specific movement which eases with rest. There are many risk factors that can make someone more likely to experience Tendinopathy; including personal, occupational, sporting, and structural elements. ​ Management of Tendinopathy depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Tendinopathy Pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Fractures Fractures refer to a disruption in the continuity of a bone, and have many causes. Fractures are commonly caused by traumatic damage to the bone, such as during a fall, contact sporting event, physical accident, or collision with an object. One in three people will experience a fracture of some nature over the course of their lives, and appropriate management and rehabilitation are essential elements of fracture care. Fractures have many presentations, depending on the nature of the injury and the bone that is affected. Fractures are typically referred to as "broken bones" and are readily associated with things like plaster casts, crutches, and walking sticks. Sometimes, fractures may be so minor that a person may walk around, engage with their life, and continue working all while undergoing management for a fracture. Otherwise, they may be so severe as to require surgical treatment as well as activity modification, followed by proper rehabilitation. There are over two-hundred bones in the human body, all of which may experience fracture, dislocation, or damage. Because of this, the rehabilitation plan following a fracture is highly dependent on the bone that has been injured, the nature and severity of that injury, and the management plan that you may receive from your treating consultant or surgeon. Management of Fractures depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific nature of your Fracture, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future.

Reporting for the NDIS As a participant in physiotherapy funded by the NDIS, sometimes the NDIA will ask for progress reporting and reassessment. This is to make sure the therapy being provided and the funds being used are producing tangible and measurable progress towards your goals. Being asked for a progress report isn't a bad thing - it's an opportunity to review the progress that has been made, consider what is working and what isn't working, and use that to keep improving the plan in place to help you achieve your goals. The basis of a good report is thorough assessment and discussion, which is why your therapist will ask you questions and even potentially do assessments again a second time to chart your progress. Progress reporting for NDIS clients provides the NDIA with a summary of the supports provided to a partcipant, and how those supports are used. Specifically, reporting shows how the support, be that therapy, transport, modification or equipment, has helped you work toward your goal. This doesn't mean that you have to have achieved your goal entirely, just that you are making forward progress towards it in a consistent and sustainable way. Progress reporting is also an opportunity to discuss barriers encountered during the course of the plan, and discuss strategies implemented to resolve these. If you're having any specific difficulty with the plan as it is, this is a good time to discuss that too. Beyond these basic facts, progress reporting also gives participants the opportunity to request and justify any additional supports or resources, by discussing how proposed outcomes and plans may have changed since the time they started therapy. This is an opportunity to advocate to the NDIA for continued input based on sustainable and demonstrated progress. Remember, progress reporting isn't a bad thing - it's an opportunity to talk about how things are going, and what can be changed to make things better or more supportive in the future. Your physiotherapist will work with you through any reporting or review that is requested by the NDIA. It's important to remember that any report on your progress also needs to capture an accurate picture of you, including your situation, your desires, your goals, what you want to achieve and how you're finding the process. Reporting may also require discussion with other professionals or services providing you support, so as to present the NDIA with an accurate representation of your life and how you're engaging with NDIS funded services. Reporting may involve one person, or it may involve your plan manager or an advocate as well. Regardless of who is involved and how, you should remember that the most important person in the process is you, the participant. This is your opportunity to show how you've been doing, discuss your difficulties and advocate for change, and to put that in a formal document. Your clinicians and other professionals will be there to help you, and are happy to answer any questions you may have as part of this process or any other.

Core Muscle Weakness Core Weakness refers to poor strength, power generation or muscular endurance of one or more of the muscles that comprise the Core Muscles. The Core Muscles include the abdominals, the obliques, the transversus muscles, as well as the muscles of the diaphragm and those muscles that make up the Pelvic Floor. Weakness of the Core Muscles can lead to poor posture when in static or moving positions, can lead to increased discomfort in the lower and midback, can lead to increased stiffness of muscles around the core, and can increase the risk of irritation and injury of those structures. Core Weakness comes about through many different means, and because the core is made up of many different muscles, the experience of core weakness and the consequences thereof can be different from person to person. Typically, core weakness occurs due to gradual deconditioning of the muscles of the abdomen and the lower back. This gradual weakening is usually not pathological, but a consequence of sustained sedentary postures throughout the day. Jobs and occupations that require sustained sitting in supported and unsupported postures and which require sustained standing are risk factors for core weakness. Additionally, even occupations that require standing and movement can impose stress on the core that uses some muscles but not others, leading to weakness of some but not all muscles of the core. Weakness of the Core Muscles, poor posture, and poor muscular endurance are risk factors for developing back pain, and are often the first things addressed in the management of that condition. However, Core Weakness can have other effects too. A weak Core makes it more difficult to lift, move, and push objects as well as increasing the risk of injury from recreational exercises like running, weightlifting, and cycling, as well as awkward movements like those needed around the house. In severe cases, postural effects from Core Weakness can lead to irritation and discomfort in the lower back, the shoulders, the neck and the hips. The Core Muscles are those that provide stability to the abdomen and lower back, and therefore their conditioning is an important consideration in general health. Core Weakness is managed firstly by ensuring that the muscles, joints, and segments of the lower back, ribcage and pelvis can all move in a painfree and easy manner. Following this, conditioning of the Core Muscles requires a specific program, which can involve exercises like reformer or mat pilates, yoga, tai chi, or basic isometric or repetitive exercises. Finally, Core Muscle reconditioning requires use of the core in a vigorous sport- or exercise-based context, such as in recreational physical activity on a pitch or in the gym. Regardless of the severity, timecourse and overall plan, your physiotherapist is the best person to consult regarding weakness of the core muscles. Management of your discomfort depends on its causative factors, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Ultrasound Ultrasound and ultrasound techniques use sound waves with frequencies higher than those audible to humans. These sound waves are generated by an ultrasound machine and are applied to tissues by an ultrasound projector. Ultrasound is commonly used in medical imaging of soft tissues and of expectant mothers, and can also be used in the treatment of muscle pain and discomfort. ​ In clinic, ultrasound can be used in the management of soft tissue pain. Applying ultrasonic energy to soft tissues can increase blood flow, reduce stiffness, and reduce spasm due to the absorption of sound energy by those tissues and structures under the ultrasound projector. This sound energy has a mechanical effect upon soft tissue. The result of this is that appropriate use of ultrasound can reduce pain and improve function. ​ Ultrasound is not an end-all treatment, and its use will depend on the nature of your problem and its context. Ultrasound treatment will not be applied in isolation, and will be combined with prescribed exercise, stretching, and other physical modalities to best address the source of your discomfort. Not every patient will be appropriate for ultrasound treatment. Ultrasound modality in the clinic will be used depending on the discretion of your treating clinician as well as the nature, history, and context of your presenting discomfort. Feel free to discuss this treatment with your clinician, either in appointment or during your initial consultation